2005 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,394 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Ford Escape, 4% of the 1,394 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I was driving I heard some loud noise and when I stopped I found that the rear passenger strut shot up thru the back interior of the car.this was due to the entire wheel well rusting out.I also was driving another time when the front end started to shake.I stopped and got out and seen that the front tires were facing sideways.the tie rod broke.I could have been seriously hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #11024159, filed 2017-09, 138,000 miles“I am trying to find out what is wrong and if there are any recalls..my SUV has a vibration when I excel rate and let off it which shakes the wheel.I had it checked and they can't find anything..what is this problem,I have just bought the car in dec 17..ty”
NHTSA complaint #11075960, filed 2018-03, 98 miles“I purchased car in january 2005, first time of this incident was in 2007, november, but it has been an ongoing problem during the winter months more so than summer. I am so nervous about having an accident I just want it fixed. I have it at a Ford dealer right now and it is going to cost me $650.00 to have this repaired. I certainly hope this will fix the problem, but I do not have faith here.”
NHTSA complaint #10553932, filed 2013-11, 20,000 miles“While traveling approximately 35 MPH, the rear passenger side shock punctured through a completely rusted out rear wheel well on my 2005 Ford Escape. The car is undrivable and the auto repair/body shop quoted me $3,000.00 to repair this. I contacted Ford and they stated that only the 2001-2004 models are covered under a recall for this exact same problem. I have researched this problem and have read hundreds of people with the same problem. .”
NHTSA complaint #10678470, filed 2015-01, 114,000 miles“Based on local service of my vehicle, I was informed that the power return line must be replaced at the dealership. There is information from Ford corporation that describes a steering noise (clunk and rattle) for all Ford escapes (2005 models) stated in a document (#TSB 06-17-3) by Ford. Part number to be replaced is 6l8z-3a713-k is this something that is dangerous and has the company made a decision on recalling the vehicle?”
NHTSA complaint #10650897, filed 2014-10, 174,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018068Oct 7, 2005Steering clunk/rattle noise - vehicles built 3/29/2005 to 4/4/2005.
- 10014699Mar 21, 2005High steering efforts in cold ambient temperatures - vehicles built prior to 2/15/2005.
- 10013324Jan 1, 2005Intermittent high steering effort in cold temperatures.
- 10013366Nov 1, 2004Steering drift/pull - improved diagnostic and repair procedure - service tip.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 | 32 | 2% |
| 2017 | 49 | 2% |
| 2016 | 73 | 6% |
| 2015 | 81 | 7% |
| 2014 | 151 | 7% |
| 2013 | 303 | 11% |
| 2012 | 140 | 23% |
| 2011 | 411 | 31% |
| 2010 | 423 | 20% |
| 2009 | 828 | 49% |
| 2008 | 1,127 | 57% |
| 2007 | 15 | 6% |
| 2006 | 20 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 5% |
| 2003 | 44 | 8% |
| 2002 | 70 | 7% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Escape
459 complaintsBody and structure
434 complaintsElectrical system
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
149 complaintsEngine
130 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
117 complaintsWheels
98 complaintsEngine cooling
90 complaintsOther or unknown
76 complaintsBrakes
66 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology