2005 Ford Escape Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 459about this part
- Share
- 33%of 1,394 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 459 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Ford Escape, 33% of the 1,394 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the freeway at approximately 65mph, I hit a pothole and immediately heard a loud banging sound from the driver side rear of my vehicle. After pulling off the freeway and inspecting the vehicle, I discovered the driver side wheel well to be completely rusted and the shock tower was separated from the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11352856, filed 2020-09, 158,126 miles“Purchased vehicle in april 2017 2 months later heard a banging noise from rear passenger side upon further investigation discovered the wheel well rusted out and the shock had came through. I continued driving it because I couldn't afford to fix it and it was my only car now there is no wheel well left and had to remove the shock.”
NHTSA complaint #11073001, filed 2018-02, 100,000 miles“I have a 2005 Ford Escape that started making sounds in the back of the vehicle while driving in the town streets coming home when I hit bumps. We looked at the rear passenger side tire well and the shock mount is rusted through. The body is resting on the coil. I am afraid to drive it due to the danger of the body coming down on the wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10907403, filed 2016-09, 220,100 miles“The back passenger side wheel well has completely rotted away, so the body of the car is slammed against the suspension bars, obviously causing damage as well as an unbearable crashing bang any and every time you hit a bump. I am unsure if my wheel is going to come off or how long before my frame will be bent. I have seen similar complaint about the same make model and year and it is always the back wheel well.”
NHTSA complaint #11256856, filed 2019-09, 60,000 miles“Rusted out shock tower. Passenger rear panel all rusted out and large hole. Took it to dealer who said it is not under warranty and would have to go to a body shop. As I looked online, I have found that this has been a huge problem with this car and am surprised that there has not been a recall. Contacted Ford who said they can do nothing for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10733876, filed 2015-07, 58,850 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017906Jun 7, 2005Vibration at highway speeds over a wide speed range on vehicles built after 8/1/2004 equipped with a 3.0l engine and continental contitrac p235/70r16 104t tires only.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 | 9 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 | 8 | 0% |
| 2016 | 7 | 1% |
| 2015 | 13 | 1% |
| 2014 | 18 | 1% |
| 2013 | 27 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2011 | 32 | 2% |
| 2010 | 34 | 2% |
| 2009 | 19 | 1% |
| 2008 | 31 | 2% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 65 | 14% |
| 2005 | 459 | 33% |
| 2004 | 154 | 31% |
| 2003 | 90 | 16% |
| 2002 | 80 | 8% |
| 2001 | 42 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Escape
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 complaintsSteering
49 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 29, 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