Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
My friend borrowed my 06 Ford Escape, which had not shown any mechanical issues. Shortly after getting on the interstate hwy, the gas pedal stuck to the floor and rapidly excellerated to 85 MPH plus, without warning. It is a 6 lane hwy and was Saturday. Putting the vehicle in neutral and using both the brake and the e brake, while trying to maneuver traffic to get to the shoulder, as a tractor trailer rig was barreling by unaware. This was an extremely dangerous situation. It is miraculous that no one was hurt. The brakes smoked and the fire department was called as a precaution. It had to be towed. Upon researching further, we discovered all the complaints about the throttle body problems. I am disappointed that there have been no warnings about this issue. Will someone have to die, before any actions are taken? …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the coolant temperature warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired because the part was unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system) however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000. The VIN was unavailable.
In 2013 the throttle would either stick and not allow you to go, or as your driving it would not go to the idle position. This happens when the weather gets cold. We had the throttle body assembly replaced at the time, now in 2016 the same thing is happening again. We are very frustrated with Ford motors and the dealership. This is a costly fix and must be done again for the safety of ourselves and others. Please help us if you can.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle near the fuel pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
My steering started locking up and now my vehicle will stall and shut completely down while doing 65 miles an hour and now it won't run at all
I have a 2006 Ford Escape. The gas pedal is sticking all the time. It's not a sticking because it is stuck or needs lubed. It is a hard mechanical lock! No matter what you do you can not press down on the gas pedal. It's locked! You have to wait until it unlocks to do anything. This has been going on for a very long time. The other day it locked up on me as I was pulling out in traffic and was almost in an accident. It wouldn't move. I had to pull over on the side of the road and sit there until it decided to work again. My husband drives around with cruise control on so he doesn't get put in a position like this one even in town! Someone is going to get killed- the driver and passengers of a car like this! Ford recalled the same problem for 2004 and 2005 models but will not acknowledge the 2006 models. I shouldn't have to pay out money for a failure they are aware of. …
The first incident occurred while I was driving 65 MPH on the expressway. I went to change lanes and hit the accelerator and the car would not accelerate and was shuddering. I had pull off the expressway and turn the car off. I tried restarting and it just shuddered again. I waited five minutes and tried again and finally it started and was able to shift. Two days ago I was getting off the expressway and making a left turn when the car died and I lost steering power. I was able to fortunately get to the side of the road and put it into park. I tried restarting the car and it would not start. I waited 3 mins and was able to finally get it going. Both times there was no check engine light. I had the Escape read by a code reader device multiple times and there are no error codes displayed from the computer. …
Related recalls
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2006 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2006 Ford Escape, 8% of the model year's 464 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Escape fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-526 (hybrid propulsion system, Sep 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Escape fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.