Owners have filed 305 complaints
about the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid with NHTSA between 2009 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 88
Against the median year of the Ford Escape Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 20
3.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Ford Escape Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
41.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
31.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
217.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3813.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5920.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12444.0%
150,000+ miles
3211.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4-DR
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2009peak 10Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP12006Opened 2 Oct 2012Closed 21 Feb 2013ENGINE
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 130,000 milesDenver, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY COMING UP TO AN INTERSECTION, PREPARING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, WHEN MY BREAKS COMPLETELY FAILED. THE BREAK PEDAL WAS STIFF, AND WOULD NOT BUDGE. WE HIT TWO CARS THAT WERE SITTING AT THE INTERSECTION, TOTALING MY FORD ESCAPE AS WELL AS ONE OF THE OTHER CARS. IN THE PAST, THE "SERVICE BREAKS" LIGHT WOULD GO ON OCCASIONALLY IN THE SUMMER DURING THE HOT MONTHS, GIVING THE CAR SLIGHTLY LESS BREAK PRESSURE. THIS WAS NEVER A SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND HAS ALWAYS CORRECTED ITSELF ANYTIME I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR A WHILE. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER HAVING THE BREAKS CHECKED, THEY COULD NEVER DETECT A PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, MY CAR HAD ROUTINE INSPECTIONS DONE DURING AN OIL CHANGE A MONTH BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, AND A FULL SERVICE INSPECTION BEFORE THIS. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD, AND THE ACCIDENT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL. AFTER RESEARCH, I FOUND MANY 2004-2006 HYBRID FORD ESCAPE OWNERS TO HAVE THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS AND EXPERIENCES.
NHTSA complaint #10888836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesMoorpark, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON FEB 25, 2016, MY CAR WAS HIT BY A CAR AT MY REAR PART, AND THEN I HIT A CAR AT MY FRONT. MY FRONT AIRBAG CAME OUT FROM STEERING WHEEL AND AT THE SAME TIME MY RIGHT HAND WAS BURNED BY THE HOT GAS LEAKING FROM THE AIR BAG. MY INJURY IS IN A 2IN X 2IN SIZE. MY HAND GET RECOVERED AFTER ONE MONTH LEAVING A DARK SCAR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CAR HAD A ACCIDENT IN 2006/2007, THE REAR PART WAS HIT AND REPAIRED, THE DEALER SHOWED ME THE CARFAX, BUT I DIDN'T KEEP A COPY. THE FRONT AIRBAG SHOULD BE THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION. I DID EMAIL THE DETAILS TO FORD, BUT THE ANSWER FROM FORD WAS THAT THIS IS NOT THE MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM, AND NO EXPLANATION AT ALL. AFTER GOOGLE SEARCHING THE POSSIBILITY OF AIR BAG LEAKING OF HOT GAS, AN EXACTLY SAME INJURY WAS REPORTED ON CHRYSLER: HTTP://ARTICLES.CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM/1999-02-25/BUSINESS/9902250383_1_AIR-BAG-HAND-BURNS-CHRYSLER-VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10705996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesTucson, AZ1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THE YELLOW ABS AND THE RED BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LAMPS LIT UP, AND THE ALARM SOUNDED. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE AS THE PEDAL BECAME STIFF. BRAKES WENT INTO MANUAL MODE. THIS LUCKILY HAPPENED IN THE EVENING, OR ELSE I COULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR A PEDESTRIAN. THE CAR JERKED AS I PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND I HURT MY NECK. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AT HOME AND FOUND THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT MANY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH, WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN ADDRESSED AS A VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT. PLEASE SEE THIS EXPERIENCE HERE & READ THE COMMENTS FROM OTHERS: HTTP://WWW.GREENHYBRID.COM/FORUMS/F26/BRAKES-BROKE-BANK-24731/. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, TSB 05-8-5 RELEASED BY FORD THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE, AND IT HAS STILL NOT BECOME A RECALL. I DESPERATELY NEED TO USE THIS VEHICLE, I BOUGHT IT AS A SAFE & GREEN HYBRID SUV THAT WOULD BE PRACTICAL, EVEN BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR RECALLS, AND NOW I FIND OUT THAT THIS PURCHASE MAY BE A THREAT TO MY LIFE, AND I AM NOW FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS AFTER THIS LARGE CAR EXPENSE. THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH ESCAPE HYBRIDS OF MANY DIFFERENT YEARS, PLEASE SEE THIS MAN'S YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=YFWZPZN2YG8 MORE SITES TO REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/ESCAPEHYBRID/BRAKE-MASTER-CYLINDER-PROBLEMS.PHP HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/5850/FORD/ESCAPE-HYBRID/FORD-ESCAPE-HYBRID-BRAKE-PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10658806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesTucson, AZ1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THE YELLOW ABS AND THE RED BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LAMPS LIT UP, AND THE ALARM SOUNDED. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE AS THE PEDAL BECAME STIFF. BRAKES WENT INTO MANUAL MODE. THIS LUCKILY HAPPENED IN THE EVENING, OR ELSE I COULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR A PEDESTRIAN. THE CAR JERKED AS I PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND I HURT MY NECK. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AT HOME AND FOUND THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT MANY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH, WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN ADDRESSED AS A VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT. PLEASE SEE THIS EXPERIENCE HERE & READ THE COMMENTS FROM OTHERS: HTTP://WWW.GREENHYBRID.COM/FORUMS/F26/BRAKES-BROKE-BANK-24731/. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, TSB 05-8-5 RELEASED BY FORD THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE, AND IT HAS STILL NOT BECOME A RECALL. I DESPERATELY NEED TO USE THIS VEHICLE, I BOUGHT IT AS A SAFE & GREEN HYBRID SUV THAT WOULD BE PRACTICAL, EVEN BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR RECALLS, AND NOW I FIND OUT THAT THIS PURCHASE MAY BE A THREAT TO MY LIFE, AND I AM NOW FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS AFTER THIS LARGE CAR EXPENSE. THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH ESCAPE HYBRIDS OF MANY DIFFERENT YEARS, PLEASE SEE THIS MAN'S YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=YFWZPZN2YG8 MORE SITES TO REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/ESCAPEHYBRID/BRAKE-MASTER-CYLINDER-PROBLEMS.PHP HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/5850/FORD/ESCAPE-HYBRID/FORD-ESCAPE-HYBRID-BRAKE-PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10658806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Valley, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
DECEMBER 6 2013 MY CAR WAS STRUCK ON CENTER COLUMN. THE TRUCK WENT THROUGH A STOP SIGN STRIKING MY CAR AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH MY VEHICLE BUT DID NOT. THERE WERE NECK INJURIES SUSTAINED BY ME WHICH I BELIEVE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CALLED FORD AND LOCAL DEALER. NEITHER ONE WOULD GIVE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10574362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,783 milesFleming Island, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING ALONG IN TRAFFIC WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKES WOULDN'T FUNCTION AT ALL, EVEN WITH TWO FEET PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH ALL OF MY STRENGTH. THE BRAKE LOSS SEEMS TO OCCUR ABOUT ONCE A MONTH, AND NOW OCCURRED TWICE IN AUGUST. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING IT, THE BRAKES WORK AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10536215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesLafayette, LA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brushless Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11524998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesPost Mills, VT
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine turned over for two seconds and stalled. The contact stated that an unknown service warning light was illuminated, indicating to pull the vehicle over. The contact notified an independent mechanic and he was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to confirm any recalls; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. The VIN was invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11506951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 14V526000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11428038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesHowell, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN FENTON, MICHIGAN FOR MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11234801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDES Moines, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE HYBRID ELECTRONICS SYSTEM OVERHEATED, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT ON AND THE ALERT SYSTEM SAID TO "STOP CAR SLOWLY" AND THEN "CHECK EMISSIONS SYSTEM". THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND LOST ALMOST ALL POWER. AFTER TURNING IT ON AGAIN, THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT WAS LIKE THIS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE BUT THE CAR SEEMED NORMAL AFTER THE INITIAL STALL). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY MECHANIC'S GARAGE AND THEY TOLD US THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE MECS PUMP WHICH WAS CAUSING THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT. THIS SEEMS REMARKABLY SIMILAR TO RECALL #14S19 AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER IT. I ALSO CHATTED WITH A REP FROM FORD WHO COULDN'T TELL ME WHY MY CAR WASN'T COVERED. WHILE I UNDERSTAND THAT RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ERROR ON FORD'S END. THE REP TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT ON JULY 29, 2005 AND THE RECALL INCLUDES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM 2005 TO JUNE 20, 2008. SHE SAID SHE COULDN'T FIND AN EXACT DATE FOR THE START OF THE "BUILD DATE" RANGE, BUT SHE THOUGHT IT INCLUDED ALL OF 2005. SO I SAID "SHOULDN'T MINE BE COVERED?" SIMILARLY, THE 14S19 RECALL NOTICE STATES: "MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 13, 2003, TO JUNE 20, 2008". I BOUGHT THE CAR IN LATE 2015, AFTER THE INITIAL RECALL DATE WAS ISSUED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALL MATTERS WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE CAR ONLY HAD 60,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS LIGHTLY USED SO I WONDER IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS EVEN AWARE OF THE MECS ISSUES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I AM CURRENTLY FACING $1,300 IN REPAIR COSTS AND THIS LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THE RECALL PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN 14S19. I HOPE SOMEONE AT NHTSA CAN HELP BECAUSE I THINK FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DAMAGES. THANKS AGAIN. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11231913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesNorco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND RED LIGHT, MY BRAKES SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. I LITERALLY HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE AND IT FINALLY STOPPED MOVING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME AT LESS THAN 10 MPH AND HAD TO LET OFF THE GAS IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO ATTEMPT TO USE THE BRAKES AND CAR WOULD SHAKE WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED. TOOK TO MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE CODE AND IT WAS THE TRAVEL SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11220955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesClifton Park, NY
ENGINE
2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID WITH APPROX. 140,000 MILES. INITIALLY, HAD PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S GAS ENGINE STALLING OUT WHILE IN MOTION AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 35 TO 55 MPH. MESSAGE IN DASH SAID TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AND RUN FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES. NEXT DAY IT RAN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE OCCURRING ONCE AGAIN. EVENTUALLY THE HYBRID BATTERY HAD NO MORE JUICE AND I HAVE TO BE TOWED. GARAGE, NOT DEALER DX STICKING THROTTLE LINKAGE ASSEMBLY. THEY CLEANED IT, RECHARGED THE HYBRID BATTERY AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. VEHICLE WORKED WELL FOR 6 WEEKS AND THEN PROBLEM RETURNED. ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THAT AFTER INITIALLY STALLING OUT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM, ON 2 OCCASIONS OCCURRED WHEN ENGINE WAS COLD. RETURNED IT TO GARAGE WHERE IT STALLED WHEN COLD ONE OF THOSE TIMES. AFTER THAT IS DIDN'T STALL FOR THEM AGAIN. GARAGE LOOKED ON LINE AND SAW A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT NO CONCLUSIVE DIAGNOSIS OR FIX. THEY SUGGESTED THAT CHANGING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE ASSEMBLY MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE NOT CONFIDENT OF THIS. VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11219538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesClifton Park, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID WITH APPROX. 140,000 MILES. INITIALLY, HAD PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S GAS ENGINE STALLING OUT WHILE IN MOTION AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 35 TO 55 MPH. MESSAGE IN DASH SAID TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AND RUN FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES. NEXT DAY IT RAN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE OCCURRING ONCE AGAIN. EVENTUALLY THE HYBRID BATTERY HAD NO MORE JUICE AND I HAVE TO BE TOWED. GARAGE, NOT DEALER DX STICKING THROTTLE LINKAGE ASSEMBLY. THEY CLEANED IT, RECHARGED THE HYBRID BATTERY AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. VEHICLE WORKED WELL FOR 6 WEEKS AND THEN PROBLEM RETURNED. ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THAT AFTER INITIALLY STALLING OUT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM, ON 2 OCCASIONS OCCURRED WHEN ENGINE WAS COLD. RETURNED IT TO GARAGE WHERE IT STALLED WHEN COLD ONE OF THOSE TIMES. AFTER THAT IS DIDN'T STALL FOR THEM AGAIN. GARAGE LOOKED ON LINE AND SAW A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT NO CONCLUSIVE DIAGNOSIS OR FIX. THEY SUGGESTED THAT CHANGING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE ASSEMBLY MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE NOT CONFIDENT OF THIS. VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11219538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesLyndon, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS BREAK LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR FAILED TO STOP. WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN A SMALL TOWN AND WAS STOPPING TO TURN ON TO A ROAD. THE PROBLEM HAD ALSO HAPPEN WHEN SOMEONE HAS STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME AND I NEEDED TO BREAK SUDDENLY. HAD BREAK FLUID CHANGED AT FORD DEALERSHIP AND DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN YOU NEED TO STOP SUDDENLY AND HIT THE BREAKS HARD, THE PEDAL HARD IT STIFFENS UP AND WILL NOT STOP THE CAR. IF YOU TURN OFF THE CAR AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND TURN IT BACK ON, IT SEEMS TO RESET IT UNTIL YOU HIT THE BREAKS HARD AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11218737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,621 milesVerona, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED DAY FORD (LOCATED AT 2124, 3696 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (412) 856-0600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,621.
