One problem related to paint 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.
I bought my 2005 Escape new and just recently (oct 2008) I noticed on top of the rear lift gate where both of the hinges are the paint is pealing off and getting worse all the time. It started out very small right where the edge of the gate is on top. But with time has started to peal off on top of the lift gate as well. I have since started looking at all the 2004-2006 Escapes that I see parked and every single one, regardless of color, without fail has the paint pealing away in the same spot. I have spoken to Ford motor CO. And they refuse to handle it.