FaultScore

FaultScore report

2006 Ford Escape problems

Owners have filed 627 complaints about the 2006 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2005 and 2026. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control. Across this model's run it ranks 23 of 25 worst.

B

FaultScore 32/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Escape.

How this is worked out

The numbers

627

Complaints

26

Crashes reported

10

Fires reported

26

Injuries reported

3 complaints report a death.

85,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 22 vs 50 Severity 54 vs 50 Early failure 24 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% 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

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2006 Ford Escape

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

2 crashes, 3 fires · median 70,000 mi

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Brakes 70 11.2%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 72,632 mi

Engine & Cooling 68 10.8%

1 crashes, 4 fires · median 80,000 mi

Suspension 65 10.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 111,000 mi

Body & Structure 63 10.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 128,400 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 88,500 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 91,500 mi

Median failure at 84,500 miles

Steering 20 3.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 78,816 mi

Airbags 18 2.9%

11 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,816 mi

Wheels 15 2.4%

Median failure at 103,500 miles

Median failure at 127,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 4 0.6%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Seats 4 0.6%

Median failure at 5,505 miles

Seat Belts 4 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 58,908 mi

Tires 4 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,000 mi

Lights 3 0.5%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 0.3%

Median failure at 51,025 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 45 45.5%
Automatic Transmission 21 21.2%
Accelerator Pedal 8 8.1%
Engine 7 7.1%
Glass, Side/Rear 6 6.1%
Frame AND Members 5 5.1%
Frontal 4 4.0%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 3 3.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 19 3.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 10 1.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 21 4.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 70 13.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 96 18.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 107 20.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 146 27.6%
150,000+ miles 60 11.3%

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.

Dec 2005 peak 17 Apr 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Ford Escape

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.

DP12006 Opened 2 Oct 2012 Closed 21 Feb 2013 ENGINE

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...

Recalls on the 2006 Ford Escape

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

15V606000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

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.

15E045000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

14V526000

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. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

10E043000

EQUIPMENT

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Risk: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

05V520000

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.

Risk: AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2015438 11 units in Canada

Powertrain

A safety defect may exist in vehicles in which remanufactured automatic transmissions were installed as service replacement parts. The shift lever bolt may not have been torqued to the proper torque specification. If the improperly torqued shift level bolt loosens and backs out, the shift lever may disengage from the transmission without warning, and the transmission may not respond to the shifter selection movement by the operator. This could result in the loss of transmission gear selection, and possible unintended vehicle movement, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift lever assembly and/or the shift level bolt torqued to the proper specification.

Recall 2014374 3,568 units in Canada

Engine

On certain hybrid vehicles, the motor electronics coolant pump may wear out and fail, resulting in a loss of coolant flow and high temperature condition within the motor electronics system. This could result in a partial or full loss of motive power, resulting in a sudden stall-like condition while driving. An engine stall without warning while driving could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs. Note: Power steering and power braking system function would be unaffected in the event of such an occurrence.

Recall 2006274 194 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain Escape Hybrid vehicles, the intermediate shaft used in the front wheel driveline may not have received adequate heat treat process during manufacturing. As a result, the intermediate shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven. If a fracture occurs the powertrain will lose the ability to transmit torque to the drive wheels and the transmission will not hold the vehicle stationary when placed in the PARK position. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the intermediate shaft.

Recall 2005356 13,581 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear. After a period of continuous use on the high-speed setting, lack of grease may cause the gear teeth to distort and/or fracture during operation, resulting in the loss of wiper function. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, apply grease to the output shaft gear.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Nacogdoches, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in a major high speed frontal crash on April 4th. I hydroplaned on 204 and I almost died and none of my airbags deployed. I have several videos from the tow yard showing that they were still intact and didn't deploy, but this firm won'tlet me upload them. This car has never been in a wreck before, and my airbags were never recalled like other Takota ones around that time period. The wreck so serious that none of the first responders knew how I survived or on crawled out of the car to get help. The only savageable things for parts in that entire car were two floorboards and my airbags didn't deploy at all. I have suffered many lacerations and bruising all over my body.

