2017 FORD ESCAPE Wheels Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle in for a routine tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen, and the tires could not be rotated. The contact's wife purchased a tool to remove the lug nuts and purchased replacement lug nuts. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who was unable to use the tool to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway (12227 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77034), who was also unable to use the equipment to remove the lug nuts to replace them lug nuts with ones purchased by the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 74,800. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 74,800

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while receiving regular maintenance, the mechanic informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after researching the issue, the contact became aware that the lug nut chrome caps would swell after a while, making the lug nuts difficult to remove with the standard equipment. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic, who was unable to remove the lug nuts due to the swelling. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

I have a 2017 Ford Escape and just had it in the Ford dealer for inspection and was informed that all of my lug nuts are swollen a;nd stripped and need replacement.  I checked online and found that this is a recurrent issue with Ford vehicles where the lug nuts can swell due to a two-piece design with a steel core and decorative outer shell, often made of aluminum or chrome. The outer shell can corrode, swell, and delaminate making it difficult or impossible to remove the lug nut with a standard lug wrench. This is a common issue among Ford models and can lead to drivers being stranded with flat tires.  There was a Class Action suit started in 2017 that was subsequently dismissed.  I feel that this is negligent on Ford's behalf as it is a known design fault and safety issue and they should be issuing a recall to replace these lug nuts at no cost. I agreed to have Ford replace the lug nuts as I was concerned for my safety, should I need to get the lug nuts off. The cost was $267.95 plus 6% tax = $284.03. I was also informed that the replacement lug nuts are the same design and are only guaranteed for 2 years. I fail to understand why this safety issue doesn't warrant a recall to be issued and I should be reimbursed for my replacement.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection at a local dealer, it was noticed that the 16 lug nuts for all four tires were swollen and the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty with the same parts used prior to the failure. The contact was concerned that the repair was intern and the failure would be recurring. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Mileage: 58,000

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection at a local Tire Shop, the contact was informed that the lug nuts on all four wheels were cracked. The contact had 14 lug nuts replaced out-of-pocket; however, there were 6 lug nuts that still needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The lug nuts were OEM parts. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,135.

Mileage: 54,135

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were defective and needed to be replaced to perform the tire rotation. The lug nuts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,596.

Mileage: 41,596

The lug nuts were swollen

Rear differential failing causing the back tires to go at different speed than the front. Causes steering issues. Part is limited in availability per dealership as so many ford cars are having the issue.

Wheel lug nuts have swollen and are distorted. Have been told by ford dealer to replace them. Car has 41,000 miles. Ford is responsible and needs to replace.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to change a flat tire, he became aware that the lug nuts became deformed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lug nuts, informing the contact that the lug nuts were over torqued, resulting in damages to the lug nuts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 77,000

The lug nuts are swollen/distorted and some cannot be removed with the factory-provided lug wrench. They are supposed to be 19mm, but a 19mm socket does not fit over most of my lug nuts and strips them. Other size sockets do not fit either. Three are damaged. I had to buy a set of extraction sockets to remove them and a full set of aftermarket lug nuts to replace all of the Ford nuts

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to rotate the tires, it was discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and damaged. The contact indicated that the lug nuts were unable to be removed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 60,000

I took my Escape to the Dealership for routine oil change and tire rotation. (almost 43000 miles). I received a call from Dealership that I had "swollen lug nuts" and to rotate my tires these needed to be changed. I had never heard of such a thing. My Significant Other had not either and he spoke to the Dealership Representative who said that this was true and that in order to rotate tires the lug nuts required changing. The Representative said they had them in stock and the cost would be around $180.00. We decided to investigate further and deferred the change at that time. After discussing with another repair shop and reading about other issues with Ford vehicle, dodge, and a few Toyota we ascertained this was an issue. I took my Escape to the other Repair shop and had the lug nuts changed for $110.00. It appears to me that this has been an issue previously and class action suit was filed and dismissed. This appears to be a problem that can lead to bigger problems if not corrected. ie swollen lug nut car has flat tire, tire cannot be changed due to special equipment required to change flat, all resulting in car being towed to appropriate dealership for change out of lug nuts. I bought a Ford product promoted as being a Quality product. How can this be if the lug nuts do not withstand 43000 miles and the vehicle being in a garage at all times when not in use, then develops this problem. I see potential for major safety issues if this is not corrected by potential injury to the driver of a vehicle with this issue and to the vehicle if a flat should occur and unable to change flat tire. Please review and advise . Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer declined to cover the cost of repairs due to wear and tear. The failure mileage was 44,346.

