RoadVitals

2005 Ford Escape Interior & seats Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the interior system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Interior & seats reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Jul 31, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
1%
of 1,394 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

What this page shows

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2005 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming interior

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structureInterior & seatsSuspension
Filed Jul 31, 2017

RUST CAUSED THE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY USED IN A SALT-BELT STATE. THE ISSUE BECAME EVIDENT AFTER A SMALL POTHOLE CAUSED THE REAR FRAME TO PUNCTURE THROUGH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEELHOUSE INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL AND STEERING DIFFICULTIES..

NHTSA ID
11011765
Incident
Aug 17, 2016
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT NOTICED A HOLE IN THE BACK SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT. A PIECE OF METAL, APPROXIMATELY EIGHT INCHES LONG, WAS PROTRUDING FROM THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE EVALUATED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ID
10852879
Incident
Mar 29, 2016
Mileage
88,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 1, 2016

THE LAST FEW TIMES I TURNED ON THE HEATED SEAT WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC IT FELT LIKE IT WAS GETTING EXTREMELY HOT TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO LIFT MY UPPER LEG UP OFF THE SEAT. I'M SURE THAT IF I HADN'T SHUT IT OFF IT WOULD HAVE BURNT ME. THERE IS NO WARNING SYSTEM TO INDICATE THE HEATED SEAT IS MALFUNCTIONING OR GETTING TOO HOT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID
10817343
Incident
Dec 1, 2015
Mileage
65,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 6, 2015
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BEGAN BURNING AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10692531
Incident
Mar 6, 2015
Mileage
130,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 15, 2014

PASSENGER SEAT GETS REAL HOT.,STARTS TO SMOKE HAVE TO SHUT IT OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10655188
Incident
Nov 22, 2013
Mileage
80,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO THE PARK POSITION AND THE DOORS WERE LOCKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIGHT DOOR LATCHES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ID
10622452
Incident
Jul 10, 2014
Mileage
69,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 10, 2012
Fire reported

WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A STOP LIGHT THE SEAT HEATER IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT IGNITED THE UPPER PORTION OF THE SEAT, CAUSING THE SEAT TO BURN AND FILLING THE CABIN WITH SMOKE. THE SEAT THEN CAUSED MY HUSBAND'S JACKET TO START ON FIRE. THE FIRE IN THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE EXTINGUISHED BY PACKING IT WITH SNOW. *TR

NHTSA ID
10447429
Incident
Jan 30, 2012
Mileage
50,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 1, 2011

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WITHIN 12 HOURS BOTH MY REAR DOORS' LATCHES BROKE. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF, REGULAR MAINTENANCE, NO ACCIDENT, ETC. OCCURRED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10422884
Incident
Sep 1, 2011
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seatsExterior lighting+1 more
Filed Oct 21, 2010

I AM WRITING IN CONCERNS TO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS. I AM AN OWNER OF A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 2004. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TWO MONTHS TO HAVE A FAULTY ELECTRICAL PART, THE SMART JUNCTION BOX, REPLACED. SINCE AUGUST 23RD MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNSAFE TO OPERATE WITHOUT THIS PART AS MY TURN SIGNALS, HEAD LIGHTS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE, AS WELL AS POWER WINDOWS, INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTS, POWER LOCKS, RADIO AND CLOCK DISPLAY AND MY ABILITY TO UNLATCH THE REAR DOOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INFORMATION MYSELF I WAS FORCED TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK TO BE SCHEDULED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR. ON SEPT. 7TH THE FORD MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE PART I TOLD HIM I NEEDED WAS CORRECT AND SAID PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN TWO WEEKS. ON SEPT.21ST, I CALLED TO ASK IF THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. IT WAS THEN THAT THE MECHANIC SAID THAT HE NEGLECTED TO MENTION THE PART WOULD NOT BE ORDERED UNLESS I PAID IN ADVANCE. I PAID FOR THE PART ON SEPT23. ON SEPT. 29TH THE GENERAL MANAGER AT WORDEN-MARTIN CALLED TO SAY THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. I ASKED IF IT WERE POSSIBLE TO HAVE A USED PART PUT IN TEMPORARILY WHILE I WAIT. I RECEIVED A REPLY THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $350 TO HAVE THAT PART PUT IN WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PART WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY AND NO COMPENSATION IF THE REPLACEMENT PART WERE TO FAIL. NOT WANTING TO THROW AWAY $350 FOR A FAULTY PART, I FELT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE. AFTER WAITING TWO WEEKS I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL, SO I CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ON THE PART. I WAS TOLD THE PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL OCT. 25TH. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THEIR DISTRIBUTOR AND NOT FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THE PART SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15TH BECAUSE THE PART, ORDERED BY MANY, WAS BEING REDESIGNED. ON OCT. 19TH I CALLED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THE PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10361480
Incident
Aug 23, 2010
Mileage
82,400 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Sep 25, 2005
Crash reported3 injuries reported1 death reported

