2004 FORD ESCAPE Suspension Problems

The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock mount tower, which is only now connected to the rear floor panel. Without the support of the rest of the body panel, the metal is slowing ripping away where it is connected to the floor if it is driven. The vehicle is completely unsafe to drive now as the rear shock could rip away from the vehicle at any moment. There have been many complaints of this happening on the rear passenger side, which I also had on this vehicle. Roughly 5 years ago, I had an independent auto body shop repair rust on the passenger side shock mount/body panel where it had rusted through. I noticed a hole in the body panel when changing the rear shocks, but it was not large enough or bad enough at that point to create a safety issue. So, I had time to safety get it to an auto body shop for repair before it got bad. This same issue has now happened on the driver side and I am left with a car that is unsafe to drive. When the other side was repaired, there was no sign of rust or concern on the other side. So, it has completely rusted through in that 5-year time frame. I inquired about repairing this with an auto body shop, and I was told that the rust is too significant to repair safely and cost effectively. It would require extensive metal repair on the body and frame underneath it. This absolutely could have put myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk if the rear shock and mount had unexpectedly ripped away from the body of the vehicle. It could have ripped through the rear body of the car or come in contact with the rear wheel while driving, causing a significant risk of losing control of the vehicle.

in an attempt t improve the safety and drivability of m 2004 ford escape I went to have my shocks, struts, control arms, sway bar end links and ball joints and steering arms replaced. upon the installation I was informed that the rust on the sub frame is at a critical level and in danger of catastrophic failure. I did some research and found that the recall on the sub frame existed. however my local dealership denied that this recall existed for my vehicle. I was able to get the majority of the parts installed but there is issues with the threads inside the subframe that the hardware attaching the suspension components to the vehicle. I am reading that the "fix" for this recall is installing a support brace but do not fee that is an acceptable repair as the wheels may literally fall off of the car taking the front suspension with them as they go.

THE WHOLE UNDERBODY IS RUSTING AWAY ESPECIALLY THE FRAME, COULDN'T EVEN GET REGULAR MAINTENCE DONE SINCE THE RUST SO BAD. WE ALWAYS WASHED THE UNDERBODY AFTER IT SNOWED AND THAT DIDN'T STOP THE RUST FROM EATING AWAY THE SUV. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY YEAR BUT WHEN I DO A VIN CHECK IT SAYS NO RECALL OPEN FOR MY VEHICLE. I HAD TO GET A WINDOW PUT IN HAD 4 DIFFERENT COMPANIES COME OUT TILL I COULD GET SOME ONE WILLING TO PUT IT IN SINCE THEY WHERE SCARED OF THE PINCH WHEEL FROM BEING SO RUSTY. THE FRAME IS SO BAD YOU CAN SEE THROUGH IT, I SCARED IT GOING TO BREAK AND LEAVE ME STRANDED OR WORSE IN A CAR ACCIDENT!

COLLEGE AGE DAUGHTER RECEIVED A CAR FROM GRANDPARENTS, 2004 FOR ESCAPE GARAGED ITS ENTIRE LIFE. RECEIVED AT 88,000 MILES. OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, NOTICED A BANGING IN TRUNK AREA. REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER MOUNTING AREA HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK IS "FLOATING" IN PLACE. CAR CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 109,000 MILES ON IT! IF THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM AS WE HAVE SEEN, THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AND SOMETHING THIS DETRIMENTAL SHOULD BE ISSUED A RECALL!!! CURRENTLY TRYING TO WEIGH OPTIONS AS THE REST OF THE VEHICLE RUNS GREAT, ENGINE IS STRONG, BUT THE COST TO REPAIR (IF WE CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL) ALMOST EQUALS THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR! NOW I HAVE A COMMUTING COLLEGE STUDENT WITH ONLY A PART TIME JOB WHO WILL NEED A CAR! SHAME ON YOU FORD FOR NOT STEPPING UP TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT! WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT POTENTIAL LAWSUITS BECAUSE AS MENTIONED THIS CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY ENCLOSED AND STORED IN A GARAGE ALL ITS LIFE AND WAS ONLY DRIVEN BY HER GRANDMOTHER TO RUN OUT TO LOCAL STORES, ETC. SHAME!

Mileage: 109,000

JUST BOUGHT MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE K FRAME FRONT PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT RUSTED OUT EXACTLY THE WAY IT IS DESCRIBED IN RECALL CODE 14S02 AND MY CAR VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR LOWER CONTROL ARM

Mileage: 140,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HOUSING WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,500.

Mileage: 85,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT A USED SUBFRAME WOULD BE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JACK MADDEN FORD (825 BOSTON-PROVIDENCE TURNPIKE, NORWOOD, MA 02062, (781) 762-4200) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND ADVISED HER TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Mileage: 133,000

AS WITH ALL OTHER POSTINGS THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISES. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT MOMENT THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY DEGRADED. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. SO WE ARE JUST NOW OUT A CAR. I JUST SPENT WAY TOO LONG CHATTING WITH SOMEONE FROM FORD WHO GAVE ME A POSTAL ADDRESS TO SEND A COMPLAINT TO. I THINK EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD THE ISSUE SHOULD SEND A COMPLAINT. MAIL: FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER, P.O. BOX 6248, DEARBORN, MI 48126, I AM ALSO CONSIDERING HIRING A LAWYER. I THINK THIS IS JUST WRONG. MY SON IS A COLLEGE STUDENT AND LEFT WITHOUT A CAR WHEN THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS THE SERVICE THAT FORD WANTS TO PROVIDE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE LAWSUIT PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. THIS IS INSANE THAT THEY HAVE ADMITTED THE ISSUE, RECALLED THE FRONT END, CAME UP WITH AN INFERIOR SOLUTION AND NOW ARE GOING TO JUST SAY THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. THEY AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD BUY PEOPLES ESCAPES FOR THE VALUE THEY WOULD BE WORTH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

Mileage: 165,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE REAR DRIVE AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL TO DETACH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. A POLICE OFFICER ASSISTED WITH MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH QUICK LANE AT APPLE FORD LINCOLN (8800 STANFORD BLVD, COLUMBIA, MD 21045, (410) 290-1100) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

VEHICLE WAS U ABLE TO CONTROL,CONSTANT ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION AND IDLE KEPT GETTING STUCK,SPEED UP ON ITS OWN AND WAS UNABLE STOP WITHOUT THROWING CAR IN PARK WHILE DRIVING

Mileage: 140,000

RECENTLY PURCHASED CAR, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSTICS SCAN SHOWS 2ND CYLINDER MISFIRE, IGNITION COIL FAULTY. WENT ONLINE TO CHECK COMMON ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL..IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MOST 04 ESCAPES. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS FOR WHEEL WELL RUST..UPON INSPECTION, MINE TOO IS CORRODED AND THE SHOCK IS COMING THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD IN THE HATCH. I HEARD NOISES WHILE DRIVING BUT HADN'T INSPECTED IT UNTIL NOW, AS I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE. THE CORRODED SPOTS WERE CONCEALED UNDER THE CARPET. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY PHOTOS ARE TOO LARGE TO UPLOAD.

Mileage: 95,000

WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, CAR PULLS SIDEWAVS. GOT CHECKED OUT. THEY FOUND EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON ENGINE CRADLE AND STEERING COMPONENTS WERE LOOSE AND AFFECTED BY EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON ENGINE CRADLE. STABILIZER ROD IS ALMOST READY TO FALL OFF. THEY ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL ALL COMPONENTS ARE REPAIRED. STEERING IS ERRATIC AND TIRES SQUEAL WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT.THERE IS A RECALL FOR 386,000 OF THESE VEHICLES IN ROAD SALT STATES. WE LIVE IN ONE OF THEM, MICHIGAN. WHEN FORD PUT THE CAR ON THE RACK, THEY SAID SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG: THAT THE WHEELS WERE BOWED OUT.BOUGHT CAR FROM FORD AFTER A 3-YEAR LEASE WAS OVER. NO PROBLEMS TIL NOW. THE CAR IS NOW 14 YEARS OLD, MILEAGE IS APPRX. 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

I AM A MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN WHOM I USE MY FORD TO DRIVE TO SCHOOL, I ALSO DEPEND ON IT TO GET ME TO WORK THREE WEEKS AGO I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK MY CHILDREN PRESENT IN CAR WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE BACK OF MY SUV I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK OUT THE VEHICLE NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG SO I RESUMED DRIVING FROM THAT DAY WHEN I DROVE THE CAR THERE WAS A CLANKING SOUND IN THE CABIN IT SOUNDED LIKE ONE OF MY DOORS WASN'T SHUT ALL THE WAY WHEN THEY WERE ALL SHUT. I HAD MY FATHER INSPECT MY FORD AND HE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. THE SUVS RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD POPPED THREW THE PLASTIC CASING IN THE REAR OF MY SUV DUE TO THE ENTIRE MOUNT AND WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I CAN'T AFORD TO GET IT FIXED AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I NEED HELP. THANK YOU.

