FaultScore

2005 Ford Escape body problems

437 of the 2,030 complaints about the 2005 Ford Escape are about the body and structure — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 120,000 miles.

C

437

Complaints

4

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Body 360 82.4%
Structure 34 7.8%
Underbody Shields 20 4.6%
Frame AND Members 14 3.2%
Door 3 0.7%
Hinge AND Attachments 2 0.5%
Hatchback/Liftgate 2 0.5%
Hinge AND Attachments 1 0.2%
Support Device/Strut 1 0.2%

Body & Structure across every Ford Escape year

2001 54 2.3%
2002 90 3.9%
2003 123 5.3%
2004 139 6.0%
2005 437 18.9%
2006 63 2.7%
2007 18 0.8%
2008 42 1.8%
2009 34 1.5%
2010 92 4.0%
2011 43 1.9%
2012 67 2.9%
2013 88 3.8%
2014 84 3.6%
2015 36 1.6%
2016 21 0.9%
2017 62 2.7%
2018 20 0.9%
2019 11 0.5%
2020 675 29.2%
2021 91 3.9%
2022 21 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Findlay, OH Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11565921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Duluth, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11521928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Dearborn Heights, MI

STRUCTURE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11517413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shullsburg, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11499106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Farmington Hills, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11364530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 219,000 miles Mastic, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11355587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 220,000 miles Latonia, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11350839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Carpenterville, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11331654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,772 miles Normal, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11291480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Edwards, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11257262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 322,100 miles Hoffman Estates, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11257166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Mcbain, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11255289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,868 miles Westerville, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11243540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterloo, IA

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11242376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles Hamlin, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11222493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pepin, WI

STRUCTURE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11195230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 163,000 miles Newport, KY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11196927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Eaton Rapids, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11190415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,500 miles Cincinnati, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11166593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Saint Clair Shores, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11163964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles York, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11164039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles GAP, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

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).

NHTSA complaint #11151815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 201,000 miles Coon Rapids, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11150941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Waukesha, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11149598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Vernon, CT

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11145195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,000 miles Monroe, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11142995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,695 miles Toledo, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11139204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Holland, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11133154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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!

NHTSA complaint #11121503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Golden Valley, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11120876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2005 Ford Escape problems

← Full 2005 Ford Escape report