Problems with 2006 Ford Escape ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I bought a used 2006 ford escape from pasadena auto planet in south houston tx. on 1/31/15. about a week later i thought i saw smoke coming from under my hood but i dismissed it because there was a car in front of me with smoke coming from the muffler. on another day the same thing. i wasn't behind any car and i saw smoke coming from under my hood so i pulled over. i could smell coolant. my car did not indicate overheating because it is cold outside. when i lifted my hood smoke galore came out from the radiator. it was dark so i couldn't see anything. the next morning i took it to a mechanic and we discovered the radiator was crushed from an apparent prior accident and the fans weren't working either. i called the car lot the next morning and spoke with a man named [xxx]. i told him the situation. he told me when he got to the car lot he would pull my file and call me back. 3 hours went by and nothing. so i went to the car lot and there he was. he did not look happy to see me. i went inside and told him again about the damaged radiator. we walked outside and he lifted the top off the coolant system and said to me, "well, you don't have any fluid in here." like he was trying to dance all around it. i finally made him get on his knees and look at the damage and he said, "oh, that's just the condenser." so i asked him what was he going to do about it. he said he would "try" to get approval to fix it at no cost to me. i decided i don't want them fixing it because at this point i do not trust them. i want my money back. after researching, i found out that fire can result from a car overheating so he sold me a safety hazard. my 1st car payment is due this saturday, 2/28/15. i'm not paying it for i just want my money back. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The service engine light came on plus the wrench light. the vehicle told me to pull over safely. it would not go over 20 miles per hour. i had it towed to the ford dealership and was told it was the throttle body. i did research online where other escapes were having the same issue. the north carolina consumers council stated this online- "we have been informed that ford has issued an extended warranty for defective throttle body assemblies and sensors for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the data of original purchase. for vehicles past this time limit, the warranty is reported to be valid until january 31, 2015." since i am over the mileage i am having to pay for the part. *tr

First it stalled out while idling, then stalled out at stop light , then upon acceleration it stalled again. while driving it hesitated again , when i accelerated it started to go again, at stop light it stalled out. it always seems to start. i called the dealer where i purchased it and no active recalls for my vehicle, called another ford dealer and same answer. i mentioned consumer program 13n03 but told it was vehicle specific. *tr

Less than 9 months after purchase in 2008, the engine light of my 2006 ford escape xlt v6 went on. multiple shops attempted to find the source of the problem but could not get the light off without wanting to do many step by step "could be this..." repairs. computer code indicated the emissions control system was malfunctioning. car remained with an expired inspection sticker for several months while different things were tried. finally a shop found a corroded wire, and the light went out. less then 7 months later the car battery light went on, and it stalled and died within minutes. it required 12 jumos to get it the approx. 8 miles home. the alternator and battery were then replaced. less than 1 month later the exact same thing occurred. a 2nd alternator and battery were put in. 2 months later the vehicle then suddenly began flashing the engine light pulling out from a stop sign. instantly the car stopped accelerating and the front end began shaking, and making loud rattling noises, and fresh gas can be detected from the front end. it was found to have no oil, although there should have been plenty based on last oil change, and the oil light never came on. the engine now needs to be replaced. (mileage listed at failure is the engine event). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. the contact was driving 10 mph when the power steering and all electrical aspects of the vehicle failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed a fractured engine bolt. the vehicle was repaired yet approximately 1,300 miles later, the failure recurred. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they advised that there was a factory defect found within the vehicle. the vehicle was repaired a second time. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

My wife was driving my son to school and going to work. all of a sudden the car started making a noise, the engine and battery lightcame on and the car shut down. she was in the middle of traffic. she then started the car again and she was able to pull into a gas station. the car again shut down. we had it towed to the ford service dealer. they examined it and said that our motor was dead and the engine flooded. this is the first incident we have had with the car. the ford service person quoted us for a new motor 3800..for used and 5400 for a new one. two days later he upped the price to 4800 for a used one. i asked for specifics to the failure but was not given one. again, i have had plenty of oil changes and inspection with nothing indicating a problem. my mechanic checked it an is replacing it for less. i really believe their is some issues with this car. *tr