Mileage: 200,000

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET,BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. ALMOST LIKE A FLAT TIRE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE RIGHT FRONT SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN CLOSED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. MILEAGE IS AT 95000. WROTE TO CUSTOMER CARE FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD AGAIN THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 14V-165.

Mileage: 95,000

REAR PASSENGER INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT AND SHOCK TO COME DISCONNECTED. THE SHOCK NOW HAS NOTHING TO CONNECT TO.

Mileage: 160,000

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AND HANGS FREELY. HAD IT INSPECTED AT A LOCAL GARAGE AND WAS INFORMED THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE, AND THAT A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD'VE BEEN PUT IN PLACE DUE TO THE ROUTINE FAILURES OF THIS PART. I'M NOW FORCED TO DRIVE A DANGEROUS VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES.

Mileage: 80,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V16500. LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOSE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING. IT MAY BE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION FOR THE LOSE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE UNDERNEATH BRACKET.

Mileage: 173,200

THE REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND NOT SAFE TO PUT 2 CHILDREN IN AND DRIVE AROUND AS THE SUSPENSION MOUNT IS JUST DANGLING AROUND UNDERNEATH AND I CAN SEE THE BACK SPEAKER! WHY HAS FORD NOT INCLUDED ALL ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2004 IN THEIR RECALL? THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE !

Mileage: 150,000

DRIVER'S SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO COLLAPSE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. JUST AN HOUR BEFORE WE HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY. FORTUNATELY DUE TO THE LOW SPEED NO MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRED AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACE AT A LOCAL FIRESTONE STORE.

WE HAD NOTICED WE WAS GETTING WATER INSIDE OUR ESCAPE BAD IT WAS STANDING WATER IN FLOOR BOARD SO WE LOOKED AT THE INNER AND OUTER WHEEL HOUSING AND IT WAS RUSTED VERY BAD THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR US TO DRIVE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS THE WORST. THEY HAD TO WELD IN PIECES TO TRUCK AND FLOOR BOARDS NOW MIND YOU WE HAVE AN 11 YEAR OLD THAT RIDES RIGHT WHERE THIS WAS RUSTED THE WORST :( WHEN WE NOTICED THIS WE WAS IN KANSAS CITY MISSOURI AND HAD TO DRIVE HOME TO CARROLLTON. MISSOURI .I WILL HAVE A REPAIR INVOICE THIS WEEK CAUSE IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW GETTING FIXED AND THEY TOLD US AT THE SHOP THEY HAVE HAD TO REDO A LOT OF THESE BUT HAS NEVER BEEN THIS BAD PLEASE HELP SOMEONE IS GONNA GET HURT BAD.ALSO THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR SO PLEASE HELP WITH THIS.IF YOU SEND ME SOMEWHERE TO SEND PICS I WILL GET THEM FROM THE SHOP BECAUSE THEY TOOK SOME.THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ THIS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE STRUT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED HOWELL MOTORS (LOCATED ON 6488 RIDGE ROAD LOCKPORT 14094) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15E045000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NHTSA ISSUED RECALLS. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY BOUNCED UP AND DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED AND THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Mileage: 118,000

STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS. MY LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR RIGHT RUSTED OUT SEPARATING ENTIRELY FROM THE BODY OF MY ESCAPE. I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND NOTICED A FORD RECALL 14V165000 BUT WHEN I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY IT. I QUIT DRIVING MY FORD FOR RISK OF CRASHING. PLEASE INFORM ME WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BUT IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FORD. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Mileage: 155,000

MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE HAS MAJOR RUST ISSUES THAT HAS AFFECTED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE UNLESS THE RUST IS REPAIRED. I JUST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD (CASE #CAS12002459). CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND AS A CONSUMER I AM TURNING TO THE NHTSA FOR SUPPORT IN HAVING FORD MAKE THE NCESSARY REPAIRS YO MY VEHICLE.

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A SMOOTH ROADWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY REAR END STARTED TO CLUNK AND BANG. I WAS SO STARTLED THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER IN HEAVY MORNING TRAFFIC AND HAD TO MISS WORK AND TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC WHERE I WAS TOLD THE REAR SHOCK ASSEMBLIES HAD SNAPPED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER DUE DILIGENCE I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FRONT END FOR THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL BECAUSE OF MOUNTS SEPARATING FROM THE AUTO DUE TO SALT AND CORROSION. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THAT SITUATION, BUT I DID FIND A LARGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THEIR SAME YEAR AND MODEL ESCAPES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME AT THE LEAST IT WILL BE 1800 TO FIX, BUT SINCE THERE IS NO METAL TO WELD TO IT WILL REQUIRE A FULL REBUILD OF THE BODY, MOUNTS, AND FRAME IN THAT AREA. THE FOLLOWING SITE IS A REPRESENTATION OF THE ISSUEHTTP://WWW.FORDFORUMS.COM/F59/2005-ESCAPE-SHOCK-MOUNT-RUSTED-OUT-177762/INDEX4.HTML. *TR

Mileage: 209,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED, A THUMPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD LOOSENED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

STRUT MOUNT PASSENGER SIDE REAR RUSTED RIGHT OUT

MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE SUBFRAME RUSTING THROUGH WHERE IT MEETS THE CONTROL ARM RESULTING IN STEERING FAILURE. MY VEHICLE HAD THIS PROBLEM UNDER WAY AND WAS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT OF SEPARATION. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE RECALL AND INSTALLED A "BRACE" ON THE SUBFRAME BUT ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE SEPARATION, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURE/SEPARATION HAD ALREADY BEGUN THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT AND GAVE ME THE VEHICLE BACK IN A CONDITION WHICH IS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE", ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF THE DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS THAT MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAFETY ISSUE FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RESOLVE THE RECALL ISSUE.

PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK AND MOUNT HAVE RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF OF FRAME. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A VILLAGE STREET, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD BY A MANHOLE AND HEARD A TERRIFYING NOISE, THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE BACK OF THE CAR WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. UPON PARKING AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE BROKEN PIECE WAS PRESSED AGAINST THE REAR TIRE, AND HAD RUBBED SOME OF THE RUBBER OFF IN THE SHORT TIME IT WAS DRIVEN AFTERWARD. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT FRAME CORROSION SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CORROSION ON THE FRONT END. IT SEEMS THAT IT SHOULD BE FOR THE ENTIRE FRAME, AND RECTIFIED BEFORE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES OCCUR. MY VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THOSE DATE AND STATE PARAMETERS, YET THE VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. FRONT RECALL: FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JANUARY 23, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION AT THE FORWARD ATTACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. CONSEQUENCE: A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2014. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. FORD'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 14S02.

Mileage: 111,140

END OF MARCH 2015 OWNER OF SERVICE STATION DECLARED MY VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. UNDERNEATH BAR THAT GOES BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRES WAS RUSTED AND SNAPPED. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DRIVE WAY WHEN THE BAR SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN FORWARD MOTION IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN BAR SNAPPED. DRIVING THE VEHICLE YOU FELT UNSAFE.

Mileage: 85,000

STRUCTURAL EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION REAR WHEELS

Mileage: 180,000

REAR STRUCTURAL BODY, JOINTS, MASSIVE RUST AND CORROSION.

Mileage: 188,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SHOCK ABSORBER ENTERED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

HAD A RECALL FROM FORD SHORTLY AFTER BUYINY CAR IN 2014 ABOUT SUBFRAME RUST.FORD SAID THEY FIXED PROBLEM.ABOUT A YEAR LATER THE SUBFRAME BROKE COMPLEXLY MAKING FRONE WHEEL WOBBLE AND PULL TO RIGHT I WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO SOME BRUSH BEFORE I GOT CONTROL OF CAR!!I MADE IT HOME AND SAW THE (FIX)A PIECE OF FLAT STEEL HOLDING LEFT FRAME TO RIGHT NOT A REPAIR AT NEED TO REPLACE COMPLETE SUB FRAME.FORD BLAMED IT ON DEALER.DEALER WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME ABOUT IT.I ALSO HAD PROMLEM WITH RIGHT REAR SHOCK COMING UP THROUGH FLOOR NO RECALL ON THAT.LUCKY NO INJURY OR DEATH.

Mileage: 99,987

THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DISINTEGRATED REQUIRING $1,300 FOR BODY SHOP REPAIR. THIS APPARENTLY OCCURS REGULARLY ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.

Mileage: 120,000

VEHICLE STEERING HAS BECOME UNSTABLE AND WOBBLY. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK ON THE ALIGNMENT, AND WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED. I FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT APPARENTLY MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE.

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH, LEFT SIDE SLIGHTLY STARTED RUSTING, CAUSING SHOCKS TO BREAK FREE FROM FRAME

Mileage: 109,250

THE WHEEL WELL ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF CAR COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING MY SHOCK TO BE FREE IN MY CAR. FORD WILL NOT FIX IT AND IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. A QUICK SEARCH WILL REVEAL AT LEAST 96 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE IN THE EXACT SAME AREA OF THE VEHICLE

Mileage: 200,000

MY REAR SHOCK MOUNT TOWER IS RUSTED OUT AND BANING IT IS READY TO COME UP THROUGH THE INTERIOR.

