Rear driver's side door will not close/latch. Latch can be manually moved, but does not engage when shutting door. Currently using bungee cords to keep door closed as I have children and no other vehicle. Vehicle was parked, door was opened from inside to allow passenger to exit, but when they attempted to shut the door, it would not latch closed. No prior problems with the door and no prior w…
2005 Ford Escape body problems
moderate 197 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500
Complaints
197
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$1,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SERVICE. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE AND CROSSMEMBER WERE CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED HELLER FORD (700 W MAIN ST, EL PASO, IL 61738, (309) 527-6050) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA…
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2005 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 197 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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