1,147 of the
36,256 complaints filed about the Ford Escape
are about the suspension —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
I have a 2011 Ford Escape AWD 3.0 engine. I took it for NY state inspection and it fails due the right side front subframe is rusted and unsafe. Ford has a recall on models up to 2004 but this vehicle has the same issue of the A/C draining on it causing the rust. I have been an auto tech for over 48 years, retired now, and strongly feel this should be a major concern and covered at least 50% by Ford. This design flaw and the fact that I live in a state that uses salt in the winter on the roads, I feel there is nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening.
NHTSA complaint #11757910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car began to shake significantly when going over 60 mph on the highway. I had to drive under the speed limit. When I had the car checked, they said the shocks had been leaking and it impacted the alignment, causing my tires to become “wavy” and unsafe to drive. I had to get a set of 4 new tires, but could not afford the shocks during that visit. By the time I could afford the shocks a few months later, the new set of tires were ruined as well and I needed 4 new tires again. After some research, I see I am not the only one who had this issue with this model vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11753473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to Midas for a service appointment, and the contact was informed that the rear shocks were leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear shocks were leaking. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,125.
NHTSA complaint #11744298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was heading west on XXX with my [XXX] granddaughter and about a mile before the XXX exit we heard a loud bang and the car was, like a shot, propelled across the center line into the left lane and heading for the ditch. I immediately hit the brakes and pulled a hard right to keep the car on the highway. After three or four hard rights and lefts I was able to pull the car onto the left shoulder. I thought it was a blown tire but upon inspection they were all ok. The passenger right rear wheel though was on an angle. I called [XXX] and they sent a state police officer to assist. We were very lucky as about 10 seconds earlier I pack of cars passed us and a straggler of the pack passed us about 4 seconds before the incident. It could have been a five or six car pile up. I had it towed and after the mechanics inspection found the broken (as the picture shows) rear upper control arm. The broken parts are available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11741281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, the ball joint detached from the vehicle without any prior signs or issues. This caused an issue with the break line, with brake fluid leaking, the vehicle tilting and messed up the front of the vehicle had caved in on one side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a ball joint failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down the road about 35 mph and it jerked me clean off the right side of the road. Here the driver side and passenger side subframe/engine cratle is completely rotted out bad . This needs fixed before someone dies.
NHTSA complaint #11735376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.
NHTSA complaint #11727713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased my 2020 Ford Escape brand new. Since owning it I have repaired/replaced the shocks and struts 3 times. They continue to leak. The car has not been used to carry heavy items or tow etc. Car is kept in a garage year round.
NHTSA complaint #11726416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 2/12/2026 I was driving in Gordon County, GA. I was going about 25 MPH when I hit a pothole on the right hand side of the road. It resulted in a split wheel/rim on the right front side of my vehicle. It also damaged the wheel/rim on the right hand back side, as well as breaking the shock absorber on the right back side.
NHTSA complaint #11719083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased this ford escape for our granddaughter with in the last 2 years as a used vehicle and during a recent visit to a local ford dealer for another issue, they noticed the rear subframe crossmember had rust holes across it. Not sure if it is unsafe to drive due to the main structure looks solid. The front and back of the subframe has the rust holes. No other warning signs except a visual inspection. My question is: has there been an issue with this subframe or any other complaints. or is it normal for this part of the vehicle to wear or without warning. PS: I have a photo
NHTSA complaint #11713847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was purchased [XXX], the very next day multiple lights came on on the dash and it started bucking while driving. I took it back to the dealership for repairs.The right rear wheel speed sensor was bad. While the vehicle was being repaired a bolt that was seized up was broken requiring the Rr wheel knuckle to be replaced. July, the vehicle was treated for a water leak into the spare tire compartment.In September, more repairs were needed. I took it to my mechanic.The L axle shaft, wheel bearing, control arm w/ball joint, speed sensor and Rt.knuckle needed replaced. At this point, I was informed of the extensive rust under the vehicle and only being 8 years old, is a great concern. When it was taken in for an alignment, it was discovered there was a bolt broken off the Rr control arm, and it was repaired. October, it was treated again for the water leak. Water was still getting in with the spare tire when it rained. Also in October, I noticed a lag in shifting when accelerating. One incident that happened when merging onto a highway, the shifting lagged, delaying my acceleration and caused my vehicle to be traveling at a much slower rate than traffic. I took it to the dealership for repairs for the lag and a grinding noise. The transmission and torque converter were replaced. The grinding noise continued even after the repairs. January 2026, the vehicle was again taken in for the grinding noise and water leak. It now requires a transfer case, drive shaft, rear differential and the sub frame is cracked. I am greatly concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. Dealership claims the rust of the frame is from PA winters however the steering shaft INSIDE the car also has rust on it. For comparison, I also have a 2003 Jeep and it has minimal rust and is kept outside daily. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11713290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle only has 36,000 miles on it and I just had to spend $789 to have the rear shocks replaced!! I also purchased the extended warranty plan and this repair wasn't covered. Very disappointing especially with such low mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11702295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. While the contact’s daughter was driving 65 MPH, the driver's side rear control arm fractured and detached. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the vehicle drove over a mild bump on the road, causing the entire driver's side rear wheel to detach from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that his 1-year-old grandchild was an occupant of the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the daughter was able to safely drive the vehicle to a nearby Midas, where the technician stated that they did not know how the contact's daughter was able to drive the vehicle in the defective condition. The technician informed the contact that when the vehicle arrived at the shop, the driver's side rear wheel was dangling and flopping, and the rear of the vehicle was fishtailing. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear control arm had fractured in half and detached from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was given the detached rear driver's control arm. The contact stated that the driver's rear control arm had a crack, which indicated a previous failure. The contact stated that the failure could have caused injuries and needed to be addressed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11701741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WENT TO TRADE IN MY CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME BEHIND FRONT DRIVER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. MEANING THE BODY COULD DETACH FROM FRAME OR SOMETHING ELSE DANGEROUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11694119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.
NHTSA complaint #11693844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVER'S SEAT STOP WORKING AND THE ENGINE LEAKS AND THE SUSPENSION WENT BAD AND TRANSMISSION STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON FOULK ROAD IN WILMINGTON DELAWARE APRIL 18, 2025 AND WAS VERY SCARED AND NERVOUS..
NHTSA complaint #11687784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.