2005 FORD ESCAPE Structure Problems

Hello, The engine cradle subframe on my 2005 Ford Escape has completely rusted through on the right hand side where it attaches to the steering control arm. As I was driving the subframe broke which made it impossible to steer the car. This pulled my car off the road to the passenger side. Fortunately I was not injured. Having now researched this issue, it is a common problem with 2005 Ford Escapes. This is very dangerous, and it should be addressed as it creates a life threatening situation.

My rear passenger side rusted right out completely and the strut mount is not attached to any part of the body. It caused my vehicle to swirve off the road almost hitting another vehicle when it was raining out also in the snow this occurred several times where my rear end jerked sideways pulling my truck into a complete circle.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her father inspected the vehicle, he made her aware that there was damage to the rear subframe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Rear driver's side door will not close/latch. Latch can be manually moved, but does not engage when shutting door. Currently using bungee cords to keep door closed as I have children and no other vehicle. Vehicle was parked, door was opened from inside to allow passenger to exit, but when they attempted to shut the door, it would not latch closed. No prior problems with the door and no prior warnings/lights. Since door won't close, the door ajar dash light is illuminated and I have to turn my interior lights to off so that they don't remain on while I'm driving

MY FORD ESCAPE HAS HANDLED POORLY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS; A FEW DAYS AGO MY DAUGHTER (FOLLOWING ME IN HER OWN CAR) TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOOKED CROOKED. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THIS MORNING WHO TOLD (AND SHOWED) ME THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE SEEMED SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT I HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 150,000

FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED WHILE DRIVING - SLOW VEHICLE SPEED. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE SUBFRAME, BUT THE FAILED SUBFRAME ALLOWS THE CONTROL ARM TO SWING DRAGGING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE.

Mileage: 219,000

MY ESCAPE KEEPS MAKING A HORRIBLE RUBBING/HUMMING SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT ONLY, MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT LOCK AND MY ALARM IS CONSTANTLY GOING OFF, AND FINALLY MY FRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTING AND LITERALLY CRUMBLING APART. MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY EITHER. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY OF THIS YEAR FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP.

Mileage: 220,000

RUST AND CORROSION ON THE WHEEL WELL CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNT TO COME APART. NOW IT IS LOOSE AND VERY DANGEROUS. FORD MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR TERRIBLE DESIGN.

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SERVICE. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE AND CROSSMEMBER WERE CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED HELLER FORD (700 W MAIN ST, EL PASO, IL 61738, (309) 527-6050) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 195,772. *LN MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. *DL

Mileage: 195,772

AS I WAS DRIVING THERE WAS A REALLY LOUD CLUNKING ON THE REAR. I FIGURED IT WAS POTENTIALLY A BROKEN SHOCK. IN THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK BOLTS TO THE FRAME WAS COPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN I WAS HITTING BUMPS IT WASNT EVEN ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THERE WAS NO WAY OF REPAIR. I AM SO GREATFUL I WAS SAFE. AND DIDNT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. ONE WRONG BUMP. AND THE WHOLE SHOCK WOULDVE WENT THROUGH THE TRUNK AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

THE BODY OF THE CAR IS GENERALLY SOLID. I NOTICED A HARD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND FIGURED IT WAS BAD SHOCKS. WHEN I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A VERY LARGE RUST HOLE SURROUNDING THE SHOCK TOWER WHERE IT MEETS THE WHEEL WELL. THE RUST WAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SHOCK. EVENTUALLY, IF I HIT A BAD BUMP, THE SHOCK WILL MOST LIKELY FAIL AND GO UP INTO THE TRUNK, ESSENTIALLY LEAVING THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THIS FAILURE SEEMS TO BE REPORTED COMMONLY FOR THIS SPECIFIC YEAR (2005) ESCAPES. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WITH IT BEING SO CLOSE TO THE CRUCIAL SHOCK TOWER, AND IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE IF EVEN POSSIBLE DUE TO THE SEVERITY TO REPAIR. THIS ABSOLUTELY SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING FORD SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS MASSIVE FLAW AND OFFER CUSTOMERS SOME KIND OF SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 322,100

I BOUGHT THIS FORD ESCAPE FOR MY DAUGHTER WITH ONLY AT 116,000 MILES ON IT HAD IT HOME FOR TWO WEEKS SINCE LIKE THE INNER FENDER WELL AND FRAME FELL APART ON THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT.

Mileage: 116,000

2005 ESCAPE, UNDER 100,000 MILES COMPLETELY RUSTING OUT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE TO THE POINT OF A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOW UN-DRIVABLE. DISCONNECTION OF PIECES AND PARTS WHERE THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THEM TOGETHER IS WITH A HANGER. WAS TOLD THE HANGER WORKED BETTER THAN ANYTHING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD DO. RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, HUGE HOLE NOW WHERE YOU CAN SEE COMPLETELY INTO CAR. SHOCKS BANG AND RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL COVER IN THE CAR. JACK COULD NOT EVEN STAY ATTACHED DUE TO THE RUST. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, BRAKES FAILED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. TO KNOW FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM (RECALL OF 2002-2004 FOR SAME ISSUE) AND MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR AT COLLEGE AND TWO HOURS BACK AND FORTH SICKENS ME. WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENED ALL THE TIME TO THESE CASES BY FORD REPAIR SHOP. ALSO TOLD IT WASN'T WORTH FIXING. THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IS AT A MAJOR RISK.

Mileage: 99,868

CROSS OVER ON PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED IN HALF,THE EXACT SAME THING THAT WASTE CALLED ON THE 2001-2004,MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH TWO OF MY GRANDCHILDREN WITH HER WHEN IT BROKE,THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS SITUATION,I FEEL FORD SHOULD FIX MY VEHICLE,IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN2004,I WILL TAKE IT TO COURT IF NECESSARY, INNOCENT PEOPLE COULD GET KILLED,IT IS THE EXACT SAME RECALL AS THE YEAR BEFORE AND WAS MANUFACTURED IN THAT YEAR OF THE RECALL MY ESCAPE HAS NO OTHER RUST ON IT ANYWHERE,I HAVE PICS TO PROVE IT,MY WIFE WAS JUST GETTING READY TO TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY FROM A CITY STREET

ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE FENDER WELLS AND ON THE AREA AROUND WHERE YOU PUT GAS IN IT FALLING COMPLETELY APART AT A VERY RAPID SPEED, THE FENDER ON THE AREA OF THE GAS CAP IS FALLING APART LOST PART OF THE THIS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK

Mileage: 136,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED SUBFRAME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND ONE OF THE TIRES BECAME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD LINCOLN OF ALEXANDRIA (7400 ALEXANDRIA PIKE, ALEXANDRIA, KY 41001, (859) 448-9400) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Mileage: 163,000

BEGAN HEARING TERRIBLE NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AND FRAME WERE RUSTED OUT. AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT TOWER, STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS DUE TO FRAME BEING RUSTED OUT. NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND IT IS HEADED TO THE SCRAP YARD.

Mileage: 130,000

HEARD A LOUD SCRATCHING NOISE FROM REAR OF CAR. UPON INSPECTION, ENTIRE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND STRUT HAS BEEN PUSHED THROUGH INTO REAR SEAT AREA. IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FORD DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COSTLY TO FIX. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL FORD, AND THEY LISTENED TO MY COMPLAINT AND ISSUED ME A CASE NUMBER. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING. I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT RUNS LIKE A TOP, LOADED WITH FEATURES, NEW TIRES AND IS WORTH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE DEALER TOLD ME HAD SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER 2005 ESCAPES AND THEY ARE COST PROHIBITIVE TO REPAIR. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2000-2004 MODELS BUT NOT 2005. DEALER TOLD ME IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT, EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL WILL BE SUCKED ALL THE WAY INTO THE BACK SEAT-TRUNK AREA AND I COULD BE KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 122,500

THE RIGHT REAR "WHEELHOUSE PANEL" RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BECOME DETACHED AND NON-FUNCTIONAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED RIDE AND HANDLING CONCERNS WHICH AFFECTED VEHICLE SAFETY. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, ~ $1,500.00.

Mileage: 130,000

THE ESCAPE STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS WHILE DRIVING IT ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND WAS BANGING LIKE SOMETHING BROKE LOOSE. WE THOUGHT THE SHOCKS BROKE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION WE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD CAME OFF BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING FOR IT TO ATTACH TO. WE HAVE THE CAR PARKED BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. OUR DAUGHTER HAD JUST PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2017 FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER. I HAVE RESEARCHED BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS AND THERE VERY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES WITH DIFFERENT YEAR ESCAPES.

Mileage: 80,000

LAST YEAR I NOTICED THE RUST AROUND DOORS AND WHEELS, IM RETIRED & A DISABLED 77 YR OLD MAN SO I DRIVE IT ONCE A WEEK. OVER THE SUMMER I NOTICE IT HANDLING FUNNY, HAD IT SERVICED AND INSPECTED. I WAS ON ROUTE 30 A MILE FROM MY HOUSE IT STARTED SHAKING & MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VIBRATING, I BARELY MANAGED GETTING WHEELS TO TURN IT OFF THE HWY, I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, THIS [XXX] THING FEELS LIKE IT'S GONNA FALL APART, HOME WAS 1/4 MILE, NOISE & VIBRATING CONTINUED, STRUGGLED TURNING WHEEL INTO MY DRIVEWAY, PARKED IT, GOT OUT AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL IS TILTED WAY OUT. MY SON JACKED IT UP AND SAID MY LOWER CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OR THRU AND BROKEN OFF AND IT IS ALL RUSTED BAD UNDERNEATH & SAID IT'S SCRAPE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 120,000

THE AREA AROUND THE SHOCK SUPPORT HAS SLMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS IS SUPER UNSAFE.

Mileage: 201,000

FIRST PROBLEM WAS REAR PASSENGER TIREWELL ROTTED AND SHOCK BROKE THROUGH. HAD THIS THIS REPLACED BY AUTO BODY SHOP. NOW DRIVING CAR ON CITY STREET HEARD A THUD AND CAR STOPPED. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME IT WAS THE SUB FRAME THAT HAD RUSTED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. HE HAS SEEN THIS MANY TIMES. COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THIS HIS CAR. ON WAY TO LOCAL MECHANIC TO SEE QUOTE TO FIX.

Mileage: 160,000

THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, LARGE HOLE IN BODY, SHOCK WENT RIGHT THREW THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED EXTREMELY FAST, I JUST PUT NEW TIRES AND BRAKES ON THE CAR. THIS DEFECT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND POISED A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN. THE CAR CAN'T BE SOLD OR TRADED IN AND NOW HEADED TO THE JUNKYARD

Mileage: 157,000

REAR FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AS WELL AS PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER,RUSTED SO BAD CAN SEE THROUGH TO OUTSIDE IN 2 SPOTS WHICH ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE ,COULD CAUSE EXPHIXIATION TO OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO REAR OF VEHICLE GIVING WAY AND BREAKING IN TWO ON A ROADWAY,DAMAGE WASN'T VISIBLE UNTIL IT TOTALLY BUSTED THROUGH WHILE DRIVING! FORD SHOULD RECALL DUE TO SAFETY AS THE 2004 WAS.

Mileage: 162,000

TAKATA RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE BACK OF THE FRAME/BODY METAL SNAPPED, WHEN DROVE THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH SEVERELY BAD POT HOLES. RUST ON CAR WAS AVERAGE FOR AGE AND WAS STILL DRIVE ABLE. BUT HAVEN'T DRIVEN IN MONTHS BECAUSE SCARED OF SAFETY RISK. I FEEL LIKE THE FRAME SHOULDN'T BE HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY 13/14 YEARS OLD. THE CORROSION OF THE METAL ON THE CAR IS VERY EXCESSIVE. THIS IS MY SECOND FORD ESCAPE IN 3 YEARS AND THEY ALL HAVE HAD BODY ISSUES WITH FAST METAL CORROSION. THE PHOTO ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS TAKEN TODAY AFTER MONTHS OF SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT.

Mileage: 99,695

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD NEAR THE AREA OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST IN THAT AREA, WHICH WAS AFFECTING THE SHOCKS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

OF COURSE I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS MOST FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE WITH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING COMPLETELY OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT ONLY EFFECTS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF THESE VEHICLES AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF UNADDRESSED OWNER COMPLAINTS. FORD STILL WILL NOT DO A RECALL NOR WILL THEY DO ANYTHING FOR THEIR THOUSANDS OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS. I DO HOPE THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT I CAN JOIN BECAUSE FORD JUST WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I JUST HAD MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE GOING OUT-OF-STATE TO VISIT MY DYING FATHER WITH MY KIDS BUT NOW I CAN'T EVEN GO DUE TO THIS UNEXPECTED DEFECT WHICH FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHICH HAS LEFT ME WITH A VEHICLE I CANT DRIVE THAT I'M STILL PAYING FOR. I CAN'T EVEN TRADE IT IN BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE! THANKS FORD! I WILL MAKE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE I CAN ABOUT FORD'S INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS ITS CUSTOMERS AND I WILL NEVER BUY FORD ANYTHING EVER AGAIN!

Mileage: 124,000

PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH, SHOCK TOWER IS BANGING AGAINST INNER FRAME, CHUNKS OF RUST DISLODGING AND SCRAPING AGAINST TIRE. THIS IS OCCURRING WHILE DRIVING. I PUSHED THE CHUNK BACK AND IT SEEMS TO BE STAYING OFF THE TIRE FOR NOW. FORD AUTO REPAIR SHOP QUOTED $5000 TO REPAIR. MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK IS ACROSS TWO MAJOR CITIES VIA A HIGH-TRAFFIC MAJOR HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL TO BE A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS CONDITION SINCE IT AFFECTS NOT ONLY SUSPENSION BUT COULD CAUSE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS PUNCTURING THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND EXPOSING PEOPLE IN THE CAR TO EXHAUST AND FRIGID WEATHER (MINNESOTA) IN THE WINTER. THIS RUSTING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH FORD - THEY RECALLED THIS MAKE AND MODEL UP THROUGH 2004 FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 150,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT DUE TO IMPROPER POWDER COATING. STRUT MOUNT RUSTING AND SEPARATING FROM VEHICLE FRAME.

Mileage: 114,000

DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD AND HEARD A BAD RUBBING NOICE AND STEERING WENT LOOSE, PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS PUSHED IN TO THE WHEEL WELL. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKE AND THE CV AXLE WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE MOTOR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I CALLED FORD BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I SAW FOR THIS SAME ISSUE ON 2005 MODELS, AND BECAUSE OF THE RECALL FOR THE 01 TO 04 FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR. I EXPLAINED THAT I KNOW THIS, BUT I SAW HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR 05S HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE AND THAT IT'S NOT NORMAL OR SAFE TO BE DRIVING ALONG AND HAVE THE SUBFRAME JUST BRAKE LIKE THIS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 113K MILES. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT, THEY WILL CALL FORD WITH THERE FINDINGS. I HAD TO FLAT BED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT. THE MECHANIC CALLED FORD AND TOLD THEM THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKE, THEY SAID THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THE CAR! OBVIOUSLY!!! WE ALREADY WENT OVER THIS! SO NOW I'M IN THE BOAT I FIRST WAS, FORD TELLING ME THAT THERE'S NO RECALL ON MY CAR!!!

Mileage: 113,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR DOOR SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS ATTACHING THE HINGES TO THE BODY WAS THE DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM OR DOOR SHOCKS. THE DEALER (SUBURBAN FORD OF STERLING HEIGHTS, 40333 VAN DYKE AVENUE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48373) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,385.

Mileage: 135,385

(RECOMMENDING THIS COMPLAINT BE DELETED; SAME VEHICLE AS 11110799) TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RIDING ROUGH IN THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT A REPAIR FACILITY DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER HAD EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION AND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK FRACTURED SO THE SHOCK TOWER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE A REMEDY, DID NOT SUGGEST THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE MAY BE REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. DYD

Mileage: 114,000

VEHICLES SUBFRAME RUSTED AND BROKE AT PASSENGERS FRONT CONTROL ARM WHILE DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROADWAY IN A CITY DURING NORMAL CONDITIONS. CAR IS A 2005 WITH ONLY 55000 MILES. VIRTUALLY NO RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON BODY. I FOUND THE EXACT PROBLEM AT THE IDENTICAL LOCATION ON 2002-2004 UNDER A RECALL AND BELIEVE THAT THE 2005 SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS WELL

Mileage: 55,000

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD BUMPING NOISE... MY BACK PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, WHICH HAS AFFECTED MY SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKET. EVERY LITTLE BUMP CAUSES IT TO SHAKE AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE BRACKET ACTUALLY WENT THROUGH THE PLASTIC AND THERE IS A HOLE INSIDE THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I SEE SO MANY IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS AND ITS VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I KNOW THAT THE FORD ESCAPE 2001- 2004 WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE AND ITS DISCONCERTING THAT THEY ARE IGNORING THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 2005-2008 ESCAPE. HOW MANY MORE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR THEM TO AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THIS UNSAFE, REOCCURRING ISSUE?! HOPEFULLY , SOMETHING WILL BE DONE SOON BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED.

RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. I DO *NOT* LIVE IN THE RUST BELT. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED AREA WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP. THE NOISES INCREASED DURING DRIVING FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS. I FINALLY GOT UNDER THERE TO LOOK AT IT AND FOUND THE SHOCK TOWER MOUNT HAD NEARLY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETED ROTTED AND DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION.

Mileage: 204,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT BAD

Mileage: 180,000

AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD LOUD NOISES STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. AFTER GETTING HOME I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BODY. I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE ISSUES IDENTICAL TO THIS IN AN ONLINE SEARCH. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 ESCAPE AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. THERE ARE EXISTING RECALLS ON 2001-2005 FORD ESCAPES FOR RUST ISSUES.

Mileage: 85,725

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TRUCK STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE BACK. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND MAJOR RUSTING IN PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. SHOCK COMPLETELY RUSTED FREE AND BOUNCING UP TO HIT THE PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO BODY SHOP MECHANIC AND UPON INSPECTION, HE SHOWED US THAT THE FRAME ITSELF IS RUSTED THROUGH AND VEHICLE CANNOT LEGALLY BE FIXED AND IS TECHNICALLY NOT EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE. LESS THAN 133,000 MILES AND BOUGHT USED 2 YEARS AGO, WE ARE VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE. SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND SHOULD HAVE BE RECALLED. THEY RECALLED YEARS 2001-2004 FOR THE SAME ISSUES, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2005. SHAME ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SUCH POOR WORKMANSHIP! PLEASE HELP!!!

Mileage: 132,790

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A WHISTLING NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE INNER WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL, AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,250.

Mileage: 177,250

HEAR A LOUD BANG WHILE DRIVING. I FOUND EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. I CHECKED THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS AND THE OTHER THREE ARE FINE, NO ISSUES. THIS CAR IS A LITTLE OLDER, BUT THERE SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT VEHICLE AND IS NOT OUT IN THE ELEMENTS ALL THE TIME.

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY LOUD NOISE AS IF GLASS WERE BREAKING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WALKED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TOWER WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE WELL OF THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DANGER OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING POSTED ON THE INTERNET AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER HAS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE.

Mileage: 234,000

PURCHASED VEHICLE IN APRIL 2017 2 MONTHS LATER HEARD A BANGING NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD CAME THROUGH. I CONTINUED DRIVING IT BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AND IT WAS MY ONLY CAR NOW THERE IS NO WHEEL WELL LEFT AND HAD TO REMOVE THE SHOCK.

Mileage: 100,000

BACK WHEEL RIGHT WHEELWELL AROUND SHOCK RUSTED OUT, SON DROVE HOME FROM SCHOOL SAID BACK WHEEL MAKING NOISE, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION TOOK OFF BACK PANEL RIGHT SIDE, FOUND WHEELWELL RUSTED OUTBY SHOCK AND CAN SEE DAYLIGHT WHEEL WAS MAKING NOISE WHEN HE DROVE HOME, HAD BRAKE MAN LOOK AT FOUND DEBRIS FROM PANEL IN WHEEL WHERE BRAKES ARE. FIXED AND CLEANED, CHECKED BRAKES, PUT BACK TOGETHER. WHEELWELL RUSTED OUT . WANT FORD TO DO SOMETHING. ALSO HAD CAR 1 YR BOUGHT FROM COLUMBIANA FORD WENT BACK TOLD DEALER THEY SHOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT THIS ISSUE MY SON COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR ME.

Mileage: 105,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE. HEARD BUMP FOLLOWED BY NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED CAR, FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKEN, UPPER ATTACHMENT PLATE FOR SHOCK ABSORBER NOW IN VEHICLE INTERIOR. APPEARS THAT WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE: HIDDEN FROM OUTSIDE BY UNDERCOATING IN WHEEL WELL AND HIDDEN FROM INSIDE BY VEHICLE INTERIOR PANELS. 04 AND EARLIER MODELS RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM. WHY NO RECALL ON 05 AND NEWER? MANY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 180,000

WAS DRIVING AT 40 MILES AN HOUR HIT SLIGHT BUMP IN ROAD.SOUNDED LIKE WHOLE BACK END FALLING OFF WITH LOUD BANG. STOPPED GOT OUT CHECKED BACK END ON RIGHT REAR SUBFRAME HOLDING STRUTT TOWER HAD SEPERATED FROM FRAME CAUSING SHOCK AND HOUSING TO COME UP INSIDE OF CAR. THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO FORDS ATTENTION. AN THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO FIX THIS AS MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING FORCED TO GET RID OF A GOOD VEHICLE THAT WOULD STILL BE DRIVABLE IF THIS WAS REPAIRED. WE SHOULDN;T BE FORCED TO GET RID OF A GOOD CAR BECAUSE THEY DON;T WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT LIKE MANY OTHERS HAVE I HOPE YOU JUST DON'T FILE IT AWAY. THEY HONORED THIS PROBLEM IN 2001-2004 BUT THEN AFTER THAT ENDED RECALLS FOR IT THIS IS NOT RIGHT.

Mileage: 134,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, CAUSING BOTH FRONT TIRES TO LEAN. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED VAN BORTEL FORD AT 585-586-4415 AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

AFTER BREAKING WHILE IN TRAFFIC, MY CAR SWERVED UNEXPECTEDLY ON TO SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND AFTERWARDS MY STEERING WHEEL WAS AT A STRANGE ANGLE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. 2005 MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL

Mileage: 115,000

EXCESSIVE RUST UNDER THE WHEEL WELL/SHOCK TOWER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHTWAY THE BUMPS CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE RUST TO RIP APART OPENING A GAPING HOLE AND SEPERATING MY SHOCK FROM THE WHEEL WELL. UPON TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND TO PARK IT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN TO FORD AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY.

Mileage: 132,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL PROTRUDED OUTWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WENT TO THE SCENE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Mileage: 163,000

WHEN I WAS DRIVING I HEARD SOME LOUD NOISE AND WHEN I STOPPED I FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT SHOT UP THRU THE BACK INTERIOR OF THE CAR.THIS WAS DUE TO THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT.I ALSO WAS DRIVING ANOTHER TIME WHEN THE FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE.I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND SEEN THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE FACING SIDEWAYS.THE TIE ROD BROKE.I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED.