Mileage: 44,346

On November 26, 1923 I had a flat tire on my 2017 Ford Escape. I tried to take the flat tire off & put the spare tire on with the lug wrench provided by Ford & it would not fit on the lug nuts enough to remove them. The size of the lug nuts were bigger than the opening on the lug wrench & I could not get any lug nuts off. My son gave me the lug wrench from his wife’s 2014 Ford Focus. It was identical to my lug wrench. He told me this lug wrench would not fit the lug nuts of his wife's car. It would not fit on the lug nuts of my car. We called roadside assistance to change the flat, but they could not. We borrowed our daughter’s 2016 Ford Escape to drive home. I took the lug wrench out of her car & it was an exact match of my lug wrench & the one from my sons wife's car. I tried to put this lug wrench on the lug nuts of my daughter’s car & it would not fit. All 3 vehicles had lug nuts that could not be loosened by the lug wrenches Ford provided. The next day our 2017 Ford Escape was towed to a Walmart & they fixed the flat tire without any difficulty removing or reinstalling the lug nuts. I have spent about $50 on tools that allow me to remove & tighten the lug nuts on my 2017 Escape. On November 30, 2023 I took our car to my local Ford dealer & they confirmed I had swollen lug nuts. They said the solution was for me to buy new ones that would not swell & the cost would be about $100. On December 1,2023 I talked to Ashley at the Ford Customer Care Center about this & was told Ford considers swollen lug nuts normal wear & tear. I have been driving & maintaining Ford vehicles for 50 years & never experienced this problem before now. I sent a letter to the Ford Customer Care Center requesting Ford solve this problem. Ford should tell owners of its vehicles that may have swollen lug nuts of the possible implications. In certain circumstances this could have caused my wife & I great harm or death. I have attached the letter I sent to Ford.

lug nuts are striped and wont spin off.

Lug nut has a two piece design a nut with a chrome cover that swells making it impossible to remove the lugs with the tool provided by the manufacturer. The safety issue is it leaves people stranded without any tool to replace a tire in the event of a flat.

During scheduled oil change service on 8/8/2023, informed that wheel lug nuts were swollen and tire rotation was not completed. Replacement lugnuts were not in stock. Returned on 8/17/2023 and had all wheel lugnuts replaced.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having a routine brake check, the mechanic was not able to remove the lug nuts on all four wheels. The dealer stated was aware of the failure but stated there was no recall for the failure. The dealer recommended the replacement of the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Mileage: 26,000

Wheel lug nuts stretching and become stripped. Lug nuts installed by a Ford Qualified service technician only.

All 20 OEM 2-piece lug nuts have swollen so that the OEM supplied lug nut wrench will not fit on the nuts. Therefore, if I have a flat tire while driving, and I need to pull over and change the tire, I have no way to get the lug nuts loose to change the tire. If this happens at night and/or in a dangerous part of town, or if I am stranded on the highway miles from the closest access to service or communication, I, or vulnerable passengers could be in danger. The local Ford dealer acknowledge that this problem occurs, but no recall has been issued to my knowledge. To remedy the potential danger, Ford should swap out all 20 0f the OEM 2-piece lug nuts, free of charge, for solid 1-piece nuts that will not swell.

I had a flat tire with my Ford Escape. The lug nut wrench Ford included with the vehicle would not fit the lug nuts. I understand there is a problem with the lug nuts swelling due to an extremely poor design. I can change a tire but because of the swelled lug nuts I had to hire a towing company. So these poorly designed lug nuts cost me several hundred dollars. They also pose a safety issue. Luckily I was in a safe location when this happened. But my wife and I often drive in isolated locations with little or no lighting. We could be in a dangerous situation if I can’t change a flat tire due to swelled lug nuts. I can pay to install new lug nuts, but that is also a financial burden that I and all Ford owners should not have to bear. I understand a lawsuit against Ford regarding these lug nuts was thrown out. Sounds like another case of big industry getting preferential treatment over the safety of citizens.

When I took my car for it's most recent service I was told a tire rotation could not be performed because my car had "swollen" lug nuts. The service technician explained this is a common problem for many Ford models over several model years. The original lug nuts Ford put on these vehicles become misshapen over time making it difficult to remove and replace the lug nuts therefore making it impossible to perform tire maintenance without additional labor and total replacement of original lug nuts.

Lug nuts swelled and we could not loosen them to remove the tire.

HAD TO REPLACE ALL WHEEL LUG NUTS--THE LUG NUTS HAD ENLARGED TO POINT THAT A BIGGER SOCKET WAS NEEDED TO REMOVE THEM AND BECAUSE OF THIS THE NUTS WERE DAMAGED SO NOT TO BE ABLE TO USE. THIS PROBLE WAS CONFIRMED BY EAU CLAIRE FORD-WI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer determined that 20 lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,299.

