The Ford Escape has been one of the best-selling SUVs for two decades. However, some years are riddled with transmission, electronics, or rust issues that make them best to avoid.
Key Points
- The 2005 Ford Escape struggled with rust issues that corroded the rear passenger-side strut tower, potentially leaving the suspension improperly attached.
- The 2008 Ford Escapes were plagued by power steering failure that could cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right without driver input.
- Airbags not deploying in a collision was also a problem with 2013 model year Escapes, and it could potentially be fatal.
- The 2014 Escape struggled from door latch failure in which the doors could swing open unexpectedly.
- 2014 models also suffered from unexpected transmission failure, a costly repair that can also cause the vehicle to stall while driving if ignored.
Severe Rust Issues Could Compromise the Structural Integrity of 2005 Ford Escapes
One of the most common and troubling issues with the 2005 Ford Escape is failure of the Power Control Module (PCM), which can cause the car to stall. Typically occurring at higher mileage, the cause of the issue is reportedly due to either the spark plugs or ignition coils failing, damaging the PCM.
As a result, replacing not just the PCM but the spark plugs and ignition coils is necessary to ensure that the issue doesn’t happen again, because repairs can run in the thousands.
The other key issue with 2005 models relates to severe rust issues. As is noted on many Ford owners forums, including Blue Oval Forums and Ford Forums, the rear right wheel well is the most common area affected by this rust issue, with it corroding right through the metal around the strut tower and potentially leaving the suspension strut improperly attached.
The 2005 model year appears to be the most prominent year for this issue, although 2006 models may also suffer from it.
2008 Ford Escape is Known for Power Steering Failure that Prompted Multiple Recalls
If there’s one model year that has a noticeably high number of consumer complaints – over 2,255 registered with the NHTSA – it’s the 2008 Ford Escape. Nearly half of the recalls relate to the vehicle’s power steering, including reports that the steering wheel may randomly start shaking, lock up, loose power, or cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right on its own.
One of the 2008 Escape’s three recalls focuses on this issue, and Ford notes that the source of the problem is the torque sensor in the electric power steering column. Steering gear issues are also listed as a possible cause.
A recall was issued for all 2008-2011 Ford Escapes, and the solution may be a simple software update. In more extreme cases, the torque sensor or steering column may need to be replaced.
Airbags in 2013 Ford Escapes May Not Deploy in an Accident, and the Issue was Part of a Stunning 16 Recalls
Being subject to 16 NHTSA recalls and receiving 2,009 complaints, 2013 is clearly one of the Ford Escape’s more troubled years. The most concerning recall of all is that the 2013 Ford Escape’s airbags may not properly deploy in the event of an accident, caused by a faulty Restraint Control Module. In serious instances, this could lead to injury or death.
Ford Authority notes that unexpected vehicle stalling has been an issue for the 2013 Escape since not long after its launch, with recalls issued in both 2014 and 2015 for faulty wiring harnesses causing the issue.
However, the issue still persists in many other 2013 Escapes, and the NHTSA has had an open investigation into the ongoing issue since July 2018. Power steering and transmission failure has also been reported, but isn’t as widespread as on other Escapes.
2014 Ford Escape’s Doors May Open While Driving, Potentially Leading to Injuries and Accidents
The 2014 model year was subject to the most serious and dangerous recalls – 14 total. The most serious was over a door latch failure, which has prompted an open investigation into the issue.
Over 200 owners of 2014 Ford Escapes have claimed that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. One consumer alleged an injury occurred while driving when a door unexpectedly opened and then closed on a child’s arm. Another reported that a door opened on its own and struck a parked vehicle.
More than 1,000 other complaints have been lodged with the NHTSA, including for some lightweight issues such as infotainment glitches. The more serious problems pertain to the vehicle stalling unexpectedly and the transmission failing prematurely, which can cost thousands to fix as no recall has been issued for the transmission. Coolant leaks within the engine are also a common complaint, with this leading to the engine overheating and potentially requiring replacement.
The 2014 Ford Escape is the Model’s Worst Year Due to its Dangerous and Costly Issues
Between the sheer volume of complaints and the complexity of fixing the problems they suffer from, the 2005, 2008, and 2013 Ford Escape are clearly vehicles to be very wary of.
A thorough inspection for rust on 2005 models and assurance that the necessary recall work has been completed on 2008 and 2013 Escapes should be enough to put the minds of some at ease, though.
However, it’s clear that the one Ford Escape to avoid at all costs is the 2014 model. With its unpredictable door latch failure a potentially dangerous liability, and its premature transmission failure costing owners thousands to rectify, that’s why it’s clearly the one Ford Escape year you must steer clear of at all costs.
Photos: Ford
