general problems of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

Early sept 2014 - began to experience intermittent issues of "limp home" mode. Originally, issue began with small "surges" in acceleration that I believed were simply related to the hybrid engine kicking into gear. Then experienced multiple but random "limp home mode" events, particularly when stopping at lights or accelerating (light-mod pressure) from a full stop. Car would flash "service engine soon" and not go above 20mph and sometimes not that. Would pull off if able, otherwise, would have to stop with flashers in the middle of the road, turn off the engine, wait a minute, and then restart (rebooting car). This would clear the check engine light and car would resume normal operation - of note: codes would not stay in the history of the computer. After several occurrences, managed to "limp home" to a mechanic while the light was on and pull codes between 2009-2012 and was advised to have the computer reprogrammed by Ford service. Car began limping home during full traffic and full acceleration (not stopped or slowing), causing a massive safety concern. Noted multiple investigative mentions on internet regarding 2005-2012 etb issues, but also noted this was then only "replaced" for 2009-2012. Apparently, anything older than 09 is a lost cause. 10/23/14 - have car in Ford service and recall (14s19) has been noted regarding motor electronics coolant pump causing "a failure mode effects management strategy that can result in a sudden partial or full loss of motive power" to protect vehicle powertrain. Being charged for diagnostic even though there is a recall on the part that is likely causing the problem.

While traveling in the high speed lane at approximately 2 am, the vehicle lost engine power without any notice as the engine shut off and the power was reduced to minimal power given by the electric motor. This caused an inability to maintain speed on a very dangerous overpass curve of the freeway and nearly caused two vehicles in the immediate proximity to collide with my vehicle as speed rapidly dropped and the vehicle said to "pull over ands shut off vehicle safely". This part of the freeway had no pull over spot nor did it have an area to really safely pull off the freeway. This is the second time the car has done this at high speed within two weeks. It has done this approximately 1-0 times at low speeds on city streets. The car is able to be driven after shutting off the power, letting it sit, and then restarting the system. There is an accompanying overheating that occurts as a result of the engine shutting off, causing the engine to be unable to be easily restarted at that point. This event gives no warning or indication it will happen and is a very dangerous situation for any driver to be thrust into. If it had been rush hour traffic, I am certain there would have been accidents and vehicle collisions as a result.

When the vehicle is warmed up and decelerating below 40mph they gasoline engine will shut off as the regenerative braking charges the hybrid high voltage battery. On a rare occasion during this braking, the gasoline engine will turn back on giving a brief surge which requires pressing the brake harder. It has done this since I bought the vehicle.