Mileage: 46,299

Lug Nut issues. If I were to have a flat tire on the highway, it would not be able to replaced by the spare because the lug nuts have swollen. I have replaced the lug nuts to the cost of $263.00 from the dealer. No warnings except the last 2 times at the dealership, they did not rotate the tires because of the swollen lug nuts. Now, I need new tires (with on 22,000 miles on them) because of it. I have owned 7 different Ford Vehicles, and NEVER have I had to replace lug nuts! I am retired and don't drive long distances.

I went to an oil change service center to get a tire rotation on my 2017 Ford Escape. They told me that they could NOT remove the tires for rotation because the lug nuts were swollen, which is a known issue. I had just had the Ford dealership put on new tires about 8 months before that and they never told me about a defect with the lug nuts or when or how to get them replaced. Now I have way personally to remove and replace the lug nuts Plus I have been advised that Ford will charge over $200 to replace or $80 after market. Since this is a widely-known defect, why hasn't a recall been issued/

Can not remove the lug nuts using the provided tool. As a result, could not change a flat tire and had to call a tow truck. The tow truck could not remove the lug nuts using additional professional tools. Extra expense and time was incurred to fix the flat tire due to failure of the Ford tool to remove the Ford lug nuts.

Can not remove the lug nuts using the provided tool. As a result, could not change a flat tire and had to call a tow truck. The tow truck could not remove the lug nuts using additional professional tools. Extra expense and time was incurred to fix the flat tire due to failure of the Ford tool to remove the Ford lug nuts.

Swollen lug nuts. If I had a flat tire I could not change, and or roadside assistance. Dealer could not rotate tires. Inspected by dealer, seems to be because of aluminum lug nuts characteristics. No warning light attached to this part.

Swollen lug nuts. If I had a flat tire I could not change, and or roadside assistance. Dealer could not rotate tires. Inspected by dealer, seems to be because of aluminum lug nuts characteristics. No warning light attached to this part.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for tire service however, the dealer was unable to remove the lug nuts. The contact stated that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that the parts to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,047. The contact expressed concerns over the possibility of getting a flat tire and how he would change it. The current defective lug nuts are chrome and need to be replaced with steel ones.

Mileage: 20,047

Lug nuts could not be removed to change flat tire. AAA service provider could not remove lug nuts at external location to change flat tire out with spare. Independent service center needed to replace lugs with new set.

Lug nuts could not be removed to change flat tire. AAA service provider could not remove lug nuts at external location to change flat tire out with spare. Independent service center needed to replace lugs with new set.

the lug nuts are being striped when changing for tire rotation or a flat or new tiers

the lug nuts are being striped when changing for tire rotation or a flat or new tiers

Took vehicle to service to ford dealership to include tire rotation. Was told technician had difficult time removing lug nuts as the were swollen and frozen. Service Manager informed me they would need to be replaced as in emergency on road may not be able to be removed. Was told by service manager this is an ongoing issue. Have researched this and this appears to be an ongoing issue as per numerous web sites and has resulted in several law suits.

Took vehicle to service to ford dealership to include tire rotation. Was told technician had difficult time removing lug nuts as the were swollen and frozen. Service Manager informed me they would need to be replaced as in emergency on road may not be able to be removed. Was told by service manager this is an ongoing issue. Have researched this and this appears to be an ongoing issue as per numerous web sites and has resulted in several law suits.

Was having brakes replaced and was informed the aluminum coating on the lug nuts had swollen and could not be removed/tightened with the normal sized lug wrench. Was not concerned until I realized that meant that if I had a flat on the road, the lug wrench that came with the vehicle would not work. Not a fan of being stranded on the side of the road with no way to change a tire. Understand that Ford is not recognizing this as an issue. I find it to be a serious safety issue if you have to be stuck on the side of the road for an extended period because you have to wait for someone with the correct tool to show up because the one provided with the vehicle is no longer sufficient.

The engine light comes on it doesn’t act like it wants to run the gears won’t shift and it loses power and doesn’t want to go just about got hit because it went from 35mph to 5mph in seconds without me giving warning by hitting my brakes and it makes a loud sound when running and a loud knock sound on right front side where wheel is they say it’s safe to drive but no it’s really not

I cannot remove the lug nuts with the provided tool. The lug nuts are evidently swollen.

Tires could not be rotated during service at a Ford Dealer because one or more lug nuts were swollen due to corrosion. Had to replace all 20 lug nuts at an additional cost of $136.

