Anyone out there with the Hybrid and is so, have you experienced any problems...any???

 

I have two of them. An '05 and an '06. Both front wheel only.

I haven't had a bit of problems with either one of them (10k and 9k miles) and from what I hear and read on other boards, there have been very few problems with them overall. I read of one Ford bought back due to major electrical failure that was caused by an assembly error and a couple other problems that have all been covered by warranty.

The Escape Hybrid has exceed what I ever expected of it. I get around 32-33 mpg on the highway and 36+ on the local roads. Even better mileage in the warm weather.

You thinking of getting one? Don't hesitate to buy one if it is reliability you are worried about. If you are willing to adjust your driving technique some, you can do great in a Hybrid. If you like smoking tires, get the V6.

Hope this helps.

Ray

 

One thing to think of is warranty, get all the warranty you can. If the battery fails it list for $6913.42
Just a SCARY thought!
Ed

 

The one and only good thing about buying them in Massachusetts - the warranty on the hybrid components is 10 years/150k miles. If I remember correctly, that is the same case in several other states. It is in the manual which is not handy at the moment.

I think in the other states the hybrid component warranty is 8/80 or thereabouts.

Check with the dealer.

 

No problems with mine, purchased in November 2004.
Just a reminder re: service give the dealer good lede time so all the filters can be ordered. Even for an oil/filter change!
The trucks are still rare, and since they have a 10k interval between service points service departments don't see them that often.
Also make good use of on-line parts companies to purchase easy-to-install filters (air filter, rear air intake filter) that get dirty fast and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for ... and your local PepBoys doesn't carry.
And, yes, I live in one of the states that has the battery warranty at 150k.
Those states are the ones that require California emisssions (CA, NY, NJ, VT, CT, RI, MA, ME)

 

I bring it up because we just replaced one under warranty for a 2005 and was a little shocked to see the price. I wasn't aware of what the warranty was, I work in parts so we don't get to see all of the service and warranty stuff. Just thought it was an exspendsive part. And something to think about.
Ed

 

Thanks for the reply fellas, but the reason I asked was because we have owned one since september and I only have one little gripe over the squeak from the rear disc brake that occasionally gives us a chirp every now and then. those regen brake system is so touchy you have to pay close attention to it. I had taken it in for a check-up and the service manager said they couldn't find a thing wrong. then as soon as we drove off the lot and had gone through about 2-3 stoplights it started again??? but went away about a couple a minutes later so we just forgot about it. but yea, we haven't had a problem with this thing which is cool.
Like I said, we got this in september (actually my wife) I have an 04 F150 Lariat. but she is so happy with it. and then one day she stopped at the gas station to put some gas and dropped her credit card between the passenger seat and went to retrieve it and noticed a little box under that seat she opened it up to find that it was a six disc changer. the sales manager never told her anything about that being in there so she called me and asked if I knew about it....nope but thats even more of a plus for you aint it.

well my biggest question to you all is: Does anyone live in cold areas (chicago, maine et cetera?) how does it do in zeron degree weather? we are leaving Hawaii to Chi-town and am a bit worried about what the cold weather can do to a battery especially as big a battery it is. Thanks

 

Oops forgot to ask, anyone got an third party alarm system with remote start installed? any problems? I'm trying to make the Boss (wife) feel at ease. it's because I have it installed in my truck she wants one for her little Hybrid.

Mahalo peoples!

 

does it use the electric battery to start the gas motor? if so then it might be a pain for the guys, but otherwise I can't see a problem. If it is the case it's just a little extra wiring at the most. The guys might get on you, but I wouldn't think about paying too much extra.

 

Cold weather obviously adversely affects the battery capacity. it does have a built in heater though which, as the car warms up the battery holds more. The gas engine will run more in the cold weather because it has to maintain certain operating parameters to go into electric mode.

Even in bitter cold, I still do 30+ mpg.

You're moving from WHERE to Chicago? Ouch.....

 

I checked and Ford has nothing listed for the hybrid for a remote start or alarm in the catalog.sorry to say.
Ed

 

Our '06 FWD Hybrid Limited is on order. Glad to hear so many find the Escapes reliable.

 

Ford sold a couple of thousand hybrid Escapes in Canada on 2005 so they must be confident that the vehicle will function in cold weather.

 

She's in! Arrived in only 33 days after the order. Anyone know if our FTE sponsors carry the filters for FEHs?

 

FL-2017-B OIL FILTER IN STOCK
FA-1772 AIR FILTER NOT STOCKED YET WILL GET SOME.
Ed