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2005 Ford Escape transmission problems

117 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 91,855. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
117
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
91,855
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    28
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    7
  • Manual transmission
    2
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1
  • Automatic transmission: torque converter
    1
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape transmission problems in other years

200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford Escape transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Harsh shifting 24Jerking 20Hesitation 19Transmission failure 18Shudder 6

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported September 29, 2015 · 57 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Risk
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. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
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. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.

Recall number 15V606000 · Recall details

What 2005 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 8, 2024 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed May 14, 2023 · Fuel system, Transmission · MN

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.

Filed Oct 29, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

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 federal safety agency data base it is impossible for them not to know. the federal safety agency 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. I think that if the governmental agency responsible for traffic safety won't do their job then a class action lawsuit should be started. I bet I could find a good lawyer in the SF Bay area.

Filed Jun 24, 2022 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Sep 30, 2021 · Transmission · 198,684 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 30, 2021 · Transmission · PA

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.

Filed Apr 13, 2021 · Transmission · 111,599 miles · NH

I was driving about 25 MPH. Car just stopped on a limited access highway. Diagnosed with failed transmission. Transmission was replaced8/31/2011. I see a recall for rebuilt transmission for this year vehicle which leads me to believe there have been many original transmission failures but I am unable to find such a recall.

Filed Mar 8, 2021 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · UT

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, (801) 629-5500) where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v606000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 146,000 miles · AZ

The electric power steering system failed in the middle of an intersection and almost caused an accident involving other vehicles.

Filed Aug 18, 2019 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · WI

When slowing down vehicle to stop for a car ahead of you, stopping at stop sign, or slowing down to make a turn, vehicle engine will stop leaving driver in a serious and compromising position, vehicle has to be placed in neutral or park to restart and occupant must shift into drive quickly and accelerate quickly so engine will not kill, once the vehicle warms up it will kill right away, I'm afraid this is going to happen and be in an intersection and hit or hit from behind, vehicle has been well maintained and transmission fluids are exactly the level they should be at

Questions about the 2005 Ford Escape transmission

Does the 2005 Ford Escape have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 117 complaints about the transmission of the 2005 Ford Escape, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Ford Escape transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 91,855 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Ford Escape transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 15V606000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Escape have bad transmission?

The Ford Escape model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (508 complaints), 2014 (481 complaints) and 2013 (401 complaints).

Other 2005 Ford Escape problems

Suspension 459Body 434Engine 220Electrical 153Acceleration 149Wheels 98Brakes 66Fuel system 64Steering 49Visibility 37Airbags 34Driver assistance 16Seats 10Lights 8Seat belts 8Tires 7Locks 6

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