CarRecallDB

2005 Ford Escape recalls and problems

4 recalls and 1,394 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Escape.

4
recalls
1,394
owner complaints
40
complaints mentioning a crash
20
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Ford Escape recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shift · Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · reported September 29, 2015 · Ford Motor Company · 57 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
The risk
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
The fix
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · reported September 3, 2014 · Ford Motor Company · 70,209 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
The risk
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.

Seats: front assembly, head restraint

NHTSA campaign 06V111000 · reported April 7, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 134,365 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 impact." during testing, the free motion head form registered a measurement above the permitted limit at the left hand a-pillar trim area.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
The fix
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 1-800-392-3673.

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 04V602000 · reported December 20, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 262,113 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention components.' the rear liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.
The risk
If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
The fix
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 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 22, 2025 · Unknown or other

I bought a 2005 Ford escape the VIN number on the dash and the title do match however the ECU and the door jamb VIN […] which is for a 2006 Ford escape 4 cylinder 2.3. the vehicle I bought should be a 6 cylinder with a 3.0 l the mechanic says mismatched VIN the dealership refuses to listen. About the vehicle on […]…

Dec 17, 2025 · Electrical system · 199,876 miles

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Ford Escape on November 25, 2025. The contact discovered a mileage and VIN discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 199,500. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and the dealer informed…

Dec 3, 2025 · Service brakes

I had just started up my 05 Ford hybrid Escape reversed out of a parking space, applied my brakes and a loud warning noise went off, the ABS light & the Brake light went on, then I tried to brake while backing out of the parking stall. I had no brakes, petal went all the way to the floor. I shifted into drive to pull…

Apr 28, 2025 · Unknown or other

Front Subframe rusted out causing loss of steering and control. Car came to a complete skidded stop . The front wheel nearly came off. The subframe issue is the same problem that resulted in a recall of the 2001-2004 Ford Escape.

Apr 8, 2024 · Power train · 105,000 miles

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. Upon starting of the vehicle, the contact placed the vehicle into drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated on…

Escape model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 81,02766104
2003 75584327
2004 64992914
2005 41,3944020
2006 3464169
2007 2254152
2008 31,974596

Across all years, the 2013 Escape has the most complaints (2,753). All Ford Escape years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Ford Escape, the most recent reported on September 29, 2015 (Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shift, Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape?
Owners have filed 1,394 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (459 complaints), followed by structure (434).
How many 2005 Ford Escape complaints mention a crash or fire?
40 of 1,394 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 28 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 22, 2025.