Tl*the contact owned a 2006 ford escape xlt. while driving approximately 40 mph approaching a stop sign the vehicle would stall. she heard a noise when she restated the vehicle. she drove the vehicle to her residence and noticed that the vehicle had no motor oil. she continued to hear the noise after she added oil to the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an authorized ford dealer. the dealer installed a new crank shaft and engine. the dealer then installed a used engine at the owners expense. the contact stated that she was not the original owner of the vehicle. the approximate failure mileage was 42,175. the current mileage was 43,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. the contact stated that a rod caused the engine to lock. the vehicle was towed to the ford dealer and they informed the contact that he needed to replace the engine. the manufacturer advised the contact that they were unable to replace the engine per the warranty since it has expired and the mileage was 44,000. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 44,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. the contact heard a loud clanking noise when he started the vehicle. the check engine indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and the engine shook violently. while driving less than 20 mph, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the engine failed, but the warranty was expired. in addition, the intake valves were off, which threw the pistons off as well. the combustion chamber was exposed and caused the engine to fail. the current and failure mileages were less than 33,392.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. while driving no more than 50 mph, an explosion was heard. the driver pulled the vehicle over and noticed flames. another driver pulled over and helped her extinguish the fire with snow. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and then later towed to the dealer from where it was purchased. the dealer stated that the motor was faulty, which caused the explosion due to the piston being blown out of place. a police report was filed. the vehicle is still at the shop and has not been repaired. the contact believes that the manufacturer should issue a recall because the defect should not occur in a two year old vehicle. there were no injuries. the current and failure mileages were 59,000.

Since buying suv trouble with rear windshield wiper, cruise control staying engaged, & turn over cold/hot start hesitation currently voluntary recalls. ford says my suv was only affected by the windshield wiper. at 22,000 miles went to original dealer for oil change put windshield fluid ? wasn't in port or reservoir. bucking at 28,000 miles brought to other dealership during oil change. during visit told them about interior lights. suppose to check automatic transmission filter/fluid/service based on manual, but wasn't done. at other ford dealership had suv 35,830 bucking problem again and interior lighting on panels not working. was told those lights never worked or glowed? said bucking was a suspension pin in the front passengers side, only one was changed despite 4 wheel drive vehicle. ( was towed back to dealership next day 4 bucking ) ford mentioned needing new breaks soon that there was vibration and shimmy from the break pads that i was feeling? had tires done 38,177 miles & brakes 38,550 with independent mechanic non ford was told that all 4 suspension pins should have been changed simultaneously like my tires and that their is a class 1 leak from my differential/transmission-possibly just a gasket change 6-9 hours worth of labor. i contacted the ford customer service repair center i would have to pay for out of pocket despite having made note bringing in issues when vehicle was under the manufacturers warranty it is currently out. with the sensitivities to the current market felt it wasn't in my best interest to pay for the extended warranty. if ford closed who would do my work when they were suppose to do it during regular bumper to bumper full manufacturer warranty in the first place and didn't. not to mention i still owe 2 more years worth of car note & insurance to pay off this vehicle. i don't have the money to pay for repairs that should have been covered by the manufacturer. *tr

At 9 months pregnant, while driving home i suddenly heard a loud thumping noise. i was close to home so i brought it there and had it towed to a dealership. they told me that there was absolutely no oil in the car, even though i had my oil changed a month before. the oil light never went on and we did not see any leaking oil. i received a call from the dealer telling me that my engine had to be replaced at 46,000 miles! he told me that i should have been checking my oil every time i got gas (at 9 months pregnant!) and it was up to me to keep up with it, not the check oil light. he told me that i should not rely on those indicators. a new engine and $5000 later and now my car leaks oil. i have been bringing it in every month to fix the leak and it always starts again within a week. this has been going on for 2 years now. i have 1 more year left for my engine warranty and i have a feeling that they will find the expensive problem as soon as that time comes. i'm so upset and frustrated with this car and even more so with the service. *tr