Mileage: 138,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ROCKER PANEL WAS DISENTIGRATED AND A HOLE IN THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT LEGALLY BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

THE GROMMET OR PLASTIC SCREW WITH A RUBBER GASKET IS SO CHEAP IT FELL APART AND OUT OF BACK HATCH WINDOW ATTACHED TO THE HATCH AND SLID DOWN ON ONE SIDE AND ALMOST COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM DOOR WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE AND SUCH! THE OTHER SIDE IS FINE, STILL. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IS A SAFETY ISDUE. IT COULD FALL OUT THEN FLY INTO TRAFFIC THERE'S A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN IT COULD MAKE A DRIVER VERY NERVOUS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD KNOWING THAT IT'S SLIPPED OR BROKEN OUT ALL FROM THE WIND AN OPENING AND CLOSING DOOR WHICH IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT OBVIOUSLY IS A FLUKE BECAUSE THE OTHER SIDE DIDN'T BREAK AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS DIDN'T GET TO WHERE IT WAS FALLING APART TO THAT POINT OT AT ALL ACTUALOT I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE HOW MUCH SOMETHING LIKE THAT WAS IT'S JUST A LITTLE PIECE OF RUBBER AND PLASTIC THEY WANT $100 FOR IT I DON'T THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR UNLESS FORD AS MAKING JUNK NOW AND I THINK THEY SHOULD STAND BY THIS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN IT WOULD HAVE WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED. THIS HAPPENED RECENTLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, LIKE 8/23/17.

Mileage: 85,176

RUST CAUSED THE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY USED IN A SALT-BELT STATE. THE ISSUE BECAME EVIDENT AFTER A SMALL POTHOLE CAUSED THE REAR FRAME TO PUNCTURE THROUGH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEELHOUSE INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL AND STEERING DIFFICULTIES..

THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS ROTTED OUT, LEAVING THE SHOCK HANGING FREELY ABOVE THE WHEEL, UNATTACHED. I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, WHERE I HEARD A LOUD BANG IN THE BACK RIGHT OF THE CAR, AND THE NOISE CONTINUED AS THE CAR WENT OVER BUMPS. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE DAMAGE THE RUST WAS CAUSING TO THE AREA UNTIL THE SHOCK MOUNT CAME FREE, AS THE SEALANT USED IN THE WHEEL WELL HID THE DAMAGE-- APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-6 MONTHS I EXAMINE THE CAR FOR RUST AND NOTICED NO EXTREME DAMAGE TO THIS AREA PREVIOUSLY.

Mileage: 105,050

THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO A FORD DEALER TO INSTALL A "KIT" AND WELD THE STRUT BRACKET TO THE WHEEL WELL. I FOUND THE PROBLEM AFTER HEARING SIGNIFICANT CLUNKING NOISE IN THE BACK AS I DROVE.

Mileage: 125,658

FRONT SUBFRAME ROTTING OUT. LARGE PIECES OF RUSTED METAL ARE DISENGAGING FROM THE SUBFRAME CROSS MEMBERAS CREATING LARGE HOLES AS WELL AS THE CROSSMEMBER K FRAME ENGINE CRADLE. TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS HAVE STRESSED NOT DRIVING DUE TO THIS DETERIORATION. HAS ONLY 115000 MILES AND LIVE IN THE RUST STATES AS SPECIFIED IN THE 2004 RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, DETACHING THE SHOCK WHERE IT ATTACHES AT THE TOP. ENTIRE INNER WHEEL WELL NEEDS REPLACEMENT TO REPAIR.

Mileage: 95,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED SHOCK ABSORBERS. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PANELS SURROUNDING THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED AND LOOSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAPID FORD (1510 S POKEGAMA AVE, GRAND RAPIDS, MN 55744) WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ALSO CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSIS AND PROVIDED A REPAIR ESTIMATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

WHEEL WELLS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE ARE FAILING. HAD AT $1,200 EXPENSE TO REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK UNIT BECAUSE IT RUSTED OUT. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO JUNK THE VEHICLE SOON BECAUSE OF ALL THE RUST DAMAGE.

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. DUE TO AGGRESSIVE BRAKING, THE STEERING BECAME OFF-CENTERED AT A NINETY DEGREE ANGLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A 2005 SUBFRAME WAS ORDERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT IT DID NOT FIT AND HAD TO BE CHANGED OUT FOR A 2004 SUBFRAME. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, TURNED AT THE CORNER, HIT A SMALL BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND LIKE THE REAR GATE DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED, STOPPED AT THE CORNER PUT IT IN PARK, GOT OUT AND OPENED THE REAR GATE AND RECLOSED IT, GOT BACK INTO MY VEHICLE, TURNED LEFT HIT ANOTHER SMALL BUMP, AND HEARD THE LOUD BANGING NOISE AGAIN, STOPPED AT THE 4 WAY CORNER STORE, PARKED AND GOT OUT AND WALKED AROUND MY VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT, AND NOTICED THE RUST ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE, SOME OF IT HAD FALLEN OFF AND I COULD SEE THE STYROFOAM ON THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE WELD.I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I AM PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID I COULD TAKE IT TO THEIR GUY TO LOOK AT IT, TOOK IT TO HIM AND HE SAID THAT I HAD A REAL PROBLEM AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE WELDED, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I COULD TAKE IT TO THEIR GUY TO FIX, BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY COULD GET ME IN FOR AN APPOINTMENT. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, AND HE STILL HAS IT, TRYING TO LOCATE THE REAR END OF ANOTHER FORD ESCAPE TO FIX IT.

Mileage: 186,000

WHILE LOOKING AT YOUR WEB SITE, I NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY 2005 ESCAPE 3.0L, I DIDN'T GET A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE DEALER AND ITS 2017 AND I'M THE SECOND OWNER,AND NOW I FIND OUT THAT MY PASSAGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT BY LOOKING AT ALL THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSE I HEARD A HARD BUMP SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE STREETS. NOW I NOTICE THAT THERE IS A SHIFT LEVEL RECALL ON THE SAME ESCAPE!!. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE RECALL NOTICES!!!. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE TO GET AROUND IN- GREAT CAR OTHER THEN THAT.

Mileage: 179,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK ABSORBER BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME OF THE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 120,000

PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL WELL HAS DEVELOPED EXCESSIVE RUST. SUPPORT FOR SHOCK/STRUT ASSEMBLY INTEGRITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO BE DRIVEN WITHOUT REPAIR. RUST DAMAGE WAS CONCEALED UNDER RUST PROOFING MATERIAL.

Mileage: 111,000

DESPITE MANY, MANY OWNER COMPLAINTS, FORD HAS NEVER BEEN MADE TO RECALL THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THERE ARE RUST ISSUES IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT COULD LEAD TO UNSAFE OPERATION. ONE EXAMPLE IS SHOCK ABSORBERS THAT COULD COME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. FORD HAS ISSUED SUCH A RECALL FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS, SO THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY NEVER MADE ANY REPAIRS TO THE 2005 ESCAPE MODELS. I CONTACTED THEM AND THEY REFERRED ME TO YOU (THEY WERE QUITE HATEFUL). PLEASE HELP. I AM ON DISABILITY AND WE CANNOT AFFORD THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS AND WE BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THANK YOU.

Mileage: 144,000

PASSENGER REAR IS RESTED SHOCKS STRUTS DETACHED

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RUST BETWEEN THE SHOCK AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. THE SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

Mileage: 188,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.

Mileage: 187,000

NOTICED UNDERCOATING PEELING OFF IN WHEEL WELL(REAR PASSENGER SIDE). PULLED OFF AND ALSO FOUND A 3IN. CIRCLE OF METAL LOOSE. HAVE SEEN OTHER(300+) REPORTS OF THIS RUST PROBLEM ON THIS WEB PAGE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE AND HAS LESS THAN 70K MILES. THERE ARE NO HANDLING OR NOISE ISSUES YET.

Mileage: 65,000

WE STARTED TO HEAR A VERY LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHEN WE DROVE OVER EVEN THE SMALLEST BUMP. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THOUGH (YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR) AND THE WHEEL COULD FALL OFF AT ANYTIME. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH OUT A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE AND THAT 2001-2004 ESCAPES WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 125,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED/BROKEN. WHEEL WELL AND FENDER COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT WHILE THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST AT ALL. WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED THE 2005 ESCAPE, AFTER SEEING THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE

BACK PASENGER WHEEL WELL IS ALL RUSTED OUT, THE BO;TS EVEN RUSTED OUT AND ARE MISSING THE TRUCK IS UNDRIVABLE AND IS NOT SAFE. I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED ALOT OF BANGING, PULLED OVER THINKING THE BACK DOOR WASNT CLOSED PROPERLY. BUT FOUND THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL. I CAN PUSH ON THE WELL AND IT JUST CRUMBLES! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED!

Mileage: 160,000

ALMOST SUDDENLY, A LOUD RATTLING SOUND FROM THE REAR STARTED LAST WEEK. WHEN INSPECTED, TO MY SHOCK, THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS TOTALLY, TOTALLY ROTTED OUT . THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BEEN GARAGED AND CAREFULLY MAINTAINED SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. IN FACT, FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS--IT HAS BEEN BASICALLY DRIVEN ABOUT 16 -20 MILES PER DAY. AND AGAIN--GARAGED DAY AND NIGHT. AND NOW, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, IT APPEARS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AS A RESULT, I'M NOW SEARCHING FOR ANOTHER CAR TO BUY--NOT WANTING TO SPEND +$1,200 ON THIS REPAIR.

Mileage: 102,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE EXHAUST SERVICED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT LIFT THE VEHICLE TO DO THE EXHAUST SERVICING STATING THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS A CHANCE THE FRAME WOULD FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT

Mileage: 99,000

WHILE DRIVING WE NOTICED A REALLY LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. UPON LOOKING AROUND WE NOTICED SIGNIFICANT RUST INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL AREA. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO SAID THAT THEY GET A COUPLE OF THESE A WEEK. THE COST IS AT LEAST $1.500 PER SHOCK MOUNT. IF THERE'S A SEPARATION FROM THE SHOCK MOUNT IT COULD CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE CONTROL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WITH THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS "KNOWN PROBLEM " FORD ISN'T DOING A RECALL! APPARENTLY THE RUST HAD BEEN HAPPENING FOR A WHILE BUT WE NEVER KNEW ABOUT IT UNTIL THE LOUD NOISE. OUR MECHANIC ADVISED US THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 140,000

UNDERBODY IS ALL RUSTED, ONLY 57,000 MILES AND STORED INSIDE, EXCEPT WHEN DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A NOISE IN PASSENGER REAR WHEEL. UPON INSPECTION I OBSERVED THAT THE WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE SHOCK IS MOUNTED. LEARNED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT FROM THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED A HOLE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 01/10/17*LJ

Mileage: 95,000

THE BACK REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK WENT THROUGH THE "FLOOR" AND PANEL OF THE SUV. I BOUGHT THIS WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT AND NOW HAS 89,000 AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT AND NO ONE WILL FIX IT. I PAID $8500. FOR A SUV THAT I ONLY DROVE FOR 11/2 YEARS. I DRIVING AND HEARD A THUMPING SOUND SO I STOPPED AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. I DROVE 1/2 MILE TO MY HOUSE AND THE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD, I LOOKED AGAIN TO SEE THAT THE SHOCK BROKE THROUGH THE PANEL AND NOT ANY OF IT IS CONNECTED TO THE BODY OF THE TRUCK. I GOT ON A COMPLAINT WEBSITE AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AT THE SAME SPOT ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE SUV MY HUSBAND GOT ON HIS BACK AND LOOKED AT THE UNDERCOATING AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE MUFFLER BROKE AND THE MECHANIC HAD MY HUSBAND TO LOOK UNDER THE SUV AND EVERYTHING IS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNDERCOAT WAS FAULTY AND TRAPPED MOISTURE BETWEEN IT AND THE BODY OF THE SUV. THIS THING IS FALLING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH ME. THE LEFT REAR IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS ONLY STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. EVERYWHERE THERE IS A SEAM, RUST IS FORMING. I BLAMED IN ON THE DEALER FOR SELLING ME A FLOOD CAR, UNTIL I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. FORD RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY DID THEY KEEP DOING THE SAME THING? I AM UNEMPLOYED AND THIS IS MY TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT, HOPEFULLY I WON'T KILL MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE WHEN IT FALLS APART ON THE ROAD.

Mileage: 89,000

TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER BACK TOWER WHEEL RUSTED ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE THE METER SENSOR KEEP GOING OFF LIKE THE DOORS ARE STILL OPEN THE RIMS OF THE CAR HAS RUSTED LIKE WE HAD THE CAR FOR 30 YEARS IN MOTION WHEN I NOTICE THE WHEEL TOWER RUSTED OUT

Mileage: 16,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A HUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAD A RUSTED HOLE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS DETACHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MOUNT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE SHOCK HAS FORCED THE TOWER UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL, THROUGH THE PLASTIC IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM FOR 2001-2004 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED, BUT NOT FOR THE 2005 MODEL WHICH HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 115,000

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT STARTED MAKING SOUNDS IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN THE TOWN STREETS COMING HOME WHEN I HIT BUMPS. WE LOOKED AT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WELL AND THE SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED THROUGH. THE BODY IS RESTING ON THE COIL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT DUE TO THE DANGER OF THE BODY COMING DOWN ON THE WHEEL.

Mileage: 220,100

WENT TO REPLACE REAR SHOCKS. REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED AND I COULD MOVE SHOCK MOUNT TOWER WHEN TRUCK IS BOUNCED. ALSO HAVE BANGING AND BOUNCING GOING ON. RIDES ROUGH AND HAVE A RUST HOLE AND CAN SEE TIRE BELOW. BAD ENGINEERING DESIGN. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD FESS UP AND CORRECT THIS, BUT THEY WON'T THEY GOT THEIR MONEY!!!

Mileage: 84,000

I BOUGHT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP 15 MONTHS, AND 6000 MILES AGO. I NOTICED THAT IT JUST ALWAYS FELT "RICKETY", AND HAD IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT THREE TIMES DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS, AND NEW TIRES, AN "EXCITER RING" AND SWAY BARS DIDN'T SEEM TO REALLY DO MUCH. OVER THE COURSE OF THE LLAST MONTH, I NOTICED A LOUD "KNOCKING SOUND" COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE GATE WASN'T SHUT ALL THE WAY. THAT WASN'T IT. I STARTED DRIVING WITH THE SEATS DOWN IN THE BACK, TRYING TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I LOOKED UP UNDER THE WHEEL WELL, AND WAS SHOCKED AT THE CORROSION, AND TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL MUFFLER MAN. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS "EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE", AND THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I DID. I WAS SENT TO A BODY SHOP AND TOLD TO "RAISE HELL WITH FORD", BECAUSE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT. I GOT A QUOTE OF $8000 TO FIX IT. I STILL OWE $6000... I OPENED A CASE WITH FORD MOTORS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE "GIVING THE DEALERSHIP THE GREEN LIGHT TO MAKE IT RIGHT", AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS OBLIGATED TO TAKE PHOTOS. NO PHOTOS WERE TAKEN, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE RESPONDED TO MY CASE, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT WAS GOING TO BE DONE. AND THAT "EVEN IF ONE OF THE BODY SHOPS IN TOWN WOULD WORK ON IT, IT WOULDN'T BE UNTIL AT THE EARLIEST NOVEMBER". HE THEN SMIRKED AT ME, AND SAID "SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO"? WELL. HERE WE ARE. THIS WAS JULY 25, 2016. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND THAT IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT, THAT MY INSURANCE WOULDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE OF THE SHOCK TOWER COMING UP THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ( THAT STARTED JULY 22, THE DAY I STOPPED DRIVING IT, EXCEPT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP) THAT I NOW KNEW ABOUT BUT CANNOT FIX.

Mileage: 114,000

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS EXCESSIVE FENDER WELL RUST, A DEFECT THAT CAUSES THE SHOCK TOWER TO DISLODGE FROM THE FRAME, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. IT HAPPENS FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND WHEN A THUNKING NOISE BEGINS, IT'S TOO LATE. $8000 TO REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT I WAS TOLD BY EVERY LOCAL BODY SHOP, WOULDN'T EVEN REALLY CORRECT IT. IT'S A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. THE SHOCK TOWER IS NOW COMING THROUGH THE CARGO AREA OF MY CAR

Mileage: 114,000

TAKATA RECALL: PASSENGER REAR PANEL RUSTED OUT INSIDE WHEEL WELL

THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY OTHER ONE I HAVE SEEN HAS HAD THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUST OUT AND HAVE THE SHOCK GO UP THROUGH THE SHOCK TOWER..IT DOES NOT MATTER THE BRAND EITHER.. FORD CHEVY OR DODGE, THEY ALL DO IT.. WHY CAN'T YOU GUYS HELP US OUT, AND MAKE THESE CAR COMPANIES STAND BEHIND THERE SHEET METAL FOR AT LEAST A 100 THOUSAND MILES.. WE PAY ENOUGH FOR THESE VEHICLES.. I AM NOT RICH YOU KNOW..

RUST FRAME ON WHEEL WELLS AND OTHER FRAME ISSUES ...

Mileage: 94,637

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNER FENDER WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HAD RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE AXLE TO BE UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE INNER FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,475.

Mileage: 109,475

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY STARTED HEARING A LOUD SOUND AND THE CAR BECAME BUMPY AND BOUNCY. PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. TOOK TO A GARAGE AND TOLD RIGHT REAR INNER SHOCK MOUNT AND FENDER PANEL HAD ROTTED. FORD HAD A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS CONDITION, BUT DID NOT HAVE A RECALL. LABOR COST DUE TO WELDING WAS $1300.00, TOTAL COST 1,966.00. HOW COULD FORD HAVE A REPLACEMENT PART, BUT NOT A RECALL? TRIED 3 GARAGES ONLY 1 (WHO HAD A WELDER) WOULD CONSIDER THE JOB. CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN...CONDITION WORSENED QUICKLY AND HAD TO DRIVE 10 MPH TO GET ESTIMATES WITH BLINKERS ON...HOPING NO ONE WOULD HIT US. SCARY! HAD TO REPLACE INNER SHOCK MOUNT AND FENDER PANEL, INSTALL , WELD, AND SEAL. ALSO NEEDED NEW REAR SHOCKS.

Mileage: 80,000

ENTIRE RIGHT WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING AWAY. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS MOUNTED TO THIS SHEET METAL, SO IT IS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO COMPENSATE ME. CURRENTLY HEARING A LOUD THUMPING AT EVERY BUMP, DUE TO THE SHOCK BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 130,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS COMPLETED RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE SHOCK TO TRAVEL UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL

Mileage: 120,000

RUST AROUND QUARTER PANEL BACK END, RUST THROUGH PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AREA. TO THE PUT THE IT IS RUSTING AND EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL WELL WILL NO LONGER WHOLE THE STRUT IN. WHICH PUTS ME AT RISK OF GETTING SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS SUV IS LOCATED IN A SOUTHERN STATE NO REASON FOR IT TO RUST LIKE THAT. I'VE SEEN AND OWNED OLDER VEHICLES THAT DIDN'T RUST .BAD METAL OR RUST PROTECTION. TO GET FIXED I'M LOOKING AT 1000.00 TO 4000.00 WHO HAS THAT TO PAY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT WHEN FORD KNOWS THERE IS A ISSUE AND HASN'T FIXED IT YET.

Mileage: 7,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 V6 PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY ENOUGH TO CAUSE REAR WHEEL SHOCK CONNECTED TO WHEEL HOUSE TO FORCEFULLY SEPARATE AND BEGIN COLLIDING WITH THE INSIDE PLASTIC MOULDING IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. DAMAGE WAS INITIALLY FOUND WHILE IN MOTION, NOTICED BY A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC TRUNK HOUSING, THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS VERY CLEARLY RUSTED. THE SHOCK WAS STILL CONNECTED TO A PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE. THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK HAD FORCEFULLY DISCONNECTED THE PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE IT WAS ATTACHED TO BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING AROUND OF RUST. AUTO-BODY SHOP QUOTED A $2,000 REPAIR (FOR A CAR BOUGHT FOR #3,600) TO ORDER A NEW WHEELHOUSE AND INSTALL IT. PROFESSIONAL AUTO BODY SHOP TEAMS QUOTED THAT THE ISSUE WASN'T SOMETHING YOU COULD PATCH OR LIGHTLY REPAIR, AND THE SHOCK WOULD NEED TO BE REATTACHED TO THE BODY OF THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. FORD WAS CONTACTED TWICE AND REPLIED WITH THEIR APOLOGIES THAT THE CUSTOMER WAS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, KNOWINGLY AWARE THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE AROUND 120,000 MILES. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO SIGNIFICANT RUST OR DAMAGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.

Mileage: 123,000

REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTING OUT AS WELL AS REAR SEAT WELLS UNDER DOORS RUSTING OFF IN HUGE CHUNKS,CRUISE,CD PLAYER DOESNT WORK,RADIO SHORTS OUT ON VOLUME CONTROL GOES LOUDER INSTEAD OF LOWER VOLUME,ALSO FRONT AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT JOE LAKE TIRE DO THEY USE TIMKEN PRODUCTS?

THIS CAR HAS 80000MILES ON IT AND IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED 5000 TO FIX THE CAR TO MEET SAFETY STANDARDS. I CAN SEE THE TIRE ALL THE WAY THRU THE METAL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SHOCK TOWER HAD SEVERE CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR SHOCKS TO FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WINDOW SUPPORT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED AND THE SUSPENSION BROKE FREE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. FORD HAS RECALLED UP THE MODEL YEAR OF 2004 BECAUSE OF FRAME RUST THROUGH IN THE NORTHERN STATES . IN SPEAKING WITH THE REPAIR SHOP HE SAID HE HAS SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD MY CAR HAS NO KNOWN ISSUES.

Mileage: 108,000

I HAD FINANCE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT AFTER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MONTH I NOTICE A STRANGE SOUNDS FOR THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE I TRACK AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR. UNDERNEATH THE CAR PANEL WHERE THE SHOCKWAS AT IS RUSTED ALL THROUGH. THE THE FRONT TIRE IS WEAR AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING BAD SHOCKS STRUCT AND WHEEL ELIGNMENT WAS ALL EFFECT WITH THE RUST PANAL FROM SHOCKS...

109,000 MILES ON MY CAR, HAD A SLIGHT RUMBLING SOUND IN TRUNK AREA, SOUND RECENTLY GOT MUCH LOUDER. BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN ANNUAL NYS INSPECTION AND CAR WOULD NOT PASS DUE TO RIGHT WHEEL HULL RUST. LARGE HOLE IN WHEEL WELL, WAS ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE CAR AND CONTACT A BODY SHOP. QUOTED $600-$800 FOR THE REPAIR. UPON RESEARCH IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL CAR. 2001-2004 ESCAPES WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME REASON BUT NOT THE 2005.

Mileage: 109,000

IN JULY OF 2015 I BROUGHT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF VERY LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING. NOISE WAS THE SAME WHETHER ON A STREET OR THE HIGHWAY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE VERY SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR AND IS NOW GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE ARE OTHER AREAS OF RUST ON THE BODY THAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE COMING ON PREMATURELY. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ONLY UP TO MODEL YEAR 2004. PLEASE....THE 2005'S HAVE THE VERY SAME ISSUE!

Mileage: 118,000

THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED AND THE SHOCK FELL OFF. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY. THE MATRRIAL USED IN BUILDING IT IS VERY POOR

Mileage: 121,853

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME RAIL THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE BOLTED TO WAS RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR FENDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,076.

