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).
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine turned over for two seconds and stalled. The contact stated that an unknown service warning light was illuminated, indicating to pull the vehicle over. The contact notified an independent mechanic and he was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to confirm any recalls; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The VIN was invalid.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brushless Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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. …
Car shuts off with little or no warning, 3 times now, once on interstate 64. Dealer first said Hybrid battery bad, 2nd opinion from Hybrid battery company said battery good. Dealer said, 2nd time with car, need a $600 repair that will resolve. Now, dealer says no, the battery is still the issue. They still cannot state why the car does it, what will make this car safe to drive and if they truly know it is the battery, why did they do the $600 repair and tell us that would fix the problem. I have asked wynne Ford in hampton va, the dealer, for a poc at Ford motor company to be able to get answers on how to make/know our12 yr old car is safe to drive, been over a month, but have recieved no information from wynne Ford. I guess I need to drive to michigan to see mr. William clay Ford jr for answers. I do not know the exact mileage on the vehicle, vehicle is at the dealership. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. While driving at an unknown speed, an unknown warning icon displayed on the instrument panel. When the contact powered off the engine and restarted the vehicle, the warning indicator no longer appeared. The vehicle was taken to wilson Ford Lincoln (328 main st, logan, ut 84321, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but a failure code could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Hybrid battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,533.
The brake system is very irritating because my ABS and brake light are on at weird times and to fix they said it would cost me $4500. That's ridiculous I can't afford something like that. It also just started spitting gas out at me when I go to fill it up. Did it to me twice the other day and I have no idea what the reasoning was for that never had happen before. Then when I go to drove off sometimes the vehicle likes to make a pop noise once or twice not sure what that's all about. These cars are have more problems then they are worth.
Our vehicle seemingly randomly shuts off all power to the engine and the electric motor. This can happen while we are moving or stopped in an intersection. We get a message of stop safely now on the dashboard. When you are in the middle of an intersection waiting to turn left in six lanes of traffic and your car stops for no apparent reason this isn't very safe. This has happened about 30 times. Sometimes it goes a year without a mishap or three times in one day.
Ford mec pump recall, did not help after replacing part. My Escape died on me while going 70 MPH on a busy highway, with my 18-month old son in the back seat. The "stop safely now" message appeared and I was barely able to get over 3 lanes onto the shoulder before it stopped completely, with cars speeding right past me. This was very dangerous. It happened 2 more times on the way home. This was during the last half of just a 20 mile trip.
Fuel System complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, 8% of the model year's 256 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles.
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.