2006 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#17 most-complained of 21 Escape years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Ford Escape has 464 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 20 out of 100 — #17 highest of 21 Escape model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is engine (155 complaints, 33% of the total). Complaints report 16 crashes, 9 fires, 26 injuries, and 2 deaths.
- Complaints
- 464
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 26 / 2
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18.5 city / 23 hwy
Top 2006 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine155 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain80 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (16%)
- Brakes71 (15%)
- Structure & Body67 (14%)
- Fuel System38 (8%)
- Electrical System36 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers21 (5%)
- Steering20 (4%)
- Airbags17 (4%)
2006 Ford Escape recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V606000Sep 29, 2015Transmission & Powertrain57 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Risk: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
- NHTSA 14V526000Sep 3, 2014Fuel System70,209 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
- NHTSA 05V520000Nov 9, 2005Visibility & Wipers199,942 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Risk: After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673 or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
2006 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Ford Escape a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Ford Escape ranks #17 of 21 among Escape model years (Complaint Index 20/100, verdict: Best). It has 464 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Escape?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (155 complaints), transmission & powertrain (80 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (73 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Ford Escape have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 Ford Escape, most recently reported 2015, covering transmission & powertrain, fuel system, and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Ford Escape?
- EPA rates the 2006 Ford Escape at 20.5 MPG combined (18.5 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,175. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.