2006 Ford Escape
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 464
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2006
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 464 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
22% · 100 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Power train
17% · 80 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Service brakes
14% · 67 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Well to put it lightly my rear axial the whole rear end is a mess this did not happen from normal were there is not that many miles I am very confident that if I was mot train on how to control a car if it were to go out of control at a high speed...
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-01-02
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving 62 MPH over a pothole, the brakes seized and the vehicle skidded sideways.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-12
Suspension
14% · 65 reportsMost commonly citing front and shock absorber.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-21
Also filed under Structure
Structure
14% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
8/11/2006 I was knocked out and pinned by the rear hatch door of our 2006 Ford Escape.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-25
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-11-22Visibility05V520000 On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or…
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2010-09-14Equipment10E043000 Marathon is recalling certain seat covers, brand superhides with part numbers 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, and 630, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger…
Remedy: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge. The safety recall began on September 14, 2010. Owners may contact marathon at 1-800-735-2769.
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2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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2014-10-30Hybrid propulsion system14V526000 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.
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2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 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.
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2015-10-23Power train15V606000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 100 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 80 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 67 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V520000 · Visibility
- Recall 10E043000 · Equipment
- Recall 14V526000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 15V606000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Ford Escape reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford Escape is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Escape?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Escape have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.