NHTSA complaint #11205344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,533 milesLogan, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING ICON DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR NO LONGER APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILSON FORD LINCOLN (328 MAIN ST, LOGAN, UT 84321, (435) 752-7355) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYBRID BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,533.
NHTSA complaint #11203946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,533 milesLogan, UT
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING ICON DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR NO LONGER APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILSON FORD LINCOLN (328 MAIN ST, LOGAN, UT 84321, (435) 752-7355) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYBRID BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,533.
NHTSA complaint #11203946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,731 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STEERING
POWER STEERING FAIL NO DASH CODES E S P FAILED NO POWER ASSIST TO TURN THE STEERING
NHTSA complaint #11194853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesTruckee, CA
POWER TRAIN
STOP SAFELY NOW & SERVICE SOON - WRENCH.
NHTSA complaint #11175754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesTruckee, CA
ENGINE
STOP SAFELY NOW & SERVICE SOON - WRENCH.
NHTSA complaint #11175754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesTruckee, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
STOP SAFELY NOW & SERVICE SOON - WRENCH.
NHTSA complaint #11175754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesChanhassen, MN
STEERING
POWER STEERING FAILED DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURE. COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL
NHTSA complaint #11174802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMapleton, OR
STEERING
AS MY SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY FOR SCHOOL SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN. SHE TOOK MY CAR TO SCHOOL. I WENT TO TRY AND MOVE THE CAR BACK UP THE DRIVEWAY AND COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL MYSELF. LUCKILY SHE WAS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE ROAD. THERE IS NO ASSISTED STEERING ANYMORE, IT JUST WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11173126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMapleton, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AS MY SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY FOR SCHOOL SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN. SHE TOOK MY CAR TO SCHOOL. I WENT TO TRY AND MOVE THE CAR BACK UP THE DRIVEWAY AND COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL MYSELF. LUCKILY SHE WAS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE ROAD. THERE IS NO ASSISTED STEERING ANYMORE, IT JUST WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11173126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHampton, VA
POWER TRAIN
CAR SHUTS OFF WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, 3 TIMES NOW, ONCE ON INTERSTATE 64. DEALER FIRST SAID HYBRID BATTERY BAD, 2ND OPINION FROM HYBRID BATTERY COMPANY SAID BATTERY GOOD. DEALER SAID, 2ND TIME WITH CAR, NEED A $600 REPAIR THAT WILL RESOLVE. NOW, DEALER SAYS NO, THE BATTERY IS STILL THE ISSUE. THEY STILL CANNOT STATE WHY THE CAR DOES IT, WHAT WILL MAKE THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AND IF THEY TRULY KNOW IT IS THE BATTERY, WHY DID THEY DO THE $600 REPAIR AND TELL US THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED WYNNE FORD IN HAMPTON VA, THE DEALER, FOR A POC AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BE ABLE TO GET ANSWERS ON HOW TO MAKE/KNOW OUR12 YR OLD CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BEEN OVER A MONTH, BUT HAVE RECIEVED NO INFORMATION FROM WYNNE FORD. I GUESS I NEED TO DRIVE TO MICHIGAN TO SEE MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD JR FOR ANSWERS. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES BUT THE LATEST WAS AROUND OCT 2018. EACH INCIDENT, WE HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11163627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHampton, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR SHUTS OFF WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, 3 TIMES NOW, ONCE ON INTERSTATE 64. DEALER FIRST SAID HYBRID BATTERY BAD, 2ND OPINION FROM HYBRID BATTERY COMPANY SAID BATTERY GOOD. DEALER SAID, 2ND TIME WITH CAR, NEED A $600 REPAIR THAT WILL RESOLVE. NOW, DEALER SAYS NO, THE BATTERY IS STILL THE ISSUE. THEY STILL CANNOT STATE WHY THE CAR DOES IT, WHAT WILL MAKE THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AND IF THEY TRULY KNOW IT IS THE BATTERY, WHY DID THEY DO THE $600 REPAIR AND TELL US THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED WYNNE FORD IN HAMPTON VA, THE DEALER, FOR A POC AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BE ABLE TO GET ANSWERS ON HOW TO MAKE/KNOW OUR12 YR OLD CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BEEN OVER A MONTH, BUT HAVE RECIEVED NO INFORMATION FROM WYNNE FORD. I GUESS I NEED TO DRIVE TO MICHIGAN TO SEE MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD JR FOR ANSWERS. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES BUT THE LATEST WAS AROUND OCT 2018. EACH INCIDENT, WE HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11163627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHampton, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR SHUTS OFF WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, 3 TIMES NOW, ONCE ON INTERSTATE 64. DEALER FIRST SAID HYBRID BATTERY BAD, 2ND OPINION FROM HYBRID BATTERY COMPANY SAID BATTERY GOOD. DEALER SAID, 2ND TIME WITH CAR, NEED A $600 REPAIR THAT WILL RESOLVE. NOW, DEALER SAYS NO, THE BATTERY IS STILL THE ISSUE. THEY STILL CANNOT STATE WHY THE CAR DOES IT, WHAT WILL MAKE THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AND IF THEY TRULY KNOW IT IS THE BATTERY, WHY DID THEY DO THE $600 REPAIR AND TELL US THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED WYNNE FORD IN HAMPTON VA, THE DEALER, FOR A POC AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BE ABLE TO GET ANSWERS ON HOW TO MAKE/KNOW OUR12 YR OLD CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BEEN OVER A MONTH, BUT HAVE RECIEVED NO INFORMATION FROM WYNNE FORD. I GUESS I NEED TO DRIVE TO MICHIGAN TO SEE MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD JR FOR ANSWERS. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES BUT THE LATEST WAS AROUND OCT 2018. EACH INCIDENT, WE HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11163627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesSanta Rosa, CA
STEERING
POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. NO WARNING UNTIL IT WAS OUT. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT COMPLETELY. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT WENT OUT DO TO HOW HARD IT IS TO STEER! IT'S NOT HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. IT'S ALL ELECTRIC ASSIST STEERING. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. SOME MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND THE ISSUE. INCLUDING PEOPLE THAT HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. SOME PEOPLE HAVE SPENT OVER $1,000 AND THE ISSUE HAS CAME BACK WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. ALSO THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED SOME ACCIDENTS. FORD NEEDS TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT ON ALL CARS!
NHTSA complaint #11122465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesBloomfield, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AT A NORMAL SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ON A CITY STREET. AS TRAFFIC SLOWED I BEGAN TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUDDENLY I GOT SEVERAL ALERTS ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (BRAKE, ABS, AND REGEN DISCONNECT). AT THE SAME TIME I LOST ALL OR MOST OF MY BRAKING POWER. I WAS FORCED TO USE THE PARK BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, AND BARELY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE.THIS WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT FOR A SHORT TIME, WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE SYSTEM APPARENTLY RESET ITSELF AND WHEN I RE-STARTED THE ENGINE ALL FUNCTIONS WERE OPERATIONAL ONCE AGAIN, AND ALL THE ALERTS WERE GONE. HOWEVER, THIS PERIOD WAS BRIEF. THINKING THIS MIGHT BE A SYSTEM GLITCH, I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE NEXT DAY THIS FAILURE RETURNED AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES OF DRIVING. AT THIS TIME I REALIZED THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS FLAW IN THE HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM OF THIS MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPE, AND POSSIBLY OTHER MODEL YEARS. I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND I WAS SHOCKED WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE. AS A MECHANIC I FIND THIS RIDICULOUS. AFTER A BRIEF SEARCH ONLINE I FOUND MANY HYBRID FORD ESCAPE OWNER'S THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. AT THIS POINT I DEEMED MY VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND DECIDED THE BEST THING TO DO WAS TO REPORT THIS FAILURE TO THE NHTSA WITH THE HOPES THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FAILURE BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. MY OPINION IS THE PROBLEM IS IN THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. (HCU). THIS IS A COMPLEX ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT THAT IS SPECIFIC TO THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. FOR THE RECORD MY VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 146,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11114656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,100 milesPearce, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
INTERMITTENT ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WITH ALMOST COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11109693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.