'05 Escape, Rear hatch does not latch securely, how do I adjust it?

The striker probably needs adjusting - if it is a double sneck latch move the striker out a little and if it is just a single sneck latch it will need moving in.

A tailgate or rear hatch usually closes on to adjustable rubber buffers that often lose adjustment due to them "walking" over time. The aim is to strike a balance between the correct latching of the tailgate and pressure on the rubber buffers so the tailgate doesn't rattle and the finished position is where the gap between the tailgate and body is equal all the way around.

The latch has come loose. It needs to be adjusted properly and tightened. Any mechanic can do this in a few minutes time.

You need a latch assembly. Common problem. Open the hatch glass. Then try and lift up and push forward the plastic door panel around the spot where the glass closes into the hatch. It should give you enough room to see the latch assembly inside. Use a flashlight to look for the latch which is in the center bottom of the hatch. There is a white plastic lever. Push or pull on the lever and the door should open. The latch has a electric actuator that goes bad. Only replaced as a latch assembly.

Bad lock actuator: (NOTE: If your hatch is locked)
First remove rear panel- pull the plastic panel at the top center, until (2)clips pop off, then pop (2) more clips at the mid-center. Stick your arm down until you reach the lock, with your fingers, feel for the squishy plastic( inside is the bar that goes up to unlock), it is attached to the lever to unlock. Pull up the lever until you can open the hatch. There are four more clips at the top sides and middle sides, and four plastic screws at the bottom which is only accessible when the hatch is opened.
The lock is only sold as an assembly at $100.
Part Number #9L8Z-7843150 B

Hi Jim, You may need to check the hinges and adjust the locking mechanisms. If the door has a spare attached the weight can damage the hinges. Regards John

THEIR IS A BAR THAT RUNS FROM THE HANDLE TO THE LOCK AND THEIR IS A PLASTIC CLIP ON EACH END THAT SECURES THE ROD TO THE HANDLE AND LOCK, OPEN THE DOOR AND TAKE OFF THE INSIDE PANEL AND YOU WILL SEE THE BAR. IF THE PLASTIC CLIP BRAKES IT WONT WORK MANUALLY THE CLIPS YOU CAN PURCHASE IN ANY PARTS STORE USUALLY IN THEIR HELP ISLE. THAY ARE LIKE 6.00 FOR A BOX THE ONLY WAY THE SELL THEM IS 15 TO A BOX

It sounds like you need to either adjust or replace the latch for the rear hatch.

If you want a quick and inexpensive way to fix this immediately and have it last a long time just take black electrical tape and stretch it tightly over the seat catch/latch this will take up the slack without having to try to adjust the seats while at the same time creating a cushion between the two metal latches and catches which should dampen the annoying sounds of the rattling.Hope this works.
Happy Motoring!!

Get some dielectric grease and put it on the latch located on the bottom of the hatch. You will need to put quite a bit of grease in there and make sure you get it right inside the latch. Use the dielectric grease that comes in the squeeze tube not the spray can.

The liftgate consists of the following components:

• liftgate door lock actuator
• liftgate lock cylinder (if equipped)
• liftgate window glass
• liftgate window latch/ajar switch
• liftgate window glass release handle
• liftgate latch remote control which consists of the following component:
  • liftgate release handle
• liftgate latch, which consist of the following component:
  • liftgate latch door ajar switch

Liftgate Latch Actuator Removal and Installation

1. Remove the liftgate latch remote control. For additional information, refer to Liftgate Latch Remote Control in this section.

SECTION 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems 2001 Escape Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Liftgate Latch Removal and Installation

1. Remove the liftgate trim panel.

1. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector.

1. Disconnect the liftgate latch actuating rod.
   1. Open the clip.
   1. Disconnect the actuating rod.

1. Remove and discard the liftgate latch bolts.

1. Remove the liftgate latch.

1. NOTE: Make sure the liftgate latch release rod is not preloading the latch. It should be clipped in a relaxed state with no slack.
   NOTE: Position the liftgate latch release rod by pushing outboard to remove the slack.
   

1. Remove the screws and the liftgate latch actuator