CarRecallDB

2006 Ford Escape recalls and problems

3 recalls and 464 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Escape.

3
recalls
464
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
9
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.

2006 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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 05V520000 · reported November 9, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 199,942 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The fix
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 lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.

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.

Apr 7, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported

I was in a major high speed frontal crash on April 4th. I hydroplaned on 204 and I almost died and none of my airbags deployed. I have several videos from the tow yard showing that they were still intact and didn't deploy, but this firm won'tlet me upload them. This car has never been in a wreck before, and my airbags…

Jun 2, 2025 · Structure

Sunroof on the vehicle just shattered. No impact related cause. Maybe heat.

May 21, 2025 · Steering

I was driving on the highway, when the car steering started to pull to the left, and an alarm chime was heard from the dash, and a wrench light on the dash came on, as well as a service steering system soon message appeared on the message display. This happened multiple times. I contacted the local Midland Ford Dealer…

Jan 25, 2025 · Engine

The idler pulley on the subject vehicle has failed numerous times, with the mounting bolt shearing at the connection to the timing cover. Upon failure of the pulley the serpentine belt will either fail or become dislodged; when this occurs the steering, alternator, and water pump all stop operating. The vehicle…

Oct 14, 2024 · Steering

Like so many others, I was making a sharp right turn when the vehicle stopped without warning causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes to avoid a chain rear end collision event on a busy intersection. Another driver offered help and got it restarted but the power steering stopped functioning. He pulled it off…

Escape model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 75584327
2004 64992914
2005 41,3944020
2006 3464169
2007 2254152
2008 31,974596
2009 11,693342

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

Questions

Does the 2006 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Ford Escape?
Owners have filed 464 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (99 complaints), followed by power train (80).
How many 2006 Ford Escape complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 464 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 26 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 7, 2026.