Two problems related to software 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.
Entering and accelerating from a main street that turns into a freeway the engine lost all power very suddenly, abs light engaged, then died as exiting the freeway. Extremely dangerous with children in car and no warning which would have caused a mechanic to look into previously. Exiting the freeway the engine died but restarted with ability to drive at 10 mph (in a bad area) with engine loss and noise. At shop, I was told the spark plugs, coils and pcm would need to be replaced in that order ($795), then the coils ($600), then the pcm ($1400) not including labor. A ex-Ford master technician said Ford new of problem and replaced those components when the cars came into the shop. Ford has a separate software checking program only designed for Ford Escapes to test the pcm for damage caused by faulty plugs. Apparently a recall occurred for some vins, when I contacted Ford headquarters I was told my vehicle was not made at a particular plant ergo my burden to pay out of pocket. Recall was in 2014 for Escapes with 80,000 miles or less while in warranty. This is a common well-documented electrical component failure which occurs after 80,000 miles.
Car was driving fine, parked for several hours and then it would not start. Towed to a shop and all coils were out. After more diagnosis, the spark plugs, the coils (pocs) and the powertrain computer module had to be replaced for a total cost of $2600 on a 5 year old car with 63,000 miles on it. Most likely the spark plug rf caused the pcm to crash. Had to replace the plugs, coils and pcm including software and programming. I have read on several complaint blogs that Ford knows of the problems (defective plugs) and has issued 2 TSB, 05111 and 0926. Problem should be under the emission warranty, but Ford says it is a ignition problem. I think it is Ford's problem and they should be compelled to repair the problem. I have read numerous complaints on blogs for this problem where the car just stops regardless if you are on the freeway or in your driveway.