Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. Upon starting of the vehicle, the contact placed the vehicle into drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle independently downshifted and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was shaking, and the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where and the contact was informed that the transmission torque converter was defective and needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the overdrive warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road. The contact stated she depressed the overdrive button. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was towed to her son's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V606000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,684. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating, there was a roaring sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started accelerating at an uncontrollable speed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was not diagnosed however, the dealer stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Drove vehicle to drop off dog at sitters, started vehicle began to make u-turn and vehicle stalled. Attempted to restart, cranks but won't run. Recently purchased from used car dealer, new battery was installed, no trouble up to this point. Began checking usual problems, fuel delivery, crank pos.sensor, cam pos sensor, have no spark. Upon further research this appears to be faulty coils, spark plugs and pcm from factory but no recall has been employed. Possibility of collision during u-turn very likely. Loss of power to all systems could cause extreme risk to life at higher speeds. Ford Motor Company is aware of this problem, with the high number of similar problems in the NHTSA data base it is impossible for them not to know. The NHTSA should force Ford to fix this. If you make a product that can be dangerous if faulty, you are responsible to the public to do the right thing. …
Stalled out while driving down hwy. At 70 mph. Cars swirved and I almost got hit from behind due to my vehicle just cutting out. No warning lights came on it just shut off battery light n engine light then came on after vehicle lost power and I had to get off road without causing an accident which almost occurred due to the speed and area I was driving at time vehicle cut out I still have not figured out why it just cut out. Very dangerous all around.
The power steering will repeatedly and unexpectedly go out when driving often when hitting a slight bump or making a turn. This never leads to a code triggered but absolutely could lead to injury or death and has been reported in so many Hybrid Ford Escapes.
I purchased the vehicle knowing the ECM had been replaced recently... About 3 months of purchasing the vehicle my check emissions light came on...losing gas mileage, car stalled out a few times, and dealership said it was the ECM again... Approximately August 2013. One year later August 2014 same issue again... ECM replaced again.. When I turn the key on, not starting it the check emission comes on and the dealership tells me this is normal.. My gas mileage is 12 mpg and im afraid it is happening again soon.. I don't know what to do and I was told it May be the wiring harness causing this issue.. I don't know why no one will get to the route of the problem why the computer in my Escape keeps failing. They wont let me trade it in since it is not any value to them anymore..
Engine oil leak can not be traced. Serviced by Ford since 2004 when I bought the vehicle brand new. Only serviced by a Ford dealer service department. I was told because of the mileage, 130,047, and age the engine needs replaced. Dye test conducted by Ford service and no leaks were found after driving 500 miles and returning to the Ford service department to check for leaks as advised by Ford service department. Leaving the vehicle overnight, Ford service mechanic indicates after sitting overnight it smokes excessively on cold startup. I have replicated the cold startup procedure everyday in cold weather observing the tail pipe exhaust as my wife starts the engine since January 2018. There has never been a sign of smoke or excessive smoke from the engine tail pipe exhaust.
Driving 65 MPH on the interstate my 05 Escape began to skip,stall & died, anti theft light came on. I drive for 20 miles slow with it skipping and stalling. When I left off on gas it would continue to run until I made it to safe place. Attempted to drive for repair on state hwy it stalled and went dead. Ford dealership reprog keys- repaired drive off, barely off the lot and it quit again. Now I see this is a manufactures issue with 05 escapes after an online search. New Ford diagnosis- new plugs & coil pack, intake gasket. 170,000 miles. My alarm randomly goes off too which could be related to electrical issues. Ford motor is liable if someone's vehicle stalls and is killed due to this problem they know about but have not corrected or recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while attempting to upshift however, the vehicle failed to shift gears. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer young Ford ogden (3450 wall ave, ogden, ut 84401, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15V606000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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…
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.
Transmission complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 117 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Ford Escape, 8% of the model year's 1,394 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Escape transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-606 (floor shift, Sep 29, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.