NHTSA complaint #11729724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Heights, MI Crash

SUSPENSION

The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later. There was no warning that this was happening until it broke while driving which made us lose control of the car. When we took it to a repair shop and said it was 2006 escape they responded what side did the shock tower break on this was before we told them it was a shock tower they said it's always that part on a escape I personally know 2 other people who have had the same problem all different years of escapes.

NHTSA complaint #11589912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Heights, MI Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later. There was no warning that this was happening until it broke while driving which made us lose control of the car. When we took it to a repair shop and said it was 2006 escape they responded what side did the shock tower break on this was before we told them it was a shock tower they said it's always that part on a escape I personally know 2 other people who have had the same problem all different years of escapes.

NHTSA complaint #11589912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Big Prairie, OH Fire

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the smoke had increased. The contact stated that as he exited the vehicle, the smoke became darker. The contact stated that upon looking through the passenger's side wheel well, he saw flames under the engine compartment. The contact then walked away from the vehicle. The contact stated that the entire front end of the vehicle and dash had significantly burned and melted. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle remained at the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #11521257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

Well to put it lightly my rear axial the whole rear end is a mess this did not happen from normal were there is not that many miles I am very confident that if I was mot train on how to control a car if it were to go out of control at a high speed this would be a whole different story just thank how many are still on the road this year 2006 escape is a ticking time 💣

NHTSA complaint #11499721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY 1 injured

SUSPENSION

Well to put it lightly my rear axial the whole rear end is a mess this did not happen from normal were there is not that many miles I am very confident that if I was mot train on how to control a car if it were to go out of control at a high speed this would be a whole different story just thank how many are still on the road this year 2006 escape is a ticking time 💣

NHTSA complaint #11499721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Nacogdoches, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in a major high speed frontal crash on April 4th. I hydroplaned on 204 and I almost died and none of my airbags deployed. I have several videos from the tow yard showing that they were still intact and didn't deploy, but this firm won'tlet me upload them. This car has never been in a wreck before, and my airbags were never recalled like other Takota ones around that time period. The wreck so serious that none of the first responders knew how I survived or on crawled out of the car to get help. The only savageable things for parts in that entire car were two floorboards and my airbags didn't deploy at all. I have suffered many lacerations and bruising all over my body.

NHTSA complaint #11729724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plantersville, TX

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Sunroof on the vehicle just shattered. No impact related cause. Maybe heat.

NHTSA complaint #11664348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plantersville, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof on the vehicle just shattered. No impact related cause. Maybe heat.

NHTSA complaint #11664348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plantersville, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

Sunroof on the vehicle just shattered. No impact related cause. Maybe heat.

NHTSA complaint #11664348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Midland, MI

STEERING

I was driving on the highway, when the car steering started to pull to the left, and an alarm chime was heard from the dash, and a wrench light on the dash came on, as well as a service steering system soon message appeared on the message display. This happened multiple times. I contacted the local Midland Ford Dealer about this issue, as they had replaced the Electronic Rack & Pinion Assembly previously. The same dealer diagnosed the problem as a corroded electrical connection in the harness connector, to the Electronic Rack & Pinion Assembly. I was hoping that they would have covered this issue under a warranty, seeing as they replaced the Rack & Pinion, and that did not fix the original problem. I was charged $624.00 to have the problem diagnosed and the Electronic Rack & Pinion electrical harness connector replaced. The problem has not reoccurred since this repair was done. I am wondering if other 2006 or after Ford Escape vehicles have experienced this same dangerous condition?.