Mileage: 87,000

THE FRAME AROUND THE REAR SUSPENSION IS RUSTED OUT (THROUGH) THE REAR SHOCK IS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ? I KNOW THE VEHICLE IS OLD BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ON EVEN OLDER VEHICLES.

Mileage: 165,000

ENGINE CRADLE, PART OF THE FRAME IS UNDER RECALL,IS BROKE. DEALER APPLIED "BAND-AID" MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO REPLACE BROKEN CROSS-MEMBER, EVEN THOUGH IT IS UNDER RECALL. RECALL #14V165000

Mileage: 143,000

I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT (12 YEARS OLD, 45,000'WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH). IT HAD UNDERCOATING TO PROTECT FROM RUST WHEN IT WAS NEW. VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LIKE NEW INSIDE! SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE AFTER DRIVING IT 2 MONTHS WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STARTED FALLING APART (WASN'T LIKE THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT). WITHIN A 3 WEEK SPAN IT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AGAIN IT WAS PROTECTED WITH UNDERCOATING AND STILL RUSTED OUT ALL THOSE YEARS IN A GARAGE BEING BARELY DRIVEN!!! I ASKED ABOUT GETTING BOTH SIDES DONE WHILE IT'S IN THE SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WELL WAS FINE AND IN GOOD SHAPE, ALMOST NO RUST AT ALL. FORD STOCKS ONLY THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL, NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN MANUFACTURING FAILURE/SUBSTANDARD PART THAT FORD DOESN'T WANT TO OWN BEYOND SELLING YOU THE REPLACEMENT PART. I'M LOSING APPRECIATION FOR "AMERICAN MADE" VALUES. THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY UPSETTING BECAUSE IT'S A BRAND I PREVIOUSLY HELD IN HIGH REGARD. THIS EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON MY TRIPS.

Mileage: 47,900

RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL RUSTED AWAY SHOWING INSIDE OF TRUNK LINER AND MAKING LOUD BANGING NOISES

Mileage: 150,415

SHOCK FRAME SUPPORT ON RIGHT REAR SIDE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ALONG WITH ENTIRE AREA RUSTING OUT PREMATURELY. I CAN SEE THE OUTSIDE THRU MY SPEAKER GRILL. HOW COULD THIS NOT BE A SAFETY RECALL WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A FORD DEFECT? REPAIR QUOTES IN THE $2000- $2500 RANGE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A CLUCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES ALSO FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,715. ..UPDATED 02/01/16 *BF *JS

Mileage: 125,715

RIGHT SIDE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TOWER RUSTED OUT

Mileage: 145,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK AND SPRING PUNCHED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE CAR. HIGHLY DANGEROUS, AS OUR CHILDREN AND MY WIFE DRIVE THE CAR, BUT THE ONLY INDICATION THAT THIS OCCURRED WAS AN OCCASIONAL LOUD NOISE (MIMICKING A SHOCK ABSORBER BOTTOMING OUT). UNTIL I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, NOTHING ELSE, SUCH AS HANDLING OR OTHER FACTORS WARNED OF THE DIRE SITUATION. FOR INSTANCE, MY WIFE TRAVELS BACK AND FOURTH TO HER PARENTS VIA A BUSY HIGHWAY COVERING ABOUT 50-60 MILES MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. MY GUESS IF WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THIS BASED ON THE OCCASIONAL NOISE FOR 2 MONTHS.

Mileage: 138,000

FORD'S 14S02 RECALL WAS TO DEAL WITH EXCESSIVE RUST ON A SUBFRAME UNIT. IF THE RECALL INSPECTION OF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT RESULT IN CHARACTERISTICS WARRANTING REPLACEMENT, FORD INSTRUCTED DEALERS TO INSTALL A CROSS BRACE. APPROXIMATELY 13 MONTHS AFTER OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE HAD THE CROSS BRACE INSTALLED THE SUBFRAME UNIT FAILED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKED TO THE SIDE AND IF THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER CAR OR ANY OBSTACLE ON THAT SIDE OF OUR VEHICLE WE WOULD HAVE HIT IT. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND ON EACH OCCASION WAS TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY HAD ALREADY INSTALLED THE CROSS BRACE - WHICH WAS NOT THE PART THAT FAILED AND WAS NOT THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED. THE REPAIR COST OVER $800. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE ESCAPE HAD FEWER THAN 60,000 MILES. DURING EACH ON MY CALLS TO FORD, AND AFTER BEING TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS, I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY COULD HAVE A SUPERVISOR CALL ME 1 BUSINESS DAY LATER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME A TIME WHEN I COULD EXPECT THE CALL SO I HAD TO BE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY. TO SUMMARIZE, THE BAND-AID FORD PUT ON TO DEAL WITH THE SUBFRAME PROBLEM (THE CROSS BRACE) DID NOT FAIL. THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED DID FAIL EVEN WITH THE CROSS BRACE. FORD IS DENYING COVERAGE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.

Mileage: 59,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SHOCK AND WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO THE CORROSION OF THE BACK OF THE FRAME.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,200.

Mileage: 111,200

WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH TO INTERIOR OF CAR, SHOCK DISLOCATED FROM WHEEL WELL. WE JUST MOVED TO RALEIGH FROM MICHIGAN. SEE RELATED NEWS ARTICLES: HTTP://WWW.USATODAY.COM/STORY/MONEY/CARS/2014/04/07/FORD-RECALL-FUSION-ESCAPE/7427299/ HTTP://TRUCKYEAH.JALOPNIK.COM/ALMOST-400-000-OLD-FORD-ESCAPE-SUVS-RECALLED-1560352974 HTTP://WWW.RIPOFFREPORT.COM/R/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY/DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY-FACTORY-DEFECT-TO-ESCAPE-VECHICLES-DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-904056 HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/FORD/ESCAPE/SUSPENSION/PROBLEM.ASPX

Mileage: 160,000

I HAVE 2004 FORD ESCAPE THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS RUSTED OUT I THINK FORD SHOUD RECALL FOR FIX AT THERE COST OTHERS HAVE THAT ISSUE TO I THINK IT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

Mileage: 112,000

WHILE DRIVING HOME, I HEARD A LOUD BANG COMING FROM THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL. WHEN I GOT HOME AND LOOKED AT IT, I NOTICED THE STRUT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUED ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE VERY COMMON TO THE YEAR AND MAKE OF THIS VEHICLE.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) WAS RECEIVED IN MAY OF 2014. IN JUNE OF 2014, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE SUBFRAME AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE REMEDY INCLUDED INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE. THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. IN JULY OF 2015, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AN ABNORMAL PUMPING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,450.

Mileage: 100,450

RIGHT REAR SHOCK BREAKING FREE DUE TO RUSTED OUT INNER FENDER WELL. CALLED FORD. THEY WONT BACK THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THOUSANDS OF OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED AND THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR REPAIR. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND CAUSES A SWERVE IN STABILITY. IT IS ALSO CAUSING REPAIRS TO BE MADE UNSAFELY WITH COB JOB FIXES. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...UPDATED 08/27/15 *BF UPDATED 12/3/15 *JS

Mileage: 101,689

MY ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THE STRUT IS JUST HANGING THERE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE TO GET A RECALL. COME ON FORD STAND UP AND DO SOMETHING.

Mileage: 153,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, AN ABNORMAL NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURES, AND HAD BEGUN TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,911.

Mileage: 97,911

THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD CREAKING THAT I SUSPECTED WAS THE BACK WINDOW OR SOMETHING INSIDE. IT GOT WORSE AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THOSE AND THEN THE WHEEL WELLS, AND THE BACK RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS NEARLY COMPLETELY DETACHED. IT DETACHED THE REST OF THE WAY OVER THE COURSE OF THE 2 MILE DRIVE TO MY HOME. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, ESPECIALLY IN THE 201-2004 RANGE, AND CAN AFFECT HANDLING. IT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO AS A FACTORY DEFECT AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS IN SOME VEHICLES, BUT NOT MINE. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT LOOK AT IT BECAUSE ANY REPAIR WOULD REQUIRE ALTERATION TO THE BODY, SO THEY'VE REFERRED ME TO A BODY SHOP.

Mileage: 134,000

CHANGED THE REAR SHOCKS AFTER A WEEK WITH THE NEW SHOCKS IN I NOTICED A NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS THE SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT AND THE CAR IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN UNTIL IT IS FIXED AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING MOST SHOPS WILL NOT TOUCH IT BECAUSE OF A LIABILITY ISSUE, NOT TO MENTION IF I FIND A GARAGE THAT WILL FIX IT THE COST IS GOING TO BE MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE! WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET? VERY VERY DANGEROUS!

Mileage: 205,000

MY WIFE WAS GOING TO THE STORE AND HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AT APPROX. 35MPH. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME SHE SAID THERE WAS A RATTLE IN THE REAR OF HER CAR/TRUCK. I TOOK A LOOK AND THE TOP OF THE SHOCK AND THE SHOCK HOUSING WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR/TRUCK. THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR/TRUCK. CAN NOT DRIVE OUR CAR/TRUCK IN THIS CONDITION. GLAD SHE WAS NOT HURT. COULD HAVE GOT CAUGHT IN REAR WHEEL. I SEE A LOT OF THESE CARS/TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO REPAIR MY RIDE!!!!

