Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving on the 495 beltway (approx 55mph) in the right lane when suddenly my car lost power and the fail safe message appeared saying stop the car immediately. Fortunately, I was able to take a nearby exit off the beltway without injuring myself or someone behind me and causing a multiple car collision. A red triangle icon appeared on the dashboard including other lights and messages since the car had no power. I did have the car heater on due to winter temperatures. I immediately turned the car off and rested it and did not put my heat back on suspecting the electronic motor coolant pump as the problem after recently reading a nyt article. The car started about 10 minutes later. I made an appt w my Ford dealer to inspect the car for this problem.I had a similar problem last summer and was told by Ford that my VIN didn't have any recalls. I had the A/C on that day. …
The vehicle hesitates when accelerating after coming from a stop, it is not transmission, it is like it is not getting fuel. The vehicle suddenly without warning or reason shuts off all power while driving. The red triangle with exclamation light comes on with a warning to stop safely now on the dashboard and you are stranded. This has happened both while accelerating from a stop and while driving both freeway and surface street speeds, suddenly. I am afraid not only to not only drive the vehicle but having anyone in the car with me, especially making a left turn. It is not a safe vehicle. It has left me stranded on a dark street around 9 pm, cutting off on the freeway leaving me no choice but to coast off the side of the freeway. …
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid with approx. 140,000 miles. Initially, had problems with vehicle's gas engine stalling out while in motion and at various speeds from 35 to 55 MPH. Message in dash said to pull over safely. This happened 5 times in one day and each time the vehicle would restart and run for only a few minutes. Next day it ran for about 15 minutes before occurring once again. Eventually the Hybrid battery had no more juice and I have to be towed. Garage, not dealer dx sticking throttle linkage assembly. They cleaned it, recharged the Hybrid battery and reprogrammed the computer. Vehicle worked well for 6 weeks and then problem returned. Only difference was that after initially stalling out when the engine was warm, on 2 occasions occurred when engine was cold. Returned it to garage where it stalled when cold one of those times. After that is didn't stall for them again. …
While driving on highway at high speed (55mph), entire powertrain (gas engine and Hybrid motor) completely shutdown with no warning leading to an abrupt loss of power and control of the vehicle, and was unable to completely pull off the road safely. The dashboard information center just displayed "stop safely now." there was no warning of this at all. Vehicle would not restart. After sitting for one hour, vehicle restarted and drove perfectly for another 3 days, then the same thing happened again on local streets, leaving the car in a very dangerous position in the middle of the street. Brought into shop and they could not find anything wrong with it. I am almost afraid to drive this vehicle anymore.
While driving, a warning light came on stating " safely pull over and stop now", the vehicle stalled out, no power at all. I pulled over and after a few minutes restart it. Everything sounded fine. I talk to a Ford dealer whom seem not to know what caused it. I have an engine code p1a0c (etb), from my actron@ device. I started to have it fixed but I went online and found I'm not the only person with issue and the solutions giving by the dealer's service have been all different I'm not sure if any of them fixed the issue. Some have stated that their vehicle stalled out while on the highway. I'm not sure if it is safe to drive on the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. While driving 55 MPH, the engine stalled and failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the "stop safely now" warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the cooling pump needed to be replaced. The contact called day Ford (located at 2124, 3696 william penn hwy, monroeville, pa 15146, [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle needed diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 187,621.
I own a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid- I received notice last year of recall for stalling. I asked dealer in dec to replace. Was told part was limited and as long as no problem they were unable to get part.( also asked in jan- no change.. In feb the vehicle started stalling numerous times. After then having the car 3 days. Was told they no longer am able to get the part. Took it back twice more and am now being told they are no longer making the part . And my vehicle continues to stall.- is there a number to call at Ford to see why no part..
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the "stop for safety/high motor - cooling" warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred on more than one occasion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant pump was faulty. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 173,300.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. While driving various speeds, the throttle body malfunctioned. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled intermittently on more than one occasion. Landmark Ford in tigard, oregon was made aware of the failure and stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 124,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Also, when the brakes were applied, the brake pedal would be very stiff, and the vehicle would skid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fan was changed in the Hybrid system; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles.
Engine complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, 23% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.