NHTSA complaint #11662328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Smithfield, VA

ENGINE

The idler pulley on the subject vehicle has failed numerous times, with the mounting bolt shearing at the connection to the timing cover. Upon failure of the pulley the serpentine belt will either fail or become dislodged; when this occurs the steering, alternator, and water pump all stop operating. The vehicle becomes difficult to handle due to the loss of power steering, and is subject to shutting off due to the lack of an alternator and water pump. This particular issue has happened to me on four separate occasions in the last two years; the first time occurred while operating in traffic; the subsequent occasions were noted during startup and were detected before driving. New replacement pulleys will only last approximately 4000-5000 miles before they fail. The power steering pump and air conditioning compressor have been replaced due to concerns that they could be placing extra strain on the serpentine belt, however the issue has occurred even after replacing these components. Internet research notes that this is a common problem of the 2.3L engine in the Escape and other Ford/Mercury models of the same time frame. Nobody has reported a permanent solution; later model vehicles using the same or similar issue came equipped with electric power steering, which likely reduced the load on the pulley and its undersized mounting bolt. The idler pulley on this vehicle has proven to be an Achilles heel and should have been addressed by Ford via a recall and redesigned pulley.

NHTSA complaint #11638533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Cruces, NM

STEERING

Like so many others, I was making a sharp right turn when the vehicle stopped without warning causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes to avoid a chain rear end collision event on a busy intersection. Another driver offered help and got it restarted but the power steering stopped functioning. He pulled it off the road and I then had to drive it home. The light came on after saying "power steering service" and a wrench light. There were no codes to be read and I have been unable to get a straight answer from mechanics. The last said I need the power steering module and the rack and pinion. I finally got him to give me the specific part numbers, both of which are DISCONTINUED. Last week, I told another mechanic the problems and parts I needed and he gave me a total guestimate under $2000, so I decided to go with them and they ordered the parts. When I looked at the estimate, they did not match the part numbers I had been given, and I just found out they didnt include the module because it's discontinued. I cancelled the work. I have no options left that I can afford. THIS PROBLEM IS PERVASIVE IN THESE FORD ESCAPE MODELS AND YEARS, yet they haven't recalled any before 2008. This needs to be addressed because Ive also had the intermittent engine shutdown on the road saying "STOP NOW". Luckily, no accidents or injuries yet, but I wouldn't trust this to travel beyond my area. Shame on Ford!

NHTSA complaint #11619631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Heights, MI Crash

SUSPENSION

The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later. There was no warning that this was happening until it broke while driving which made us lose control of the car. When we took it to a repair shop and said it was 2006 escape they responded what side did the shock tower break on this was before we told them it was a shock tower they said it's always that part on a escape I personally know 2 other people who have had the same problem all different years of escapes.

NHTSA complaint #11589912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Heights, MI Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later. There was no warning that this was happening until it broke while driving which made us lose control of the car. When we took it to a repair shop and said it was 2006 escape they responded what side did the shock tower break on this was before we told them it was a shock tower they said it's always that part on a escape I personally know 2 other people who have had the same problem all different years of escapes.

NHTSA complaint #11589912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, WV

WHEELS

Both rear shocks, mounts, wheel wells, entire length of body door panels passenger seats are just absolutely rusted beyond repair. I've gone to a couple different shops and each one said that there is nothing they can do to fix the issue. Now the vehicle when ridden in just bounces horribly wearing out bearing springs and tires are being worn out. There is only 110759 miles on it and bought this for my wife/ kids cause I've had 3 other escapes in the past so since I work on the road this is prefect sized for then not to big or too small. I've had so many issues this last year with repairs parts and now worried about safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11579065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, WV

SUSPENSION

Both rear shocks, mounts, wheel wells, entire length of body door panels passenger seats are just absolutely rusted beyond repair. I've gone to a couple different shops and each one said that there is nothing they can do to fix the issue. Now the vehicle when ridden in just bounces horribly wearing out bearing springs and tires are being worn out. There is only 110759 miles on it and bought this for my wife/ kids cause I've had 3 other escapes in the past so since I work on the road this is prefect sized for then not to big or too small. I've had so many issues this last year with repairs parts and now worried about safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11579065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

