CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Escape has problems where the engine shuts down while driving. Ford finally issued a September 2014 recall. Time will tell if the recall fix really solves the problem.
However the 2005 Escape also has a defect where the PCM (Power Control Module) fries at around 100k miles. Ford extended the PCM warranty to 80,000 miles, but only after most owners were past the mileage limit. Now owners are on the hook for the average repair cost of over $2,000 (!!)
Driving with a trailer (had the factory tow package) to pick up a motorcycle 3 hours away and without warning the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle began bucking like a bronco. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Wouldn't start back up. All lights flashing. Began to throw a misfire code. Having previously owned a Mazda van with the same engine, I anticipated the problem was a coil as they are prone to go on this vehicle.
What I WASN'T aware of is that this particular year and maybe some surrounding years had a PCM that allowed the voltage back into the unit when the coil was fried. After spending no small penny getting the vehicle towed 3 hours, I tried swapping out the coil to no avail. I opened the computer and found the culprit as I learned of this common issue (no warning whatsoever). I had the computer repaired to the tune of $700 but in the end it was money in the trash as it never ran right again. Junked it.
My Escape had seemed like a good, dependable vehicle. In a funeral procession, it made an odd clunk, and then didn't want to accelerate. Far from home, I had to struggle home, where I took it to the Ford dealership for repair. It needed a new computer and 3 coils. I was told it is a common problem with this model Escape. I asked what makes a common problem become a recall. I was told it was a matter of whether it had caused accidents or deaths. What? There is no responsibility to have a dependable vehicle, just as long as it doesn't kill you?
I don't know if the bad computer fried the coils or the other way around. It's something to do with poor shielding that causes the damage. I spent the money, ($3,500 Canadian) since it had been a good vehicle and wasn't really that old, only 8 years. In hind-sight I should have scrapped it or traded it then, because less than two years later, I have severe wheel-well rust, a "check-engine" light on that is a faulty sensor and another faulty sensor in one door that reads it is ajar, meaning I can't lock it without the alarm going steadily.... New computer on scrap metal ...
Ford installed wrong spark plugs from factory causing coils to over heat and frying ECM, cost of computer was $2200. Plus all 6 coils and new wire harness from resulting fire.
- Jason P.,
Nanticoke, PA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Driving with a trailer (had the factory tow package) to pick up a motorcycle 3 hours away and without warning the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle began bucking like a bronco. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Wouldn't start back up. All lights flashing. Began to throw a misfire code. Having previously owned a Mazda van with the same engine, I anticipated the problem was a coil as they are prone to go on this vehicle.
What I WASN'T aware of is that this particular year and maybe some surrounding years had a PCM that allowed the voltage back into the unit when the coil was fried. After spending no small penny getting the vehicle towed 3 hours, I tried swapping out the coil to no avail. I opened the computer and found the culprit as I learned of this common issue (no warning whatsoever). I had the computer repaired to the tune of $700 but in the end it was money in the trash as it never ran right again. Junked it.
- Frank H., Barrie, ON, Canada