YearToAvoid

2005 Ford Escape Hev Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2005 Ford Escape Hev has 12 NHTSA complaints with a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the three model years with data, and no recalls on file. Brakes are the top concern, making up 67% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 102,525 miles.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
0/100
#3 of 3 Escape Hev years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
12
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2005 Ford Escape Hev problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes8 (67%)
  2. Engine2 (17%)
  3. Fuel System1 (8%)
  4. Structure & Body1 (8%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Brakes can fail to stop the vehicle after ABS and brake warning lights suddenly illuminate.
  • Owners describe brakes becoming soft along with brake, ABS, and service brake system warning lights, sometimes clearing temporarily before recurring.
  • Repeated total loss of braking has been reported multiple times over a two-year span on the same vehicle.
  • A hydraulic control module has been diagnosed as defective in more than one brake failure case.
  • The engine has stalled or gone dead while in drive or reverse, raising concern about being struck in traffic.
  • One owner reported a rear window shattering on its own after the rear defroster was used in cold weather.
2005 Ford Escape Hev complaints: complaints filed per month1Sep 2007Mar 2011Sep 2012Oct 2014Feb 2016Sep 2016
12 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2007 to Aug 2018; peak Sep 2007 (1).

2005 Ford Escape Hev recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2005 compared with other Escape Hev years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict0120—
2006No verdict100371—
2007No verdict50150—

All Ford Escape Hev years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Ford Escape Hev reliable?
NHTSA lists only 12 complaints for the 2005 Escape Hev, giving it a complaint index of 0, the lowest of the three model years with data. Brakes are the top reported issue, covering 67% of complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Ford Escape Hev?
Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 8 of 12 complaints (67%), with a median failure mileage of 102,525 miles. Owners describe sudden loss of braking and defective hydraulic control modules.
Does the 2005 Ford Escape Hev have any recalls?
NHTSA records show zero recalls filed against the 2005 Escape Hev, though one sample complaint references a separate coolant pump recall campaign.
How does the 2005 Escape Hev compare to other years?
The 2005 model ranks 3rd (least complaints) among the three years with data, with a complaint index of 0 versus 100 for 2006 and 50 for 2007.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.