Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving down a street in my neighborhood when the brakes failed. In previous occurrences I was told that the calipers froze up and that the brakes would make a grinding noise. Also the computer system on the vehicle would never record the proper amount of fuel in the tank or at times engage the brakes. I am not a professional but I know this vehicle did have issues. The vehicle was in motion on a city street and when I applied the brakes nothing happened. Upon impact it appeared I hit the steering wheel before the airbag deployed. I had my seat belt on. I have driven down that city road thousands of times but it appeared this time there was a issue with he vehicle that caused this accident. Injuries were airbag related.
On several occasions after getting off the highway onto an exit ramp my vehicle has died with no check engine lights, it also shuts down when making a hard turn at slower speeds. I have had issues with the accelerator sticking when it is cold outside (several times having to manually shut off engine and coast to a stop in snow). I have currently started experiencing a #3 misfire and am currently waiting for parts to come. I have already replaced all spark plugs and number 3 ignition coil. I am waiting for other 3 coils to come in. If still shooting will try replacing seals. It also was "burning" oil then started to have an actual oil leak from main seal. I do the repairs myself and apparently these are known issues. I complained to Ford about the sticky accelerator and got no reply. It also makes a tapping sound from the cam shaft which I found out is typical of Ford escapes.
1) accelerator pedal sticks in an upward position cannot push down to accelerate as if it is frozen. After about a half hour pushing with my foot it will releases. When stopped the pedal stick again but will release but vehicle goes in a jerking motion because it is trying to stick again this happens upon being parked or driving in the city or country it happens whenever I need to accelerate. It has started doing this within the past month but as of 11/10/17 it was completely stuck in the up position and not budging 2) electrical issues- when lights are on or anything inside the vehicle lightsaber are flickering and become slightly dim
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the stop safely now warning message displayed after driving the vehicle for approximately 30-45 minutes. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery pack fan kit and the traction auxiliary mode actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system), but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
I was driving from work to the bank to make the daily deposits, when I pulled into a parking space in the bank parking lot I noticed a lot of smoke coming out from under my hood, I immediately got the outside security guard to come take a look and when he raised the hood my car was on fire. If you are standing in front of the car looking in it would be the left side, he immediately called the fire department who came and put it out, my car is now sitting at the dealership.
Vehicle was being driven and without warning when brakes were applied the pedal went all the way to the floor. The ABS light then came on. My child was being transported in the car and an accident almost occurred. Towed car to mechanic and discovered this has happened to a lot of people, yet when I checked there was no active recall on this item. Shop says it needs a new Ford OEM ABS module assembly 3f2z2c219ab. Updated 7/24/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and "stop safely now" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a faulty wire harness inside the high voltage battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the interior lights illuminated and the horn activated independently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not available.
My 2006 Ford Escape hybrid is stalling on the highway creating an unsafe condition. This seems to be due to a fault in the external hybrid inverter cooling pump. This has occurred 5+ times,usually during 70 degree (f) + temps. I've contacted the local dealership & Ford motor corp ran the VIN,with no recall. Please investigate.
Code P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, P0356. Vehicle shut down on the interstate on the way home for work, 2 hours from home. And will not restart. Pcm most likely the problem.
Electrical complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Ford Escape, 7% of the model year's 464 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Escape electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Ford Escape, though it has 3 recalls 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.