Mileage: 79,279

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. MAYBE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE ENTIRE SHEET METAL SECTION WHERE THE REAR STRUT MOUNTS TO THE BODY WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CLEARLY A PRODUCTION PROBLEM WITH THE UNDERBODY COATING. MANY OTHER FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINTS TALK ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR WHEEL WELL. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY IN 10/03. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY RECALL ITEM AS IT CAN IMPACT STABILITY IN CORNERING.

Mileage: 260,000

THE RIGHT REAR (PASSENGER REAR) WHEEL WELL HAS CORRODED SO BAD THAT THE STRUT MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO FAIL. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS HAVE NOT CORRODED AT ALL.

Mileage: 130,000

GOING 20 MPH DOWN SIDE ROAD AND HIT POT HOLE. THE PART THAT YOU MOUNT THE REAR SHOCK TO CAME APART DO TO RUST AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN REAR WHEEL HOUSING. CAR IS UNRIVALLED AND INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER DO TO IT BEING A TIME RELATED THING. THERE WAS NO RUST IN WHEEL WELL OR HOLES BEFORE. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED. I INSURANCE SAID IT'S A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF FORD. THEY HAVE NO RECALLS IN PAST OR PRESENT.

Mileage: 175,000

REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTED SHOCK CAME OFF. FORD WON'T FIX IT. DRIVING WITH ONE REAR SHOCK.

Mileage: 93,000

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

Mileage: 195,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK MOUNT WHICH WAS BOLTED TO IT FELL AND IS HANGING NEXT TO AND ON THE WHEEL ALONG WITH A BALL OF SHARP TWISTED METAL FROM THE WHEEL WELL. HEARD NOISES FROM BACK OF CAR PAST MONTH OR SO BUT THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. THEN WENT OVER POTHOLE AND LOUD BANG LIKE THE EXHAUST PIPE FELL AND WAS DRAGGING. THEN A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE METAL PIECE IS ABOUT TO PIERCE THE TIRE AND THE SHOCK ITSELF IS HANGING AND BANGING AGAINST TIRE. CAR IS UNDRIVABLE AND MAY BE UNFIXABLE IN THAT THE FIX WOULD BE WORTH MORE THAN THE CAR. I OF COURSE CAN NOT GET ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS SO WITHOUT A CAR NOW BECAUSE OF THIS. THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS SEEM FINE, NO RUST. THOUGH THERE IS A FEW RUST SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RUNNING BOARDS AND ONE OF THE DOORS (WHICH THERE SHOULD NOT BE IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANY RUST) TO HAVE THIS IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RUST ONLY IN ONE WELL TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OR THE PAINT JOB AT THE FACTORY. IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT IT COULD KILL SOMEONE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN AN SUV . THIS IS A DEFECT, NOT AGING. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THOUGH THE CAR IS 11 I HAVE LESS THAN 90,000 ON IT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TRASH THE CAR DUE TO BODY ROT AT 90,000. IF THIS WAS DUE TO AGING OR WEATHER ALL THE WHEEL WELLS WOULD BE LIKE THIS.

Mileage: 89,000

REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE UPPER BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THIS PIECE BROKE LOOSE FROM THE REST OF THE BODY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND ALMOST CAUSED ME A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED JUST IN THIS DATABASE ALONE WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, RUST/CORROSION OF THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO TOLD US THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY SEEN 4 OR 5 OTHER ESCAPES THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.

Mileage: 130,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE BODY. CREATED SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL FORD PRODUCTS ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY FORD.

Mileage: 52,400

CLUNKING NOISE AND ROUGH RIDE. FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK ESSENTIALLY DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST ASIDE FROM SMALL SURFACE RUST ON NON-PAINTED PIECES. SEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON WITH THESE ESCAPES, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED DESPITE THE OBVIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNT IS LOCATED RUSTED AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE. LOOKING ONLINE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THANK GOD I BROUGHT IT INTO MY MECHANIC BEFORE IT TORE MY TIRE APART. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

PROBLEM WITH RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED. WHEN DISCUSSING WITH MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL ESCAPES. JUST HAD THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AND WAS NEVER SEEN WHEN PURCHASING. WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT OF CHECKING WHEEL WELLS. SHOCK IS BARELY HANGING ON AND WAS TOLD IF DRIVEN CAN FLIP OVER. *TR

Mileage: 98,565

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AROUND THE SHOCKS AND CONTROL ARMS. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 7/7/15*CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED INDEPENDENTLY WITH A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AND THE ENTIRE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 ESCAPE WHEN I HEARD A RATTLING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE ENTIRE SHOCK TOWER HAS RUSTED OUT AND THERE IS A WHOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH FORD ON 2/23/15 AND TOLD THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. I TOLD THEM IT AMAZING THAT I CAN FIND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND YOU KNOW THING. ALSO TOLD THEM THAT THE LEFT SIDE SHOCK TOWER LOOKS GOOD. SO WHY IS THE RIGHT SIDE RUSTED OUT. SHE COULDN'T EXPLAIN IT. SHE SAYS SHE WILL TAKE THE COMPLAINT AND IT WILL ALSO GO TO NHTSA. WELL IT SEEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. YOUR COMPLAINTS SEEM TO BE VERY SIMILAR. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED. BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINES WENT IN MY VEHICLE AND THE MASTER CYLINDER COST ME $860. TO GET FIXED. WHICH I THINK WAS IN A RECALL THAT YOU HAD BUT FORD COMPANY DOESN'T HAVE THAT RECALL. SO KEEP RECEIPTS FORD SAYS TO GET REIMBURSED IF STUFF GETS RECALLED. PLEASE RECALL THE SHOCK TOWER ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR RUSTING OUT AND DRIVER SIDE IS OK. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. FORD COMPANY NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS EVEN THOUGH THE CLAIM THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 131,633

WHILE DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD I NOTICED A RATTLING IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT THAT I HAD NEVER HEARD BEFORE. WHEN I INVESTIGATED I FOUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED FROM RUST DAMAGE AND THE SHOCK IS NOW FLOATING BASICALLY FREELY WHICH IS CAUSING THE NOISE. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH ESCAPES AND ALWAYS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. WHY HAS FORD NOT ISSUED A RECALL? THIS IS CLEARLY A SYSTEMATIC FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 118,400

THE CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH OVER SMALL BUMPS AND A THUMPING SOUND COULD BE HEARD FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THINKING I NEEDED NEW SHOCKS I INSPECTED THE WHEEL WELL AND WAS HORRIFIED TO SEE THAT THE WHEEL WELL HOLDING THE SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THERE IS A HOLE WHERE THE STEEL USED TO BE. THIS IS ONLY ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AS FAR AS I CAN SEE. A LOCAL AUTO BODY SHOP WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY LIABILITY AND WARNED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO WITH IT. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING I HAVE FOUND MANY FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. HAD I DRIVEN THE CAR A LITTLE LONGER I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A CATASTROPHIC CRASH! FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS OR REPLACE MY CAR. *TR

Mileage: 118,222

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SHOCK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN UPDATED 9/27/2017*CN

Mileage: 180,000

2ND ESCAPE I'VE OWNED THAT HAS HAD THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL RUST OUT, SHOCK BREAKS LOOSE. FORD SAYING IT HAS NEVER HEARD OF IT, AND YET EVERY DEALER AND BODY SHOP I'VE TALKED TO KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, FAULTY PART. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND FRACTURED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING TO MY HOME WENT OVER A SMALL DIP IN ROAD AND SUV MADE A VERY LOAD CLUNKING NOISE IN RIGHT REAR SECTION OF VEHICLE AND STARTED HANDLING POORLY GOT IT TO MY PARENTS HOME WHICH IS ONLY FEW MINUTES FROM INCIDENT,FATHER LOOKED AT AND FOUND RIGHT REAR STRUT MOUNT AND WHEEL TUB RUSTED OUT UNDER A THICK LAYER OF SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL APPLIED AT FACTORY MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE UNTIL IT BREAKS FREE, FATHER HAS BEEN A MECHANIC ALL HIS LIFE AND TRIED TO GET PIECES AT LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS TO REPAIR BUT FOUND ALL IN A 50 MILE RADIUS AT SALVAGE YARDS FROM YEARS 2001-2007 TO BE IN AS BAD OR WORSE CONDITION AND IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR PARTS ON LINE OUT OF THE RUSTBELT ,I BELIEVE IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A TWISTY ROAD IT COULD HAVE BEEN A BIGGER PROBLEM FORTUNATELY IT WAS A FAIRLY LEVEL STRAIGHT ROAD I CAN ONLY ASSUME THERE ISN'T AN INVESTIGATION ON THESE IS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T NOW WHERE TO GO TO FILE A COMPLAINT I ONLY NEW TO GO HERE BECAUSE MY FATHER TOLD ME TOO,AS HE BELIEVES IT TO BE A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW THAT MAY OR COULD LEAD TO INJURIES *TR

