2005 Ford Escape
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: suspension — 459 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Hello, The engine cradle subframe on my 2005 Ford Escape has completely rusted through on the right hand side where it attaches to the steering control arm. As I was driving the subframe broke which made it impossible to steer the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240117
Also filed under STRUCTURE and STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A WHISTLING NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180302
Also filed under STRUCTURE
31% of complaints: structure — 437 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASH FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: electrical system — 153 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and control module.
FIRE11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 150 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT,CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041201
9% of complaints: engine — 130 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, OIL LEAKED FROM THE OIL HOUSING INTO THE COOLANT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180524
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FED
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-3
Campaign 04V602000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR I
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-3
Campaign 06V111000 — check if this car was fixed
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20,...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014.
Campaign 14V526000 — check if this car was fixed
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015.
Campaign 15V606000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (459 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (437 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (153 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V602000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V111000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V606000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Escape have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.