CarModelProblems.com

2005 Ford Escape Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 5.1× the fleet median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.
1,394Complaints
5Recalls
40Crashes
20Fires
28Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Suspension (31.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Suspension complaints here are 5.1× the median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Suspension441 · 31.6%RecalledRecall 15E045000
Structure:body360 · 25.8%No official action
Electrical System142 · 10.2%No official action
Engine130 · 9.3%Investigation closedDP12006
Vehicle Speed Control128 · 9.2%No official action
Wheels98 · 7%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION441 · 31.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY360 · 25.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142 · 10.2%
ENGINE130 · 9.3%
WHEELS98 · 7%
POWER TRAIN79 · 5.7%
Unspecified / other76 · 5.5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING68 · 4.9%
STEERING47 · 3.4%

Percentages are the share of the 1,394 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 2015 · reported 09/29/2015

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Hybrid Propulsion System

NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 2014 · reported 09/03/2014

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

NHTSA campaign 06V111000 · 2006 · reported 04/07/2006

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 04V602000 · 2004 · reported 12/20/2004

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED TO FAIL @35,000 MILES.DEALER SAID NOISE WAS HALF SHAFT BEARING AND REPLACED IT.THEY SAID NOISE AFTER REPAIR WAS ROAD NOISE AND 18,000…”NHTSA complaint 10241203 — filed 09/06/2008 · SUSPENSION
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT…”NHTSA complaint 10143641 — filed 11/25/2005 · SUSPENSION

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

102201117221420134843012015147922017111522019232020211682023542025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape?

Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 441 of 1,394 NHTSA complaints (31.6%), followed by structure:body (360), electrical system (142), engine (130). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2005 Ford Escape have?

1,394 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 40 involved a crash, 20 involved a fire, and 28 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2005 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V606000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2005 Ford Escape's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.