Mileage: 137,076

REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT AROUND SHOCK ATTACHMENT. JUST DISCOVERED THIS TODAY BUT THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A KNOW ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER - THEY HAD A RUST RECALL FOR 2001 - 2004 MODELS

Mileage: 64,000

REAR WHEEL WELL RUST OUT. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AT AL PACKERS WHITE MARSH FORD 11-13-04 WE ALSO OPTED FOR THE COMPLETE ZIEBART PACKAGE. THE END OF DEC.15 MY WIFE SAID THUMPING NOISE FROM REAR HEARD WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP IN ROAD. I CHECKED ALL AROUND AND UNDER CAR, FOUND NOTHING. ON JAN.22ND 2016 WHEN SHE GOT HOME FROM WORK SHE SAID GET YOUR COAT YOU NEED TO SEE THIS. WHEN I GOT TO THE CAR I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I SAW. MOST OF THE ZIEBART UNDER COATING WAS GONE FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE THAT RAN FROM THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL FORWARDS THROUGH AND PAST THE SHOCK TOWER MOUNT.THEN THE BLIZZARD OF 2016 HAPPENED. I GOT ON THE NET AND FOUND OUT WE ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I CALLED FORD USA HEADQUARTERS ON JAN.26 AND 27TH. I WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLITENS OR RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER, AND TOLD TAKE THE CAR BACK TO A FORD DEALER SO A CERTIFIED FORD PERSON COULD GO OVER THE CAR AND DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM AND GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN IF I GET THE REPAIRS DONE KEEP MY RECEIPTS, AND IF AND WHEN IT BECOMES A RECALL I MIGHT GET PARTIAL OR FULL REFUND. THANKS FOR CALLING FORD HAVE A NICE DAY. AFTER THIS I TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. HE SAID HE DIDN'T DO THAT WORK HE SENT ME TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP THAT TOLD ME IT WAS A MAJOR JOB THEY SAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. FILE A COMPLAINT AND GO BACK TO FORD. MOST OF ALL PARK IT DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR IT IS NOT SAFE. THE CAR WINDOW STICKER SAYS FINAL ASSEMBLY KANSAS PLANT. DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE THAT SAME STICKER? IS THIS PROBLEM A BAD BATCH OF PARTS AT ONLY THAT KANSAS PLANT? THIS WAS NOT AN ESCORT, ASPIRE, EVEN A RANGER IT WAS A 30,000. DOLLAR ESCAPE. THEY GOT THE MONEY THEY SHOULD FIX THIS MY CAR HAS 84,000 MILES.

Mileage: 84,224

THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE SHOCK MOUNT IS DETACHED FROM THE BODY AND FRAME. THE SHOCK IS LOOSE AND FELL OFF. THERE IS NO WAY TO WELD THE MOUNT TO THE FRAME. THE REPAIR WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND TEH VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Mileage: 121,150

LOUD BANGING COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE VEHICLE BODY TO THE POINT OF ENTERING THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. I AM TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH.

Mileage: 188,120

RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, BOUGHT CAR BRAND NEW, ONLY 60,000 MILES ON IT . COME TO FIND OUT ALL FORD ESCAPES THIS YEAR ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A SUSPENSION AND HANDLING ISSUE, CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND KEEP IN LANE. THE PROBLEM HAS IT'S OWN FACEBOOK PAGE, 2004-2006 FORD ESCAPE. VERY POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN MOUNTING SHOCK TO SHEETMETAL.

Mileage: 59,000

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND THE BODY IS COMING AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND THE SHOCK TOWER IS LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURIED.

Mileage: 169,000

MY SON WAS COMPLAINING THAT THE BACK END OF THE CAR BEGAN RATTLING AND "JUMPING" WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY IN NOV OF 2015. WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT IN DEC AND WAS TOLD AND SHOWN HOW UNSAFE THE CAR WAS TO DRIVE,DUE TO THE ENTIRE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING THE WHEEL TO THE CAR WAS THE PLASTIC MOLDING OF THE TRUNK AREA WHICH WAS ALSO MELTING AWAY FROM THE HEAT.I COULD NOT BELIEVE A CAR COULD DISINTEGRATE AND DETERIORATE SO BADLY. IN GOOD CONSCIOUS THE AUTO REPAIR OWNER WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. NOR WOULD I WANT TO. PLUS, THE COST TO FIX IT WAS NOT WORTH THE PRICE OF THE CAR,AND HE COULDNT FIX IT. HE TOLD ME TO LIST IT ON CRAIGS LIST TO SELL THE CAR IN PARTS. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION , AFTER I SPENT $6000, TO BUY THE CAR IN AUG OF 2014, THEN ANOTHER $2000 FOR 4 NEW TIRES, BRAKE LINES, AND OIL LEAKS!! WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE WOULD HAVE COME UP. I JUST GLAD MY SON DID NOT GET HURT DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE 21/2 HRS ON THE HIGHWAY. I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THIS EXACT COMMON PROBLEM OF 1000 OTHER PEOPLES COMPLAINTS. FORD NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE OF THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM OF FAULTY MATERIAL. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN HURT, AND HOW MANY MORE NEED TO GET HURT BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE,

Mileage: 117,000

I'VE BEEN TOLD THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED OUT ON THIS UNIBODY CONSTRUCTED VECHICLE. WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR, AND IF I HIT ANY SORT OF A BUMP IN THE ROAD, HUGE SOUND FROM THE BACK AS IF THE REAR END OF THE CAR IS GOING TO FALL OFF. I UNDERSTAND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM. COST TO FIX, IF POSSIBLE IS ABOUT $4000. CAR IS WORTH ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT. I WAS TOLD BY AUTO BODY GUY THAT A RECALL ON THIS MAY EXIST OR THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND MAY BE OFFERING UP A FIX.

Mileage: 141,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FENDER WELL WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. AS RESULT, THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 148,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 03/10/16*LJ VIN INVALID UPDATED 05/10/18*JB *TR

Mileage: 148,000

HEARD A NOISE NEAR REAR WHEEL HOUSE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL HOUSE ON THE PASSENGER REAR WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE SHOCK WAS JUST BARELY HANGING ON. THE REPAIR WOULD COST MORE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON SAME ISSUE THAT FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS OR CORRECT. SHOULD BE COMPENSATION AND/OR A RECALL. ALSO LOOKS LIKE THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THE OTHER SIDE. NICE JOB FORD!

WAS DRIVING ALONG CITY STREET WHEN I WENT OVER A SMALL BUMP, HEARD A LOUD THUD! THE WHEEL WELL ON BACK PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE STRUT CONNECTS. OR WHERE IT WAS ONCE CONNECTED... 155,673 MILES, THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY IN.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS ONLY. WE COULD NOT LOCATE THE NOISE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. (IT SOUNDS LIKE THE GLASS OR THE TIRE JACK, WERE NOT SECURE.) THE AUTO SHOP EXPLAINED, THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE SHOCK, AND IT ALONG WITH EXHAUST IS COMING IN THROUGH THE TRUCK AREA. EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A 'DEATH TRAP' IF HIT FROM BEHIND, THE VEHICLE THAT HIT THIS ONE WOULD GO RIGHT THOUGH THIS VEHICLE. ACCORDED TO THE AUTO SHOP, THE ISSUE IS NOT FIXABLE.

Mileage: 136,547

TOTAL RUST IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL.

Mileage: 274,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE REAR LEFT INNER WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND SHOCK SUPPORT BROKEN LOOSE IT HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 1/12/16 *CN

Mileage: 111,000

I JUST BOUGHT A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AFTER GETTING FED UP WITH SUBARU'S NOTORIOUS HEADGASKET ISSUES ONLY TO FIND OUT NOW MY TEN YEAR OLD FORD WITH ONLY 100K MILES ON IT HAS COMPLETELY ROTTEN REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT THEY LET DOWN WITH SHODDY MATERIALS. SHAME ON THEM! NOW I HAVE TO EITHER HAVE THE DEALER FIX IT KNOWING IT WILL FAIL OR RETURN IT AND HAVE NO VEHICLE AND LOOSE MY JOB THANKS FORD.

Mileage: 100,200

MY PASSENGER REAR END IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAS COME THRU MY VEHICLE. IT SOUNDS HORRIBLE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS THE SHOCK ISN'T CONNECTED TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE NOW. IT WILL COST MORE THEN IT'S WORTH, AND THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE ME AND MY FAMILY AROUND IN.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ON AN UNEVEN ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED SEVERE RUST ON THE WHEEL WELL ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

AFTER HITTING POTHOLE A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM REAR STORAGE AREA ON PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERVICE SHOP AND WAS SHOWN THAT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT LEADING TO SHOCK TOWER BREAKING LOOSE FROM BODY AND PROTRUDING INTO THE REAR CABIN AREA. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS LIKELY DUE TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF BODY INTEGRITY IN THAT AREA AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS ON OTHER 2005 FORD VEHICLES (WINDSTAR VAN). GIVEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BODY THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE AFFECTED PORTION WOULD NEED TO BE CUT OUT AND CUSTOM FABRICATED TO REPLACE THE CUT OUT AREA, LIKELY COSTING NEARLY AS MUCH AS THE VEHICLE IS WORTH.

Mileage: 182,000

YOU KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITHOUT ME TELLING YOU. TELL ME NOBODY HAS GONE ONLINE AND SEEN COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT AND PHOTO AFTER PHOTO OF RUSTED FENDER WELLS? WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU GUYS GETTING PAYED FOR BY LETTING FORD GET AWAY WITH THIS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT AND IT'S TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE!

Mileage: 100,000

LOUD NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR WHEN DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION, SHOCK MOUNT IN WHEEL WELL IS BADLY RUSTED. THE TOP OF THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY LOOSE. UNSAFE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 70,000

WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, I BEGAN TO HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. IT HAPPENED EVERY TIME I HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP OR CRACK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP, THEY DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS CORRODED; RUST/ROT HAS CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNT TO BECOME NEARLY COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND BODY SHOPS WON'T EVEN PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS AS THE DETERIORATION IS TOO EXTENSIVE, AND THEY CAN'T FIX IT. A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH 2005 ESCAPES, AND MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR SAFETY. THE BODY SHOP OWNER TOLD ME NOT TO TAKE THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE IF I WERE TO HIT A BUMP AT 65 MPH, I WOULD BE "ASKING A LOT OF THIS CAR TO HOLD TOGETHER." THE CLUNKING SOUND IS NOW CONSISTENT NO MATTER WHAT SPEED OR SURFACE I AM DRIVING ON.

Mileage: 139,000

UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM TRIP, HUBBY SAID HE HAD HEARD LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE'S REAR END FELT FUNNY. INSPECTION TURNS UP A COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL.

Mileage: 125,000

UPON THE OPENING OF REAR GLASS HATCH, RH HINGE SNAPPED OFF AND GLASS SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE. LUCKILY, OTHER SIDE REMAINED INTACT. SUPPORT HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED FROM RUST.

Mileage: 126,000

WHEEL WELL ROTTED OUT CAUSING SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE AND CREATE UNSAFE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN IT FINALLY LET GO AND SAW DEBRIS FALL ALL OVER ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF CAR.

Mileage: 127,654

MY WIFE CAME HOME AND MENTIONED IT WAS MAKING NOISE IN THE BACK. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT BOTH FENDER WELLS HAVE RUSTED AWAY AND PULLED AWAY FROM BODY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 100,000 MILES AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. GOING ONLINE I READ WHERE MANY OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE AND AFTER 2005 ARE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M FROM OHIO AND I'M FAMILIAR WITH SURFACE RUST BUT THIS IS BOTH EXTREME AND DANGEROUS. HOW MANY YEARS AND COMPLAINTS HAVE TO PASS BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING. FORD NEEDS TO BE MADE TO OWN UP TO THIS AND FIX THIS. I HAVE A VEHICLE I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX OR DRIVE BECAUSE THE BACK SHOCK MOUNTS HAVE ROTTED AWAY.

Mileage: 100,475

OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED THROUGH BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. WE HEARD LIKE A LOUD BANG WHEN DRIVING IT AND FOUND THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED AND BROKEN AS IS THE SHOCK TOWER AND THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT HAS ITS WIRES CUT DUE TO THE BROKEN FRAME. WE OWE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND WE CANNOT DRIVE IT RIGHT NOW. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD WITH ALL THE PERTINENT INFORMATION.

Mileage: 145,648

2005 FORD ESCAPE, HAVE HAD A LOT OF CLUNKING IN BACK OF CAR, AND THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL IS FALLING/RUSTING APART (OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE NOT, JUST REAR PASSENGER SIDE) RIGHT WHERE SHOCK ABSORBER IS MOUNTED. LARGE RUSTED OUT HOLE IN WHEEL WELL, AND IF I PRESS AROUND THE WHEEL WELL, THE BLACK COATING CRUMBLES REVEALING CRUMBLING RUST BEHIND IT. MANY OTHER 2005 ESCAPE OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. I HAVE NO MONEY TO FIX THIS; THIS IS A DANGEROUS FLAW SHOULD IT BREAK THROUGH WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY FORD. IT CAN'T BE SAID THIS IS JUST "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" WHEN ONLY THE ONE WHEEL WELL IS CONSISTENTLY THE ONE THAT IS RUSTING WHILE THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS DO NOT. I HAVE 125K ON MY ESCAPE, BUT WHO KNOWS HOW LONG THE HOLE HAS BEEN THERE.

Mileage: 125,000

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETETLY ROTTED/RUSTED AND INVOLVES SHOCK MOUNT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. I HEARD RATTLING WHEN I WENT OVER A BUMP AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE REAR CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE I SAW THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY RUST.

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND THE FRAME, WHICH CAUSED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO RUST PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS, THE FRAME AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 55,000

MY 2005 ESCAPE WAS PARKED ON 9/28/2015 WHEN I NOTICED A LARGE PIECE OF METAL RESTING ON TOP OF THE TIRE. LOOKING CLOSER, I NOTICED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT, YOU CAN SEE INTO THE INTERIOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT. THE RUST CRACK CONTINUES UP AND AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT ALLOWING IT TO MOVE/FLEX. THE PIECE OF METAL THAT FELL OFF WAS UNDERCOATED ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL, HIDING THE RUST THAT FORMED UNDERNEATH. I WAS NOT AWARE THE CONDITION WAS SO BAD, BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION.

Mileage: 179,000

HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE ESCORT WHILE DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR ON A CITY STREET. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP, THEY SAID THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WAS RUSTED THROUGH, IT IS UN FIXABLE AND TO LOOK FOR A NEW CAR. THEY ALSO SAID IT IS A COMMON THING TO HAPPEN TO THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. NO RECALL, FORD DOES NOT CARE.

Mileage: 123,000

PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING THRU. WAS REPLACING A TIRE AND THE AUTO SHOP WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRE WITHOUT FIXING THE RUSTED THRU WHEEL WELL AS THEY WERE CONCERNED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THE WHEEL WELL COULD FALL APART AND THE SHOCK/STRUT COULD DETACH.

Mileage: 105,000

REAR RIGHT SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING THROUGH . K-FRAME ROTTED THROUGH RIGHT FRONT SIDE

Mileage: 96,393

WHEN TRAVELING AT 40MPH, A THUMPING NOISE COULD BE HEARD IN THE REAR OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, EXPOSING THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE MOUNT OF THE SHOCK SUSPENSION IS CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK IS NOWHERE ATTACHED TO THE BODY AND IS WHAT CAUSES THE THUMPING SOUND AS IT PUSHES UP INTO THE CAR INTERIOR. NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LEVEL OF CORROSION.

Mileage: 128,090

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,719....UPDATED 10-13-15 *BF UPDATED 3/28/16*JS *CN

Mileage: 86,719

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

THE HINGE ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW ROTTED OUT AND THE BACK GLASS FELL DOWN ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2013. WE HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF OVER $70. CURRENTLY THE HINGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE BACK GLASS ON THAT SIDE FELL DOWN. WE HAD TO REPLACE THAT ONE AT A COST OF OVER $80. THIS IS UNSAFE IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON THE ROAD AND FALL OUT AND ONTO THE ROADWAY.

Mileage: 170,000

FORD ESCAPE 2005 PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOLTS ONTO FRAME AND NOW THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT HAS NOTHING TO BOLT ONTO ANYMORE. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT IS NOT ATTACHED TO FRAME ANYMORE AND NOW HITS THE FRAME OF THE SUV MAKE VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUNDS.

Mileage: 108,000

WHY IS IT THAT NHTSA IS IGNORING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2003 TO 2007 IN REGARDS TO THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNTS THAT ARE RUSTING OUT IN WHICH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AS THE SHOCK COULD HIT THE INNER WHEEL OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE? NO RECALLS FROM FORD OR NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE, BUT YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE FROM THE ATTACHED VIDEO THAT THERE IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9_OZK8IGK5S REPAIRS ARE COSTING THE CONSUMERS ON THESE VEHICLES NEARLY $2000.00 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. HOW CAN FORD DO THIS ON THESE VEHICLES AND CURRENT MODELS. I HAVE A 2011 FORD ESCAPE AND IT IS STARTING TO RUST OUT IN THE SAME PLACE. WHY?????????????????? MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. INSTEAD OF THE CONSUMER HAVING TO GET RAKED OVER THE COALS FROM THE AUTO BODY SHOPS OR YOUR LOCAL FORD DEALER.

Mileage: 85,000

I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANE ON EVERY SUBSEQUENT BUMP. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PROPERLY EXAMINE IT I REALIZED THAT THE METAL THAT CONNECTS THE SHOCK TOWER TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. IN AUGUST OF 2012, WITH 154,523 MILES ON THE CAR, I REPLACED THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT THAT TIME OF THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPING. THE METAL ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS RUSTING IN OTHER AREAS AS WELL, SUCH AS THE FUEL FILLER NECK, THE BOTTOMS OF THE REAR DOORS, THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFT GATE, THE OUTER EDGES OF THE REAR WHEEL OPENINGS, AND AT THE BASE OF THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR.

Mileage: 216,131

OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN JUST A MATTER OF WEEKS DEVELOPED A BASKETBALL-SIZED HOLE OVER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. IT COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE OPENING TO THE SHOCK AND THE TIRE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, WHICH MAKES THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD. WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR SON TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK ANY LONGER, AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO PROVIDE HIM WITH A SAFE CAR SINCE THE REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK ARE VERY HIGH. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT AFFECTS A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER DRIVERS. WE ALL HAVE THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT ON WHERE THE DAMAGE OCCURS (RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL) AND THE EXTENT OF THIS DAMAGE (THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE). FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT IS BANGING IN THE INTERIOR PANEL AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK LOSE FROM THE FRAME. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO IT STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL UNDERCOATING ON IT, IT WAS RUSTING FROM BEHIND THE UNDERCOAT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MY MECHANIC TO FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE FORD, KNOWING THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND IS EXTENSIVE, WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE TO FIX THERE POOR DESIGN.

Mileage: 169,654

I HEARD A LOAD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. AFTER STOPPING TO LOOK AT IT MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT WERE COMPLETELY CRUMBLED AND MY STRUT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. I KNOW MY VEHICLE IS 10 YEARS OLD, BUT THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT EVER ON A CAR THAT OLD. HE HAS BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 40 YEARS. AFTER RESEARCHING A LITTLE IT SEEMS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ALL ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THESE COMPLAINTS RANGE FROM DIFFERENT STATES AND EVEN OTHER COUNTRIES. TO ME IF MANY MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THEN IT SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT IN THE PARTS. I JUST THANK GOD I WASN'T GOING AT A HIGH SPEED AND HIT A POT HOLE OR SOMETHING. SOMETHING SHOULD REALLY BE DONE ABOUT THIS.

Mileage: 152,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN POSITION AND VEERED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCKS AND WHEEL HOUSE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WELL WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS A HOLE THAT LED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 11/04/15*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN

Mileage: 100,000

PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TOWER BROKE AWAY FROM THE BODY OF CAR, DUE TO RUST.

Mileage: 104,525

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED ENTIRELY, CAUSING WIRING DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

ENTIRE BODY IS RUSTED. HUGE GAPING HOLE NOW PRESENT ON TOP OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WHATEVER IS LEFT OF THE SHOCKS IS CONNECTED TO NOTHING. A QUICK SEARCH TURNS UP THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS AND SURPRISINGLY NO RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE RUST HAS NOW SPREAD ALL OVER THE BODY. THIS CAR NOW RIDES ON AIR. IT'S A SERIOUS HAZARD AND UNFORTUNATELY ACCORDING TO FORD I HAVE TO SWALLOW THE LOSS. UNLESS THEY GET THE GM IGNITION TREATMENT IN TEN YEARS FROM NOW. I WONDER IF I'LL EVER GET COMPENSATION AS THERE'S NO WAY I'M PAYING THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REBUILD THIS VEHICLE, SO IT'S OFF TO THE JUNKYARD I GUESS. IT'S SCANDALOUS THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING A FAULTY, HAZARDOUS VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THE FLAWS

Mileage: 133,548

INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE STRUT/SHOCK MOUNTS HAS TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY

Mileage: 137,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP, WHICH STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Mileage: 166,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL WELL AND THE STRUT HOUSING WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Mileage: 92,000

WHILE DRIVING, I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT WAS LIKE THIS UNTIL I WAS ALREADY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN I STOPPED, I CHECKED MY TIRES AND THOUGHT THAT THEY LOOKED SLIGHTLY OFF. IT SEEMED AS IF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS POINTED SLIGHTLY OUTWARD. THE CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND IT APPEARED TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK MY CAR OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT EACH TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL, THE TIRES SCREECHED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP AND AFTER GIVING IT AN EVALUATION, THEY SAID THAT THE CONTROL ROD WAS RUSTED AND STARTING TO BREAK. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, IT LOOKED LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT I WAS HAVING.

Mileage: 105,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SUBFRAME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

Mileage: 33,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED OUT THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE BODY. DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT.

Mileage: 150,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET AND HIT A SMALL BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE ON THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I THEN THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD NOT SHUT THE BACK DOOR OR BACK HATCH PROPERLY. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED AND SHUT BOTH AND RESUMED DRIVING TO WORK. I CONTINUED TO HEAR THE BANGING NOISE AS I DROVE AND WAS VERY CONCERNED. UPON ARRIVING AT WORK I ASKED A CO-WORKER TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT FOR ME. IT WAS THEN THAT HE POINTED OUT TO ME THE RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ONLY HANGING ON BY A SMALL PIECE OF RUSTED METAL AND MY ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD ROTTED AWAY AND I COULD SEE THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. WE LOOKED AT THE REST OF THE WHEELS AND THERE WAS NO RUST AT ALL ON ANY OTHER WHEEL WELL. I FEEL VERY UN-SAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, AS I HAVE CHILDREN AND I ALSO AM REQUIRED TO DRIVE CLIENTS AROUND FOR WORK. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND WAS BAFFLED AT THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS. I WAS ALSO BAFFLED BY THE FACT THAT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY TO 2005 AND IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT IS AFFECTED. I WENT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND AS SOON AS I TOLD THEM THE MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR OF MY VEHICLE, THEY STATED "LET ME GUESS...RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT" AND IT WILL COST $1200 TO FIX. I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR NOTIFICATION ON THIS AS I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO AND AM STILL PAYING ON IT. THE SAD FACT IS THAT I AM UNABLE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO FOR TRAVEL FOR WORK AND MY CHILDREN. I NOW AM PAYING ON A VEHICLE THAT IS JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAD I KNOWN OR WAS TOLD OF THIS RECURRING ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE, BUT THEN AGAIN WHY WOULD FORD DO THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD BE THEM LOSING MONEY; INSTEAD IT IS THE CUSTOMERS THAT ARE AT A LOSE. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS FRACTURED AND EXPOSED THE SHOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

THE REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE SO RUSTED OUT THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO HOLD THE SHOCK AND SHOCK ABSORBER IN PLACE. THE AREA YOU PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IS ALSO RUSTED OUT. WHEN WILL FORD START BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCTS???

Mileage: 140,144

THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED THROUGH ALSO AFFECTING THE SHOCK MOUNT CREATING A LOUD BANGING IN THE CABIN. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS NEVER SEEN THIS AND DID NOT WANT TO ATTEMPT THE REPAIR BECAUSE OF THE COST. THEY ALSO REFERRED ME TO A REPUTABLE BODY SHOP IN TOWN AND HE ALSO NEVER SAW THIS BEFORE. HE SUGGESTED THIS WEBSITE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I HAVE NOW RESEARCHED THIS AND SEE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TOO. HAS FORD DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?

Mileage: 133,736

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL CRACKED. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS HARDLY ATTACHED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF IT FALLS OFF IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 117,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE NOISES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A CLUNCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND NOTHING WRONG. CONTINUING WITH THE CLUNCK NOISE, I HAD TO REMOVE THE JACK TO ELIMINATE THAT AS THE SOURCE. THE NOISE CONTINUED. I REMOVED THE REAR PANEL AND FOUND THE ENTIRE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED SO BADLY I COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE TIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE, AT ANY MOMENT, THE ENTIRE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COULD DISINTEGRATE AND CAUSE HAVOC ON THE OTHER COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE SUSPENSION AND NEWER TIRES. IT COST ME NEARLY $700 TO HAVE THE WHEEL WELL REPLACED.

Mileage: 130,000

HEARD A THUDDING FROM REAR END. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AS NOTHING LOOSE IN THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS VERY RUSTED. NO SUPPORT FOR SHOCKS. THERE WAS AN UNDERCOATING WITH DEBRIS UNDER IT. TOOK OUT A LOT OF SLUDGE/RUST/DEBRIS FROM UNDER THAT COATING. BODY SHOP SAYS $5000 TO FIX IT PROPERLY, AND THE OTHER SIDE IS STARTING TO RUST AS WELL (DRIVER REAR WHEEL WELL).

Mileage: 130,000

HEARD LOUD NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. REMOVED INSIDE PANEL TO FIND THAT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING SHOCK MOUNT TO TEAR THROUGH FRAME AND WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO FRAME. CONSULTED WITH FORD, NO RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR,,,BUT FOR PREVIOUS YEAR AND FOLLOWING YEAR?!! TOOK VEHICLE TO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. VEHICLE FOR KIDS AND DEEMED UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS FOR THEM. FORD...I BUY A LOT OF VEHICLES FROM YOU...YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RIGHT FOR US!

Mileage: 62,000

PASSENGER REAR WELL RUSTED - SHOCK LOOSE NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING - LET GO WHEN DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCKS FROM HOME. 8 INCH BY 8 INCH CHUNK RUSTED AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL.

Mileage: 123,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

Mileage: 211,000

WHILE DRIVING HIT A POT HOLE AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSE IS RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE FROM THE BODY AND TEAR INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE UNTIL FIXED. PART IS ON BACKORDER.

Mileage: 112,065

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 9/23/15 *JS

Mileage: 90,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER IS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH,WHILE THE LEFT SIDE LOOKS BRAND NEW.A MECHANIC SAID HE HAS FIXED AT LEAST 20 OF THESE.THE PRICE FOR THE FIX QUOTED TO ME WAS BETWEEN $800.00 AND $1000.00.THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.WE THE ESCAPE BUT THIS JUST IS NOT FAIR. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

PURCHASED JUNE 2005 AS A USED VEHICLE W/ 18,000 MILES. ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT. NOTICED A POPPING NOISE FROM THE PASSAGE REAR. INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE INNER WHEEL WELL. AREA WERE THE SHOCK BOLT'S TO HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. READ OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME ISSUES ON THE INTERNET. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL REPAIRED. WILL CONSULT A BODY SHOP ON REPAIRS. FORD NEEDS TO MAN UP AND OFFER A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE! *TR

Mileage: 118,000

ONE DAY I NOTICED THAT SOME OF THE UNDERCOATING IN THE REAR RIGHT WHEN WAS GONE, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY PROBLEM IS NOT AS SERIOUS AS SOME OF THE STORIES I READ, I STILL FEEL THAT IT IS SAFETY ISSUE AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. AS TIME GOES BY THE RUST WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AND I'M AFRAID OF THE CONSEQUENCES. I CALLED FORD TO VOICE MY CONCERN, BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. JUST LIKE EVERYONE, I WANT PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HOPEFULLY FORD WILL REALIZED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

WE STARTED TO NOTICE A "CLUNKY" NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB. UPON INSPECTION, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB IS OVER 50% RUSTED OUT. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HUB IS INTACT. WE CAN NOT DRIVE VEHICLE FEARING A STRUCTURAL FAILURE WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL, AND OTHER FORD MODELS. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE TOOK IT TO A SHOP TODAY BECAUSE OF THE BANGING FROM THE SUSPENSION. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT HE SAW THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. THE EXTRA STRESS ON THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAUSED THE BOLT ON THE TOP TO BREAK OFF. THE STRESS ALSO CAUSED THE REAR BREAK LINE TO FRAY ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BREAKING COMPLETELY. THIS CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. I AM JUST HAPPY THAT MY BREAK LINE DIDN'T BREAK WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. I DO NOT REALLY KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE WITH THE CAR SINCE IT IS THE ONLY CAR I OWN AND I HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO GET TO AND FROM WORK. *TR

Mileage: 116,543

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INNER REAR FENDER AND THE REAR SHOCKS DETERIORATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE RUSTED AND COULD FRACTURE AT ANY MOMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

I WAS DRIVING AND BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE I STOPPED AND LOOKED, THE FENDER WELL HAD FALLEN HALF WAY OFF. IT WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND STILL CANNOT USE MY CAR BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS PART. SHOULDN'T FORD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS IT IS A FLAW IN THE BODY. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING APPROX. 40 MPH, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM BY BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE NOISE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE WHEEL WELL THAT SUPPORTS THE BACK SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE SHOCK HAD BROKE THROUGH THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL AND WAS PRESSED UP AGAINST THE INSIDE INTERIOR OF MY CAR. THE REST OF MY WHEEL WELLS ARE IN FINE CONDITION. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, THERE ARE MANY, MANY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH 2005 FORD ESCAPES. IT IS ONLY THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Mileage: 108,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, I DROVE IT AND HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNKING SOMEWHERE IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE SHOCKS WERE BAD. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT, HOPING TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS. RECENTLY THE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD AND DISTURBING. I LOOKED AT THE SHOCK AREA AND DISCOVERED THE WHOLE AREA ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT ARE RUSTED THROUGH AND BREAKING APART. THE LEFT SIDE IS FINE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT THIS WAY AND BELIEVE IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A MULTITUDE OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS OF 2005 FORD ESCAPES. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, FORD WILL ONLY FIX 2001-2004 ESCAPES, BUT NOT 2005. WHY NOT? IT CLEARLY IS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. IT HAS RUSTED PREMATURELY AND CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SAFETY SITUATION. IF THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, I WOULD UNDERSTAND. BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED, IT HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPES. *TR

Mileage: 136,585

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE'S PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK BROKE THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS BEING DRIVEN! THIS IS COMPLETELY DANGEROUS - WE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. I SEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON-LINE, AND IT IS EXTREMELY PREVALENT ON THESE VEHICLES. FORD NEEDS A RECALL ON THIS - IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER, I WAS TOLD THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DANGEROUS AND FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WENT TO A WELDING SHOP IN MY AREA, AND THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON, THAT THEY EVEN HAVE A POSTER WITH PICTURES OF THE PROBLEM AND HOW THEY FIX IT. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS. FORD APPEARS NOT TO CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE REVIEW IT. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 163,000

HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT REAR STRUT MOUNT ALMOST RUSTED AWAY AND THE LEFT SIDE IS ON ITS WAY. I HEAR THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2001-2004 FOR THIS AND FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS I SEE ON-LINE THIS SHOULD INCLUDE 2005-2006 AND UNLESS THEY DID SOMETHING TO ACTUALLY STOP THIS, EVEN LATER YEARS SHOULD BE INCLUDED. IF A PERSON HITS A CHUCK HOLE THIS COULD CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT., I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN'T EVEN DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE OWNED MANY OLDER,VEHICLES INCLUDING A 1995 FORD TAURUS I TRADED IN ON THIS ESCAPE THAT DIDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 148,933

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A THUMPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE STRUTS WERE EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY I HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD CLUNK FROM THE RIGHT REAR AREA. I WASN'T SURE WHAT IT WAS AND WAS WITHIN 5 MILES OF HOME. THE REST OF THE TRIP HOME EVERY TIME I CAME TO A SMALL BUMP'S THE CLUNK WAS GETTING WORSE. I LOOKED IN THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND NOTICED THE WHOLE AREA AROUND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. *TR

Mileage: 121,385

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE REAR OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,230.

Mileage: 135,230

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, WHENEVER WE WOULD HIT A BUMP OF ANY KIND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR MADE A HORRIBLE RATTLING/BANGING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE PART THAT CONNECTED THE SHOCK TO THE WHEEL WELL HAD PRETTY MUCH RUSTED AWAY AND WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE SERVICE WRITERS AND THE BODY MAN ALL SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL. THEY CONJECTURED THAT SINCE WE GET SNOW IN PITTSBURGH THE ROADS ARE SALTED. SINCE THE ROADS ARE SLANTED TO THE RIGHT TO HELP DRAINAGE, THAT SIDE IS BATHED IN SALT WATER. HOWEVER I AM ALSO DEVELOPING RUST ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE BODY PANEL ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. WHY THEN IS THIS NOT HAPPENING TO OTHER MODEL YEARS? SINCE IT IS NOT DRIVABLE I HAVE HAD TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIRS I AM GOING TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY GONE OVER BY THE DEALERS MECHANICS AND BODY MAN TO VALIDATE THE CONDITION AND DOCUMENT ANY FURTHER REQUIRED REPAIRS. THIS IS A TOTAL ENGINEERING SCREWUP BY FORD AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR AND EITHER REPAIR THEM AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OR REIMBURSE THE OWNERS WHO ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN? IS NO ONE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS IN TODAY'S SOCIETY? *TR

Mileage: 135,000

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK PLUNGED THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL (RUSTED AWAY) AND RATTLES AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING PULLS TO LEFT AND SHAKES.

Mileage: 112,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND DETERIORATED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNT TO PUNCTURE THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE INNER WHEEL HOUSE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. IT BECAME UNDRIVEABLE AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE, AND I WAS FORCED TO REPAIR THE AREA. THE FORD CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT PART COST ME AROUND $130, AND THE SERVICE TO REPAIR IT COST AROUND $880. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE STARTED TO MAKE THE SAME SOUNDS, AND WAS BEGINNING TO RUST OUT THE SAME AS THE OTHER SIDE. I ALSO REPAIRED THIS SIDE, TO A COST OF $650, ALSO USING A FORD CERTIFIED PART. NOW NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS LATER, BOTH CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE BEGINNING TO SPLIT APART DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE SHOCK THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS FLIMSY METAL. THE TRUCK HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND I'M BEING FORCED TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. I'VE BEEN READING AROUND THE INTERNET, AND THIS ISSUE FOR EXTREMELY COMMON ON THIS YEAR OF THE FORD ESCAPE. I AM ASTONISHED AND DISGUSTED THAT FORD WILL NOT MAKE IT RIGHT ON PART OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM AND THE BALL JOINT TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FENDER WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

HAD REAR SHOCKS REPLACED ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WAS TOLD THAT MOUNTS FOR THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OUT. THE SHOCKS ARE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO POOR DESIGN BY FORD. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE SHOCK BOUNCES INTO THE REAR INTERIOR WHEN MOVING. THERE IS A RECALL FROM 2001 - 2004 ESCAPES BUT NOT 2005! FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELLS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MAY POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO THE CORROSION, WHICH WAS AFFECTING OTHER COMPONENTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK FRACTURED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RUST RELATED BUT RATHER THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

RIGHT REAR WHEEL RUSTED APART AND SHOCK ABSORBER IS NOT ATTACHED ANY LONGER. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE TO SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Mileage: 156,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

THE ENTIRE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT & IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE; POSSIBLE STEERING CONTROL. 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. *TR

Mileage: 1,753,500

I HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR AREA OF MY CAR. UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH, WAS DISMAYED TO SEE THE BODY OF THE CAR BY THE TIRE CRUMBLING WITH RUST. APPARENTLY THE BANGING IS FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAVING BROKEN THRU THE WHEEL WELL, AND IS NOW HITTING THE BACK HATCH AREA. ALSO, DURING AN OIL CHANGE, THE SERVICE COMPANY REMOVED A BRACKET THAT HOLDS MY EXHAUST IN PLACE. UPON INSPECTING THAT BRACKET THAT WAS JUST HANGING THERE AND RATTLING, SAW A CHUNK OF CAR ATTACHED TO THE BRACKET. THEY SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE UNDERNEATH OF MY CARE HAD NOT BEEN SPRAYED WITH RUSTPROOFING WHEN MANUFACTURED. I STILL OWE MONEY ON THIS CAR, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO EXCHANGE CHARGE OR GET REPAIRED. HAVE HAD FORD CARS MOST OF MY LIFE, AND I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2005 MODELS. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR, SO I DON'T HAVE MUCH CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT, EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT SAFE. LUCKILY, I ONLY HAVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO TRAVEL TO WORK. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR DESIGN. *JS

Mileage: 79,800

RATTLING, BANGING, RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED LOOSE, COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY FROM WHEEL HOUSE. *JS

Mileage: 93,000

WE NOTICED A RATTLING/BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE, MY WIFE RODE IN THE REAR SEAT AND COULD FEEL THE SHOCK MOUNT HITTING AGAINST THE BACK OF THE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL. LOOKING INTO THE WHEEL WELL, WE COULD SEE WHERE THE WHEEL HOUSING HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, REVEALING THE INTERIOR. THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT CAN BE WIGGLED BY HAND. TODAY 12/31/2014, I WENT TO SEE MY "FRIENDS" AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE WRITER SAID I WAS IN "LUCK" AS HE REMEMBERED RESEARCHING THE SAME ISSUE FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER. HE FOUND A DIAGRAM WITH THE REPLACEMENT PANEL & WHEEL HOUSE, PART# 7L82-7827886-A, WITH A LIST PRICE OF $150, THEN WE WENT TO TALK TO ANOTHER "FRIEND" IN PARTS, HE SAID THAT THE PRICE HAD RECENTLY INCREASED AND NOW LISTED AT $700. THEY OFFERED TO HAVE ME TALK TO ANOTHER "FRIEND" IN SALES, BUT I INFORMED THEM MY WIFE REFUSED TO BUY ANOTHER FORD, AND IF WE WERE TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE IT WOULD BE A TOYOTA. WITH THAT SAID, MY "FRIENDS" SUGGESTED TO UNLOAD (TRADE) IT AT A TOYOTA DEALER. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS "UNSAFE" TO DRIVE. I WENT TO OUR LOCAL BODY SHOP TO GET HIS RECOMMENDATION. HE SAID, THEY HAD JUST DONE ONE, IN 10/2014 FOR JUST UNDER $900 AND HE GOT THE PART FROM MY "FRIENDS" AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $120. IN APPARENT DISBELIEF HE CALLED OUR "FRIENDS" AND THEY CONFIRMED THE PRICE INCREASE. WE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY 7L82-7827886-A FOR $20-$180, AFTER ORDERING FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT VENDORS, EACH VENDOR CANCELLED THE ORDERS FOR VARIOUS REASONS; UNAVAILABLE, PART NUMBER CHANGE AND IS MORE EXPENSIVE, DUE TO THE SIZE AND FRAGILE NATURE WE ARE UNABLE TO SHIP, NOT AVAILABLE,ETC. WHAT IS FORD'S OBJECTIVE WITH THIS PRICE INCREASE ? ? ? THERE WAS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND/OR MATERIALS, THAT CREATED THIS SEVERE DEFECT IN SAFETY OF THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE ! ! ! *JS

Mileage: 94,000

I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED TODAY AND HAD THEM LOOK AT AN ISSUE OF A BANGING SOUND I WAS HEARING IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE AREA. THE MECHANIC FOUND EXTENSIVE RUST AND ROT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE STRUT WAS ALMOST READY TO COME OFF. THE MECHANIC COMMENTED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES WITH THIS MODEL. I SEE THAT FORD RECALLED 2001 TO 2005 MODEL YEARS, BUT NOT THE 2005. FROM DOING RESEARCH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM 2005 OWNERS. I KEEP MY CAR WASHED AND ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO WASH SALT OFF IN THE WINTER. MY MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT I NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE BECAUSE THE STRUT WAS READY TO COME OFF AND COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO BEND OUTWARD. HOW CAN FORD NOT RECALL THIS YEAR WITH ALL THE OBVIOUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE? MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR AND IMAGINE HER GOING 65 ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TIRE BENDS! AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR SINCE THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUES WITH RUST AND ROT IN THE WHEEL WELLS WITH PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS. THE ISSUE WAS NEVER CORRECTED A,NO CONTINUED PAST MODEL YEAR 2004. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

BEAUTIFUL, WELL-MAINTAINED 05 FORD ESCAPE - RARE 5 SPEED MANUAL, 4 CYL, AWD. ALWAYS GARAGED AND CLEANED. OPENED PLASTIC BIN IN REAR COMPARTMENT, PASSENGER SIDE, TO STORE TOOLS. NOTICED SMALL CRACKS AND DAYLIGHT IN WHEEL WELL. JUST BELOW AND BEHIND SHOCK MOUNT. APPLIED LIGHT PRESSURE. ENTIRE SECTION PUSHED THROUGH. COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. HELD IN PLACE ONLY BY RUBBERIZED UNDERCOATING. 119K. BASED ON ALL THESE COMPLAINTS, SAME LOCATION, SAME EVENT, I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY IT DIDN'T FAIL WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I'M GOING TO SHOW THE DEALER TOMORROW. CURIOUS WHAT HIS REACTION WILL BE. MY GUESS IS SYMPATHY BUT NOTHING TO DO ABOUT IT WITHOUT FORD SUPPORTING THE DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 119,000

I'VE RECENTLY STARTED NOTICING A LOT OF CREAKING AND POPPING IN THE STRUCTURE / SUSPENSION OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK A FLASHLIGHT AND CRAWLED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST/ROT IN MY FRONT SUBFRAME OF MY VEHICLE. I SEE FORD HAS A RECALL FOR 2001 TO 2004 MODELS, BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO COVER ALL YEARS OF THIS CHASSIS DESIGN, AS MY 2005 SHOWS SIGNIFICANT ROT. THE RECALL SHOULD ALSO COVER REAR WHEEL WELL RUST/ROT (INCLUDING SHOCK MOUNTS), AS THIS AREA IS ALSO HEAVILY RUSTED. DEFINITE DESIGN FLAWS AND POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED ON THE FRAME/SUBFRAME. A 2005 SHOULD NOT BE RUSTING OUT THIS BAD, EVEN IN THE "SALT BELT". NOTHING HAS BROKEN FROM RUST YET, HOWEVER JUDGING BY THE RATE OF DECAY, IT'S NOT GOING TO LAST MUCH LONGER. FORD SHOULD EXPAND THIS RECALL IMMEDIATELY. *TR

Mileage: 139,000

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE IN THE BACK. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THROUGH THE BODY OF THE STORAGE AREA. IT APPEARS THE SHOCK IS IN DANGER OF COMING LOOSE. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

WHILE DRIVING A LOUD THUD WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING A CONTINUED BANGING WAS HEARD, UPON INSPECTION WE NOTICED THE INNER WHEELHOUSING OR INNER FENDER HAD A LARGE DIAMETER HOLE WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTED TO IT, THE HOLE IS LARGE ROUGHLY 10 INCHES ACROSS AND UPON SEARCHING I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND ROAD SALT COMBINED TO CAUSE THIS, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE BUT NO ACTION FROM ANYONE ON THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS A POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE LOADED COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMPS, HOLES, THOUGHT IT WAS THE SHOCKS BUT IT WAS THE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED OUT AND NEEDS REPAIRED. $1400 TO REPAIR, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE FORD ESCAPES AND THERE IS NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME RAIL AND THE FUEL FILLER NECK WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

MY VEHICLE HAS SEVERE CORROSION IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE. THE CORROSION HAS ALLOWED THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO FAIL TO EFFECTIVELY DAMPEN THE SUSPENSION MOVEMENT (ITS PURPOSE). THE PROBLEM IS VERY PREVALENT ON FORD ESCAPES, MERCURY MARINERS, AND MAZDA TRIBUTES. FOR NHTSA TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY ISSUE, YOUR WILL NEED TO SECURE A 01 - 06 ESCAPE, REMOVE ONE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (WORSE CASE FOR THE FAILURE OF MY VEHICLE) AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON A ROUGH ROAD. PLEASE HANG ON TIGHT WHEN DOING SO. THE FAILURE OF THE BODY AROUND THE MOUNTING POINT OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF A SUSPENSION SYSTEM PUTS THE GENERAL POPULATION AT RISK AS THEY SHARE THE ROADS WITH THE ESCAPE/MARINER/TRIBUTE DRIVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT RESULTS IN FAILURE OF STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND CANNOT BE IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY WHICH IS CHARGED WITH PREVENTING MANUFACTURER SAFETY DEFECTS FROM ENDANGERING PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ROADS. THIS DEFECT IS VERY WELL DOCUMENT ON THE INTERNET .REMEMBER...TO PROTECT AND SERVE! ME AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD....NOT FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 157,000

HEARD THUMPING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR. TOOK IT TO CHECK IT OUT AND WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

REAR WHEEL WELL TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY AND SHOCK WAS BANGING WHEN TRIED TO FIND PART FROM JUNK YARD ALL 2005 ESCAPE HAD RUSTED OFF WHEEL WELLS THE OTHER SIDE IS NOW GOING TO DO THE SAME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD JUST DONE MANY REPAIRS WAS PLANNING ON KEEPING IT BUT NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SEEMS TO ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IF IT IS HAPPENING TO MANY ESCAPES OF THIS YEAR CAN ANYTHING BE DONE THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR UNTIL NOW THIS PROBLEM IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WHEN I STARTED HEARING A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BANGING GOT LOUDER AND MY ESCAPE SEEMED TO BE HITTING HARD IN THE BACK LIKE MY SHOCK WASN'T WORKING. WHICH MY HUSBAND HAD CHANGED THEM ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS PRIOR SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. AFTER DRIVING HER TODAY AND THE BANGING GETTING WORSE I HAD MY HUSBAND LOOK AT MY BACK FENDER WALL. WHEN WE DID WE SEEN IT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CAN TOUCH THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. BUT THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT IS WHAT HOLDS MY SHOCK IN PLACE AND IT IS ALL GONE. I CAME INSIDE FRUSTRATED AND DECIDED I WOULD SEE IF THERE ARE PARTS TO FIX IT BEFORE MY SHOCK DECIDES IT IS GOING TO GO FOR A FREE RIDE AND DESTROY EVERYTHING UNDER THERE. TO MY SURPRISE I HAVE NOT FOUND A FIX NOR A RECALL BUT I DID FIND NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MADE FORD RECALL THE ESCAPES AND FIX THIS ISSUE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING 70 MPH WHEN THIS BROKE AND THE DAMAGE IT COULD DO TO NOT ONLY MY ESCAPE BUT MY FAMILY, MYSELF, AND OTHER DRIVERS IF I LOST CONTROL OF IT BECAUSE MY SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO MY SUV? I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT IS IN CHARGE OF RECALLING VEHICLES. THEY HAVE PUT MY FAMILY, ME, AND ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD IN DANGER AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. MAYBE I SHOULD BUY A TOYOTA BECAUSE AT LEAST THEY RECALL THEIR VEHICLES AND FIX THEM WHEN THEY HAVE AN ISSUE. FORD DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT ANYONE'S SAFETY. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

COMPLAINT ONE: EXCESSIVE RUSTED PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT, STRUT MOUNT BROKE AWAY. COMPLAINT TWO: RUSTED ENGINE CRADLE CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT HALF SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM CENTER OF THE CAR CAUSING THE TO STOP MOVING FOREWORD AND LOSS OF STEERING. *TR

SEVERE RUST RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

SEVERE RUSTED OUT REAR WHEEL WELLS CAUSING THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK TO BREAK. CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED NO RECALL FOR 2005 JUST THRU 2004 AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. STILL OWE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND NOT SURE WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST FOR LARGE REPAIR. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. LOOK UP THIS GOOGLE AND YOU WILL FIND TONS OF THIS. *TR

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THIS ESCAPE IS COMPLETELY ROTTED. A LARGE PIECE OF THE BODY IN THE WHEEL WELL HAS BROKEN AWAY (AROUND 8X8) WITH THE SHOCK ATTACHED. THE LARGE PIECE OF METAL HAS BEEN BOUNCING IN AND OUT OF THE INDOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT. I NOW HAVE NO SHOCK ABSORPTION ON THAT WHEEL. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE THAT SHARE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. FORD HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR PROBLEM. I WILL BE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WITH THE DEMAND THAT THIS BE FIXED AT A REASONABLE PRICE, CONSIDERING THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT THIS EFFECTS. *TR

Mileage: 198,000

RIGHT BACK SHOCK CAME THROUGH WHEEL WELL AND BROKE THROUGH INTERIOR OF CAR. CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO RUST. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCHBACK WINDOW, THE SCREW ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE HINGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER QUARTER PANEL AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

SEVERE RUST IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL- WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS. SHOCK IS ABOUT TO PUSH THRU THE RUST INTO THE INSIDE OF CAR. RUST WAS DISGUISED BY UNDERCOATING BY PREVIOUS OWNER OR DEALER. LOUD NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, ETC. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 171,256

HAD MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE IS SEVERE RUST ON UNDERCARRIAGE AND REAR WHEEL WELLS. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTING THROUGH. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THAT ONLY THE 2001-2004 MODELS ARE COVERED UNDER THE NEW RECALL AND TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS FOR ANY WORK I HAVE DONE TO FIX IT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH NO ACCIDENTS AND UNDER 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 69,800

I BEGAN TO HEAR A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS IN DANGER OF BREAKING LOOSE WHICH COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR

Mileage: 200,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AND INVESTIGATED I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. MY SHOCK IS NOT LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT SLAMS INTO THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

WE WERE DRIVING OUR ESCAPE ON CITY ROADS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY WENT THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WE CAN SEE THE PAVEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR TRUNK. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL YET. WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD CARS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SAFE FOR OUR FAMILY, HOWEVER, WE MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER NEXT TIME. WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE ISSUE FIXED AND CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

DURING A MOVE IN WHICH WE WERE TOWING A TRAILER, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT PRETTY BAD WHEN WE COULD SEE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND FROM THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP I STARTED TO HEAR A REPEATING "THUD". MY FIANCE AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT COULD BE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND AS SOON AS I STARTED TO EXPLAIN THE SOUND AND WHERE IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM...HE KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. HIS BROTHER WHO ALSO HAD AN ESCAPE HAD JUST HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD CONTINUED TO CORRODE AND RUST, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO BREAK. HE REFERRED ME TO A PLACE THAT DID THE NECESSARY REPAIR/WELDING. THEY RE-MOLDED THE WELL AND REPLACED THE SHOCK. A $750 JOB. SAID THAT THEY HAD SEVERAL...I THINK THEY SAID AT LEAST 6 ESCAPES IN FOR THE SAME THING JUST IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS BANGING AGAINST THE INNER INTERIOR MOLDING WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE ENTIRELY FROM THE WHEEL WELL LEAVING THE SUSPENSION ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COMPROMISED. THE WHEEL WELL ON THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS IN TACT. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THROUGH A RUSTED HOLE INTO THE REAR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE UNDERBODY WAS RUSTED, THE REAR SHOCK WAS RUSTED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, AND A LARGE HOLE NEAR THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR SHOCK, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK IS BARELY ATTACHED. THIS IS SUSPECT BECAUSE NO OTHER WHEEL WELLS ON THE CAR HAVE CORROSION LIKE THIS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER MOUNT HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE BODY, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE.. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT LOOKS LIKE NEW...NO SIGN OF RUST. LOOKING ONLINE AT FORD FORUMS, THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPE WERE RECALLED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 125,285

I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SHOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE. IN DOING SO THE AUTO REPAIR FATALITY SHOWED ME THAT THE ENTIRE CENTER OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AWAY, LEAVING BIG HOLE. THE GARAGE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OF THIS MODE (2001-2007) I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF DEALERS THAT TOLD ME THE SAME THING. ONE EVEN TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 84,557

OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS A SAFETY ISSUE SO BAD THAT IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY TO BREAK FREE. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER WHO DRIVES A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN THEY TOOK A LOOK IN HIS FENDER, THEY FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] HAS A CO-WORKER THAT HAS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND IT HAS THE START OF THE HOLE. WE HAVE TALKED TO FORD, THERE IS NO RECALL OR REPAIR CAMPAIGN FOR IT. THEY OFFERED US AN X PLAN TO TRADE IT IN OR THEY WOULD FIX IT AT FULL PRICE. WE HAVE SENT PICTURES TO THE FORD FACTORY REP. HE TOLD US THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE INSTALLED TWO NEW PROCESSES ON THE PRODUCT LINE TO FIX IT. HE SHOWED THE PICTURE TO THE ESCAPE ENGINEERS AND THEY AGREED THAT IT IS A DESIGN FAULT AND FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNSAFE STATE THAT IT'S IN. UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THEM WILL PUT IT IN WRITING, IN FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS. WE ALSO WROTE AN EMAIL TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN WASHINGTON DC AND STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. WE GOT QUOTES FROM DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS IN THE AREA, BOTH AT $1200.00. AND THEY HAVE REPAIRED OTHER FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE FROM THE INSIDE TO REPLACE THE FENDER WELL. THUS ALL THE INTERIOR TRIM HAS TO BE REMOVED AND WELDING BLANKET USED SO THEY DON'T BURN YOUR VEHICLE UP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 115,000

I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT AFTER TAKING THE ABOVE CAR TO A BODY SHOP WHEN I NOTICED SOME RUSTING IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA. THE BODY SHOP (X3) EXPLAINED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD (PRIOR TO THE 2001-2004 RECALL). I CONTACTED FORD VIA E-MAIL, AND FILED A COMPLAINT HERE. THE WHEEL WELLS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE PEELING, AND I WAS TOLD THE SHOCK MOUNT WOULD EVENTUALLY PUNCH THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THIS WEEKEND, THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED. FORD HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED MY ISSUE, AND I NOTICED THE COMPLAINTS ON DIFFERENTLY ONLINE FORUMS HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS WELL-CARED FOR WITH ALL APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED. THE BODY SHOPS I WENT TO DID NOT WANT TO FIX MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY FELT FORD NEEDED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 191,000

EXCESSIVE WHEEL WELL RUST SUCH THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS DISCONNECTED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,300.

Mileage: 92,300

A SEVERE RATTLE STARTED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. A BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD NEARLY COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED DUE TO RUST AND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. AN INTERNET SEARCH PERFORMED BY THE SHOP REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL MANUFACTURED IN THE YEARS AROUND 2005 AND THAT IT OCCURS ONLY THE IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL IS INTACT AND SOLID. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A HARD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED ALONG WITH PART OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK BROKE LOOSE AS A RESULT OF EXTREME RUST IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK TOWER. *TR

WHILE TRAVELING IN VIRGINIA LAST SUMMER ON I-81, THE BODY END OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK-ABSORBER CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. WE STOPPED SHORTLY AFTER WE FELT AND HEARD SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY ABNORMAL AND A MECHANIC TOLD US THE CAR WAS SO RUSTED IN THAT WHEEL WELL THAT THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HAD NOTHING TO HOLD TO. WE WERE ON A LONG TRIP, SO WE HAD THE SHOCK CUT OUT UNTIL WE GOT HOME. NONE OF THE OTHER UNDERBODY AREAS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT RUST, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS WE CONSULTED, SO WE SUBSEQUENTLY PAID SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE A NEW WHEEL WELL FABRICATED AND INSTALLED ALONG WITH NEW REAR SHOCKS ON BOTH SIDES. WE SEE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ON THE WEB WE QUICKLY FOUND SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL CAR DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM - THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A DESIGN ISSUE? CERTAINLY IT'S SIGNIFICANT A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE AREA OF SEVERE RUST WAS NOT APPARENT FROM LOOKING AT THE CAR. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE IS SHOWING SIGNIFICANT EXTERIOR RUST AT THE LIP OF THE WHEEL WELL, SO WE WILL BE SENDING IT IN TO HAVE OUR MECHANIC SEE IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. HELP! THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR

Mileage: 114,000

RIGHT, REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SHOCK HAS BECOME DETACHED. LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHOCK POKING THROUGH TO THE TRUNK. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

THERE STARTED TO BE A BANGING NOISE IN RIGHT REAR AREA OF VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD SEPARATED ITS MOUNT FROM THE WHEEL WELL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. *TR

NOTICED A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. LOOKED FROM OUTSIDE AND SAW A LARGE CRACK IN THE FRAMEWORK OF WHEEL WELL. REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL AND FOUND THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND AROUND THE STRUT. STRUT IS ONLY HELD BY LOWER SECTION OF METAL BUT FLEXES ENOUGH GOING DOWN THE ROAD THAT IT BANGS ON THE INTERIOR PANEL WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY I KNEW I HAD AN ISSUE. IF I DID NOT STOP AND LOOK I MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THE STRUT COULD HAVE BROKE COMPLETELY FREE WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Mileage: 156,000

FORD ESCAPE 2005 WAS UP FOR INSPECTION/EMISSIONS IN PA. IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION TO BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS, NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO PASSING INSPECTION. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN FOUND REPEATEDLY WITH 04-06 MODELS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS GONE UNNOTICED, CAN CAUSE THE SHOCKS TO BREAK THROUGH WHILE DRIVING. THE EXPENSE OF REPAIR IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $1400. THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL BY FORD, YET, THEY ARE NOTED TO HAVE IMPLEMENTED BODY CHANGES TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON SUBSEQUENT MODEL ESCAPES. AN OTHERWISE 'HEALTHY' LOW MILEAGE VAR COULD BE DEEMED "TOTALED" DUE TO SUCH DAMAGE, YET NO RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE HAPPENED WHEN SHE WAS HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, I NOTICE A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I REMOVED THE INTERIOR PANEL TO DISCOVER THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION!. I THOROUGHLY CHECKED ALL OF THE OTHER SHOCKS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS AREA IS THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WE NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE WHEEL VEERING WAS BAD, THOUGH HE COULD NOT CHANGE IT DO TO THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION WE NOTICED SEVERAL LOCATIONS ON THE FRAME ARE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT TOWER BROKE FREE FROM THE WHEEL WELL. UPDATED 03/12/2015 *JS

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

I WAS DRIVING WHEN VERY LOUD BANGING START IN THE REAR TRUNK AREA. I THOUGHT IT WAS A WORN SHOCK. IT WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THAT. THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE TRUNK AREA WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE TIRE FROM INSIDE. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE WE HEARD LOUD BANGING NOISES COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHENEVER WE WENT OVER A BUMP. WE INSPECTED OUR ESCAPE AND DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. WE WERE EXTREMELY UPSET TO REALIZE OUR SON HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR AND COULD HAVE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY DUE TO THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT. WE RESEARCHED THIS AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. WITH NO OFFICIAL RECALL, WE ARE FORCED TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE REPAIR; HOWEVER, EVEN IS WE REPAIR THIS VEHICLE, WE ARE NOT SURE WE WOULD PUT OUR SON OR OURSELVES BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

WHILE DRIVING THE 2005 ESCAPE A NOISE WAS STARTING TO COME FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING WHEN EVER A BUMP OR EVEN SLIGHT CHANGE IN THE ROAD OCCURRED. ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD IT WAS SO SUDDEN. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS COMING THROUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, BUT IT CONTINUED. FINALLY I HAD SOMEONE LOOK IT OVER CLOSELY AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON THE CAR AS THERE WAS NOTHING FOR IT TO CONNECT TO. TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS TO CHECK ON THE REPAIRS NEEDED ONE QUOTED $3-$5,000 THE OTHER SAID AT LEAST $3,000. BOTH SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH! WHAT IS GOING ON? THE FORD DEALERSHIP ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. COME ON! SOMETHING IS UP. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD FORDS, ALL OF OUR VEHICLES ARE FORDS AND UNTIL RECENTLY WE HAD NOT HAD ANY ISSUES. NOW WE ARE QUESTIONING OUR LOYALTY, BIG TIME. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCKS STEEL METAL CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN MAKING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT OVER BUMPS, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. I WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY. QUICKLY THE SHOCK TOWER HAS GONE THROUGH MY TRUNK LEAVING A HOLE IN MY TRUNK INTO THE WHEEL WELL OF MY VEHICLE. I LEARNED OF THIS WHEN I WAS WALKING TO MY VEHICLE AND SAW SOME CLOTHES FROM MY TRUNK HANGING OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THROUGH MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ESCAPES FROM 2001-2004 HAVE HAD THESE SAME ISSUES, BUT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY THE 2005S HAVE NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT COULD LITERALLY FALL THROUGH THE VEHICLE FROM INSIDE. THIS WEBSITE, HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2005/BODY_PAINT/EXCESSIVE_WHEEL_WELL_RUST.SHTML, DESCRIBES THE SAME ISSUES I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SHOCKS TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

I DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. IT IS ALSO RUSTING THE FRAME OF MY FORD ESCAPE. RUST SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 01-04 MODELS. NOT SURE WHY 05 IS BEING IGNORED. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MY SHOCK DOES NOT APPEAR TO EVEN BE CONNECTED AT THIS POINT. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I DID TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK PICTURES AND CAN SEND THEM TO THE PROPER PERSON. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I REALLY HAVE NO CHOICE AT THIS POINT. IF SOMETHING TERRIBLE WAS TO HAPPEN THEN I GUESS MY NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO TALK TO A LAWYER. I HOPE THAT THIS MATTER IS LOOKED INTO ON THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND THE PROPER RECALL IS PLACED IMMEDIATELY. I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THE RUST AND CORROSION ISSUE ON THE ESCAPES, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE 2005 MODELS ARE JUST AS DAMAGED AS THE 2001-2004 MODELS. I AM VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT I ALSO HAVE TO GO TO WORK TO MAKE A LIVING AND PAY FOR THE CAR. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO THE RIGHT PERSON AND I HOPE IMMEDIATE ACTION IS TAKEN. A WRECK, INJURY, OR FATALITY CAN BE PREVENTED IF SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS NOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PICTURES OF MY WHEEL WELL AND RUST ON THE CAR. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE SOON. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

WHILE DRIVING MY ESCAPE I HEARD A LOUD METAL BANGING. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED OUT ON THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S SO BAD THAT THE ENTIRE SHOCK IS NO LONGER CONNECTED. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS NO REAL RUST PROBLEM BESIDES THIS. I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A HUGE RECALL. I HAD MY TWO YEAR OLD IN THE BACKSEAT WHEN IT HAPPENED. THANKFULLY NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND HAD DETACHED FROM THE FENDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Mileage: 121,000

THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST ESPECIALLY IN THE WHEEL WELLS. THIS RUST WAS SO EXCESSIVE THAT IT CAUSED THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE CAR BODY ITSELF. MULTIPLE BODY SHOPS AND CAR DEALERS INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO REPAIR THE CARD SINCE THE RUST DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO CORRECT THE DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

I DRIVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN A 'SALT BELT' STATE - NEW YORK. I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE PER MY FORMER MECHANIC BY RIGHT REAR WELL / SUB FRAME HAS COMPLETELY CORRODED TO WHERE MY SHOCK TOWER HITS THE INSIDE OF MY TRUNK. THE REPLACEMENT IS OVER $1050. I KNOW THAT THE 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON. THIS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR THE 2005'S TO NOT BE RECALLED. SEE LINK BELOW: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2014/FORD-RECALLS-ESCAPE-RUSTED-SUBFRAME.SHTML. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE FENDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL HAD A LARGE HOLE RUSTED THROUGH. IT APPEARS THAT IT WILL SOON AFFECT THE SHOCK MOUNT AND CAUSE THE SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE AT THE TOP MOUNT, WHICH COULD PROVE QUITE DANGEROUS. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT SEEMS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

CPSC: I1470151A. 2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND THE SHOCK FELL OFF. THE OTHER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND APPEARED TO BE FALLING OFF, AS WELL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELD RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,600.

Mileage: 73,600

WHILE DRIVING ALONG I NOTICED A LITTLE RATTLE WHEN I RODE OVER BUMPS, ASSUMED IT WAS REGULAR RANDOM NOISES FROM UNEVEN ASPHALT. MAKE IT TO THE CORNER OF MY STREET AND THE RATTLE IS ANNOYING NOW. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING SO I CONTINUE ON HOME AS SOON AS I PULL IN I HEAR A BIG CLUNK. GET OUT AND WHAT IS APPARENTLY MY SHOCK MOUNT IS LYING ON THE GROUND. LOOK UNDER CAR NEAR WHERE ITS LAYING AND THE COMPLETE WHEEL WELL AT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT THE MOUNT HAD NOTHING TO HOLD TO. I CAN COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE HATCH. WITH 3 KIDS, 2 UNDER 6 YRS OLD I CAN NOT TRANSPORT MY KIDS SAFELY AND IM STUCK BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT CAR THIS FEB,4 MONTHS AGO AND IM STILL PAYING A CAR NOTE. TO EXPENSIVE TO FIX WHEN SOMEONE ACTUALLY SAYS THEY CAN FIX IT. CHECKED ONLINE AND YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM SAME SIDE AND ALL. THIS CAN NOT BE A COINCIDENCE AND FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THIS VERY THING FOR YEARS 2001-2004 SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM HOWEVER THEY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS BEFORE A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED. IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 111,427

FOUND RUST HOLE IN INNER FENDER ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL..THEN HEARD NOISE SUCH AS DOOR NOT SHUT.REINSPECTED TO SEE SHOCK NOT ATTACHED AS RUST ATE AWAY THE SUPPORT.ALL ESCAPES OF THIS YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM..FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS AND ANY DAMAGE THAT OCCURS.VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND STRUTS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE REAR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD EXTENSIVE RUST TO THE POINT OF CORROSION. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE, WHICH WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE FORD MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2010 AND PURCHASED IT FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX.. 30MPH DOWN A CITY STREET I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING SOUND IN THE REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE EVERY TIME I WENT OVER A BUMP. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I LOOKED OVER THE ENTIRE REAR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO REASON FOR THE SOUND. I CHECKED THE REAR LEFT WHEEL AND IT WAS FINE. I THEN CHECKED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE LARGE SECTIONS OF THE WHEEL WELL WERE MISSING AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT I CAN SEE THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TAN INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REST OF MY VEHICLE IS PRETTY MUCH RUST FREE, SURPRISINGLY SINCE I LIVE IN MICHIGAN. THE OTHER 3 WHEEL WELLS SHOW MINIMAL EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. APPARENTLY FORD RECALLED THE 2001-2004 ESCAPES DUE TO "EXCESSIVE CORROSION". MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS HIS 4TH REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL REPAIR ON A 2005 FORD ESCAPE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS! IF YOU EXPERIENCE THIS SAME ISSUE PLEASE FILE A VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT. FORD MUST RECALL THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 112,987

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED TO REPAIR A CORROTION PROBLEM ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND SHOCKS WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT DUE TO THE CORROSION BOTH THE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCKSNEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92, 000.

Mileage: 92,000

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I STARTED HEARING LOUD BANGING NOISES FROM THE REAR OF MY ESCAPE WHENEVER I WENT OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMP. ONCE HOME, I LOOKED AROUND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEELHOUSE PANEL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY ESCAPE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND DETERIORATING. THERE WERE SEVERAL LARGE HOLES IN THE METAL. THE WHEELHOUSE PANELS AROUND THE OTHER THREE WHEELS LOOK FINE WITH MINIMAL TO NO SIGNS OF RUST. I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE DAMAGE WOULD COST ME $2,350 TO HAVE THEM FIX IT, BUT THAT THEY COULD NOT GET TO WORK ON IT FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I CHECKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2004 - 2006 ESCAPES. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT NO RECALL IS UNDERWAY TO FIX WHAT, TO ME, IS A PROBLEM DUE TO SOMETHING THAT FORD WAS DOING WRONG FROM 2004 TO 2006, AND THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP TO FIX FREE OF CHARGE. I'VE TAKEN MY ESCAPE TO SEVERAL BODY SHOPS TO RECEIVE OTHER ESTIMATES ON THE COST OF THE WORK. SEVERAL OF THOSE BODY SHOP EXPERTS SAID THAT THERE IS NO WAY THAT A NINE YEAR OLD AUTO SHOULD HAVE AS MUCH RUST AND DETERIORATION AS MINE HAS, FURTHER STRENGTHENING MY BELIEF THAT THIS DUE TO A SCREW UP BY FORD. I'VE MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ONE OF THOSE BODY SHOPS TO HAVE THE WORK DONE THIS WEEK FOR ABOUT $800, ABOUT A THIRD LESS THAN FORD WANTED ME TO PAY TO FIX THEIR SCREW UP. BEFORE THIS, I WOULD HAVE RECOMMENDED A FORD TO ANYONE. IN ADDITION TO MY ESCAPE, I'VE ALSO BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER AND A FORD ESCORT FOR MYSELF AS WELL AS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE FOR MY DAUGHTER. BUT, IF FORD IS THE KIND OF COMPANY THAT WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS MISTAKES AND WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS, I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER OF THEIR AUTOMOBILES. *TR

Mileage: 129,320

(CASE# [XXX]) (FORD ESCAPE 2005 SUB-FRAME DEFECT) I WISH TO REPORT AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION THAT HAS OCCURRED WITH MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I HAVE NOTICED A LOUD METAL-SOUNDING BANGING NOISE WHENEVER THE CAR GOES OVER EVEN A SLIGHT BUMP/CRACK IN THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TWICE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT. FIRST TIME, FORD REPLACED THE LINKS (?), WHICH DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME, I POINTED OUT TO SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THROUGH. SERVICE TECHNICIAN REMOVED INTERIOR COVERING TO FURTHER INSPECT DAMAGE, AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS STICKING UP INTO THE VEHICLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN REFERRED VEHICLE TO THEIR (FORD DEALERSHIP) BODY SHOP, WHO'S TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WOULD COST AT LEAST $6000 TO REPAIR. I DECLINED THEIR REPAIR OFFER, AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH (VEHICLE SAFETY AND RECALL WEBSITES), I WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF 2005 FORD ESCAPES ARE EXPERIENCING AND REPORTING THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND ARE FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY THAT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED BY FORD. THESE VEHICLES ARE ONLY NINE YEARS OLD, ARE NOW TOTALLY WORTHLESS, AND ARE EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO FIND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION, WHICH IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND EXPENSE FOR ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 132,507

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WHEEL WELL HAD DEVELOPED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, UNDERMINING STRUT SUPPORT. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS HAVE MINIMAL TO NORMAL RUST WITH RUST PROOFING MATERIAL STILL IN PLACE. BODY OF VEHICLE HAS NO RUST AT ALL AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND WASHED REGULARLY. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD THUMPING NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME, THE REAR BODY SIDE MEMBER ASSEMBLY AND THE INTERIOR REAR QUARTER PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,247.

Mileage: 42,247

2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK HOUSING DETERIORATED. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE HAD TO REPLACE MANY PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. ON APRIL 19, 2014, WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE RIGHT-REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK HOUSING HAD DETERIORATED. THE CONSUMER DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE NEXT DAY, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SCRAPPED. AFTER DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HIS MODEL. *JB

2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK HOUSING DETERIORATED. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE HAD TO REPLACE MANY PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. ON APRIL 19, 2014, WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE RIGHT-REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK HOUSING HAD DETERIORATED. THE CONSUMER DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE NEXT DAY, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SCRAPPED. AFTER DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HIS MODEL. *JB

THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, COULD BREAK & CAUSE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. THERE IS A RECALL TO REPLACE SUB FRAME FOR 2001 THRU 2004, MY VEH. MANUFACTURE DATE IS 12/2004, I CALLED THE DEALER & FORD MOTOR CORP. THEY STATED MY CAR DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM AS THE CARS UNDER THE RECALL, THEY NEED TO EXTEND THE YEAR TO COVER THERE MISTAKE. I ASK FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE THEY SAID THERE WAS NONE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CONSTANT BANGING SOUND NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 12/01/14*LJ

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CONSTANT BANGING SOUND NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 12/01/14*LJ

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR HIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2004. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,478. UPDATED 08/14/14*LJ

Mileage: 49,478

EXCESSIVE RUST/CORROSION IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. SHOCK ABSORBER AFFECTED AND PUSHING THROUGH WHEEL WELL INTO INTERIOR OF CAR. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE QUARTER PANEL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL AND THE QUARTER PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,850.

Mileage: 48,850

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 80,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY. SHOCK WENT THRU THE BODY INTO THE TRUNK OF MY CAR. BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE SHOPS THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE OF LIABILITY REASONS. FORD ACTS LIKE THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BUT IF YOU GOOGLE THE ISSUE 1000'S OF THE SAME ISSUE WILL SHOW. *TR

Mileage: 203,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, WHEN SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THE MECHANIC STATED THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN

Mileage: 108,000

THE FIRST NOTICE WAS THAT THE WHOLE BASE COVER WAS ROTTING THEN ONCE THAT WAS WORN THROUGH YOU WERE ABLE TO SEE THAT THE FRAME THAT CONNECTS THE SHOCK, TIRE AND WHEEL WELL WAS SO CORRODED ITS BREAKING BY PIECES. TO DATE 5/29/2014 THE SHOCK WITH PIPE ATTACHED HAD TO BE TAKEN OFF. NO ANSWERS TO RECALL OR BEING FIXED BY FORD THIS PRICES TO FIX OR LOCATE PARTS ARE EXPENSIVE AND MOST OF THE REPAIR SHOPS SAY IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. I FINANCED THIS VEHICLE AND WAS NOT TOLD OF THE DEFECT AND BY REPORTING A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE CAR DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED TO LET THE FINANCE COMPANY KNOW OF THE INCIDENT BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO TAKE THE CAR BACK NOW I'M STUCK OWNING FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A ROAD HAZARD THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE BECAUSE I CAN NOT GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. FORD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY CAR OF CHOSE BUT THIS IS CRAZY AND HOW COME THEY ARE NOT MADE TO TAKE THESE VEHICLES AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE LIFE OF DEATH PROBLEMS. I SENT PICTURES TO FORD'S WEBSITE AND FB PAGE AND STILL NO RESPONSE AS I SEE THEIR ARE SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WHAT ARE WE THE CONSUMER SUPPOSE TO DO YOU ALL SAY TAKE A MECHANIC THEY WOULD NOT HAVE SEEN THESE PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE MASKING. FOR THOSE THAT CANT AFFORD TO KEEP PURCHASING WAITING OR DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WAITING ON THE TIME WHEN ITS AN ACCIDENT DEATH OR CRASH WE HAVE TO PUT IN THESE COMPLAINTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,564.

Mileage: 117,564

THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS TOTALLY DEFECTIVE AND UNSEEN CORROSION CAN WEAKEN OR DESTROY THE SHOCK ABSORBER TOWER. DRIVERS ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES UNTIL THE SHOCK BREAKS FREE OF THE WHEEL WELL AND JAMS INTO THE BODY. THIS ISSUE OCCURS BECAUSE AWD SUVS HAVE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL THAT ALWAYS SPINS IN SNOW AND ICE, WHICH IN TURN OVER SPRAYS THE RIGHT REAR WELL WITH CORROSIVE MATERIAL. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I RECENTLY NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD, I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK INTO IT AND THEY NOTICED EXTREME CORROSION ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN EXTREME CORROSION OF THIS MAGNITUDE ON A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. THE OTHER 3 WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ONE IS RUSTED OUT. THE SHOCK MOUNT IS CORRODED AND IS UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY SUPPORT MY SHOCK. THEY ADVISED THAT I TAKE IT INTO A COLLISION SHOP WHICH I DID. THE COLLISION SHOP TOOK PICTURES AND QUOTED ME A PRICE ON THE REPAIRS, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY SEEN THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE FROM THERE CUSTOMER BASE. I ALSO RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT FORD HAS ISSUED RECALLS ON THE 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES FOR A RUST ISSUE STEMMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECENT TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE SPIKED OVER THE PAST YEAR IN REGARDS TO THE SAME ISSUE IN THE SAME SPOT FOR 2005 FORD ESCAPES. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

WHILE DRIVING DOWN TO THE BAY ON A FISHING TRIP I KEPT HEARING SOMETHING BANGING IN THE BACK OF MY 2005 ESCAPE. I STOPPED AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR FENDERWELL HAD RUSTED AN ND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS LOOSE FROM THE REST OF THE BODY WHICH CAUSED IT TO HIT AGAINST THE INSIDE PLASTIC . THIS SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY FORD AS THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION . I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD IF THEY CAN'T RECALL THIS MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 177,000

THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEELHOUSE PANEL IS TOTALLY CORRODED. THE 'PANEL' HOLDING THE REAR RIGHT SUSPENSION CRACKED, NOTHING HOLDING THE SUSPENSION. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN THE WEBSITE. THIS SHOULD BE TREATED AS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AS IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM IN WHICH THE FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE OPENED WHILE THE CONTACT REVERSED FROM THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V602000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

WHILE DRIVING OVER RAIL ROAD TRACKS A LOUD THUD WAS HEARD IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE FIRST ASSUMPTION WAS THE TIRE BLEW, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE TIRE WAS FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND THE THUD WOULD CONTINUE TO BE HEARD GETTING WORSE AND WORSE, ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GOODYEAR AUTO SERVICE CENTER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE BODY. THE THUMPING WE HEARD WAS THE CHUNK OF METAL AND SHOCK MOUNT THAT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE BODY BUT STILL ATTACHED TO THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HITTING THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL THAT WAS STILL THERE. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT HE WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THIS AREA OF THE CAR WAS RUSTED SO BADLY AND IT APPEARED THAT IT WASN'T UNDERCOATED PROPERLY TO PREVENT THE RUST. THE SERVICE TECH INFORMED ME HE COULDN'T FIX IT AND RECOMMENDED A WELDING SHOP (FRIESS WELDING). THE WELDING SHOP WAS ABLE TO CUT OUT THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL (THEY REFERRED TO IT AS A FENDER WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN THE NAME), REPAIR THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT, PUT ON A NEW SHOCK (THE OLD SHOCK WAS BENT TO BADLY FROM WHEN IT SEPARATED FROM THE CAR), AND PROPERLY UNDERCOAT IT. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS COMMON ON 05 AND 06 FORD ESCAPES AND THEY HAD REPAIRED QUITE A FEW FOR THE SAME THING. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT FORD RECENTLY HAD A RECALL FOR 01-04 FORD ESCAPES FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE ONLY ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THEY THOUGHT THAT FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON 05-06 FOR THE BACK. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL HELP TO HAVE A RECALL DONE BUT WHAT THE WELDING SHOP WAS TELLING ME SEEMS TO BE TRUE AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. I WILL KEEP ALL OF MY RECEIPTS AND THE PICTURES THAT I TOOK AND HOPE A RECALL IS EVENTUALLY DONE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 84,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL OUTER LINER WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE STRUT TO PROTRUDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE PANEL THAT ATTACHED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS RUSTED AND BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE DEFECT AS A RUSTED FRAME BUT NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEELHOUSE RUSTED OUT BREAKING THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT CAUSING STEERING ISSUES . THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. THE WHEELHOUSE IS SIMPLE SHEET METAL THAT RUSTED OUT, THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS NO REINFORCEMENT AND IS SIMPLY ATTACHED TO A CUP IN THE WHEEL WELL. WHEN IT GAVE FREE THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, FREEING THE SHOCK MOUNT. VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 100000 MILES AND IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 100,500

WHILE DRIVING ON MAIN ROAD HIT SOME UNEVEN ROAD REPAIRS AND STARTED TO HEAR A METAL ON METAL SOUND. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR SO STOPPED TO CHECK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. DROVE HOME AND NOISE SEEMED TO GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I STARTED TO CHECK SHOCKS AND TIRES AND SAW A CRACK IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THROUGH THE RUST PROOFING.I MOVED IT AWAY FROM THE FENDER AND SAW A HOLE INTO THE SIDE OF MY CAR BY THE TOP OF THE SHOCK. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH FORD ESCAPE AND THE REPAIR IS EXPENSIVE. I WILL BE CONTACTING A DEALER FOR HELP AND PARTS IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

MY CAR WENT TO SHOP FOR EXHAUST REPAIR WHEN THE FRONT Y PIPE WAS REMOVED MY MECHANIC SAW A LARGE HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME(FRONT ENGINE CRADLE).FRAME WAS REPAIRED BY WELDING IT. THE REST OF CAR FRAME APPEARED OK. CAR ONLY HAS 80K MILES AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. NOT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON 2004 AND EARLIER FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM I FEEL THE 2005 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AS ITS OBVIOUS TO ME THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN A RURAL ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND HIT A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION AFTER THE INCIDENT, MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE REAR STRUT MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BECOME DETACHED. THERE WAS SOME RUST PRESENT IN THAT WHEEL WELL AROUND THE STRUT HOUSING. THE SUPPORTING METAL CRACKED THE ENTIRE WAY AROUND THE STRUT HOUSING, DETACHING IT FROM THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. THE OPPOSITE WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION WITH THE FACTORY UNDERCOATING STILL IN TACT. THERE IS NO UNDERCOATING PRESENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE SAME AREA. WE WERE TOLD BY A MECHANIC AND AUTO BODY SPECIALIST THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IS ONLY COSMETICALLY REPAIRABLE, NOT STRUCTURALLY REPAIRABLE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

I HAPPENED TO NOTICE RUST THROUGH WHILE CHECKING MY TIRES. IT IS LOCATED AT THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) REAR WHEELHOUSE PANEL WHERE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY ATTACHES TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE RUST HAS DISINTEGRATED IN THE AREA LEAVING A BARELY ATTACHED WHEEL ASSEMBLY WITH MASSIVE CRACKING AND HOLES IN THE METAL. IT IS THE ONLY AREA ON THE VEHICLE WITH RUST. I WAS TOLD IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND THAT I HAVE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING BEFORE IT WILL BREAK COMPLETELY, THUS DISABLING MY VEHICLE OR CAUSING IT TO CRASH WHILE BEING DRIVEN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT FURTHER, ESPECIALLY WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON IN THE VEHICLE. I AM DISTURBED WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS WONDERFUL SUV FROM A FINE COMPANY LIKE FORD AND THE ONLY THING STOPPING THEM FROM DRIVING IT IS A SINGLE PANEL WITH SUCH A SEVERE DEFECT. I AM FULLY PREPARED TO JOIN OR LEAD A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JS

Mileage: 172,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK ABSORBER BECAME DETACHED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRAME WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL LINER COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. UPPER END OF SHOCK NO LONGER ATTACHED TO BODY OF VEHICLE. *JS

Mileage: 84,000

CPSC: I1440372A. 2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL ROTTING OUT CAUSED THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO DISINTEGRATE. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PRICE ESTIMATES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT RANGED FROM $2000-7000. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILLAGE WAS 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED COMPLETELY THOUGH ALLOWING THE SHOCK MOUNT TO TEAR AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

THE REAR WHEELHOUSE SIDE PANEL AND THE STRUT ASSEMBLY AT THE PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED TOTALLY AND BROKE. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT SEEMS THAT THE WHEELHOUSE WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL RECENTLY IT BECAME AVAILABLE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS MOSTLY BEEN USED IN THE GREAT LAKES AREA WHERE SNOW IS HEAVY AND SALT COULD HAVE WORSENED THE PROBLEM, BUT SO MANY CASES OF RUSTED WHEELHOUSE AT THE SAME PLACE INDICATE THAT THIS COULD BE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR

Mileage: 95,780

REAR WHEEL HOUSE/ STRUT MOUNT TOTALLY RUSTED OFF. I WORK AT A DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF ESCAPES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WE SEE APPROX 5 OF THESE A YEAR OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS. THAT ISN'T COUNTING THE ONES WE CAN'T VISUALLY INSPECT DIE TO THE THICK TAR FORD SPRAYED ON THE WHEEL WELL TO DEADEN SOUND AND PREVENT CORROSION. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

FRONT END K SUB-FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. THIS VEHICLE IS TOO NEW AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL, BUT ALREADY HAS A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME. THIS IS A STRUCTURAL ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS TO SEPARATE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION...UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 07/1/2014 *JS

Mileage: 116,000

WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND NOTICED A BANGING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WE TOOK IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE METAL IN THE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTING AWAY. THE SHOCK MOUNT CAME LOOSE AND UPON FURTHER REVIEW THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS BAD. THE SHOP TELLS ME THEY'VE SEEN MANY SIMILAR ISSUES IN THE 04-06 ESCAPES. OURS IS IN BAD SHAPE AND NOT WORTH THE $5000 IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR. THERE IS VERY LITTLE SURFACE RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. IN LOOKING AROUND I'VE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL. IT'S CRIMINAL THAT THESE VEHICLES ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND INSTEAD OF STEPPING UP AND DOING THE RIGHT THING, FORD IGNORES IT AND ALL OF US OWNER'S ARE OUT A LOT OF MONEY THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. *JS

Mileage: 140,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED. YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FROM REAR FENDER WELL. FRAME IS ALSO BEGINNING TO CRACK IN THIS AREA TOO. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND YEAR. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR FORD TO REALIZE THIS IS A DEFECT. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR EVEN A LOSS OF LIFE IF NOTHING IS DONE. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT WAS DRIVEN DAILY SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *JS

NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT REAR, REPAIR SHOP LOOKS BEHIND TIRE AND FINDS REAR PANEL WHERE SHOCK IS ATTACHED ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. COST TO REPAIR IS 2500 - 3500 DOLLARS. FORD WON'T COVER ANY OF COST. CAR IS NOT EVEN 9 YEARS OLD,UNBELIEVABLE! THIS IS A DANGER, WAITING TO KILL SOMEONE WHEN THE WHOLE THING FALLS OFF. CARS SHOULD NOT RUST THIS BAD, ESPECIALLY IN ONLY ONE SPECIFIC AREA. NOW DECIDING TO GET RID OF MY 2012 ESCAPE BEFORE I HAVE ISSUES WITH IT. *JS

Mileage: 96,536

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH ABOUT 100,000 MILES. I STARTED HEARING A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE ENTIRE REAR WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED COMPLETELY OUT AND I THINK THE SHOCKS ARE EXPOSED. I DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT CARS BUT I KNOW THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING. I SEE THAT FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING FOR VEHICLES FROM 2001-2004. 2005 SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THAT RECALL. PLEASE NOTE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND PLEASE REQUEST A RECALL. *JS

Mileage: 101,000

MY 2005 ESCAPE IS NOW JUNK, ACCORDING TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND ONE BODY SHOP. WHEN I HIT A BUMP THERE WOULD BE A LOUD NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE.THE RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER HAS RUSTED THROUGH BEYOND REPAIR. THE SHOCK TOWER IS ADJACENT TO THIS. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. THE LEFT REAR IS SHOWING SIGNS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS MADE FROM INFERIOR METAL AND/OR A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I HEARD THAT MAZDA MADE THE ESCAPE FOR FORD. THE MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *JS

Mileage: 122,900

MY RIGHT REAR FENDER HAS ROTTED OUT AND MY VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE. I CONTACTED A DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THE RIGHT INNER FENDER IS NOT AVAILABLE AND ON BACK ORDER BY FORD WITH NO ETA. I HAVE BEEN WAITING NOW 7 WEEKS AND HAVE TO GET RIDES TO WORK. IN THIS STATE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION. I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT WITH THE ISSUE IT HAS. IT IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. PLEASE ASSIST ME IN CONTACTING FORD TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ SEVERAL ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT FORD ESCAPE DRIVERS HAVING THIS ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!! *JS

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A NEW SUB FRAME WAS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

MY 2005 ESCAPE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF DISINTEGRATION AND THE SHOCK IS CLOSE TO COLLAPSING WHICH WILL ALLOW THE WHEEL TO COLLAPSE INTO THE REAR WHEEL WELL. IF THAT HAPPENS ON THE INTERSTATE I FEEL SURE IT WILL CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, IT HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES AND IS GARAGE KEPT.I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF 05 ESCAPES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY LOCAL DEALER HAS SEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. BOTH THE LOCAL FORD BODY SHOP AND INDEPENDENT BODY SHOPS AGREE THAT THIS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AS FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ADMITS THE DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

THE VEHICLE IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. A RATTLING NOISE COULD THEN BE HEARD WITH EVERY SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE WHOLE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH EXPOSING THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS, THE CARPETING CAN ALSO BE SEEN THROUGH THE HOLE, AND WATER IN THE TAILLIGHT COMPARTMENT BECAUSE OF A HOLE THERE ALSO - THUS LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE ESTIMATE TO FIX THE CAR WAS $3200.00. CALLED FORD MOTORS WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM, BUT ONLY FOR 2001-2004 MODELS. APPARENTLY FROM ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET IN REGARDS TO THE 2005 MODELS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THE 2005 MODELS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER FORD MOTORS VEHICLE ANYTIME SOON! *TR

Mileage: 82,103

DRIVING ALONG OVER MINOR BUMP IN ROAD WHEN LOUD BANG OCCURRED ON RIGHT REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE. LOOKED AND FOUND RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY NEAR SHOCK TOWER. NOISE IS SO LOUD SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING INTO THE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO COLLISION SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME TO FIX IT WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $1000 TO START BUT MAY BE HIGHER WHEN ACTUALLY INVESTIGATED. PARTS AT FORD ARE ON BACK ORDER SO COLLISION SHOP CAN'T DO WORK UNTIL AVAILABLE WHICH THEY SAY REQUIRES WELDING. NOT SURE WHEN OR IF PARTS ARE COMING IN TO FIX. THERE SEEMS TO BE EXCESSIVE RUSTING ON THE VEHICLE WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND TAKEN CARE OF. IT WAS UNDERCOATED AS WELL. HAD ANOTHER MAKE/MODEL THAT A FRIEND HAS AND IT IS 19 YEARS OLD WITH BETTER RUST PROTECTION THAT THIS CAR. NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER IT WILL TAKE FOR THIS TO OCCUR ON LEFT REAR AS IT IS SHOWING RUST SIGNS TOO BUT NOT AS EXTENSIVE AS THE RIGHT. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO TOW A CAMPER IN SUMMER AND NOT SO SURE THIS WILL BE SAFE TO DO SO EVEN IF FIXED. I DID NOT TAKE CAR IN TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WOULD BE WAITING FOR PARTS THERE TOO! I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND WONDER IF FIXED IF IT WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAD PLANNED ON DRIVING THIS CAR TILL THE MOTOR STOPPED...LOOKS LIKE THE FRAME IS GOING TO RUST OUT BEFORE THAT. *TR

Mileage: 106,000

MY WIFE HAD BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT A LOUD SLAPPING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE. I DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS JUST BOUNCING LOOSE CREATING A HORRIBLE NOISE AND ALSO NOTICED SHOCK BREAKING THRU THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. NOTICED ON LINE THAT OTHERS HAVE SIMILAR OR EXACT PROBLEM. YEARS 2001 THRU 2004 JUST RECALLED. WHAT ABOUT 2005'S. THERE'S NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND ONLY 82,000 MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND PUTS MY FAMILY AT RISK AND IN A BIND FOR A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 82,000

I NOTICED THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE VEHICLE AND A FEW WEEKS LATER HEARD LOAD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM REAR CARGO AREA. I LOOK AND SAW THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THREW INTO THE CARGO AREA AND THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS WERE RUSTED OFF. *TR

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, I NOTICED BANGING IN THE RIGHT REAR AREA OF THE VEHICLE. ALL DOORS AND HATCH WERE SECURE AND THE JACK WASNT LOOSE. AFTER A DAY OR TWO OF SEARCHING I TOOK THE ESCAPE TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP I TRUST. THEY FOUND THE WHOLE INNER QUARTER WHEEL HOUSE SNAPPED OFF THE RAIL. THE BANGING WAS THE SHOCK HITTING INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN. HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY KEYS AND SAID THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. ONLINE IF YOU GOOGLE THIS SAME ISSUE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 ESCAPE MODEL RUSTING PLEASE FORD DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL AND REPAIR MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

WHILE PERFORMING BRAKE AND WHEEL INSPECTION FOR NOISE WE SEE SEVERE SUB-FRAME RUST ISSUE ON OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT BREAKING A HOLE THROUGH THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO PARTS IN STOCK TO REPAIR THIS AS WE ARE TOLD THEY ARE ON NATIONWIDE BACKORDER AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE OTHER REAR SHOCK AREA HAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ALSO. APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK LATER BOTH BREAK LINES BROKE FROM SEVERE CORROSION WHILE MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH (PULLING IN MY DRIVEWAY). I WAS FORTUNATE THIS HAPPENED THERE AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AS I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT ALONG WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON. THESE TWO THINGS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING WITH THE AGE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE BODY SHOULD BE HOLDING UP BETTER THAN THIS. I JUST SAW THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 FOR SEVERE RUST ISSUES ONE RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURING DATE OF MY VEHICLE IS 09/2004. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

SEVERE RUST...HAD TO HAVE THE UNDERCARRIAGE COMPLETELY MODIFIED. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT AND HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. NOW I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH BRAKES AGAIN (2 MONTHS LATER). I SAW THE RECALL UP TO 2004 FOR RUST ISSUES BUT MY CAR IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND A 2005. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT CAME APART AND DAMAGED WHEEL WELL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION DEALER SAID ENTIRE ASSEMBLY HAD RUSTED APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH NO VISIBLE CORROSION FROM THE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO RECOURSE OR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 83,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERE RUST ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT WAS ALSO RUSTED. *JB

RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSE IS RUSTED SO BAD THE SHOCK IS ABOUT TO COME LOOSE AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OR COULD RUB THE TIRE AND CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY A MECHANIC THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

THE RIGHT REAR BODY PANEL IN THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK TO DETACH FROM THE BODY AND ALMOST PENETRATE INTO THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER CABIN. *TR

Mileage: 179,000

TOOK MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO MULTIPLE BODY SHOPS TO ACQUIRE QUOTES DUE TO BODY RUSTING AT BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS. ALL BODY SHOPS STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD ESCAPES, AND THAT IT WASN'T WORTH FIXING DUE TO COST. THEY STATED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE/CONCERN, AND I SHOULD RID MYSELF OF THE VEHICLE AS SOON AS FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE. I SEARCHED THIS AND FOUND 100S OF VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND CONCERN. I HAVE TWO VEHICLES MUCH OLDER THAN THIS, AND HAVE NO RUST ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 182,000

ORIGINAL OWNER OF A GARAGE KEPT, 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH 105K MILES. I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH WAS VERY LOUD INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD THE SERVICE TECH REPLACING THE TIRES ON MY OTHER FORD VEHICLE TAKE A LOOK AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING AWAY AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS FALLING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS HAZARD WHICH NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP. EVERY SERVICE TECH I SHOW SAYS THEY'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE UNDERCOATING WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY ON TO THE VEHICLE AND NO OTHER METHOD OF PROTECTION IN THE WHEEL WELL WAS USED BY FORD ON THIS MAKE/MODEL. MY VEHICLE WAS TOP OF THE LINE, LOADED, WHEN PURCHASED. I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ASAP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR DESIGN. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR FENDER WELL RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ UPDATED 06/02/2014 *JS

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A SUDDEN BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,124. UUPDATED 05/06/14 MA UPDATED 05/09/2014 *JS

Mileage: 87,124

WHILE DRIVING BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE A LOUD RATTLING SOUND, FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. BECAME VERY LOUD WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. SOUNDED AS IF SMALL PIECES HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACK TIRE. AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I LOOKED AND THERE WAS A LARGE RUSTED OUT TEAR IN THE WHEEL WELL, LOCATED RIGHT ABOVE THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER. I DID CONTACT MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT VILLAGE FORD IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE UP TO BE CHECKED, HE SENT ME OVER TO THEIR BODY SHOP.. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DEFINITELY A "SAFETY ISSUE" AND HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON OTHER FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS A FLAW IN THE BODY. *TR

Mileage: 191,930

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS EXCESSIVE RUST WHICH HAS CAUSED THE SHOCK TO COME THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I DO HAVE PICTURES. *TR

Mileage: 73,000

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BACK DOOR WASN'T CLOSED ALL THE WAY, SO WHEN I GOT HOME AND PARKED MY VEHICLE I CHECKED THE DOOR AND IT WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY. AFTER I SAW THE DOOR WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY I DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SINCE THAT IS WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND I COULD SEE THAT THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, SO NOW I HAVE TO LEAVE IT SIT UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER MY DISCOVERY I WENT ONLINE AND SEARCHED AND I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THIS MATTER WAS INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL IS ISSUED, SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND.WAS GETTING WORSE AND LOOKED AT REAR PASSENGER TIRE SIDE. NOTICED THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AND BROKEN LOOSE FROM UNDERCARRIAGE. VERY DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEED. HAVE OWNED OVER 20 CARS AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN. WHAT IS GOING ON FORD???? *TR

Mileage: 89,901

SEVERE RUST OUT OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL, TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT RUSTED FREE FROM THE CAR. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION COULD COME DOWN ONTO THE TIRE OR LOOSE CONTROL OF THE REAR OF CAR WHILE DRIVING. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE I FIND HUNDREDS OF SAME PROBLEMS. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR WITH SERVICE AND CLEANING ABOVE AND BEYOND NORMAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURE FLAW AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 216,500

DRIVING TO/FROM WORK, I STARTED NOTICING A SLIGHT CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER A DAY OR SO, IT BECAME A LOUD THUMPING. UPON INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL & SHOCK MOUNT WERE DISINTEGRATING AND THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE HOLES SO LARGE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE TRUNK. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM YET FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. THIS IS MY FIRST - AND MOST DEFINITELY LAST - FORD. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

IT STARTED OFF AS LIGHT RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA. AS THE WEEK PROGRESSED, THE RATTLING GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. AT THAT POINT, MY DAUGHTER WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN WE INSPECTED THE AREA WHERE THE NOISE CAME FROM, WE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS THOROUGHLY RUSTED OUT AND WE COULD SEE THROUGH IT, INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. ALSO, THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE DAMAGE IS SO EXTENSIVE THAT WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. *TR

Mileage: 142,450

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

Mileage: 93,000

THE ABOVE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR FENDERWELL. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION DURING A RECENT INSPECTION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT AFFECTS THE INTEGRITY OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHICH COULD FAIL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 94,350

EXTREME RUSTING OF THE FRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ABOVE SHOCKS. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT GOT A SEVERE SHOCK DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST, INSIDE THE INSULATION, THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2005. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION AS WELL AS THE CAR. THIS IS A CLEAR MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE SHOCK WOULD HAVE CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 60MPH AND HIT THE ROAD OR SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR IT. *TR

Mileage: 195,000

WHILE DRIVING, I HIT A POT HOLE THAT CAUSED MY RIGHT REAR STRUT TOWER TO BREAK THROUGH THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE, RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE. MY COLLISION REPAIR MAN HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE POT HOLE WAS NOT THE ONLY CULPRIT AND THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS SO ROTTED AND RUSTED THAT IT COMPROMISED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAD THE AREA NOT BEEN RUSTED, THE POT HOLE WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE. HE ADVISED ME THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO POOR DESIGN IN THE 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR FORD ESCAPES AND THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR. THEY HAVE RECALLED 230,000 OF THEIR MINIVANS FOR OVER RUST ISSUES (IN 2011), BUT NOT ANY OF THE ESCAPES. BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, AND NOT JUST A POTHOLE, MY INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER THE $1500 IN REPAIRS. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTIFY ME THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE, AND THE LEMON LAW PERIOD HAS PASSED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL METAL WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OVER A POT HOLE, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED A HOLE IN THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AND A DETACHED SHOCK ABSORBER. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO RUSTING OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

I HAVE AN 05 ESCAPE THAT HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM (SO MUCH SO THAT THERE IS A FACEBOOK GROUP AND A MESSAGE BOARD ON FORD FORUMS) THE MODELS EFFECTED FORD MODELS 2004-2006. SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE PUT INTO RECALLING THEM. HTTP://WWW.FORDFORUMS.COM/F59/2005-ESCAPE-SHOCK-MOUNT-RUSTED-OUT-177762/ HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

ON 2/20/14 I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH ON STATE ROUTE 219 IN BOSTON, NY, WHEN A LOUD BANGING NOISE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO OCCUR IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THIS NOISE SCARED ME AND FORCED ME TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE EXPRESSWAY TO INSPECT THE REAR AREA OF MY VEHICLE (WHILE TRAFFIC CONTINUED AT 65 MPH). I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING AT THAT TIME SO I SLOWLY AND CAUTIOUSLY DROVE MY VEHICLE HOME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR(PASSENGER) SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD BECOME TOTALLY DETACHED FROM THE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT INNER WHEEL WELL AND WAS PROTRUDING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. EXCESSIVE RUST COULD BE SEEN ALONG WITH SEVERAL HOLES THAT HAD ONCE BEEN PART OF THE WHEEL WELL. MY VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND IS TOO COSTLY TO FIX. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! FORTUNATELY, THIS DEFECT DID NOT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF MY VEHICLES SUSPENSION. THIS 'DEFECT' NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR BECOMES SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR

Mileage: 82,054

NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, FOUND MOST OF THE REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS TO BE RUSTED, AND PARTS OF THE METAL ACTUALLY GONE. THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS BASICALLY NOT ATTACHED TO ANY STRUCTURE, AS THE METAL AROUND THE MOUNT HAS COMPLETED RUSTED. COULD SEE THE BACKSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED AWAY. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A RURAL ROAD ABOUT 50 MPH. WHEN ARRIVED AT DESTINATION, NOTICED SEVERE RUST IN WHEEL WELL NEAR SHOCK MOUNT AND THROUGH TO STORAGE COMPARTMENT. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR OWNERS YET. *TR

THE REAR RIGHT FENDER WELL (AROUND THE SHOCK) IS RUSTED AND HAS DETERIORATED SO BADLY THAT IT HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THERE'S A BANGING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE --- THIS PROBLEM MAKES FOR UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION -- IF SOMETHING BREAKS OR THE TIRE BLOW OUT BECAUSE OF THIS IT CAN CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR

I HAD BEEN HEARING RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. ON AROUND JANUARY 28TH I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I LATER DISCOVERED A LARGE CRACK AND HOLE ON THE INSIDE PASSENGER PANEL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD A WHOLE SECTION MISSING AND THE SHOCK I CAN MOVE WITH MY HAND. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT SEVERAL 2004/2005 ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

THIS IS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK, FORD FORUMS, THIS AGENCIES OWN WEBSITE ETC. THE REAR RIGHT INNER WHEEL WELL HAS TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED LEAVING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER UNCONNECTED TO ANYTHING. FORD HAVE NOT CARRIED OUT A RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION THOUGH APPARENTLY THE PARTS INVOLVED WERE MODIFIED ON NEWER VEHICLES TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING. THE PROBLEM APPEARS WORSE IN NORTHERN STATES WITH BAD WINTERS WHERE SALTY WATER BECOMES TRAPPED INSIDE THE WATERPROOFING SEALANT AND THE WHEEL WELL ACCELERATING THE RUSTING PROCESS. UPDATED 04/16/14

Mileage: 128,000

I AM HERE TO WRITE AN INCIDENT ABOUT MY MY RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION BREAKING AWAY FROM THE STRUT TOWER SUPPORT BRACKET. IT WAS ALL RUSTED OUT. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR IS FINE. I HAVE SEEN QUITE A LOT OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET. WHEN WE TOOK OUR CAR IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED IT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CAR WAS UNSAFE TOO DRIVE. WE FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND, THE PUBLIC. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SHOCK HOUSING WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE MADE LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. UPON INSPECTION NOTICED SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AWAY FROM BODY. LARGE HOLE THAT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. NOTHING STRUCTURAL TO HOLD SHOCK IN PLACE. FORD DEALER COULDN'T FIX. TOLD TO TAKE TO AUTO BODY SHOP. THEY ORDERED PART AND FORD HAS IT ON BACK ORDER..... *TR

Mileage: 150,000

I OWN A 2005 FORD ESCAPE 87,00 MILES, GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. SO I HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND TAKE IT INTO A SHOP TO GET CHECKED OUT. SHOP CALLS ME IN AWE? HE SAID THAT RIGHT SIDE INTER FENDER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND IS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE?HE ALSO SAID YOU CAN SEE TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID IN ALL HIS YEARS, HES NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. HE SAID THAT A 1990 CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS DAMAGE. SO I START TO GOOGLE AND LOW AND BEHOLD HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING. IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH 2004, 2005 AND SOME 2006 FORD ESCAPE MODELS AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL OR MAKE GOOD ON THEIR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AND SPOKE TO A REPAIR MANAGER WHO SAID HE WILL CALL ME BACK?SO AFTER A FEW HOURS (HE GOOGLED HIMSELF), HE CALLS AND SAYS TOUGH LUCK?HAVE A NICE DAY. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PICTURES ON THE NET THAT LOOK LIKE MY CAR?.I TOOK MY OWN PICTURES BUT THIS IS APPALLING AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELP ACCOUNTABLE. THIS IS A STRUCTURE PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS AS THE DON'T WANT THE LIABILITY (ESPECIALLY SEEING I HAVE 2 CAR SEATS IN MY VEHICLE.) *TR

Mileage: 87,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER DISCONNECTED TO FRAME. RUSTED OUT FENDERWELL. *TR

Mileage: 110,124

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE-WELL RUSTED OUT. IT RUSTED WHERE THE SHOCK IS ATTACHED. THIS ENTIRE PIECE RUSTING CAUSED THE SHOCK TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO MY VEHICLE. WE LATER DISCOVER THE ACCELERATED CORROSION WAS FROM FAULTY DRAINS IN THE VEHICLE. FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THE DRAIN PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EXPEDITED RUSTING. WITH FAULTY DRAINS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE OTHER TIRE-WELL ALSO RUSTS OUT. LUCKILY I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WHEN I DID, I HAD BEEN PLANNING ON TOWING A UHAUL CROSS-COUNTRY TWO DAYS OUT. IF I HAD BEEN TOWING AND THE SHOCK GAVE OUT, THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED TO ROLL. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

AFTER SEEING POST FROM FRIEND THAT HER RIGHT REAR WELL ON HER 2005 FORD ESCAPE WAS RUSTED THROUGH, IT MADE ME GO LOOK IN THE GARAGE AT MY SAME VEHICLE. UPON REVIEW I HAVE A LARGE HOLE INTO MY SPARE TIRE TOOLS BOX. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUSTING AND CRACKS IN AND AROUND THE SHOCK AS WELL. LEFT REAR WELL DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 146,000

LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL SOUNDING LIKE LOOSE MUFFLER UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE INNER WHEEL WELL WITH THE SHOCK MOUNT TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. TRYING TO GET IT FIXED AND NO ONE CAN PUT A PRICE ON THE REPAIR AND MOST BODY SHOPS ARE AFRAID TO DO IT. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM AND THEY DON'T WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO FLOAT FREELY. THERE IS A SECTION APROX 24 INCHES LONG BY 2-6 INCHES WIDE WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS COMPLETELY GONE. THIS VEHICLE MAKES A HARD SLAM WHENEVER DRIVEN OVER SMALL BUMPS. THE SHOCK HAS COME THROUGH THE PLASTIC PANEL AND PUT A LARGE CRACK/HOLE IN IT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND EXCESSIVELY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE IS FROM MICHIGAN. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT WENT THROUGH RUSTED WHEEL WELL AND INTO TRUNK. *TR

Mileage: 153,527

2005 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE NOTICED RUST ON REAR FENDER WELLS IN THE PAST. IN SUMMER 2013, I FOUND A HOLE INTO THE PASSENGER AREA FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. FILLED HOLE AND ATTEMPTED TO UNDERCOAT TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL RUST. DECEMBER 26, 2013, WHILE DRIVING I HIT A BUMP AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN BACK RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVING BECAME DIFFICULT AFTER THE BUMP, SO I STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. THE SHOCK HAD SEPARATED FROM THE UNI-BODY/WHEEL WELL DUE TO CORROSION. THE NOISE WAS THE SHOCK HITTING THE PLASTIC INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON A REPLACEMENT PANEL AND I FOUND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE WITH NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THIS SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL OF THE FORD ESCAPE HAS A DESIGN FLAW CAUSING THE SHOCK TO SEPARATE FROM THE UNI-BODY. DRIVING BECOME DIFFICULT DURING THIS FAILURE AS THE VEHICLE IS RIDING ON THE SPRING AND THE SHOCK IS NOT ABLE TO REDUCE THE TIRE BOUNCE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

WHEN I OPENED THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE I NOTICED THE PLASTIC MOLDING WAS CRACKED, AFTER LOOKING AT IT CLOSER I NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTED OUT ANT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL. I HAVE CONTACTED MANY BODY SHOPS THAT SAY THE PROBLEM IS FIXABLE BUT DO TO LIABILITY THEY CAN NOT FIX IT. AFTER RESEARCHING IT ONLINE ON THE FORD FORUM I FOUND OUT THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONE POST ON THE FORUM SAYS THAT THE ENGINEERS OF THE ESCAPE SAID IT IS A DESIGN FLAW CAUSING THE PROBLEM BUT THEY WON'T PUT IT IN WRITING FOR FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR IT. IF THE SHOCK WOULD HAVE CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND HIT THE ROAD OR SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT. I WOULD TO KNOW WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM ? *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP WHEN A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A THREE INCH HOLE WAS DISCOVERED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL, EXPOSING A DAMAGED SHOCK ABSORBER. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE...THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY OR CLOSE TO BREAKING FREE. FIRST BODY SHOP WOULDN'T EVEN QUOTE A REPAIR. GOOGLED ISSUE AND FOUND 100'S OF OTHER OWNERS OF 2005'S WITH SAME CONDITION...PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK MATCHED MY CARS SITUATION EXACTLY. WHY NO RECALL? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, HE NOTICED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE INNER QUARTER PANEL AND WHEEL HOUSE PANEL WERE CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE SHOCK HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. . ..UPDATED 01-10-14 *BF

Mileage: 83,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF HER VEHICLE, SHE BEGAN TO SMELL EXHAUST FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD CORRODED AND CREATED A HOLE INSIDE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED HAS A SAFETY ISSUE SO BAD THAT IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY OR CLOSE TO BREAKING FREE. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

AFTER A RECENT ROAD TRIP, I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CHECKED ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, SPARE TIRE, JACK AND EVEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE BACK SEAT WAS SECURE. CLUNKING NOISE WAS THE SHOCK HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE. THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED, IT WAS RUSTED UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY. SO WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT WAS CLANKING AROUND. VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE SHOCK WOULD BREAK AND CAUSE A TIRE BLOW OUT OR WORSE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE AUTO BODY SHOP WHICH COST ME $900 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL IS DOING THE SAME THING AND I MAY NOT HAVE A FUEL TANK EVENTUALLY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND TAKEN CARE OF. I LOVE MY VEHICLE AND LOVE NOT HAVING A CAR PAYMENT TOO. *TR

Mileage: 100,500

THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CARRIER IS COMPLETELY ERODED WITH THE VEHICLE BEING DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EXTENSIVE STRUCTURAL/BODY WORK TO REPAIR. THIS ISSUE IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO FAULTY MATERIAL USED BY FORD AS THE OTHER WHEEL CARRIERS AND THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE INTERNET BUT FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALLING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A MIRACLE THAT WE WERE NOT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT CONDITION AND ONLY TOOK IT IN WHEN THE ISSUE BECAME KNOWN WHEN A LOUD NOISE STARTED AS THE FRAME WAS COLLAPSING DUE TO THE LACK OF SUPPORT. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AND AS THE ONLY OWNER KNOW THAT NO ACCIDENT OR ISSUE OTHER THAN FAULTY MATERIAL COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CORROSION. FORD IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS NO PLANS TO REVIEW FURTHER OR ISSUE A RECALL TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

THUMPING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR OF CARGO DECK. UPON INTERIOR INSPECTION, NO LOOSE ITEMS IN CARGO AREA, NO LOOSE PANELS, AND JACK WAS NOT LOOSE. UPON EXTERIOR INSPECTION NOTICED RUSTED OUT PORTION OF WHEEL WELL. CAN SEE INTO INTERIOR (BACK OF INTERIOR PANEL, CARPETING, ETC.). SEEMS THAT THUMPING IS DUE TO WHEEL OR SUSPENSION PARTS BEING IMPROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO CORROSION OF/IN AREA OF WHEEL WELL. SPECIFICALLY, SHOCK AND/OR LARGE COIL SPRING ARE HITTING INTERIOR PANEL(S) OF VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 205,900

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. THIS MAKES IT A HUGE SAFETY FACTOR BECAUSE AT ANYTIME THE SHOCKS CAN BREAK FREE AND BUST UPWARD INTO MY TRUCK. I TOOK MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS HE HAD SEEN 4-5 2005 FORD ESCAPES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS ALL THE SAME RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS A FACEBOOK PAGE WITH 195000 MEMBERS FOLLOWING IT SO I KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. PROBLEM IS THAT HALF OF THE COUNTRY IS NOT IN AN AREA THAT HAS RUST. SO SOUTHERN FORD ESCAPE OWNERS ARE NOT GOING TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS. THIS CANNOT BE IGNORED BECAUSE NOT ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WOULD SHOW YOU THAT ALL 2005 FORD ESCAPES WOULD HAVE THIS IF PUT TO THE SAME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. THIS NEEDS A RECALL. IT IS AN EASY FIX. FORD ALREADY FIXED IT WITH THE NEWER MODELS. JUST WELD IN A NEW RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THIS IS FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS A REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, BUT THE ENVIRONMENT IS WHAT IS SAVING THIS FROM BEING A NATIONAL ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL ROTTED LEAVING THE REAR SHOCK SUPPORT UNSECURED MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE VEHICLE. DOES NOT APPEAR THAT FORD WANTS TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY MANUFACTURING AND/OR MATERIALS. *TR

Mileage: 141,052

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL, STRUTS AND SHOCKS WERE SEPARATED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE COULD HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT UPON INSPECTION THE CAR WAS CORRODED UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE UNDER BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 125,000. .... UPDATED 10-17-13 *BF UPDATED 10/24/2013 *JS

Mileage: 125,000

THIS SAFETY ISSUE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY BOTH THE NHTSA AND FORD: 61 NHTSA COMPLAINTS FILED TO DATE: '04- 16; '05- 45. VEHICLE TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. SERVICE NOTIFIED THAT A FORWARD LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FAILING, NO OTHER DEFECTS WERE NOTED IN THE DETAILED VISUAL INSPECTION. IT WAS REPLACED TWO DAYS LATER. THE FOLLOWING DAY OF THE REPAIR, ON A DAILY COMMUTE BETWEEN TOL TO DTW, THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. VEHICLE BEGAN DOG-TRACKING. INITIAL INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL THE HIDDEN DAMAGE CAUSED BY CORROSION AT THE WELDED SEAMS OF THE INNER WHEEL WELL DUE TO AN UNDERBODY COATING. UPON REMOVING THE UNDERCOATING, VERY EASILY BY HAND, TWO LARGE SECTIONS REMOVED, REVEALED THE SHOCK WAS PENETRATING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS NO LONGER BEING STRUCTURALLY SUPPORTED BY THE VEHICLES UNI-BODY FRAME. THE LARGE SECTIONS REMOVED WOULD HAVE CAUSED TIRE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BY PUNCTURE OR HAZARD TO OTHER FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THE SEPARATION OF THE SHOCK TOWER FROM THE BODY, DID CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO JERK AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, CREATING A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND CAUSING POTENTIAL HAZARD AS THE VEHICLE STEERED INTO OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70 MPH). THE VEHICLE IS RENDERED INOPERABLE DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC NATURE OF THE FAILURE. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE REPAIRING THE STRUCTURE AND NOT AWARE OF ANY MANUFACTURE RECALLS. IN CONTACTING THEIR SISTER DEALERSHIP, THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THIS DEFECT, AND CONTINUED ON STATING THIS FAILURE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2004 - 2006 ESCAPES. THE FAILED PANEL IS AVAILABLE, P/N:PART 7L827827886A. A REINFORCEMENT PIECE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. SEE EXAMPLE PICTURE HERE: HTTP://IMAGESHACK.US/A/IMG854/6430/WHEELWELL2.JPG FACEBOOK SITE CONCERNING THIS SAFETY ISSUE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/2005-FORD-ESCAPE-2004-2006/397923900236108. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SUSPENSION TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 80,000

AS WE ARE DRIVING ALONG WE HEAR A VERY LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.WHEN WE GET OUT TO INSPECT THE AREA WE FIND THE REAR PASENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS EXTREMELY RUSTED THRU AND CHUNKS OF THE WELL ARE ACTUALLY FALLING OUT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED!!!! BY THE FORD DEALER....THEN WE TOOK IT TO SEVERAL AUTO BODY SHOPS THAT SAID THEY CANNOT FIX THIS! SEVERAL PLACES SAID FORD USED FAULTY METAL OR UNDERCOATING AND THAT IS WHY IT RUSTED SO BADLY.THE CAR HAS ONLY 50000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN HIGHLY MAINTAINED...I FINALLY FOUND AN AUTOBODY SHOP THAT WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL AND THEER WILL BE NO GUARANTEE IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN OR TO ANY OF THE OTHER WHEELS!!! I FEEL TOTALLY RIPPED OFF! I READ ONLINE THAT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 50,000

THE RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU THE TRUNK AREA&WAS PROTRUDING UP ABOUT A FOOT INTO TRUNK AREA-VERY GLAD I WASN'T GOING FAST WHEN THIS HAPPENED!!MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE!!!!!!!!!THIS IS ONE OF FORDS BEST IDEAS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VERY THIN SHEET METAL WITH A THICKER PIECE WELDED TO IT TO SUPPORT 1 SIDE OF A VEHICLE.YEAH,THAT IS COMMON SENSE AT THE FINEST!!!!! THANKYOU FORD ENGINEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!&DESIGNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THESE SAME COMMON SENSE PEOPLE HOPEFULLY PUT OUT A RECALL SO PEOPLE CAN GET IT FIXED&GET SOME MONEY BACK!! I DID HAVE MINE FIXED RIGHT AWAY_IT'S THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

THE LEFT PASSENGER REAR FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT, READY TO BREAK FREE. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

I HAD BEEN HEARING SOME LOUD NOISES FROM THE BACK END OF MY CAR FOR A WEEK OR SO, WE HAD THOUGHT THE SPARE TIRE AND EQUIPMENT HADN'T BEEN PUT BACK PROPERLY SO WE RE-ADJUSTED IT AND THOUGHT WE HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SOUND STARTED BACK UP. THEN IT GOT REALLY LOUD AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT IN A PERFECT CIRCLE AROUND THE SHOCK. THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THIS HAD BEEN RECALLED ON THEIR MINI-VANS FOR THE SAME YEAR. FORD BODY SHOP STAFF INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY RUST ON MY VEHICLE AND THIS RUST WOULD NOT BE CAUSED BY MIS-TREATMENT OF THE VEHICLE NOR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF ANY CAR. FORD IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO GET THE WHEEL HOUSE TO FIX THE CAR AND IT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR "MONTHS". ONCE I RESEARCHED THIS A LITTLE MORE, IT APPEARS TO BE A HIGHLY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2005 FORD ESCAPES. THE CAR IS NOT CURRENTLY FIXABLE OR DRIVE ABLE. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED OUT, AND NOW BANGS AGAINST THE WHEEL HOUSING. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD PENETRATED THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 48,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING THAT ALSO IS THE TOP RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED LOOSE. *TR

Mileage: 205,000

THE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK BROKE LOOSE AND WAS BANGING AROUND. BASICALLY THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND WILL NOT HOLD THE SHOCK ANY MORE. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL. WHEN I SEARCHED ONLINE I FOUND MANY WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE, AND EVEN A FACEBOOK PAGE. I'M DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD ISN'T TAKING CARE OF THIS. *TR

Mileage: 165,995

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK, I HEARD A CLANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THINKING THE SHOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I DROVE IT UNTIL THE END OF THE WEEK AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT SERVICED. WHILE THE TECHNICIAN WAS CHECKING OUT MY CAR HE NOTICED THE INNER WHEEL HOUSE AND SHOCK WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE SHOCK WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED AND CRACKED. HE RECOMMENDED ME TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP TO SEE IF IT COULD EVEN BE FIXED. I THEN TOOK IT TO A VERY REPUTABLE BODY SHOP IN MY TOWN AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THEY WORK ON ALL MAKE AND MODELS OF DIFFERENT YEARS AND SAID THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR TO A VEHICLE. THEY SAID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IS MADE TO SUSTAIN ANY TYPE OF CONDITION AND THIS VEHICLE WAS POORLY MADE. THERE IS BARELY ANYTHING HOLDING THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE TOGETHER AND FOR THIS REASON I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IF I AM IN ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT THERE WILL BE NO PROTECTION TO ME AND THE VEHICLE WILL PROBABLY BE SPLIT IN TWO. DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE DEFECT WHO KNOWS HOW LONG MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND IT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK ABOUT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE HAD MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN MY BACKSEAT. THE ESTIMATE FROM THE BODY SHOP WAS OVER $13,000 TO FIX. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2005 AND IT HAS BEEN A GREAT, RELIABLE CAR UNTIL ALL THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR HAD ANY OTHER MAJOR REPAIRS. *TR

Mileage: 93,800

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, HIT A BUMP AND HEARD LOUD SOUND ON RIGHT REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE. AFTER I STOPPED TO INSPECT, FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT HAD NO SUPPORT AS THE RIGHT REAR INNER PANEL WAS CORRODED ALL THE WAY THROUGH WITH VERY THIN METAL AROUND THE ENTIRE AREA. LUCKILY THE STRUT DID NOT COME UP THROUGH INTERIOR. SEEMS VERY UNSAFE AND LIKELY TO CAUSE ACCIDENT IF DRIVEN. THIS APPEARS TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS THE CORROSION PROTECTION WAS NOT APPLIED CORRECTLY. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY JUST INDICATED THAT THERE WE NO RECALLS YET ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON THE 2004-2005 FORD ESCAPES ON THE RIGHT REAR. I TOOK TO BODY SHOP AND HAVE ESTIMATES FROM $1,400 TO $1,700 TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THIS ONE OBVIOUS DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 112,100

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO RUST CORROSION NEAR THE REAR END OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000. UPDATED 8/19/13 *CN

Mileage: 166,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL EXHIBITED EXTENSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING RUSTS COMPLETELY THROUGH ALLOWING THE SHOCK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH THIS IS A VERY COMMON INCIDENT. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, THERE IS A BACK-ORDER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING WITH NO EXPECTED DATE OF DELIVERY. THIS IS THE ONLY WHEEL HOUSING ON THE VEHICLE THAT IS RUSTING OUT AND CAUSING ISSUES. THE ONLY TIME YOU START TO REALIZE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IS IF YOU START THE HEAR A "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE CAR, HOWEVER; THERE IS A RUBBERIZED UNDERCOAT THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM SEEING THE DAMAGE UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE OR A KNOWLEDGEABLE MECHANIC WITH THE ISSUE LOOKS SPECIFICALLY AT THE WHEEL HOUSING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD THUMPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS STATED THE UNIBODY WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. MAH *TR

Mileage: 106,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHEET METAL HAD ALSO BECOME COMPLETELY CORRODED DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 30,000

THE REAR WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK IS LOCATED THE WHOLE FRAME PANEL IS CRACKED, IT WAS COVERED UP FROM A PREVIOUS OWNER OR COMPANY. THE CAR DEALERSHIP I'M PURCHASING FROM WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT AND I EXPLAINED THE HAZARD IN ME DRIVING OR KEEPING THE VEHICLE AND I TOOK IT TO SEVERAL BODY SHOPS AND WAS TOLD IT HAPPENS WITH THESE VEHICLES FREQUENTLY AND ONE SHOP HAD ALREADY DONE 3 OF THE SAME AREAS. THERE IS NO RECALL OR INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLES ISSUES BUT THIS IS A DANGER TO DRIVE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING AND CLICKING SOUND. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED HER NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE NOTICED THE REAR FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

WHILE DRIVING A LOUD CRACK/POP WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL AND THEN THERE WAS ROAD NOISE. WHEN WE STOPPED THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. ALL THE METAL HAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE SHOCK HAS NO ATTACHMENT LEFT TO THE UPPER BODY, ONLY ALONG THE BOTTOM EDGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE BOUNCES IT MOVES INDEPENDENTLY OF THE SHOCK IN THAT CORNER. I OPENED UP THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT, REMOVED THE CARPET AND TRIM PIECES TO GET A LOOK AND FOUND A HOLE THAT IS LARGE ENOUGH TO PUT MY HAND THROUGH. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 78,000 MILES. THE TIRES AND BRAKES WERE REPLACED IN THE FALL AND NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE WERE PRESENT AT THAT TIME DUE TO THE UNDERCOATING BEING IN PLACE. *TR

Mileage: 77,565

I HEARD UNUSUAL ROAD NOISE AND EXPERIENCED LOOSENESS NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. UPON INSPECTION, I DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD CORRODED THROUGH, COMPROMISING THE REAR STRUT. THE HOLE EXTENDS NEARLY 12 INCHES, EXPOSING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION WAS NOT APPARENT PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE THE WHEEL WELL COATING COVERED THE DEFECT. AFTER LOCATING THIS CORROSION, A FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETED, BUT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBIT SIMILAR CORROSION. DUE TO THE SEVERE CORROSION OF THIS BODY PANEL, THE CAR CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN BECAUSE THE REAR STRUT IS BEING HELD IN PLACE BY ONLY A TINY PORTION OF THE STRUCTURAL PANEL. IF I HAD NOT LOCATED THIS DEFECT IN TIME, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE STRUT WOULD HAVE BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 142,249

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL CAVED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,250. UPDATED 05/16/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AT THE SHOCK MOUNT AND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THIS CAUSED BANGING NOISE AND ALMOST CUT A HOLE IN THE STORAGE AREA. UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS

Mileage: 133,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NON-DRIVABILITY. THIS IS A SINCERE SAFETY ISSUE. NO NOTICE OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE "RUBBERIZED" COATING PEALED AWAY TO SHOWCASE THE MASSIVE RUST HOLES. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER THE CONTACT TRAVELED OVER A ROAD BUMP, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNFIT TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALER DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNFIT TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STRUT AND WHEEL WELL WERE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WOULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000. KMJ *TR THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE HIT A LARGE POT HOLE, AND THEN HE HEARD A HUGE BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, SO AS HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE NOISE BECAME WORSE. WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME, HE OPENED THE COMPARTMENT AND FOUND THE INSIDE WAS DAMP WITH WATER. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED HE COULD SEE THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE STREET THROUGH A NEWLY FORMED HOLE IN THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL. THE CRACK STARTED AT THE REAR OF THE TIRE WELL TO ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT FORD DIDN'T WANT TO CLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE RUST WAS IN AN AREA THAT NOBODY NOTICED, AS IT WAS BEHIND THE SEALER THAT WAS OUT IN THE TIRE WELLS OF VEHICLES IN THE NORTHCAST. FORD INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, AS THE SUSPENSION WAS COMPROMISED. THE STRUT WAS VERY LOOSE AND HE WITNESSED THE CRACK GET EVEN BIGGER, AS HE TRIED TO DRIVE IT BACK FROM THE DEALER. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED A NEW SWITCH WAS NEEDED. HE DECLINED THE REPLACEMENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT MAY HAVE BEEN A SYMPTOM OF THE RUST AND THE WIRES GETTING WET. UPDATED 12/04/13

FORD ESCAPE 2005 REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. I NOTICED SLIGHT STRUT SOUNDING NOISE IN THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL FOR A WEEK. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE NOTHING WAS RATTLING IN THE TRUNK OR WHERE THE JACK MOUNTS. AFTER OPENING THE PLASTIC ACCESS COMPARTMENT TO THE JACK, THERE WAS A HOLE STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE GROUND. I INSPECTED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND SAW THE ENTIRE THING RUSTED OUT CLEAR ABOVE THE SHOCK/STRUT MOUNT. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THERE WAS NO RECALL YET THE VEHICLE CAN ESSENTIALLY BE DEEMED UN-DRIVABLE AND A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

THERE WAS BANGING IN THE RIGHT REAR. THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OFF THE INNER FENDER . THE INNER FENDER HAS SEVERE RUST AND PART OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. THE INNER FENDER HAD TO BE REPLACED. A PORTION OF THE FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. A NEW SHOCK WAS NEEDED. THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF THE CAR HAD TO BE REPAIRED FROM THE SHOCK HITTING INTO IT. ALL IN ALL $1,373.55 IN REPAIR. I HAVE PICTURES. I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD AND WE HAVE SALT ON THE ROAD IN WINTER. I ALSO CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO EXPLAINED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR SUCH AN INCEDENT. AFTER LOOKING ON LINE I FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY NORMAL USE. THE AFFECTED PARTS MUST NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TREATED OR COATED OR SEALED OR SOMETHING. *TR

Mileage: 192,360

THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL CORRODED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE METAL AND ENCOMPASSES THE ENTIRE UPPER SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING POINT. NOTHING IS HOLDING THE UPPER SHOCK ABSORBER ATTACHMENT IN PLACE. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED AND THE TIRE PENETRATED THROUGH THE FRAME AND INTO THE INTERIOR CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,447.

Mileage: 169,447

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,319.

Mileage: 165,319

MY DAUGHTERS 2005 ESCAPE STARTED MAKING A POUNDING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. NOT BEING A MECHANIC I THOUGHT IT WAS A SHOCK ABSORBER. AFTER A CLOSER INSPECTION I SAW THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT WAS RUSTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME. I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE IT SLIGHTLY BY HAND. THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IS A HOLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE STORAGE AREA INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER CHECKING THE DRIVER SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT THERE IS ALSO A HOLE IN THE BODY IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT RIGHT NEXT TO THE GASOLINE FILLER NECK TUBE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN.PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO REMEDY THIS UNHEARD OF PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE SURELY TOOK A FEW YEARS TO PROGRESS THIS BAD.SAW A LOT OF OWNERS OF SAME VEHICLE WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD A LOUD BANGING IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAS ASSUMED THAT THE STRUT NEEDED REPLACED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION MY MECHANIC AND I NOTICED A TERRIBLE AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION TO REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL THAT HAS BOLTS ATTACHED TO STRUT. YOU CAN SEE INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE. I RESEARCHED RECALLS OF THESE PROBLEM AND FOUND NONE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ALTHOUGH HAS ME WORRIED ABOUT OTHER COMPLICATIONS THAT COULD ARISE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE THAT THE FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD ADDRESS POST HASTE. I FEAR THAT MY FAMILIES AND OTHERS LIVES ARE AT STAKE IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF SOON. *TR

Mileage: 57,500

TOOK ESCAPE TO MECHANIC AFTER LOUD BANGING HEARD. RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS LARGE HOLE IN IT AND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED THROUGH, SOURCE OF THE BANGING. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM MOST LIKELY BEGAN PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF CAR. FORD FAILED TO INFORM US OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER MULTI-POINT INSPECTION 5 MONTHS AGO. CAR HAS HAD TWO OWNERS WITHIN SAME FAMILY. FORD QUOTED $2500 REPAIR WILL NOT REIMBURSE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT EVEN BE COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY, BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE "BODY" OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

WAS DRIVING AND HEARD INCREASING NOISE AND CLUNKING FROM BACK OF VEHICLE. WHEN HOME, PULLED THE RIGHT REAR INSIDE PANEL IN THE HATCH AREA. FOUND RUST PERFORMATION SURROUNDING THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT. THIS RUST WAS EXTENSIVE ON THIS ONE ENTIRE PANEL BUT PERFORATED SURROUNDING THE SHOCK MOUNT AREA. I COULD SEE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SURROUNDING PANELS APPEARED UNAFFECTED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AL PIEMONTE FORD IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL. THE RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $927.97. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL FAILURE FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. I WAS GLAD I WAS NOT ON HIGHWAY WHEN IT FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE CABIN, AND THE SHOCK/STRUT IS MOUNTED TO NOTHING AND IS POKING INTO MY TRUNK. THE METAL ALL AROUND THE MOUNT (OR WHERE IT SHOULD BE MOUNTED) IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BEING COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND THE SURROUNDING METAL IS STAMPED SO THIN TO BEGIN WITH THAT IT IS PLIABLE. THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE, AND MY CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB OF SAFETY ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTEDFORD SEVERAL TIMES, AND FORD CANADA IS DENYING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY OR QUALITY ISSUE AND HAVE TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY; THEY REFUSE TO FIX MY CAR. I CANNOT FIND A RECALL AT PRESENT, HOWEVER THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES, 6 ALONE ON [XXX] AND 5 ON [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 185,000

HI- I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I BOUGHT IT USED. JUST RECENTLY I STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING IN THE BACK REAR OF THE CAB PART OF THE CAR. I FOUND OUT THE SHOCK MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT, AND I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD FALL APART WHILE DRIVING OR CATCH FIRE. I RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND IT A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER REAR WELL AREA, WHICH WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND CAUSED THE BOLTS AND STRUTS TO CORRODED AND SEPARATE FROM THE WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED BUT WAS UNAWARE IF THE REPLACEMENT WAS DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WELL WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 07/27/12 *BF UPDATED 08/02/12

Mileage: 161,000

2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH A FORD DEALER ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. FORD MANAGER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH AN ISSUE AT LASCO FORD FENTON MI. (FORD EST. TO REPAIR WAS 3400.00) I STOPPED AT A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA AND THEY (KNEW) OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 25 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. MY ESCAPE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 115,000 MILES, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE (IN WHEEL WELL) SHOULD HAVE RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY (RIGHT SIDE ONLY?), LEAVING THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT FLAPPING BACK AND FORTH, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND (NOT) DRIVABLE. THIS PROBLEM ENDED UP COSTING 2005.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THIS WAS THERE RESPONSE: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUST ISSUES ON THE RIGHT REAR FENDER AND SHOCK MOUNTS OF YOUR VEHICLE. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED. I CAN ALSO SEE WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS A MIGHT BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE RESEARCH YOU MADE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, WE SHARE ALL OF OUR VEHICLE CONCERN DOCUMENTATION WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AND FORD ENGINEERING. TOGETHER, WE WORK TO FURTHER DETERMINE IF A RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS (CSP) IS NEEDED FOR COMPONENT FAILURES. IF A RECALL OR CSP BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NHTSA, WHICH IS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER A RECALL OR CSP. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS (RECALLS) / CSPS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

2005 ESCAPE WITH A RUSTED OUT RIGHT REAR FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT. I CHECKED WITH ATCHINSON FORD ABOUT ANY RECALLS, NONE. I CALLED A COUPLE BODYSHOPS IN THE AREA. THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD QUOTE ME THE TWO PARTS NEEDED, ALONG WITH THE 15 HOURS TO REPLACE/REPAIR IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY FIXED 2004, 2005, & 2006 MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM. TODAY I WENT OUT INTO OUR WORK PARKING LOT AND LOOKED AT OUR Q.C. MANAGER'S 2005 ESCAPE. AND WE FOUND THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO HIS. IF I COULD ATTACH PICTURES I WOULD. MY ESCAPE IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 115,000 MILES, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE SHOULD CORRODE AWAY, LEAVING THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT READY TO BREAK FREE MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS. I EMAIL FORD AND THIS WAS THERE RESPONSE: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUST ISSUES ON THE RIGHT REAR FENDER AND SHOCK MOUNTS OF YOUR VEHICLE. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED. I CAN ALSO SEE WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS A MIGHT BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE RESEARCH YOU MADE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, WE SHARE ALL OF OUR VEHICLE CONCERN DOCUMENTATION WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) AND FORD ENGINEERING. TOGETHER, WE WORK TO FURTHER DETERMINE IF A RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS (CSP) IS NEEDED FOR COMPONENT FAILURES. IF A RECALL OR CSP BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NHTSA, WHICH IS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER A RECALL OR CSP. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS (RECALLS) / CSPS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

THE COMPUTER SHORT, BECAUSE A WATER LEAK IN THE COMPUTER, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE BRIDGE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THIS MORNING AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! THE SOUND IT MADE WAS A LOUD POW, AND SOME GLASS SHARDS FELL ONTO MY SEATS. THERE WERE NO LARGE TRUCKS AROUND OR SIGHT OF DEBRIS FLYING MY WAY. I HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR THE GLASS TO BE SHIPPED FROM FORD BEFORE I CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED, AND I HAVE TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE OF $500 THROUGH MY INSURANCE, AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING IN FORDS, AND IT'S NOT LIKELY THAT A ROCK CAN CAUSE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE ON TOP OF A CAR. FORD SHOULD BE PROVIDING WARRANTIES FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

SUNROOF SHATTERED IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE FOR NO REASON. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT. WHEN CHECKING ON LINE THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCLUDING TIMES WHEN THE GLASS BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ORDERED NEW GLASS FOR SUNROOF AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

SUNROOF SHATTERED IN OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE FOR NO REASON. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT. WHEN CHECKING ON LINE THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCLUDING TIMES WHEN THE GLASS BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ORDERED NEW GLASS FOR SUNROOF AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE BUMPER HE NOTICED THAT THE BASE WAS LOOSE, THE BRACKET WAS BROKEN, AND IT WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 74,000

I BOUGHT MY 2005 ESCAPE NEW AND JUST RECENTLY (OCT 2008) I NOTICED ON TOP OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WHERE BOTH OF THE HINGES ARE THE PAINT IS PEALING OFF AND GETTING WORSE ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED OUT VERY SMALL RIGHT WHERE THE EDGE OF THE GATE IS ON TOP. BUT WITH TIME HAS STARTED TO PEAL OFF ON TOP OF THE LIFT GATE AS WELL. I HAVE SINCE STARTED LOOKING AT ALL THE 2004-2006 ESCAPES THAT I SEE PARKED AND EVERY SINGLE ONE, REGARDLESS OF COLOR, WITHOUT FAIL HAS THE PAINT PEALING AWAY IN THE SAME SPOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY REFUSE TO HANDLE IT. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO SHUT AFTER SEVERAL TRIES IT SHUT . AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DOOR FLEW OPEN . *TR

Mileage: 111,769

I JUST LEFT THE RESTAURAUNT AND WALKED OVER TO MY ESCAPE. WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR THE REAR TOP EDGE WAS RAKED BACK FAR ENOUGH TO HIT MY GLASSES, BENDING THEM AND THEN THE UPPER MOST CORNER PIERCED THE SKIN JUST BELOW THE EYE. 1/2" BY 1/2" CUT. A LITTLE CLOSER AND I WOULD HAVE SEVERLY DAMAGED MY EYE. THE TOP REAR CORNER EDGE OF THE DOOR EXTENDS TOO FAR BACK. SINCE THAT INCIDENT I HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE STANDING FURTHER BACK THAN USUAL TO AVOID ANOTHER INJURY. LAST NIGHT MY SON-IN LAW HIT HIMSELF IN THE FOREHEAD JUST ABOVE HIS GLASSES WITH THE REAR MOST TOP EDGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. CAUSING A CUT AND BLEEDING. STAND TOO CLOSE AND THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT DOORS OF THE 05 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 LIMITED CAN CAUSE INJURY. THANK YOU BILL KOHNKE. *NM

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE RECALL. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER STATING THAT IT WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. CONSUMER DROVE HOME AND PULLED INTO THE GARAGE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIFTGATE POPPED OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING IT TO BREAK. CONSUMER NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATED THE THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE WHEN A PRIOR APPOINTMENT WAS SET.*AK

ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM PICKING UP MY FORD ESCAPE, I NOTICED CABIN NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT TOOK 6 SERVICE VISITS TO JIM KEIM FORD TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE THAT WAS CAUSED BY LOOSE CLADDING ON THE PASSENGER DOOR. FURTHER, I BEGAN GETTING A TICKING NOISE AT SLOW SPEEDS AND BUMPY ROADS DURING THE RESOLUTION OF THE CLADDING PROBLEM. JIM KEIM SPRAYED SILICONE SPRAY ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR MOLDING TO RESOLVE THIS. THE TICKING NOISE RETURNED WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS AND KRIEGER FORD PUT ANTI-RATTLE TAPE ON THE A ARMS IN THE CABIN TO RESOLVE THIS ON 2 OCCASIONS. IN ALL, I'VE HAD 8 SERVICE CALLS ON THIS BRAND NEW $26000.00 ESCAPE. I'VE DRIVEN HUNDREDS OF MILES IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THESE NOISE ISSUES TO DATE. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT A VEHICLE I GENUINELY LOOKED FORWARD TO HAVING HAS BECOME A VEHICLE THAT I'VE ALREADY EXPLORED TRADING IN AND GOING WITH ANOTHER MAKE BECAUSE I FEEL I HAVE BEEN TREATED POORLY HAVING TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR NOISE ISSUES 8 TIMES. *JB

Mileage: 141