2010 Ford Escape body problems

STRUCTURE:BODY

1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which then sells it on kbids to me. 4. There were warning signs before the failure THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED AND FORD ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE ITS LOT INSTEAD OF JUNKING IT. The Ford history report and service records showed the rusted frame condition before the vehicle failed, and Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The car fax report did not show detailed service notes. I was not able to find out more detail until I was listed as the owner at FORD. The vehicle was video recorded on top gear you tube page as drivable and operational WITHOUT restrictions.

NHTSA complaint #11750831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers

NHTSA complaint #11695708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.

NHTSA complaint #11692025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

putting the car on a lift noticed the rust on frame the inspecting further notice the rear axle rusted away from body

NHTSA complaint #11644817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment, but the mechanic was unable to perform the alignment due to a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe had corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11634535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle continuously pulled to the right, requiring the driver to make constant corrections. Upon visual inspection of the vehicle, the contact observed that the front passenger's side tire was angled inward and had nearly detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front engine cradle after observing excessive corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA complaint #11606825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

During routine maintenance my mechanic told me the sub frame of my 2010 FordEscape had a serious problem. It appears there is a design flaw which allows condensation from the air conditioner to be traped and ultimately rust through compromising the frame. They said they didn't recommend driving the car, because if the frame failed the right wheel could detatch causing a catastrophic event. This rust only exists on the passenger side.

NHTSA complaint #11595826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

Engine cradle rusted out. It was replaced and I have the old part. Problem was detected using the vehicle for a short drive at residential speed. If the part had failed on the freeway an accident may have occurred. Vehicle was left at a close by shop who confirmed part failure and warned vehicle could not be driven unless part replaced. Shop confirmed this is not uncommon. Called Ford Motor Company and was told to see my local dealer. Checked with dealer body shop. Body shop said never seen problem before. Parts confirmed common replacement part. Service would neither confirm nor deny quality of original part leading to failure. Concern is for younger drivers for whom this is a family hand me down.

NHTSA complaint #11585915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The Front Engine Cradle sub frame is rusted out the same as the 2003-2005 escapes that were recalled

NHTSA complaint #11583293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The component that failed was the "Engine Cradle". The front end of the vehicle was visibly sagging due to the failing engine cradle. The engine cradle was so severely rusted that the control arm could literally fall off vehicle while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11580157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

A tech showed me the frame under the car is rusted and presents that if I hit a bump I blow the front passenger tire off. Ford recalled 2001-2004 Ford escapes for this reason the metal that year rusts for those in salted road states I'm in Ohio. Ford also recalled other models for rusted frames in salted road states like Detroit. Other people in car websites also reported same issue one person on YouTube made a video about it.

NHTSA complaint #11564479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1. Passenger side rear door child lock will not disengage. 2. Liftgate lock failed, and will not open.

NHTSA complaint #11545505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, while driving out from the gas station at 10 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole; however, further down the road the vehicle started pulling and tugging. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that subframe was fractured, the rack and pinion, and the passenger’s side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,067.

NHTSA complaint #11538320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was having a routine oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was rusted and there was metal missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA complaint #11489623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was having a routine oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was rusted and there was metal missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA complaint #11489623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was having a routine oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was rusted and there was metal missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA complaint #11489623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Component: Engine Cradle/Front Subframe - (9L8Z-5C145-A) Large holes rusting in it on passenger side. Mechanic recommends replacement as otherwise hole could weaken the structure to the point it breaks, control arm could pop out. Seems to have been a known issue on older models like 2001-2004, but any newer models are not covered by Ford's recall, despite many people on forums saying they have the same problem. Problem noticed by mechanic within the last year or so. Some people hypothesize the problem comes from where the AC leaks its condensate.

NHTSA complaint #11476383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the brakes was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine cradle frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA complaint #11470608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the brakes was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine cradle frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA complaint #11470608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Driving down the road started hearing minor noises in the rear, then louder clunks when driving over road patches and bumps. Parked in our driveway, and inspected, found out the entire strut tower on the rear driver side tire is rusted from the frame and there is a large crack that has formed in the unibody has well. Our local Ford dealership in town sent us to the auto body shop and the auto body shop will not touch it and said park it and do not drive it. It is dangerous to myself, occupants and others on the road you can move the entire strut tower. We are stuck with a loan for a vehicle when we bought had no rust marks anywhere until after a few months. Also the roof leaks as well which was not visible when we purchased this vehicle of a lot. We took it back to the dealership we bought it from and since we bought as is, they would do nothing. They said they'd help get us in something different and will not return any calls. They had to have known this was a problem when they sold this.

