The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004 as a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape SUV. The vehicle proved to be popular, and Ford is working to develop a "plug-in" version of the car. However, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a few systemic problems, one of them relating to the automatic door locks.
Owners of the Ford Escape Hybrid report problems with the automatic door locks including hitting "unlock" on the key fob and not all doors unlock; all the doors automatically unlocking when you open the door to get out; and doors randomly locking or unlocking for seemingly no reason at all.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is factory-set with an "auto-lock" feature that automatically locks all doors once the vehicle reaches 5 mph. This function can be turned off so that doors remain unlocked.
The instructions for enabling and disabling Ford Escape Hybrid auto locks are outlined in the owner's manual. To turn the feature off, turn the ignition key to the "3" position, press the door lock control on the door panel three times, turn the key to the "1" position, press the power door unlock control three times and turn the ignition back to "3." You will hear a chirping noise to let you know that programming can now begin. To turn the feature off, press the power door unlock control one time, then press the unlock control once. A chirp from the horn will let you know that feature is turned off.
Several Ford Escape Hybrid owners who experienced door lock issues report that the problem was traced to a broken or corroded wire inside the door itself. If experiencing problems that are not related to the auto-lock feature, this might be the best place to start looking for the problem, as it is easy to get to and simple to fix.
Another possible reason for Ford Escape Hybrid door lock problems are security systems sold to buyers by dealers who were not authorized by Ford Motor Company. Some unscrupulous dealers sold aftermarket security systems to buyers representing them as a Ford product when they were not. At present, there is no Ford-authorized security system for the Ford Escape Hybrid. These security systems can interfere with automatic door locks.
In 2005, Ford said it was recalling 220,000 vehicles from the 2005 model year amid concerns that a battery cable rubbing against the frame could cause fires. There were also concerns that a fuel tank strap could separate. 2006 models were recalled due to a drivetrain shaft that could fracture. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that if a fracture occurred, it could cause the vehicle to move, even in the park position.