I am writing this to inform you of (4) safety issues in just the past year. Last August while driving in Massachusetts (I live in PA) I heard a strange noise. After pulling off the busy highway I found the bottom of my car dragging on the road. I had to find a place that sold duct tape as a temporary fix. Next problem was swollen lug nuts (never heard of such a thing). While getting new tires I had spent money for new lug nuts. The next problem again, the bottom of the car was falling off and dragging on the road. Most recently, two weeks ago while driving down the highway in West Virginia the car stated shaking and the engine light stated flashing. After being towed to Greenbrier Ford in Lewisburg, WV the dealer informed me the engine had a catastrophic failure. This is the second engine failure. Every time I get in this vehicle I feel unsafe because I never know what is going to happen next.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the tires were being replaced, she was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the original lug nuts installed on all four wheels were made of steel and covered in chrome. Over time, the lug nuts had become swollen which made it difficult to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the failure. The mechanic declined to remove the lug nuts out of concern that the lug nuts would not be able to be reinstalled once removed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

Took vehicle in for routine service and was told need new lug nuts. Said they were swollen and if we had a flat we would not be able to change our tire. We have had a problem with navigation for years. Told dealer is working with Ford for a solution, been over a year and still waiting. Phone is delayed, GPS is way off, sitting in Delaware and navigation says we are in Maryland. This is a major disappointment

Lug nuts could not be removed

Swollen lug nuts

We took our car in for oil change and tire rotation, we were informed by service manager tires couldn't be rotated because lug nuts couldn't be removed, did we want lug nuts replaced which we did, after done ask why did the lug nuts fail on a car with less than 21000 miles was told it was a split lug nut poorly designed and when seal breaks and swells they can't be removed. In my mind this is a safety issue as we wouldn't have been able to change a flat tire if the service department couldn't change and we wouldn't have known this issue existed had we not had the car in for oil change and tire rotation. So if we had had a tire issue on the highway we would not been about to change our tire, leaving us stuck on the road. I don't have a clue the number of cars on the road with lug nuts that couldn't be removed. I believe Ford should replace all these poorly designed lug nuts

AT A RECENT OIL CHANGE/TIRE ROTATION THE TIRE LUG NUTS WERE FOUND TO BE BULGING - THESE ARE 2 PIECE LUG NUTS. THEIR TOOLS HAD A DIFFICULT TIME REMOVING THEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT ROTATE MY TIRES, IN THE FUTURE, UNLESS I HAD A NEW SET. CHECKING, ON-LINE, I ALSO FOUND THAT MY FORD SUPPLIED LUG WRENCH MAY NOT ALLOW ME TO FIX A FLAT. THIS IS A POTENTIAL FUTURE SAFETY ISSUE. BELIEF IS THAT THE DISSIMILAR METALS THAT MAKEUP THESE NUTS CAUSE CORROSION AND MAY FAIL, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AND CAUSE SERIOUS DAMADE/INJURIES.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact indicated that while his daughter was attempting to remove the wheel from the vehicle, it was discovered that the lug nuts had swollen and could not be removed using the manufacturer’s lug nut wrench that was provided with the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and all the lug nuts had to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact indicated that while his son was attempting to remove the wheel from vehicle it was discovered that the wheel lug nuts had swollen and could not be removed using the manufacturer lug nut wrench that was provided with the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and all the lug nuts had to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side rear tire became flat. While attempting to remove the wheels to install the spare tire, it was discovered that the lug nuts had swollen, and the manufacturer’s provided lug nut wrench could not fit over the lug nuts. The contact was unable to remove the wheel. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who indicated that all the lug nuts for each wheel had experienced the same failure and would need to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

I had to change a tire on the shoulder of a busy 4 lane highway. I was unable to fit the lug wrench onto a lug nut. I was unable to change the tire as I could not remove the lug nut. I had it taken to an independent service center where he confirmed that there were 4 other lugs total on the other (3) wheels that were swollen as well. There was no indication that these lug nuts were faulty.

While getting routine maintenance service for an oil change and tire rotation from the Ford Dealership in Milford Ohio, I was informed by the Service Department representative that they were able to perform the tire rotation due to "swollen lug nuts" on my vehicle. The representative stated this is known issue and recommended I purchase new lug nuts from an aftermarket automotive parts supplier. - What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Since I need the vehicle for my transportation needs, I will be purchasing the new lug nuts as recommended, however, I will ask for the original lug nuts in question in the event there is an inspection request. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not feel at this time my safety has been put at risk. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem was identified by the dealer since the dealer is who recommended replacing the lug nuts. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else or any other organization. - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, message or other symptoms of this problem. I was made aware of this issue by the Ford Dealership where I was getting service for an oil change and tire rotation on 12/17/2021.

I recently purchased new tires. When I went to have them installed I was told there a problem with the lug nuts (Swollen Lug Nuts). I have never heard of such a problem until I researched the internet and found this is an issue with many Ford vehicles. I had to spend an unexpected repair of $140 plus for new lug nuts. Not only is this a defect but also a safety concern. If a driver would happen to get a flat and could not change the tire because of swollen lug nuts, that is a problem. Ford is aware of the problem and has done NOTHING to correct the problem/safety concern. There are millions of these vehicles on the road and the problem needs to be addressed by FORD>

Quick Lane stated lug nuts were swollen and that it would cost $160 to replace lug nuts. This is a known issue with Fords--this should be covered under warranty as a defect item.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while having the tires rotated at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the lug nuts were difficult to remove. The mechanic broke the lug nuts and replaced them. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

LUG NUTS. TWO PIECE DESIGN. CHROME PART SWELLS AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE LUG NUTS WITHOUT DAMAGING THEM. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTED BUT REJECTED. I HAD TO BUY A SET OF 20 NEW LUG NUTS FOR $104. FORD TECHNICIANS AND CUSTOMERS HAVE LOST MONEY BECAUSE OF THIS. I WANTED TO REPORT ANOTHER OCCURANCE IN THE HOPES THAT FORD WILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I CAN PROVIDE A RECEIPT FOR THE PURCHASE, IF NECESSARY.

The lugnuts on my Escape are now swollen and misshapened through no fault of mine. I have been informed of this defect during last 2 service visits. Dealer did not rotate tires on last service because of this problem. This is a safety issue since lugnuts hold wheel and tire onto car. The expense to replace should not be absorbed by owner of vehicle, but rather by the manufacturer.

Had an increasingly loud wheel noise and pulled over to check tires. Passenger rear wheel lugs were noticeably loose. Could not get the Ford supplied jack-handle wrench on the the lug nuts. Tried a 4-way wrench and still could not get it on. Gave up and called AAA. The technician also could get get his impact wrench on the nuts to tighten them. Using an oversized socket, he did get some turning but the damaged lug nuts could not be tightened. We found 4 of 5 on that wheel, and at least 2 on every other wheel to be loose and not able to be tightened at the roadside. The vehicle was unsafe to drive, or be towed without a flat-bed recovery vehicle. The dealer had the gall to charge me $5/each for 20 new lug nuts that are just the same kind and will no doubt also have the same problem in a few years. Of course, I'll be replacing them soon with solid piece after market products. 1. Ford has been using these 2-piece lug nuts, knowing there is a problem for many years. 2. This vehicle was inspected at the dealer less than 3 months prior. They should have known to check this and replaced them at that time. They did not. 3. This wheel should not have been loose in the first place. The dealer was the last one with the wheels off during inspection and rotation. They did not even acknowledge that problem. EVERY single FORD dealer -- but especially those in the Northeastern US where corrosive materials are applied to the road in winter -- should be inspecting these defective lug nuts every time they see the vehicle. Simple putting the right sized socket on each nut to see if it fits would have been sufficient. Ford should be replacing defective lug nuts at their expense.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, he was informed that the lug nuts were swollen, and all the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 88,000

2-piece "laminated" lug nuts (steel nut covered by sheet metal trim) have failed and are a safety hazard since they are difficult or impossible to remove and replace. This is a design defect and affects multiple Ford vehicle models and years.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the driver’s side run-flat tire loss air. As the contact pulled over and attempted to change the tire, he discovered that the lug nuts were deformed and could not be removed with the lug wrench. The contact's wife called the manufacturer however, the manufacturer offered no assistance. Two fellow motorists were able to assist the contact and the tire was replaced. The contact had the lug nuts replaced. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer however, there was no response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

THE LUG WRENCH THAT FORD PROVIDED ME WITH THE PURCHASE OF MY 2017 FORD ESCAPE DOES NOT FIT THE TIRE LUGS. I HAD A BLOW OUT ON A HIGHWAY AND WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE WITH THE LUG WRENCH. WE HAD TO USE A SOCKET AND POUND THE SOCKET UNTO THE LUG. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY BASICALLY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I STILL AM UNABLE TO CHANGE A TIRE ON THIS VEHICLE. I ASKED FORD TO REPLACE HE LUGS WITH ONES THAT WOULD FIT MY LUG WRENCH. THANKS FOR AY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE.