Mileage: 160,000

HIT A BUMP AND VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE ON EVERY LITTLE BUMP.FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD BROKEN THROUGH BODY-RUST ALL AROUND WHEEL WELL.CHECKED DRIVERS SIDE-OK. HAVE ALWAYS WASHED ON REGULAR BASIS.HAS TO BE SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 185,420

WHEN DRIVING HOME ON 12/30/14, I HEARD A LOUD RATTLE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF RUST. I DID NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE IT INSPECTED ON 1/6/15. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND THE STRUT COULD BREAK LOOSE. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE DO THIS. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED. HE ALSO CHECKED TO SEE IF ANYONE IN THE AREA WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX IT SINCE HE IS NOT EQUIPPED TO DO SO. NO LUCK WITH THAT. AFTER SEEING HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR FORD ESCAPE, I WOULD EXPECT THAT THE FORD COMPANY WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT AND MAKE IT RIGHT. I AM PREPARED TO FOLLOW THROUGH TO HAVE THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF, EVEN IF I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO LANSING AND WASHINGTON. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER SIDE SUB FRAME AND THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

ANOTHER CASE OF A 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH EXTENSIVE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUST PUTTING THE STRUT IN DANGER OF COMING THROUGH THE BODY. I'M CURRENTLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT REPAIRED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE PRODUCT. WHILE ONE WOULD HOPE FORD WOULD STEP UP I'M NOT SEEING ANYTHING ON THEIR PART SO FAR. *JS

Mileage: 155,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR HOUSE PANEL STRUCTURE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

I HEARD A LOUD THUMP IN RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE RIGHT REAR WHEEL IS ROTTED OUT AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 78,879

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I STARTED HEARING A LOUD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THERE WAS RUST INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS UNATTACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL ROTTED OUT WHERE SHOCK ATTACHES TO THE BODY. SEEMS THROUGH RESEARCH THAT THIS IS PROBLEM WITH MOST OWNERS IN THE MID WEST. CONTACTED LOCAL FORD DEALER AND INFORMED TO CONTACT YOU AS WELL AS FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE TOOK PICTURES TO FORWARD ON TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT FORD. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Mileage: 162,000

I HAD TO AVOID A BICYCLIST AND RAN UP OVER THE CURB AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 35, I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY UPON DRIVING AWAY THAT THERE WAS A GREAT RATTLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR SUSPENSION. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY TOLD ME THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT BROKE OFF. BECAUSE OF THE RUST NOONE WILL FIX IT. THE CAR OTHERWISE IS IN PERFECT SHAPE, NO OTHER RUST PRESENT ON THE CAR. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A DEFECT IN THE FORD PRODUCT, FORD WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS! *TR

Mileage: 117,000

DRIVING AND SOUNDS LIKE A SQUARE BOWLING BALL IS ROLLING AROUND IN BACK. LOOK TO FIND A RUSTY MESS FROM SHOCK MOUNT GOING THROUGH WHEEL WELL. ASKED AROUND AND SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM. THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T FAR FROM HOME. VERY DANGEROUS, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED YET! *TR

A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN A DIRT ROAD AND I STARTED TO HEAR A BUMPING NOISE TOWARDS THE BACK OF MY CAR, ONLY WHEN I WHEN OVER BUMPS. I FIGURED IT WAS JUST GEAR IN MY TRUNK MAKING THE NOISE AND I WAS GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT LATER, BUT IT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE ANYTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. YESTERDAY I FINALLY GOT ALL MY IGNITION COILS FIXED AFTER SOME TROUBLE WITH THE MECHANICS DOING IT WRONG ORIGINALLY. WHEN I LEFT HE TOLD ME I MAY HAVE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM, BUT THAT IT IS NOT LIKELY TO BE A PROBLEM ASIDE FROM THE ANNOYINGNESS OF IT. WHEN I GOT HOME I DECIDED TO HAVE A LOOK AROUND MY CAR AND AFTER DISCOVERING THAT IT DID NOT HAVE TO DO WITH MY TRUNK I LOOKED UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AND SAW THAT THE SUSPENSION MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF AND HAD BOUNCING AROUND AS I DROVE. IT WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND AFTER GOODLING THIS I SAW THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS VERY UNSAFE, AND MOST LIKELY TO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR A FEW WEEKS WITH NO IDEA OF THE DANGER THAT IT COULD CAUSE. THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT BUT I FEEL THAT WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THE SEVERITY OF IT, FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE TO GET IT LOOKED AT BECAUSE EVERY TIME WE HIT A BUMP THERE WAS A LOUD THUD SOUND IN THE BACK RIGHT. WE FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL OF OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE CORROSION HAS CAUSED A MAJOR SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND IT'S BEEN DEEMED UNDRIVABLE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT NO MECHANIC OR BODY SHOP WILL ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A LIABILITY ISSUE IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN THEY WOULD BE AT FAULT. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN PERFECT CONDITION, BUT BECAUSE OF ONE AWFUL DEFECT ALL WE CAN DO IS SELL IT FOR PARTS. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

NOTICED A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. FOUND THAT REAR SHOCK TOWER HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND SHOCK WAS RUBBING ON TIRE. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

LOUD RATTLE THEN GRINDING NOISE. WHEN I PULLED OVER I HAD TO REMOVE THE SHOCK MOUNT WHICH WAS JAMMED BETWEEN THE CAR AND MY TIRE. THE SHOCK HAS NOW POPPED THROUGH THE PLASTIC. THIS IS MY ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE OTHER SIDE IS RUSTED OUT AS WELL. IN ADDITION, WHEN DAMP OUT, THE #5 PLUG IS MISSING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER. TOTAL ESTIMATED TUNE UP REPAIR CLOSE TO $400. DURING THE PAST YEAR TYROD, BRAKES & ROTORS, WHEEL BEARING, BRAKE HOSES, POWER STEERING, RADIO STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS SHUT OFF UNLESS FUSE IS PULLED. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT 70000 IN 2011. HAVE TO TAKE THE LOSS. FORD SHOULD REFUND FOR THIS DEFECT. THE MOUND IS NOT RUSTED, JUST THE WHEEL WELLS IT IS ATTACHED TO. *TR

Mileage: 129,000

VEHICLE BROUGHT INTO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND WAS ROTTED CONSIDERABLY. A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM WAS SENT TO THE CUSTOMER AND CUSTOMER TOOK INTO BRIGHT FORD, INC FOR THE RECALL. REPAIR WAS DONE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND RETURNED TO CUSTOMER MAY 16, 2004. THREE MONTHS LATER WE AGAIN HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ROTTED OFF OF THE CRADLE AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE ONLY MOUNTED BY THE REAR BOLT. THIS CAR IS CONSIDERED A HAZARD TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOVEMENT NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY STEERING. BRIGHTON FORD ON THEIR INVOICE #19744, FOUND THE FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTING THROUGH ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. SENT QUOTE FOR NEW SUB-FRAME AND WERE DENIED AND THEY WERE TOLD TO PUT THIS CROSS BRACE ON THE VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME AND BRIGHTON FORD SAYS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE REPAIR. THIS WAS NOT A SAFE REPAIR AND KNOWINGLY TOLD CUSTOMER THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 67,180

VEHICLE BROUGHT INTO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND WAS ROTTED CONSIDERABLY. A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM WAS SENT TO THE CUSTOMER AND CUSTOMER TOOK INTO BRIGHT FORD, INC FOR THE RECALL. REPAIR WAS DONE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND RETURNED TO CUSTOMER MAY 16, 2004. THREE MONTHS LATER WE AGAIN HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ROTTED OFF OF THE CRADLE AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE ONLY MOUNTED BY THE REAR BOLT. THIS CAR IS CONSIDERED A HAZARD TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOVEMENT NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY STEERING. BRIGHTON FORD ON THEIR INVOICE #19744, FOUND THE FRONT SUB FRMAE RUSTING THROUGH ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. SENT QUOTE FOR NEW SUB-FRAME AND WERE DENIED AND THEY WERE TOLD TO PUT THIS CROSS BRACE ON THE VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME AND BRIGHTON FORD SAYS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE REPAIR. THIS WAS NOT A SAFE REPAIR AND KNOWINGLY TOLD CUSTOMER THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 67,180

NOTICED LOUD RATTLE, KNOCKING IN REAR OF TRUCK. STOPPED TO HAVE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. DISCOVERED SEVERE EROSION IN REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MECHANISM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON FOR 2004-05 ESCAPES. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

ON A TRIP TO UPPER PENINSULA, MICHIGAN THIS PAST WEEK WE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE, A NEAR CATASTROPHIC EVENT AS THE PIECE BROKE. WE WERE IN GRAYLING, MICHIGAN AND WERE STOPPED NEAR AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDER WHO SHOWED US THE DAMAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO FIND A USED PART. THE ONE HE FOUND HAD THE EXACT SAME RUST AND BREAK AS OURS AND THUS HE ORDERED A NEW ONE FROM FORD. IN THE MEANTIME WE WERE FORCED TO RENT A CAR AND CONTINUE ON TO OUR VACATION DESTINATION. AFTER WE RETURNED HOME I LEARNED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES FOR JUST SUCH A FAILURE. I TOOK THE CAR AND THE BROKEN CROSSBRACE TO MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD IN ALEXANDRIA, KY WHERE THE WARRANTY OFFICER INFORMED ME THAT OUR ESCAPE WAS NOT PART OF THE FACTORY RECALL. SHE WAS ABLE TO TELL ME WHY AND WAS VERY HELPFUL ALTHOUGH CLEAR THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE ARGUMENT WAS PRESENTED THAT THE FAILED PART IN THE RECALL WAS MADE BY A PARTICULAR MANUFACTURER AND USED IN CERTAIN PLANTS OR VEHICLES. I GET THE POINT BUT I HAVE A CAR THAT FAILED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND PRESENTED THE SAME RISK OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT WE NARROWLY AVOIDED BY LUCK. THE REPAIR REPLACEMENT COST OVER $1000 PLUS LABOR. I BELIEVE VEHICLES LIKE MINE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. OUR FRONT WHEEL COULD HAVE TOTALLY COLLAPSED WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 123,481

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTING OUT SO THAT THE SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE. I WAS TOLD IT'S UNSAFE BY SEVERAL MECHANICS/BODY SHOPS TO DRIVE. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE TO TRANSPORT MY THREE CHILDREN AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A CHEAP FIX. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR WORSE!!! *TR

Mileage: 130,000

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. ARRIVED HOME TO INSPECT THE AREA OF CONCERN. FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL WELL DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUSTING. THIS ALLOWED THE SHOCK TO TRAVEL UPWARD STRIKING THE PLASTIC INTERIOR TRIM PANEL. THIS VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT UNTIL TWO YEARS AGO. IT ALSO PASSED STATE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS NINE MONTHS AGO. I AM NOT A MECHANICAL ENGINEER. HOWEVER, I DO NOT BELIEVE A CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENT SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO SHEET METAL THAT IS PRONE TO RUST. I HAVE TAKEN THE TIME AND MADE THE EFFORT TO INSPECT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS AND FIND THAT THEIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS CONNECTED TO A SOLID COMPONENT OF THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS AN ENGINEERED DESIGN FLAW OF A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT THAT POSSIBLY COULD RESULT IN UNSAFE HANDLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. WITH ONLY ONE REAR SHOCK ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE AN UNCONTROLLABLE REAR SWAY COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ROLL OVER. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE, WHICH GIVEN KNOWN STATISTICS IS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF ACTUAL CASES, I DO REQUEST A RECALL TO BE MADE. *TR

Mileage: 121,337

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK HAS COME THROUGH THE PLASTIC MOULDING. THE CAR DRIVES BUT IS UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE AND STARTED HEARING A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. UPON INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL OVER THE SHOCK TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED OVER THE SHOCK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD AND SEEN THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND OTHER YEARS OF ESCAPES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP IN MY AREA THEY INFORMED ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. BUT WHEN I CONTACTED 3 LOCAL FORD DEALERS THEY ALL CLAIMED TO HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE. AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME A HUNDRED DOLLARS JUST TO LOOK AT IT. I AM TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE IN THIS CONDITION. AND THAT IN MOST CASES CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. AFTER DOING MUCH RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED FORD AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL MADE ON THIS AS I CAN SEE THIS BEING A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AND IS GOING TO BE A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB IF IT IS EVEN REPAIRABLE. I HAVE PHOTOS BUT AM NOT SURE HOW TO ATTACH THEM. *TR

Mileage: 98,954

AFTER INVESTIGATING A LOUD NOISE. I FOUND OUT THAT MY RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED OUT AND MAKING THE NOISE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY FIX THAT FORDS SHOULD HAVE DO DO AS A RECALL. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS. IF THIS PART BREAKS WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT OR WORSE. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS PROBLEM AND AS A SAFETY ISSUE. RECALL THIS PROBLEM WITH FORDS. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COVERED WITH RUST CAUSING THE SHOCKS TO FAIL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE CAME FROM BACK OF THE CAR. HE STOP , PULL OVER AND TAKE A LOOK TO SEE WHAT HAPPENING AND WHEN HE LOOK IN TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL HE SEE IT WAS DAMAGED BADLY . HE MADE APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CAR TO FORD DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT . THEY CHECKED IT AND TOLD HIM THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SHOCK MOUNT AND NO LONGER ATTACH TO THE CAR, THEY TOLD HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE BAD ACCIDENT AND VERY DANGEROUS . HE ASKED THEM ABOUT THE CORROSION RECALL WHICH I GOT A LETTER FROM FORD BUT THEY SAID THE RECALL IS FOR A CORROSION WITH THE SUB FRAME WHERE IT CONNECT TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM MY CAR HAVING . THEY TOLD HIM IT WILL COST ABOUT $3000 TO HAVE IT REPAIR . I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS , THE CAR ONLY 10 YEARS OLD . I CHECK ON LINE TO SEE ANYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME ISSUE I COULD NOT BELIEVED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT ABOUT SAME ISSUE AND IT CAUGHT MY EYES THAT MOST PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM AT THE SAME PERIOD OF 10 YEARS . I WANT TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORCE FORD TO HAVE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED OR HURT . FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR QUALITY IF THEY ARE TRYING TO HIDE THIS PROBLEM THEY SHOULD BE PUNISH TO THE EXTEND OF THE LAW. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE . I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A CORROSION ISSUE WITH THE SUB FRAME WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS . I HAVEN'T HAD AN ISSUE WITH IT YET AND WAS PLANNING ON GETTING THE RECALL WORK DONE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS . ON 8/02/2014 WHEN I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY I HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAROF MY ESCAPE . WHEN I LOOK IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL I COULD SEE AN 8 INCH AREA AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE . I'M SURE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED . I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND AN ENDLESS LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE . I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO THE RECALL WORK ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE REAR WHEEL WELL /SHOCK MOUNT . I CAN NOT BELIEVE THERE IS NOT A RECALL YET FOR SUCH A SERIOUS AND COMMON PROBLEM . PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION . I WORK FOR FORD AND THIS MAKES ME SICK , THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE FORCED INTO IMPLEMENTING A RECALL FOR SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM . FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THEIR OWN BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIES FROM THIS PROBLEM . THIS IS A CONTROL ITEM AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE ! *TR

Mileage: 116,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR WHEEL CONTROL ARMS HAD BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO SAFETY RECALLS IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WIRHT MY 2 YOUNG KIDS AND ALL SUDDEN GO OVER THE TRAIN TRACKS AND THE REAR STRUT BROKE FROM THE SHOCK MOUNT AND CAME RIGHT UP THRU THE VEHICLE I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP LUCK I GAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITH A 1 MONT OLD BABY AND A 3 YEAR OLD THIS IS SEARIOUS MATTER! SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF THIS IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED! *TR

Mileage: 220,000

JULY 26,2014 IN OCTOBER 2013, I COULD NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED ( FORD ESCAPE 2004 ) BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THE STEERING RODS WAS FALLING OFF AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS WAS BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE. 14502/NHTSA RECALL 14V-165, SO I HAD A NEW SUBFRAME INSTALLED. REFERENCE # 10547199. [XXX] AT CLARION FORD WOULD DO NOTHING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THE TIME. I HAVE SENT ALL THE INFORMATION, AND COST, TO FORD IN JUNE 2014 AND HAVE NOT HEARD NOTHING FROM FORD. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD DO THAT WOULD HAVE FORD CONTACT ME? THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 40,423

RIGHT SIDE SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT . CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

I BOUGHT MY 04 ESCAPE BRAND NEW, AND AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER CAR GARAGE KEPT, THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE!! RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME WHILE DRIVING AT ONLY 15 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER MOUNT COMPLETELY BROKE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE SUBFRAME DUE TO CORROSION/RUST. THIS CAUSED THE SHOCK TO LEAN OUTWARD TOWARD THE TIRE. THIS COULD NOT BE SEEN BY THE UNDERCOATING AS A PROBLEM PREVIOUS AND APPARENTLY ALLOWED IT TO CORRODE TO THE POINT THAT IT BROKE FREE. THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE OCCURRED IN MY INSURANCE LADY'S FORD ESCAPE, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS ONLY ONE MODEL YEAR DIFFERENT. ALSO ONLY ON THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER. IN SPEAKING WITH THE BODY SHOP ON THE REPAIR, THEY HAVE ALSO HEARD OF THIS ISSUE AND STATE THAT FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED IT AS A RECALL ISSUE. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR, AND TIME CONSUMING REPAIR AS THE VEHICLE IS GONE FOR ALMOST A WEEK. THIS IS ALSO A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE DUE TO HOW IT FALLS APART. WE ARE LUCKY WE WERE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS AND ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN IT OCCURRED. *TR

Mileage: 205,000

2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOWER CONTROL ARM RUST RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE PULLED OVER, AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN. HE WAS UNABLE TO PULL IT OF. SO HE DROVE BACK HOME, AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO FENDER LEFT ON THE SHOCK. ALSO, THE TRUNK LID WAS RUSTING. *JB THE CONSUMER HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND PLACED THE KEYS IN THE CONSOLE. HE EXITED THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE BACK SEAT. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB

RUSTED OUT RIGHT WHEEL WELL WITH STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN APRIL OF 2013. THIS CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A FREEWAY ON JUNE 15, 2014 WHEN A LOUD THUMPING STARTED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL ON . ON INSPECTION THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT. THE SUPPORT THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ATTACHED TO WAS COMPLETELY ERODED AND A PART OF IT PUNCHED THROUGH THE WALL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AREA. WE FELT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $2259. REVIEW OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINT WEB SITE REVEALS MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 100,740

I HAVE A HOLE AND RUST FORMING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THIS IS BEGINNING TO EXPOSE THE SHOCK AREA. I LIVE IN A HIGH SALT AREA. *TR

Mileage: 117,586

TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN JUNE 2014, SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000(SUSPENSION). SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE; HOWEVER, FORD ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS COULD NOT PROVIDE A SOLID ANSWER ON WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE OR HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.

REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING OUT. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED IN THE MAIL ON SATURDAY MAY 31ST. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY MORNING JUNE 2ND AT 8 AM< TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THE EARLIEST OPENING THEY HAD WAS DECEMBER 22ND 2014- THIS IS WAY TOO FAR AWAY IF THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY VEHICLE - DEALERSHIP IS ROMANO FORD ON BURDICK STREET, FAYETTEVILLE NY 13066 - (315) 637-4668 IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET FASTER REPAIRS??? *TR

Mileage: 103,000

ON A FAMILY VACATION, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE, BREAKING AWAY FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ENTIRELY. IMAGINE MY OUTRAGE WHEN I COME TO FIND OUT THAT RUSTED OUT PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS YEAR. THE WELL-BEING OF MY FAMILY WAS PUT IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE FORD HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FLAWED ENGINEERING. THAT IS SHAMEFUL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE ENDED POORLY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY! PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

WE WERE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SUBDIVISION AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE THAT CONTINUED FROM THAT POINT. WE PULLED OVER AN INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD COME LOOSE AT THE TOP MOUNT. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY A REPAIR SHOP, THE WHEEL/FENDER WELL HAS CORRODED INCLUDING THE INTEGRAL SHOCK MOUNT. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 167,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HOUSE STRUT MOUNT WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORTH REPAIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION FRONT) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Mileage: 111,000

I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE (6 CYL., FRONT WHEEL DRIVE) THAT NOW HAS OVER 110,000 MILES. AT 108,465 MILES, THE #2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER BLEW AND WAS REPLACED (ALONG WITH ALL 6 IGNITION COILS). A SECOND MECHANIC FOUND DEBRIS IN THE #3 CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CLEANED IT AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. (THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR PASSING THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND WOULD BARELY MAKE IT UP A HILL.) THEN HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT POSING A SEVERE THREAT THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WILL PUNCH THROUGH INTO THE BODY OF THE CAR MAKING THE ESCAPE TOTALLY INOPERABLE. A RECALL IS ALREADY OUT FOR FORD MINIVANS FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT APPARENTLY NOT FOR THE ESCAPES. WHY NOT? THIS CAN BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF NEARLY $2,000. WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION COILS, I'VE ALREADY SPENT OVER $2500 AND DON'T HAVE THE $2,000 FOR THIS NECESSARY REPAIR DUE TO POOR MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 108,496

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A POTHOLE, AFTER HITTING THE POTHOLE THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. AFTER INSPECTION THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY AND BECAME SEPARATED. IT WAS FREE TO JOLT AROUND AND CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE. NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NOW. *TR

Mileage: 83,000

I'M DRIVING ON A NEWLY PAVED STREET WHEN I HEARD A LARGE NOISE, LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF, NEAR THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THEN I HEARD SOMETHING HITTING AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THE WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK AND MOUNT WAS NOW DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE FORD ESCAPE IS NOT DRIVABLE. THE REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED OUT THERE IS A HOLE INTO THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I LOOK FROM INSIDE THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT/HATCH AREA OF THE ESCAPE I CAN SEE THE OUTSIDE THROUGH THE HOLE. *TR

Mileage: 100,800

MY WIFE NOTICED A CLUNKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THAT THE ISSUE IS A SEPARATION IN THE WHEELHOUSE WHERE THE STRUT ATTACHES TO THE WHEEL WELL. THE FACTORY-APPLIED UNDERCOATING FAILED AND CAUSED THE METAL AREA BENEATH IT TO RUST OUT. THERE IS A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE STRUCTURE, AND WE ARE ABLE TO SEE INTO THE TRUNK AREA. OUR BODY SHOP ADVISES THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE, AND THAT FULL DETACHMENT OF THE TOP STRUT MOUNT IS IMMINENT. AFTER INVESTIGATION, HE ALSO ADVISES US THAT HE FOUND ONLINE NEARLY 100 SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON SIMILAR VEHICLES RANGING FROM 2004-2006, ALL WITH VARYING MILEAGE. IN FACT, HE HAS TWO VEHICLES ON HIS PROPERTY THAT SHARE THE SAME CONCERN: ONE LOST FULL INTEGRITY, AND THE STRUT BLEW THROUGH THE BODY INTO THE CARGO SPACE; THE OTHER SHARES A SIMILAR LEVEL OF FAILURE AS OUR CAR. IT IS ALSO HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT THIS SORT OF RUST-OUT IS NOT COMMON NOR EXPECTED OF A VEHICLE THIS AGE. AFTER EXTENSIVE LOCAL RESEARCH AND PERSONAL INVESTIGATION, I HAVE FOUND IN MY CITY ALONE A HALF DOZEN FORD ESCAPE-STYLE VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEARS-RANGE WITH SIMILAR ISSUES AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONCERN. I ALSO HAVE RECORDED OVER 200 COMPLAINTS FROM SEVERAL BULLETIN BOARDS ACROSS THE INTERNET NOTING SIMILAR CONCERNS. WE HAVE YET TO PERSONALLY CONTACT FORD, YET WE SEE FROM THE POSTINGS THAT THE RESPONSE IS THE SAME: FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS AN ISSUE. FORD, HOWEVER, HAS SLATED LATER THIS MONTH TO ISSUE A RECALL RELATED TO A SIMILAR SUSPENSION-RUST ISSUE IN THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT WHEELHOUSE. AS THE LOSS OF AN EFFECTIVE STRUT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HANDLING, BRAKING AND SUSPENSION SAFETY ISSUES AT ANY CORNER OF THE AUTOMOBILE, THIS CONCERN FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT. *TR

Mileage: 194,000

RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT DETACHED AND PUSHED THROUGH BODY OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOW IS UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 163,309

A RATTLING FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. UPON INVESTIGATION TO SEE WHAT IT WAS I FOUND THAT THE UPPER CONNECTION POINT OF THE SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS BARELY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE BODY. WITHIN A DAY OR TWO AFTERWARDS THE UPPER PART HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND THE SHOCK WAS BOUNCING AROUND FREELY. I REMOVED THE SHOCK YESTERDAY (5/1/2014) AS IT HAD PUSHED UP (SINCE IT HAS NO RESISTANCE OR MEANS TO HOLD IT COMPRESSED) AND PUNCHED A HOLE THROUGH THE PLASTIC INTERIOR SIDE WALL LINER IN THE TAILGATE AREA. THERE IS NOW AN APPROXIMATELY 10" SQUARE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHERE I CAN SEE THE TIRE AND ROAD. I WILL NEED TO SEAL THE OPENING TO KEEP ROAD WATER FROM ENTERING. PHOTOS CAN BE PROVIDED. *TR

Mileage: 210,000

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDER. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC THINKING I NEEDED SHOCKS. MY MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT I COULD NOT PUT NEW SHOCKS ON MY ESCAPE BECAUSE MY INNER FENDER WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND MY SHOCK WAS NO LONGER BOLTED TO THE FRAME. I THEN HAD TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. MY SHOCK WAS JUST BOUNCING AROUND AND COULD HAVE BROKEN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT OR BROKEN OFF ALL TOGETHER. ONCE I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP I WAS TOLD I WOULD ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS BECAUSE MY RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK WAS CRACKED IN HALF. I JUST PURCHASED THIS "USED" VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER AND MY HUSBAND REALLY LIKES FORD PRODUCTS BUT AFTER THIS HAPPENING TO US AND FINDING OUT THAT FORD HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. LUCKILY NOBODY IN MY FAMILY WAS INJURED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I REALIZE THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO MOST VEHICLES WHERE THERE IS SNOW AND ICE HAS TO BE USED ON THE ROADS, I FEEL FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

AS I WAS DRIVING TODAY A BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED THAT THE STRUTS ARE BARELY ATTACHED. HE TOLD ME THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE I HAVE CAME ACROSS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES! *TR

