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Ford Escape Hybrid Owners: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

163 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 5:22 AM

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Messages Page 12 of 17

#106 of 163 Re: Getting annoyed..... [stevedebi] by bigsweeps

Mar 13, 2006 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: stevedebi (Mar 11, 2006 4:13 pm)
Yes - I saw the TSB - seems it's a common problem with 2005 models built between August and December 2004. The dealership told me it was the electric motor that was overheating the first time. They did everything that the TSB said to do to fix it (replacing the water pump with a new/improved model, some software update and replacing an electrical panel) - but since that was only 3 weeks ago, it doesn't appear that it worked. The first time it happened, I was able to drive it about 8 miles to get safely off the highway (no safe place to pull over - no breakdown lanes). This time it only got about 2 miles (happened again on a highway with no breakdown lane) before it turned itself off (without warning I might add!). The thing that bothers me the most is that the bus came very close to hitting me - it put me in a VERY dangerous situation. And both Ford and the dealership refuse to pay for my rental vehicle this time (they did the first time). One more thing....after the first occurence I didn't think it was fixed so I brought it back. The dealership claims they checked everything over and said it was fine. Not even 10 days later, this happens.
 
The funny thing is my rental vehicle is starting to look good to me. LOL! It's a Chevy HHR. As much as I don't like Chevy's.....this is seeming pretty nice for half the price of my Escape Hybrid

#107 of 163 I'm having the same issues..... by sarahfromsc

Mar 14, 2006 (7:39 am)

....with my hybrid. Whenever I take it on a trip I get engine warning lights, overheating lights, electrical hazard lights, flashing wrenchs......makes me afraid to travel in the damn thing.
 
I have had the transmission replaced, I have had water pumps relaced, I have the front brakes replaced, I have had them look for the cause of a squealing when turning left and sometimes when I'm traveling straight ahead, I'll get the squeal noise. They couldn't find a problem. My truck surges ahead when I'm going down hill.....almost rear ended the car in front of me recently, and the truck surged through an intersection as well. The truck is a menace and I'm in the process of lemon lawing it. I do have to admit that both the dealership has been most helpful, and even suggested that I call a lemon law attorney.
 
The bitch of it all is if that I'm finally getting 25 miles to the gallon.....better on the highway if I can keep the emergency flashing wrench off, and the hazard electrical warning light off, and if I can keep the engine from overheating.......
 
My rental was the Kia Sorrento.....nice little truck...I'm keepingit in mind. Also my dealership sells the Kia. And they have paid for all my rentals and have tried.

#108 of 163 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 15, 2006 (7:59 am)

A financial magazine reporter aims to interview someone who has purchased a hybrid and would like to discuss why you chose buying a hybrid and if you're happy with your vehicle. Please respond to ctalatiedmunds.com before Wednesday, March 15 at 5 PM EST with your daytime/weekend contact info.

#109 of 163 Re: I'm having the same issues..... [sarahfromsc] by bigsweeps

Mar 15, 2006 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: sarahfromsc (Mar 14, 2006 7:39 am)
RE: sarahfromsc
 
OMG! We need to talk! My truck has surged like that too. Usually it happens when I'm coming to a stop at an intersection (I've learned to stay back from the car in front of me since it has almost pushed me far enough to hit a car if I'm less than 10 feet away). I was going to bring it in - but it's been in the shop so much that I didn't think to mention it this time.
 
For me, the squeel noise was bad wheel bearings - you might want to have them look into that.
 
The dealership told me to pick up my truck tonight - but they were honest and said they aren't sure that they fixed it. They replaced the pump again - but they don't think that is the true problem.

#110 of 163 Re: Problems with 2005Ford Escape Hybrid Navigation system [f102flyer] by hybrid_south

Mar 16, 2006 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: f102flyer (Oct 03, 2005 7:41 pm)
I have a 2006 FEH Navigation system, and it too is now lagging behind as well. It will correct itself if I drive on several roads and it gets really lost, otherwise it is constantly getting up to a mile behind.
 
Took it to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong and it must be powerlines or trees causing the problems. Only thing is... this happens all the time anywhere I go. And it only started to get this bad in the past month.
 
I think the system is just flawed.

#111 of 163 Re: I'm having the same issues..... [bigsweeps] by sarahfromsc

Apr 05, 2006 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: bigsweeps (Mar 15, 2006 12:34 pm)
Hello bigsweeps:
 
The surging is scary isn't it? Took mine to the shop and lo and behold, it didn't surge on them. I asked them to prove it to me by taking a test drive with me. Then they admited that they don't know what is wrong.
 
Be that as it may, I'm now in arbitration, so hopefully I won't have to deal with it much longer.
 
What kind of rental did you have?....LOLOLOLOL

#112 of 163 Re: I'm having the same issues..... [sarahfromsc] by bigsweeps

Apr 05, 2006 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: sarahfromsc (Apr 05, 2006 12:11 pm)
Yes it is scary! Since my last post, my dealership called the regional service rep and engineer to come look the truck over. They took it on a long test drive, hooked it up to computers, etc. and assured me it was fixed for good this time. They offered me an extended warranty "for my troubles". About a week later, I got the flashing wrench and "service soon" warnings and then it powered itself down about 2 seconds later as I was pulling out onto a busy street. Needless to say - I was beyond livid. After all, Fords reps ASSURED me it was really fixed for good this time. The truck has been at the dealer ever since (it's been a week). This time, they said it was the computer that was fried. (The service manager showed me where it's located and frankly it's a very poor design - it's housed right under the windshield wipers and the hole that it sits in is exposed to the elements.) I told the dealer "even if you replace the computer, I am sure it's going to fail on me again". It's a death trap! I told them I DID NOT WANT IT BACK and urged them to get Ford to do something about it. As of today, Ford offered me a replacement vehicle. But only MSRP to MSRP. Since mine is a 2005 (early 2005), any comparably equipped late 2005 is about $600 more since there was a price increase. And obviously the 2006 are slightly more. So Ford is telling me to take a less equipped vehicle or pony up the cash to get the same equipment I have. I was less than pleased with this arrangement. Had they offered it weeks ago, I would have jumped on it, but after all my experiences with Ford, the last thing I wanted to do was give them another penny! And realistically, I now hate Fords so much that the last thing I want is another Escape Hybrid. In a perfect world, I would like a refund but I know that won't happen. I considered lemon lawing it - but I would have to wait 60 days and there are so many grey areas that it's a gamble. My hubby is telling me to pay the $$ and get the 2006 and if worse comes to worse, we'll trade it in for something else (and take a huge depreciation hit).
 
My current rental this time around is a Buick Lucerne (it was a choice of that or a Pontiac Grand Prix). Not too bad for a rental but I would NEVER buy one. And boy does it guzzle the gas! I've had to fill it up twice this week and at $47.xx a pop, it's making me think of going out and getting a Honda Civic Hybrid (which hubby just bought last week for himself).

#113 of 163 Re: I'm having the same issues..... by bigsweeps

Apr 05, 2006 (3:34 pm)

Oh - sarahfromsc - make sure you file a complaint at the NHTSA's website. The more people that do - the better chance the government will investigate and do something about it.
 
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

#114 of 163 Re: I'm having the same issues..... [bigsweeps] by stevedebi

Apr 05, 2006 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: bigsweeps (Apr 05, 2006 3:33 pm)
"My hubby is telling me to pay the $$ and get the 2006 and if worse comes to worse, we'll trade it in for something else (and take a huge depreciation hit)."
 
In my opinion, having a 2006 is worth the extra money.
 
If you are not set on the hybrid, I might suggest the Ford Freestyle. I chose it over the FEH this past Feburary when I shopped. Great car, but of course MPG is not as good (around 19 city / 26 highway).

#115 of 163 AC issues in the Desert Summer by cactusdriver

Apr 14, 2006 (11:01 am)

Hey all,
I'm seriously considering buying a 2006 FEH 2WD but am worried about AC use in the summer here in Phoenix, AZ.
 
Does anyone have any experience using one of these vehicles in our summers? Temps will be over 110 for most of the summer and over 100 all summer. Avg mileage? Maintenance issues? Anything else?

Messages Page 12 of 17

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