Skip to Main Content
Close Button

Menu

Cars
Cars
SUVs
Hybrids/EVs
Luxury Cars & SUVs
Sedans & Hatchbacks
Minivans & 3-Row SUVs
Pickup Trucks
Used Cars
Electric Bikes
Bike Racks
All Car Research
New Car Buying Guide
Used Car Buying Guide
Build and Buy
Used Car Marketplace
All Car Buying & Pricing
Tires
Tire Retailers
Car Batteries
Car Insurance
Car Repair Shops
Car Reliability Guide
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Car Recalls
Car Safety
Car Seats
Talking Cars Podcast
All Key Topics & News
All Cars
Appliances
Appliances
Cooktops
Countertops
Dishwashers
Freezers
Microwave Ovens
Wall Ovens
Ranges
Refrigerators
All Kitchen Appliances
Air Fryers
Blenders
Breadmakers
Coffee Makers
Electric Kettles
Food Steamers
Food Processors
Rice Cookers
Knives
All Small Appliances
Vacuums
Robotic Vacuums
Washing Machines
Clothes Dryers
Washer/Dryer Pairs
Pressure Washers
Steam Mops
Laundry Detergents
All Laundry & Cleaning
Air Conditioners
Air Filters
Air Purifiers
Central Air Conditioning
Dehumidifiers
Thermostats
Water Heaters
Space Heaters
All Heating, Cooling, & Air
All Appliances
Home & Garden
Home & Garden
Mattresses
Pillows
Sheets
Bidets
Toilets
All Bed & Bath
Grills
Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Leaf Blowers
Pressure Washers
Snow Blowers
String Trimmers
Floodlight Cameras
Chainsaws
All Lawn & Garden
Decking
Door Locks
Flooring
Generators
Paints
Security Cameras
Security Systems
Wood Stains
Windows
All Home Improvement
Door Locks & Smart Locks
Home Security Cameras
Home Security System Services
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Storm Emergency Guide
Indoor Air Quality
All Home Safety & Security
Cat Litter
Dog Beds
Dog Food
Dog Harnesses & Carriers
GPS Pet Trackers
Pet Cameras
Pet Insurance
All Pet Products
Bakeware
Cookware
Food Storage
Water Filters
All Kitchen
All Home & Garden
Electronics
Electronics
TVs
Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers
Soundbars
Streaming Media Players
Headphones
Streaming Services Guide
All Home Entertainment
Laptops
Desktop Computers
Printers
Computer Monitors
Tablets
Wireless Routers
All Home Office
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Headphones
Cameras
All Smartphones & Wearables
All Electronics
Health
Health
Curling Irons
Electric Razors
Hair Dryers
Insect Repellents
Sunscreens
Toothbrushes
All Beauty & Personal Care
Bike Helmets
Electric Bikes
Ellipticals
Exercise Bikes
Fitness Trackers
Rowing Machines
Treadmills
All Exercise & Fitness
Bread
Coffee
Frozen Pizza
Ice Cream
Milk & Milk Alternatives
Pasta Sauce
Salad Dressing
Veggie Burgers
Yogurts
All Food
Hearing Aids
Blood Glucose Meters
Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart-Rate Monitors
All Home Medical Supplies
All Health
Babies & Kids
Babies & Kids
Car Seats
Strollers
Cribs
Bassinets
Diapers
Baby Monitors
High Chairs
Safety gates
All Babies & Toddlers
Thermometers
Babies & Kids Safety
All Children's Health
Water Beads
Backpacks
All School-Age Kids
All Babies & Kids
Money
Money
Banks & Credit Unions
All Banking & Credit
Investment Companies
Credit Cards
Rewards Cards
All Personal Finance
Car Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Pet Insurance
All Insurance
Coolers
Insulated Cups
Luggage
Plasma Lighters
Sleeping Bags
Car Rental Companies
All Travel
All Money
Everyday Essentials
Deals
Best Time to Buy
Bill Negotiator
Car Savings
Car Recall Tracker
Food Safety Alerts
Security Planner
Permission Slip
Repair or Replace
CR App
Issues & Advocacy
Issues & Advocacy
Car Safety & Sustainability Food Safety Financial Fairness Digital Security & Privacy All Issues & Advocacy
Take Action
Take Action
Volunteer with Us Add Your Voice Join a Research Project Attend an Event More Ways to Take Action
Support Our Work
Support Our Work
Donate Other Ways to Give
About Us
About Us
What We Do How We Do It Our People Our Partners Policies & Financials Media Room
Close Button
Home & Garden Food Safety Cars Best Time To Buy Repair or Replace Home & Garden
AskCR Try AskCR

Suggested Searches

Recent Searches

Suggested Searches

Product Ratings

Resources

Chat With AskCR

Resources

All Products A-Z
Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Join Now Upgrade Donate
2005
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Ford Escape

EPA MPG: 20 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2005 Escape has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2005 Ford Escape has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls

2005 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01*
02
03
04
05
06
07
08*
09
10
11
12
13*
14
15
16
17
18
19
20*
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN
Sep 29, 2015
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V606000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 57
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jun 03, 2015
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15E045000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 576
Hide Recall Details
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 03, 2014
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V526000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 70209
Hide Recall Details
SEATS
Apr 07, 2006
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
FORD RECALL NO. 06C12.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V111000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 134365
Hide Recall Details
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Dec 20, 2004
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
FORD RECALL NO. 04C09.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V602000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 262113
Hide Recall Details
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle