2005 Ford Escape
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 534 of 1,584 complaints (34%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (16) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 499 in 2004 to 1,584 in 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | vs. 2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,450 | 2,850–3,450 | 2,150–3,650 | 2,150–3,300 | 2,100–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–22 | 18–22 | 17–29 | 19–29 | 19–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–20 / 21–25 | 16–20 / 22–25 | 16–30 / 20–28 | 17–30 / 21–28 | 17–31 / 21–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–494 | 404–494 | 306–523 | 306–468 | 296–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 558 | 499 | 1,584 | 720 | 393 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 43 | 29 | 44 | 23 | 16 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 27 | 14 | 20 | 10 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 31 | 16 | 29 | 30 | 9 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Escape have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Ford Escape?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 534 of 1,584 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Ford Escape get?
EPA rates it 17–29 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Ford Escape?
EPA estimates $2,150–$3,650 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 19 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 30 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | $2,150 (low) | 306 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 17 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 16 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 523 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 251 | 3 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 126 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 77 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 169 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 155 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 70 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 534 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 44 | 18 | 0 | 16 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 152 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 474 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 47 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 92 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · Campaign 15V606000 · Sep 29, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING · Campaign 15E045000 · Jun 3, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · Campaign 14V526000 · Sep 3, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · Campaign 06V111000 · Apr 11, 2006
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: 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 · Campaign 04V602000 · Dec 23, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.