Wrench.Pro

2006 Ford Escape Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Ford Escape has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear wheel well and shock tower corrosion.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Ford Escape.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear wheel well and shock tower corrosion

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

38 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-05

“2006 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUSTED OUT REAR SHOCK MOUNTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513957
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION. THE CONTACT NOTICED HOLES INSIDE THE SHOCK AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10920195
“RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING COMPLETELY GONE. FIRST INDICATION OF ANY ISSUE WAS WHEN SHOCK NO LONGER PROPERLY SUPPORTS. RUST AND TOTAL DE-LAMINATION OF METAL HOUSING SUPPORTING SHOCK. FEAR OF SHOCK PUNCHING THROUGH - INTO CARGO HOLD IN THE AREA OF THE JACK STORAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763978

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Accelerator pedal and throttle body sticking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2023-05

“06 Ford Escape , 4 cylinder, front wheel drive. The gas pedal sticks and won’t accelerate when the vehicle is colder”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491231
“MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE CONSTANTLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY HAS A STUCK GAS PEDAL IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THE CABLE AND THROTTLE BODY HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AT MY EXPENSE AND FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10864949
“THROTTLE BODY CONTINUOUSLY STICKS WHEN ACCELERATING CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT MOVE IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN DRIVING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU TRY TO MAKE A TURN AND VEHICLES ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992396

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous rear window and sunroof shattering

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2025-05

“Sunroof on the vehicle just shattered. No impact related cause. Maybe heat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664348
“REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD ONTO THE DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820637
“CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR CARPORT OVERNIGHT (12/24-25, 2015). WHEN I CAME OUT THE REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. MOST OF THE GLASS WAS OUTSIDE THE CAR, PERHAPS 5 PERCENT WAS INSIDE. NO FALLEN BRANCHES, NO SIGN OF FOUL PLAY, NONE OF OUR OTHER CARS WERE DAMAGED IN ANY WAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816204

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS hydraulic control unit brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES

44 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2020-10

“ABS LIGHT COMES ON. BRAKES ARE LOOSE. HAPPENED NOW MORE THAN 10 TIMES. WE JUST PULL OVER THE SIDE AND TURN OFF THE CAR. START AGAIN AND BRAKES WORK FINE FOR A WHILE. THIS IS AN SCARY CAR. I USE TO DRIVE MY KIDS AROUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10917223
“DRIVING ON CITY STREET WHEN "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AS WELL AS ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ON DASH. VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED TO STOP VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10902041
“BREAKS FAILED..FORD DEALER SAID NEEDS A NEW HYDROLIC UNIT ETC FOR $5200.00!! FOUND INFO ONLINE THAT SHOWS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!! BIG SAFETY PROBLEM.. PLEASE RESPOND..HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10871129

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2025-05

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED. RESTARTED AND POWER STEERING WOULDN'T WORK. YELLOW WRENCH WARNING, AND POWER STEERING LISTED ON FAULT INDICATOR. WILL TAKE TO DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817391
“WHILE DRIVING AND PARKING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. A WARNING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH BOARD SAYING STOP NOW. POWER STEERING FAIL. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10948546
“POWER STEERING FAIL NO DASH CODES E S P FAILED NO POWER ASSIST TO TURN THE STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11194853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hybrid coolant pump stall with stop-safely warning

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the brushless Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) pump needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524998
“STOP SAFELY NOW & SERVICE SOON - WRENCH. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175754
“I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPG WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT, AC WAS NOT COOLING AS IT WAS BEFORE THE WARNING THEN A SAFETY SIGN CAME ON THE DASHBOARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745550

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and power train failure

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2020-08

“I AM ONE OF MANY WHO HAVE HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION GO OUT ON THEIR 2006 FORD ESCAPE - I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY SON - STOPPED AT RED LIGHT - LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE - HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10910759
“TSB 07-5-6 TORQUE CONVERTER AND SOLENOID FAILED AT 96000 MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.HAPPENED EXISTING THE FREEWAY AND STALLED IN TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052403
“THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE WENT OUT ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. UPON ON HAVING A MECHANIC TEAR IT APART, IT WAS FOUND THAT A BEARING AND THE CLUTCH WENT OUT IN IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918923

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

214 crashes 1990–2024

How the 214 occupant deaths break down

163

driver deaths

51

passenger deaths

214

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

23

complaints mentioning a crash

10

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Ford Escape reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →