Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 the freeway and the back passenger window shattered completely. No other cars were around me and the car had been warmed up for quite a while and there was no way someone could have shot or thrown something to have reached me as well as going 70mph. Also there was no evidence of a bullet or rock.
I drove 7 miles to work. It was a little foggy/dewey out so I turned on my rear defrost. The temperature was in the low 60's, so cool, but not cold by any means. I parked my car and rolled the windows (all 4) down @ 3 inches. When I parked my car @ 8:00 am it was fine. By 9:10 am, I was informed that the back windshield of my car was "broken". When I went to check my car, the back windshield had completely blown out. There was barely any glass on the inside of the car as it had all blown out 3-4 feet into the parking lot. I did have the local police respond just in case and the officer shrugged and questioned/stated "freak accident". I've found numerous reports of this happening on these vehicles, yet no public awareness has been made. I am just glad that it didn't happen while I was driving like with some reports I've read. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the rear windshield detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and the contact noticed that the hinges for the windshield were broken. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The contact repaired the vehicle himself. The contact also stated that while driving 40 MPH in snowy conditions, he applied to brakes and the anti lock brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The windshield washer failed to operate properly. The rear window washer was operating properly. The vehicle was being driven on an expressway in inclement weather. Therefore the front windshield visibility was greatly impaired. I researched the internet, and found reports of the washer fluid line becoming disconnected near the windshield washer pump. The on line reports said that this was a common problem, told where the fault was and that the right side inner fender had to be removed to fix the problem. I found the faulty connection, and added plastic wire wraps to secure four connections in the area from coming loose again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were being utilized during rainy weather when they suddenly became inoperable. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic for inspection where they advised the contact that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 76,000.
The vehicle is a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid. While driving on a one-lane road (off ramp of hwy 101), the driver's side window shattered suddenly. No foreign objects appeared to have struck the window. The shattering of glass resulted in minor injuries to the driver and some damage to the interior of the vehicle. Ford customer service was contacted and Ford refused to take responsibility for the incident. Nothing was done by Ford to correct the failure.
I drove my car from my home, to work that morning. It was a little chilly so I turned on my rear defrost so I could see out the back window. I drove my normal commute, about 7 minutes to work, parked my car, and went inside. Within 20 minutes I heard a loud bang, and noticed that my back window was blown out and exploded all over the parking lot. I had to call my insurance and file a claim to have the window replaced.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise. Immediately following, the rearview mirror shattered into pieces. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they estimated that it would cost $700 to replace the rearview glass. The rear passenger had glass stuck in his skin and the contact received a minor cut. The failure and current mileages were 99,000.
Tl contact owns 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the rear window suddenly blew out. She stated that the window exploded into the vehicle and out. The vehicle was taken into the dealer who stated that the hinges broke which caused the window to shatter. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 32,000.
My car was parked in the drive way, no one was in or around it. I was looking out the front window watching it snow outside when I saw the rear window glass explode and glass flew all over the drive way. The broken glass was very easy to see because of the fresh snow on the drive way. Once again no one was near or in the car.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Ford Escape, 5% of the model year's 464 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford Escape window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-520 (motor, Nov 9, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Escape window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.