Engine failed. engine of suv would rev at high rate. suv had to be towed to dealer. tow trucker driver noted that suv had been towed before because tow hook had bent frame. i told the driver that the car had not been towed during my lease. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. while driving between 45-60 mph or when slowing down, the vehicle shuts off. the battery light illuminates and the contact must make 2-5 attempts to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to three dealers and none were able to duplicate the failure. the current mileage was 123,000 and failure mileage was 80,000. the consumer stated the vehicle stalls after stopping. updated 11/26/07. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford escape. while driving 45 mph, the contact felt the vehicle accelerate on its own. she removed her foot from the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. she made sure that the cruise control was deactivated by pressing the off button. the contact had to stand on the brake pedal in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. the contact inspected the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who suggested that the format could be stuck. they found that this was not the cause of failure. the vehicle was restarted and the engine began to rev. the dealer shut off the engine and replaced the throttle, however, they were unable to diagnose the cause of failure. the contact is aware of the recall for the ford escape in 2005 for the same failure. the current mileage is 16,300 and failure mileage was 16,197. the consumer stated strongly urges a recall for this specific vehicle. the consumer further stated had 3 passengers in the vehicle and this was an extremely dangerous incident. updated 08/29/07 *tr

Loud noise while starting vehicle in cold weather. idler pulley was shredding the serpentine belt and pulley was overheating. dealer replaced under warranty. *jb

I have had to bring my new car 2006 ford escape to the dealer (5xs) where i purchased it for an ongoing squealing problem when the car is started in the morning. any fixes are temporary and the squeal continues on a new car this should not be happening.. my concern is that is a more serious problem like the transmission and they just are not fixing it, i have a full warranty and now i notice when i put my car in park i still move and i hit the brake but i am in park? my car is going back in again this wed the last time was just a few months ago and they had it for about 5 days... this is the last time for me. *tr

2006 ford escape xlt customer states that the seat covers had to be replaced, the car would not turn over and jerking while driving over 70 mph and rear wiper not working correctly**cc the consumer stated sitting at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. the consumer was able to restart the vehicle, but the rest of the way to her destination, the vehicle was riding rough and jerking. the dealer diagnosed the problem as a inoperative torque converter. the consumer stated the vehicle would stall, drive roughly and jerked on several occasions. the vehicle also would shift hard and lurch forward while the cruise control was activated. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle grinds during start up if it sits for a couple of days. on 04-18-06 the vehicle began to sputter along with a delay in the accelerator pedal and the engine. the dealership admitted there were other vehicle's with the same year, make and model that has the problem. the dealer arranged an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected this week. updated 5/16/2006 - the door ajar light illuminated intermittently. the dealer lubed the door and applied weatherstripping. *nm

i have a 2006 ford escape. the gas pedal is sticking all the time. it's not a sticking because it is stuck or needs lubed. it is a hard mechanical lock! no matter what you do you can not press down on the gas pedal. it's locked! you have to wait until it unlocks to do anything. this has been going on for a very long time. the other day it locked up on me as i was pulling out in traffic and was almost in an accident. it wouldn't move. i had to pull over on the side of the road and sit there until it decided to work again. my husband drives around with cruise control on so he doesn't get put in a position like this one even in town! someone is going to get killed- the driver and passengers of a car like this! ford recalled the same problem for 2004 and 2005 models but will not acknowledge the 2006 models. i shouldn't have to pay out money for a failure they are aware of. someone shouldn't be killed for this to be looked into and taken serious. if i could i would get another car but i would lose a lot of money doing that. ford needs to fix this and a recall needs to be demanded. if you search the internet people are complaining about this all over the place. not everyone knows the steps of action to take to be heard. we need the national highway traffic safety administration to step up and protect our drivers and our roads. this is really serious! there is no way of knowing when the car decides to do this. when you take it in and it doesn't do it, they say there is no problem. please help us! *kb