Both rear shocks, mounts, wheel wells, entire length of body door panels passenger seats are just absolutely rusted beyond repair. I've gone to a couple different shops and each one said that there is nothing they can do to fix the issue. Now the vehicle when ridden in just bounces horribly wearing out bearing springs and tires are being worn out. There is only 110759 miles on it and bought this for my wife/ kids cause I've had 3 other escapes in the past so since I work on the road this is prefect sized for then not to big or too small. I've had so many issues this last year with repairs parts and now worried about safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11579065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

STEERING

Transmission Stirring pump Spark plugs

NHTSA complaint #11562480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Transmission Stirring pump Spark plugs

NHTSA complaint #11562480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

ENGINE

Transmission Stirring pump Spark plugs

NHTSA complaint #11562480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Stevens Point, WI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently merged into the right lane without warning. As a result, the contact decelerated to approximately 10 MPH, when the CV axle detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side subframe had rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11547406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Golden Valley, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11533572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Golden Valley, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11533572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Golden Valley, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11533572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Akron, OH

SUSPENSION

This 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, and all first and second generation (2001-2012) Escape models, were designed and built with a significant, known defect in the mating area and materials used for the rear floor pan, rear sub-assembly/rails, and rear inner fender liners/upper shock absorber mounts, all made of pressed steel. The design of the components renders them subject to trapping road debris/salt/contaminants, and the inferior steel used oxidizes quickly, resulting in perforated areas of substantial rust. In our 2006 model, the right rear inner fender liner was completely replaced, and the rear subassembly/rails were welded, in 2013 with new Ford parts. By May, 2018, it had to be repaired and welded again. As of May, 2013, five years almost to the day, it has again rusted and separated. As this hybrid Escape carries a 600 pound battery between the rails in the rear of the vehicle, this is a substantial, dangerous defect affecting potentially millions of cars manufactured over a decade. The current status of the oxidation, corrosion, rot and decay affecting our Ford Escape has rendered it incapable of being repaired per the auto mechanic shop we visited first, followed by the body shop we visited next. Both indicated that the poor design combined with the steel used contributed to the dangerous vehicle it has become.

NHTSA complaint #11527007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Akron, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

This 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, and all first and second generation (2001-2012) Escape models, were designed and built with a significant, known defect in the mating area and materials used for the rear floor pan, rear sub-assembly/rails, and rear inner fender liners/upper shock absorber mounts, all made of pressed steel. The design of the components renders them subject to trapping road debris/salt/contaminants, and the inferior steel used oxidizes quickly, resulting in perforated areas of substantial rust. In our 2006 model, the right rear inner fender liner was completely replaced, and the rear subassembly/rails were welded, in 2013 with new Ford parts. By May, 2018, it had to be repaired and welded again. As of May, 2013, five years almost to the day, it has again rusted and separated. As this hybrid Escape carries a 600 pound battery between the rails in the rear of the vehicle, this is a substantial, dangerous defect affecting potentially millions of cars manufactured over a decade. The current status of the oxidation, corrosion, rot and decay affecting our Ford Escape has rendered it incapable of being repaired per the auto mechanic shop we visited first, followed by the body shop we visited next. Both indicated that the poor design combined with the steel used contributed to the dangerous vehicle it has become.

NHTSA complaint #11527007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,119 miles Coral Springs, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle started to lose motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal remained floored after being depressed. The contact drove to a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,199.

NHTSA complaint #11523503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Big Prairie, OH Fire

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the smoke had increased. The contact stated that as he exited the vehicle, the smoke became darker. The contact stated that upon looking through the passenger's side wheel well, he saw flames under the engine compartment. The contact then walked away from the vehicle. The contact stated that the entire front end of the vehicle and dash had significantly burned and melted. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle remained at the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #11521257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mendham, NJ

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

2006 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUSTED OUT REAR SHOCK MOUNTS.

NHTSA complaint #11513957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

Well to put it lightly my rear axial the whole rear end is a mess this did not happen from normal were there is not that many miles I am very confident that if I was mot train on how to control a car if it were to go out of control at a high speed this would be a whole different story just thank how many are still on the road this year 2006 escape is a ticking time 💣

NHTSA complaint #11499721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.