2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT ROLL OVER RESULTED IN A FATAL DEATH. THE LIFT GATE AND DOOR WERE OPENED DURING THE ROLL OVER OF SUV. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. I LOST MY WIFE IN THIS ROLL OVER. MY SELF AND MY BROTHER'S WIFE GOT MAJOR INJURIES. THIS MODEL HAS AUTOMATIC 4 WHEEL ENGAGEMENT. DURING THE CRASH THE ENGINE PUMPED MORE POWER TO THE WHEELS. TRIED TO CONTROL BUT BECUASE OF MORE POWER FROM THE ENGINE THE DRIVER COULD NOT CONTROL IT AND GOT OVER CORRECTED WHICH ENDED UP IN DITCH. THAT FINALLY, ENDED UP IN A ROLL OVER. MY WIFE GOT EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DIED ON THE SPOT DUE TO BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO HEAD AND CHEST. *JB

NHTSA ID
10137529
Incident
Jul 25, 2005
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 24, 2005

D: THE DRIVERS SEAT MATERIAL IS SO HARD IT PUTS THE CONSUMER'S LEG TO SLEEP. THE CONSUEMR FEELS THT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SHE CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE VERY FAR WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AND WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE TO WAKE LEGS BACK UP. THE PASSENGERS SEAT APPEARS THIS WAY ALSO. STARTED NOTICING THIS ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I'M IN IT FOR ABOUT 45 MIN TO AN HOUR. *NM *NM

NHTSA ID
10128316
Incident
Jun 30, 2005
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 17, 2005

THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT IN MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT IS LEANING AND POINTING TO LEFT. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT FORD PURPOSELY MADE THE FOAM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT LESS DENSE THAN ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR EASIER ACCESS AND EXIT OF THE VEHICLE. STILL THE SLIGHT TWISTING AND DEFECTION OF THE SEAT TO THE LEFT LEAVES ME FEELING LIKE IM IN A POOR DRIVING POSITION. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO STATED THAT HED BEEN TOLD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AT THIS TIME, MAYBE A RECALL IN THE FUTURE BUT NOTHING RIGHT NOW. I CANT BE THE ONLY PERSON CONCERNED BY THE ODD SEATING POSITION AND THE FEELING OF DISTRACTION WHILE IM DRIVING, WHICH THEN BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY EYES. JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS WORTH A MENTION. *AK

NHTSA ID
10118020
Incident
Apr 17, 2005
Mileage
300 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 13, 2005

RECALL 04V60200 CONCERNING FMVSS 206 REAR LIFTGATE DOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER TO HONOR THIS MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE. DEALER URGED CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE HE PURCHASED IT.*AK

NHTSA ID
10117830
Incident
Apr 2, 2005
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 15, 2005

RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR LATCH BROKE AND DOOR CAME OPEN WHILE DRIVING . WE HAD TO SECURE DOOR WITH A NYLON STRAP TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION .IT IS A GOOD THING WE ARE FIRM BELIEVERS IN SEAT BELT USE OR THIS MIGHT HAVE ENDED IN A TRAGEDY AS THE SEAT NEXT TO DOOR WAS OCCUPIED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10106390
Incident
Jan 8, 2005
Mileage
5,400 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 26, 2004

FRONT DRIVERS SEAT LEANS AND IS POINTING TO LEFT. DEALER STATED THAT FORD PURPOSELY MADE THE FOAM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT LESS DENSE THAN ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR EASIER ACCESS AND EXIT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS STILL DOESN'T EXPLAIN WHY THE SEAT ALSO FEELS SLIGHTLY TWISTED OR POINTING THE LEFT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER WHO CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AT THIS TIME. MY CONCERN THAT I FEEL DISTRACTED WHILE DRIVING WHICH MAY LEAD TO A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR A 2005 FORD XLT. THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT YET ALLOW YOU TO SELECT 2005 AS AN OPTION IN THE "YEAR" PULL DOWN MENU.*AK

NHTSA ID
10067848
Incident
Apr 24, 2004

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .