Two problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) have 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.
Our daughter was driving her 2005 Ford Escape. She had just gotten on the turnpike - as she was driving the dash board lights started flashing and the car started slowing down - the steering wheel locked up and the car died. She luckily was able to get to the side of the highway and was not hurt. It was about 99 degrees outside at 2:00 in the afternoon. We had to have a tow truck take the vehicle to a car repair shop. It was determined that the spark plugs and coil had burned up and it would be $2,200 to repair the car. After looking online, this is s common problem with 2005 Ford Escapes. There are no recalls. Ford has said to keep the receipt in case there are recalls in the future. That is little relief from the fact that we are out $2200 now and don't feel safe having our daughter driving this vehicle any longer. She has had regular maintenance on her car. One other problem with vehicle is that the leather interior has started coming off the side door panels - it's like the adhesive has just worn out. We have tried to fix this but it looks bad and no one will guarantee a repair on it because they say it's a manufacturing error and it is a difficult repair. This 2005 Ford Escape should be considered a lemon!! we have always driven Fords with no problems - very disappointing.
Engine pings (pre-detonation) when outside temp is over 85 degrees and speed is over 40 mph. Dealer says no codes are thrown but suggested the latest pcm reflash and injector cleaning at 44,800 miles might solve the problem. A $278 charge and no difference. No refund since they now tell me this is a maintenance item but the dealership also mentions they've seen a lot of these issues with the new e10 gas in the ozone non-attainment region. I explained I do not use e10 since the county in which I reside does not sell e10. They suggest trying different gas brands which doesn't help. After explaining I have another brand of vehicle with a similar size engine that does not ping, they state Ford needs to do something about this issue.