Mileage: 128,956

I AM WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF MY PROBLEM WITH MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT AROUND THE RIGHT REAR STRUT IT'S COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE STRUT IN NEARLY FREE. I DID RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT I AM DEFINITELY NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE IT FIXED OR POINTED IN THE DIRECTION AS TO WHERE I CAN GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR PULLED REALLY HARD TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND STARTED MAKING A LOUD HORRIBLE NOISE. EVERYTIME I WOULD HIT A BUMP, IT PULLED THE CAR. I MADE IT HOME AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT MY SHOCK WENT RIGHT THROUGH IT. ALL OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE JUST FINE AND APPEAR TO STILL BE COATED. *JS

Mileage: 106,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE. THE BODY/FRAME PART OF THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE LOOSE AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK. SO THERE IS NOTHING HOLDING THE SHOCK IN PLACE. IT IS CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AREA. THE BODY/FRAME HAS DETERIORATED IN THAT AREA. I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE. FORD HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE FRONT END RUSTING PREMATURELY AND CAUSING DAMAGE. BUT, I THINK THIS IS THE SAME REASON. *TR

Mileage: 126,643

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AWAY. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE FOUND MANY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE OTHER THREE WHEEL HOUSINGS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION WITHOUT RUST. I TOOK SUV TO WOLTZ & WIND FORD IN HEIDELBURG, PA WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THEIR SUPPLY OF THIS PART WAS USED UP AND FORD WAS NOT MAKING ANY AT THAT TIME. THE REAR HOUSINGS SUPPORT THE REAR SHOCKS AND "COULD HAVE" CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. IT TOOK 3 1/2 MONTHS BEFORE PART WAS REPLACED. OF COURSE FORD DOWN PLAYS THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM AND I WAS GIVEN A TOTAL RUN-A-ROUND BY THE DEALERSHIP AND WITH FORDS CUSTOMER SERVICE. I AM 78 YEARS OLD WIDOW WHO DREADS TO THINK WHAT "COULD HAVE" HAPPENED. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLS TO MAKE THIS A PRIORITY. YOU MAY SPEAK TO MYSELF OR MY SON-IN-LAW [XXX] WHO HAS BEEN HELPING WITH THIS MESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 85,000

PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK AND MOUNT HAVE RUSTED OFF OF FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 192,000

THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 164,000

THESE WAS A LOUD BANG WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. WHEN I WAS HOME I CHECKED THE WHEEL WELL AND THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT WAS TOTALLY ROTTED THROUGH TO THE TRUCK AREA. THE MOUNT HOUSE IN THE BODY HAD BROKEN OFF AND DESTROYED THE INNER WHEEL WELL. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. DAUGHTER TOOK ME FOR A RIDE AND I SAT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO TRY AND FIND THE SOURCE OF THE RATTLING. CHECKED THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE SPARE, ALL OTHER PARTS AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE. THE NEXT DAY THE NOISE WAS MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY IMMEDIATELY FOUND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, THAT BEING A TOTALLY RUSTED OUT SHOCK/STRUT TOWER. THE BODY SHOP MANAGER SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS ON MULTIPLE ESCAPES. HE REFUSED TO QUOTE THE JOB AS HE DID NOT WANT TO BE LIABLE IN CASE IT DID NOT WORK OUT. *TR

Mileage: 93,750

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM OUTSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SHOCKS AND STRUT MOUNT WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 12/4/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE SHOCK STRUT MOUNT RUSTED AWAY. UPDATED 12/12/13

Mileage: 140,000

I HIT A BUMP AND THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A BANGING NOISE AFTERWARD ANY TIME I WENT OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND THE MECHANIC WOULDN'T EVEN TOUCH IT. THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT PLATE IS RUSTED OUT AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL IS BREAKING RIGHT OFF THE FRAME. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT AROUND IT - THE METAL WAS ONLY HELD TOGETHER BY UNDERCOATING IN SOME PLACES. HE SAID IT WAS PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKE LINE, TOO. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AND THE 2005 AS WELL. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. MY CHILDREN WERE IN THAT VEHICLE! *TR

Mileage: 149,000

NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE MUFFLER AREA THINKING IT WAS LOOSE WHICH IT WAS NOT. I THEN CHECKED INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND FOUND THAT THE SHOCK THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD TOTALLY RUSTED OUT LEAVING A HUGE HOLE IN THE FRAME. THE HOLE NOW LEAVES THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE AND EXPOSED TO ALL ELEMENTS OF THE WEATHER. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THE SUB-FRAME UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT WAS RUSTED AND WAS SAGGING. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRAME COULD COLLAPSE AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE LOST. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS NOTICED THAT ONLY FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DRIPPING CONDENSATION. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE ROAD SALT USED IN WINTER. IF THAT WAS THE CASE WHY WASN'T THE WHOLE SUB-FRAME ROTTED AND NOT JUST THE SECTION WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DRIPPING? I DON'T THINK A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE THE FRAME DISINTEGRATE LIKE THIS. *JB

Mileage: 118,000

THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL HOUSING HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO BREAK AWAY FROM ITS TOP MOUNTING AND CAUSE SEVERE VEHICLE BOUNCING AND SWAYING WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.MANY OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS I HAVE SPOKEN TO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND AN INTERNET SEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM CONFIRMS MY FINDINGS. *TR

Mileage: 82,400

THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL IS LOOSE BECAUSE THE METAL SUPPORTING IT IS RUSTING AWAY. WHENEVER A BUMP IS HIT THERE IS A LOUD NOISE AND SHARP JOLT. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

HEARD A RATTLE IN REAR OF CAR. THOUGHT IT WAS EXHAUST SYSTEM RELATED. UPON INSPECTION FOUND REAR PASSENGER UPPER SHOCK CONNECTION HAD ROTTED COMPLETED AND THE SHOCK WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE CAR. SHOCK IS BARELY HANGING ON THE VEHICLE AND APPEARS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER FORD REQUIREMENTS AT THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. NO UNUSUAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK MOUNT PENETRATED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD BECOME PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 197,000

SON CAME HOME FROM COLLEGE. BANGING NOISE NOTICED WHEN SISTER RIDING WITH HIM COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION AT OIL CHANGE GARAGE IT WAS NOTICED THAT RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED AND BROKEN OFF FROM THE WHEEL WELL SHEET METAL. VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE IN THAT CONDITION AS WHEEL COULD POSSIBLY BREAK OFF OR AT THE LEAST POOR HANDLING OF VEHICLE. ONLINE SEARCH CAME UP WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR 2003/2004/2005 ESCAPES. CALLED FORD BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED SO OWNERS OUT OF LUCK FOR VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

MY DAUGHTER NOTICED HER ESCAPE WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT IT WAS TRAVELING SIDEWAY`S DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED HER FRONT TIRE`S WERE WORN, ESPECIALLY THE PASSENGER`S FRONT, IT WAS WORN ON THE OUTSIDE. I SPOKE WITH A FORD MECHANIC THAT SUGGESTED NEW TIRE`S AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, SHE HAD THAT SERVICE DONE, WHICH DID NOT MAKE THE VEHICLE DRIVE ANY DIFFERENTLY. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE IN WHICH NOW THE VEHICLE WAS DOG TRACKING WHEN DRIVING AND WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL WELL`S WERE TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE REAR SHOCKS BECAUSE OF IT. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WHOM HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME CONCERN. THE WHOLE REAR END HAS APPARENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF LINE, BECAUSE OF THE RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL`S THAT ATTACH TO THE SHOCK`S TO HOLD THE REAR END IN ALIGNMENT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AND FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS ISSUE DOE`S NOT JUST INCLUDE 2004 MODEL`S , IT HAS ALSO BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION, THAT EVEN A NEW 2013 MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE THIS ISSUE INVESTIGATED IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 165,700

WHEN TAKING MY ESCAPE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANICS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I TOOK IT FOR AN ESTIMATE THAT DAY AND COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY AFFORD THE REPAIRS. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN THROUGH THE MOUNT AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH ONLY NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. ONLY THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS THIS PROBLEM. ONLINE RESEARCH WITH OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND EVEN ACKNOWLEDGES AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BUT WILL NOT COVER. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, THE BOLT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM ROTTED/RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS A THREE YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 09/09/08 *BF UPDATED 09/09/08. *JB

Mileage: 51,000

MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A LOOSE WHEEL BEARING AT 21,500 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT I SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN ASKED WHY THIS WASN'T FOUND DURING A COMPLETE SUSPENSION CHECK 2 MONTHS PRIOR, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS DEFECT MAY NOT BE DETECTED UNTIL THERE WAS A FAILURE. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER WHEEL BEARINGS I WAS TOLD THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL EVENT. I HAVE SINCE DISCUSSED THIS WITH ENGINEERS FROM DETROIT AND WAS TOLD THESE WHEEL BEARINGS ARE A MAJOR WARRANTY PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY LOOSE CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING SHOULD OTHER BEARINGS BECOME LOOSE. SHOULD WHEEL BEARING BE REPLACED EVERY 20,000 MILES? *NM

Mileage: 21,405