One problem related to engine grinding noise has been reported for the 2005 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2005 Escape.
Driving 55 mph on highway, car sounded like it downshifted into much lower gear (very loud) with jerky motion, immediately lost power, was climbing large hill, coasted to side of road in heavy traffic, lost power steering, made horrific grinding sound, and then stopped. Idled for 30-45 seconds, all dashlights came on before dying on highway. I have reviewed carcomplaints. Com on this model Escape, they are notorious for pcm computer going with no notice. My mechanic informs me today that is the problem, cost for repair is about $2,000. 00, not covered by the extended warranty I purchased. This is a well documented issue that clearly creates safety issues when driving at high rates of speed, with no warning. The car was "fine" by all other accounts, this happened out of no where.