NHTSA complaint #11467152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The front suspension subframe k-frame crossmember has excessive errosion creating large gaps and holes in the frame, directly under the ac unit on the passenger side. The rust hole on top from the leaking fluid from the ac has continued to pool inside the cavity and caused erosion near the control arm. Unknown to me or any daily driver, this excessive rust is not prevalent anywhere else or something I was aware I needed to check. Other owners have been contacted and have experienced the same issue, some have had the part completely fail and cause accidents. The vehicle is very close to failure and I was not aware, there are no apparent side effects. I could easily cause an accident when using the vehicle. No other part of the vehicle has excessive rust so it is not a concern otherwise. The k-frame needs to be replaced and a hose needs to be ran from the Ac to redirect the fluid being dissipated onto the k-frame as it is.

NHTSA complaint #11463334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The front suspension subframe k-frame crossmember has excessive errosion creating large gaps and holes in the frame, directly under the ac unit on the passenger side. The rust hole on top from the leaking fluid from the ac has continued to pool inside the cavity and caused erosion near the control arm. Unknown to me or any daily driver, this excessive rust is not prevalent anywhere else or something I was aware I needed to check. Other owners have been contacted and have experienced the same issue, some have had the part completely fail and cause accidents. The vehicle is very close to failure and I was not aware, there are no apparent side effects. I could easily cause an accident when using the vehicle. No other part of the vehicle has excessive rust so it is not a concern otherwise. The k-frame needs to be replaced and a hose needs to be ran from the Ac to redirect the fluid being dissipated onto the k-frame as it is.

NHTSA complaint #11463334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the sub-frame had extensive rust above the wheels. The contact was unable to pass the PA vehicle inspection. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 149,500.

NHTSA complaint #11439526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The subframe is rotted out on the right passenger side which could cause the wheel to fall off while in transit. This is a known problem for the Ford escapes that has not been recalled by Ford. This vehicle is only 11 years old.

NHTSA complaint #11426332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY - THE LIFT GATE TRAPS WATER INSIDE AND HAS CAUSED THE LIFT GATE TO RUST OUT SO BADLY THAT IT HAS CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE LIFT GATE LATCH ACTUATOR MOTOR AND ASSEMBLY ON THE LIFT GATE 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY 2010. MY SERVICE DOG HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LIFT GATE MOTOR BECOMING BROKEN. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE AND HAD TO TAKE DOWN THE SEATS. IN THE EVENT THIS WAS AN EMERGENCY MY SERVICE ANIMAL WOULD'VE DIED. MY SERVICE ANIMAL IS TOO LARGE TO RIDE UP FRONT AND SHE RIDES IN THE BACK. ON OCCASION WHEN MY LIFT GATE WAS NOT WORKING, I HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO FIX THE RECENT ISSUE WITH THE GATE, THE SHOP THAT I TOOK MY CAR TO HAD TO PRY OPEN THE GATE AND REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THIS ISSUE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE LIFT GATE IS REPLACED AND NO LONGER HOLDS WATER. THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPES. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ALSO HOLDS A LOT OF WATER. THE MILEAGE INDICATED IS FOR THE MOST RECENT REPAIR, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES PRIOR TO THIS DATE.

NHTSA complaint #11408299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THERE'S A DUNT IN THE HOOD FROM SOMETHING FALLING ON IT

NHTSA complaint #11399547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO MOYER FORD SALES INC. (10111 AL-59, FOLEY, AL 36535) WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSED FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11396403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE WINDOW AREA OF THE TAILGATE. WHEN THE BRACKET CRACKED, APPEARS TO HAVE CORRODED AND CRACKED.

NHTSA complaint #11341569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING WHEEL TO BE DETACHED FROM FRAME AND ALSO CONTROL ARM. TOLD NOT TO DRIVE CAR AT ALL UNTIL FRAME IS FIXED. SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED.

NHTSA complaint #11316379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.