Mileage: 47,000

ROTATING TIRES FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. SOME OF THE LUG NUTS DEFORMED AND WONT ACCEPT A WRENCH . THEY ARE ALL DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. AND ALL OF THEM GET STUCK IN THE SOCKET AND ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE SOCKET WRENCH. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE TIRES. THE PICTURE SHOWS THE DEFORMED LUG NUT. IT WAS DEFORMED BY SIMPLY REMOVING THE NUT WITH GOOD FITTING HIGH QUALITY TOOLS. THE LUG NUTS DO NOT EVEN FIT THE WRENCH THAT IS PROVIDED IN THE CAR FOR CHANGING FLATS . IT WILL TAKE SPECIAL TOOLS TO REMOVE ALL THE LUG NUTS. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT ACCEPTABLE . IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. LUCKILY WAS BEING DONE AT HOME AND NOT LEAVING ANYONE STRANDED. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HELP OTHER THAN TOW THE WHOLE VEHICLE FOR A SIMPLE FLAT TIRE, AT GREAT EXPENSE. AND IT MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO BE TOWED. IT MAY NEED TO BE PULLED ONTO A FLATBED TYPE OF TOW TRUCK AND BE CARRIED INSTEAD OF TOWED IN THE USUAL MANNER.

Mileage: 63,991

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO BONDY'S FORD LINCOLN (3615 ROSS CLARK CIR, DOTHAN, AL 36303) FOR AN OIL CHANGE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE LUG NUTS ON THE FOUR WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SWELLING. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND THE LUG NUTS WERE REPLACED WITHOUT APPROVAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED AN EMAIL WHICH STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO REIMBURSE FOR THE COST OF THE LUG NUTS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE LUG NUTS AND THAT A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE LUG NUTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

Mileage: 42,000

SIMILAR TO OTHER COMPLAINTS VIA THE SITE. I EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE AND WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE IT MYSELF DUE TO THE FACTORY PROVIDED LUG WRENCH UNABLE TO SECURING FASTEN TO THE LUG NUTS. IN MY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TOW DRIVER AND TIRE STORE, IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE LUG NUT COVERS PREVENT THE LUG WRENCH FROM WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER CONTACTING MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME I COULD BUY A "KIT" TO RESOLVE. I ALSO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TOWING CHARGES AND HAVE THE "KIT" INSTALLED AT NO EXPENSE TO ME. FORD ATTRIBUTES THIS ISSUE TO SWOLLEN LUG NUTS AND CONSIDERS THE ISSUE A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM SINCE MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY IS EXPIRED, I WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TOWING AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE "KIT" INSTALLATION MYSELF. IT BEARS TO NOTE, I DISCOVERED THE FLAT TIRE IN MY GARAGE AFTER IT SITTING OVERNIGHT. SO I DO NOT SEE HOW THE LUG NUTS WERE SUBJECT TO SWELLING SINCE THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

Mileage: 72,500

DURING THE ANNUAL MAINE STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION, THE 2017 FORD ESCAPE SE FAILED DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE WAS IN RELATION TO BAD REAR LATERAL LINKS LEFT AND RIGHT REAR KNUCKLE AND HUB ASSEMBLY BUSHINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN THE THREE-YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY BUT WAS 321 MILES OVER THE 36,000 MILEAGE LIMIT. WHEN AN APPOINTMENT WAS BEING MADE FOR THE $1,900 REPAIR, I WAS ADVISED BY A FORD SERVICE ASSOCIATE THAT THE ASSEMBLIES WERE BACK-ORDERED TO AT LEAST THE END OF AUGUST (45 DAYS). SEEMS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS PART.

Mileage: 36,321

12/6/19 VEHICLE HAS A TIRE GO FLAT ON THE ROAD. USING THE FACTORY WRENCH TO REMOVE THE LUG NUTS DISCOVERED THE FACTORY WRENCH DOES NOT FIT THE LUG NUTS TWO ROAD SERVICE PEOPLE LATER CAR HAS TO BE TOWED FOR A FLAT. TO LUCAS FORD BURLINGTON NJ. SERVICE WRITER ADVISOR DISCUSS THE ISSUE AND INFORMED ME THAT THE LUG NUTS SWELL UP AND YOU UNABLE TO REMOVE THEM THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH FORD AND THEY ARE BLOWING THIS UNDER THE RUG. THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT THIS A MAINT ISSUE . NOT EXACTLY THIS IS PRODUCT ISSUE AND A CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO ADDRESSED ASAP. LUG NUTS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO SWELL UP FROM WATER, TO THE POINT YOU ARE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE LUG NUTS. TWO ROAD SERVICES PEOPLE AND ONE WRECKER LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR WHICH THEY ARE CUTTING OFF THE LUG NUTS

Mileage: 36,000

THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE LUG NUTS.WAS TOLD BY FORD SALES AFTER 50,000 MILE SERVICE, THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE LUG NUTS (AT MY EXPENSE) AS THEY WERE SWELLING AND MIGHT NOT BE ALE TO REMOVE THE TIRE. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FIRST FILED IN 2017 AND A JUDGE THREW IT OUT IN JAN OF THIS YEAR. THIS PROBLEM IS SERIOUS, IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE WITH THE SWOLLEN LUG NUTS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE TIRE. PLEASE OPEN THIS INVESTIGATION AS IT SEEMS IT IS NOT ONLY FORD BUT OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL.

I TRADED IN MY 2007 FORD FUSION FOR A 2017 FORD ESCAPE SE OVER 5 WEEKS AGO. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES EVER SINCE. THE FIRST FEW DAYS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I SHOWED THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD ME DROP IT OFF ON A SATURDAY AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM THAT MONDAY. THE ISSUE WAS A FUEL SENSOR. I ALSO NOTICED THE WIPERS WERE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF RAIN. THE WIPERS WOULD STUTTER QUITE A BIT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND COUPLE OF TIMES AND THEY FINALLY FIXED. THEY SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. I ALSO NOTICED I WOULD GET A LOW TIRE MESSAGE. I TOOK IT TO THEM THE FIRST TIME AND THEY PUT AIR IN THE TIRE. I RECEIVED THE MESSAGE THE SECOND TIME AND PUT AIR IN THE TIRE. I RECEIVED THE SAME MESSAGE A FEW DAYS AGO, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD 2 NAILS IN THE TIRE AND TRIED TO SELL ME A TIRE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WASN'T HAPPY. I TOLD THEM TO PLUG THE TIRE AND I LEFT. ALL THESE ISSUES WITH 5 WEEKS OF HAVING THIS CAR. UNBELIEVABLE.

Mileage: 18,600

MY ADULT SON ON A VISIT FROM OUT OF STATE SUSPECTED MY BRAND NEW CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT BOTH FROM DRIVING THEN FROM SEEING IT FROM DRIVING BEHIND ME BUT WE HAVE SERIOUS ILLNESS AND IMPENDING DEATHS AND I COMPENSATED FOR THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE FOR 9 MONTHS UNTIL IT STARTED NEEDING AIR IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. ASSUMING IT WAS A SLOW LEAK - I KEPT FILLING IT. I HAD JUST LOST A DAUGHTER AND MY MOTHER WAS ON A DEATHBED AND MY HUSBAND HAD A HEART ATTACK SO THE BEST I COULD DO WAS RUN UP AND DOWN THE STATE FROM HOSPITAL TO HOSPITAL FILLING THE TIRE. IN FEBRUARY JUST UNDER 12 MONTHS OLD THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ALSO BEGAN TO REQUIRE AIR, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE GOT WORSE. HUBBY REQUIRED QUADRUPLE HEART SURGERY AND MY MOTHER ALSO PASSED. THESE EVENTS BROUGHT MY SON BACK TO THE STATE WHERE HE FORCED ME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE GARAGE TO FIND WHAT THE AIR LEAK WAS ABOUT. THE REPAIRMAN WOULD NOT LET ME LEAVE WITH THE CAR WITHOUT NEW TIRE AS HE WAS SURE I WOULD NOT MAKE IT DOWN THE HIGHWAY ALIVE! HIS ASSESSMENT WAS THEY CAR ALIGNMENT WAS SO TWISTED MUST HAVE BEEN THAT WAY OFF THE MANUFACTURING LINE. HE INSTALLED NEW TIRES AND TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. AFTER 4 ATTEMPTS, WITH FULL EXPLANATION I FINALLY SENT PICTURES AND A NOTE THAT I WOULD CALL THE NEWS MEDIA- THE TOOK THE CAR IN AND SAID I TWISTED IT IN A POT HOLE BUT THEY WOULD FIX IT! ITS BEEN 22 DAYS AND NOW THEY ADMIT A POTHOLE WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE BEEN A LARGE SINKHOLE TO HAVE TWISTED THE FRAME AND THEY ARE TRYING TO INSTALL PARTS TO MAKE IT RIGHT! I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUILT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE- SHOULD HAVE BEEN TESTED BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO NAME AND I SHOULD HAVE ONE THAT WAS BUILT RIGHT NOT A RIGGED AND FIXED ONE. I HAVE CALLED AND I HAVE WRITTEN DETROIT TO NO AVAIL, MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER AND I FEAR THE DEALER AND THAT PARTICULAR CAR. I WILL ATTACH PICTURES.

Mileage: 5,000

ON MARCH 3, 2018, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND HAD JUST TURNED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. SHE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT VEERED OFF OF THE ROAD INTO THE DITCH. THE TIRE HAD COME OFF OF THE CAR AND THE RIM HAD TOTALLY SPLIT INTO TWO PARTS - FRONT AND BACK. HER FRIEND'S HUSBAND PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON AND SHE DROVE IT HOME - APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES. WE TOOK THE RIM TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO INFORMED US IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE EDGE OF THE RIM HAD ABOUT A 1-2 INCH DENT IN IT CAUSED BY HITTING A POT HOLE. NONE OF THE DRIVERS (MY DAUGHTER, MY HUSBAND, OR MYSELF) OF THE CAR RECALL HITTING AN OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY LARGE POT HOLE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TIRE AND IT WAS NOT OUT OF ALIGNMENT. I REPORTED THE DAMAGE TO FORD CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND RECEIVED A LEGAL CLAIM NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD GET SOMETHING IN THE MAIL WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS. IT HAS NOW BEEN 18 DAYS AND I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING. I CALLED THEM AGAIN YESTERDAY INFORMING THEM THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. I AM ASKING FOR ALL FOUR RIMS TO BE REPLACED (I HAVE REPLACED THE DAMAGED ONE). IT ALSO RUINED THE BRAKE LINE AND DAMAGED THE STRUTS. IT COST $25 TO HAVE THE TIRE PUT BACK ON THE CAR AND BALANCING CHECKED. I BELIEVE SINCE THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT THE RIM WAS FAULTY, THAT I SHOULD NOT BE OUT A PENNY IN REPAIRS.

Mileage: 27,000

JUST PULLED OUT OF THE GAS STATION. HEARD A LOUD BOOM. PULLED INTO NEARBY PARKING LOT. DISCOVERED PASSENGER REAR TIRE HAD BLOWN AND KNOCKED THE REAR BOTTOM DOOR PANEL OFF. THE CONDITION OF THE TIRE WAS HORRIFIC! IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. MICHELIN X GREEN 235/55 R17. THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE THE TIRE IS THAT IT LOOKED DRY ROTTED OR AS IF IT HAD BEEN IN A SHREADED. COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE I RECEIVED FROM DEALERSHIP, MICHELIN, AND THE INITIAL CALL TO MY INSURANCE CARRIER. ACCUSING ME OF HITTING A POT HOLE OR OTHER NEGLIGENCE ON MY PART THAT MUST HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE TIRE BLOWING OUT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME TIRES.

Mileage: 32,980

TIRE LOW LIGHT CAME ON WHILE ON HIWAY IN NEVADA HI-WAY CAR STARTED TO GET A LITTLE ROUGH, PULL OVER TO SHOULDER TIRE WAS LOW RIGHT REAR STILL HAD SO AIR CALL AAA TO TOW TO TIRE SHOP . I WAS TOLD SND SHOWN THE INNER SIDE OF TIRE WAS BUBBLED AND COULDNT BE REPAIRED , TOOK TIRE TO TEAM FORD WHO REPLIED IT COULD BE FIXED IT OMLY BAD WHEN OUTER BLISTER .SERVICE MAN EXPLAINED IT COULDN'T BE FIXED.WHY WASNT THIS PRORATED OF WRITTEN UP FPR DEFECT BROUGHT A NEW TIRE BUT TOOK PICYURES OF BLISTER INSIDE TITRE WALL WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 3 ORIGINAL TIRE I BROUGHT THIS CALL NEW APRIL 2017 THE !ST OWNER PLEASE ADVISE

Mileage: 20,000

UNSTABLE TIRE AND WHEEL,AND STEERING, LOOSE FRONT END SUSPENSION.

Mileage: 1,298

MY CAR WAS RUNNING, BUT PLACED IN PARK, AND I WAS RUNNING TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM MY HOME. AFTER I EXITED THE CAR, I NOTICED MY CAR WAS ROLLING DOWN MY SLANTED DRIVEWAY, AND I RAN TO STOP IT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR HIT ME AND RAN ME OVER RESULTING IN A BROKEN ANKLE. I BELIEVE THE CAR SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE IT WAS RUNNING, AND REVERSED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.

Mileage: 1,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH EXITING A RAMP THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT FILE A COMPLAINT WITH MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,400. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ VHEICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR OVER 6 WEEKS. *AS

Mileage: 4,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING, CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE SOUND COULD BE HEARD, BUT THE ORIGIN OF THE SOUND WAS UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER DECLINED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY PARTS, BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.

Mileage: 2,500