One problem related to transmission fluid leaking 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.
From the time I purchased my 2005 Escape on 8/31/05 the transmission makes a loud thunking noise and jerks when shifting from park to drive or reverse. Repairs as follows: 08-22-07 replaced shaft and joint assembly. 03-03-08 replaced torque. Found fluid leak from around the front pump, resealed it. Replaced broken oss sensor. Test drove stated trans operational normal. 6-27-08 replaced trans tone ring that was out of round. 8-11-08, replaced valve cover set due to ticking sound. Work done at midas auto service, not Ford dealer. This was done due to a technical bulletin they received that was originally sent out 2-20-06. Which I never personally received. I didn't know the problem existed until they told me. On 8-22-07 replaced shaft and joint assembly. Road test confirmed repair. 9-9-09 TSB removed p-side valve cover , loosen cam shaft bolts ,retorque to spec. Found a loose exhaust manifold torque to spec. As of 4-14-09 the hard shift problem still remains.