Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 5.1× the fleet median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
1,394Complaints
5Recalls
40Crashes
20Fires
28Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Suspension (31.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Suspension complaints here are 5.1× the median for that category across the 964 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Suspension
441 · 31.6%
Recalled
Recall 15E045000
Structure:body
360 · 25.8%
No official action
—
Electrical System
142 · 10.2%
No official action
—
Engine
130 · 9.3%
Investigation closed
DP12006
Vehicle Speed Control
128 · 9.2%
No official action
—
Wheels
98 · 7%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,394 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 5 campaigns
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED TO FAIL @35,000 MILES.DEALER SAID NOISE WAS HALF SHAFT BEARING AND REPLACED IT.THEY SAID NOISE AFTER REPAIR WAS ROAD NOISE AND 18,000…”NHTSA complaint 10241203 — filed 09/06/2008 · SUSPENSION
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT…”NHTSA complaint 10143641 — filed 11/25/2005 · SUSPENSION
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Escape?
Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 441 of 1,394 NHTSA complaints (31.6%), followed by structure:body (360), electrical system (142), engine (130). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2005 Ford Escape have?
1,394 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 40 involved a crash, 20 involved a fire, and 28 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2005 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V606000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2005 Ford Escape's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.