Problems with 2002 Ford Escape STRUCTURE

Frame rusted out. ford has taken over 2 weeks to attempt to fix. i'm having to rely on friends and family for a ride. no communication within dealer and customer

Rusted subframe- while getting an oil change i was told that the subframe was so rusted that the vehicle could not be placed on a lift. the mechanic said it was the worst he had ever seen and the car was unsafe to drive

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. while driving various speeds, the vehicle shook violently. the vehicle was taken to brian bemis ford (1380 dekalb ave, sycamore, il 60178, (815) 895-4584) to be diagnosed and they refused to release the vehicle back to the contact due to the dangerous condition of the rusted frame. the dealer stated that they would not charge the contact a storage fee. the contact purchased the vehicle in march of 2018. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 125,000. *tt*jb

My vehicle should be covered under ford recall 14s02. sub frame completely rusted through while driving endangering my family's safety. illinois, "salt state". currently at ford dealership unsafe to drive.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be serviced. while the mechanic was test driving the vehicle at approximately 35 mph, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. the contact stated that the front passenger side lower control arm fractured, which caused the wheel to separate from the suspension. prior to the test drive, the contact was informed by the mechanic of severe rust on the lower control arm. the vehicle was towed back to the facility. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer (elkhorn motors ford, 910 n wisconsin st, elkhorn, wi 53121, (262) 723-2131) was contacted and a subsequent vin search showed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 106,000. the consumer stated the gas tank straps were also corroded and needed to be replaced.*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for exhaust repairs, the technician noticed that the engine cradle and the lower part of the engine frame were corroded and needed to be replaced. the contact called suburban ford of sterling heights at (586) 268-7500 (40333 van dyke, sterling heights, mi 48313) and was informed that the vin was not included in a recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

My engine coolant light stays on even after taking steps to fix it as it was a problem with the 2002 ford escapes, and there is a problem with my power steering as fluid and all that is fine, which i read was a recall also.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while driving 10 mph, the steering wheel shook without warning. the vehicle was towed to a local dealer (blackwell ford, 41001 plymouth rd, plymouth, mi) where it was diagnosed that the cross frame, lower control arm, and exhaust needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, the steering failed without warning. the contact stated that the steering wheel went in one direction and the wheels went in a different direction. the vehicle was towed to reineke ford lincoln of lima (1360 greely chapel rd, lima, oh 45804, (419)223-3673) to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the passenger side lower control arm support was severely rusted, which caused the lower control arm to fracture and separate from the vehicle. the contact was informed that the sub frame, cross member, control arm, and steering assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while stationary, the vehicle would not accelerate forward. the contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not accelerate forward. the vehicle was pushed manually, in the neutral position, to an unknown place of business. furthermore, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal there was a squealing and cracking noise. the wheel bearing and struts were faulty on the vehicle as stated by the contact. the steering wheel made a loud squeaking noise when turned left or right while driving various speeds in addition to the vehicle frame becoming severely rusted underneath. the dealer was not contacted about the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Driving on a 45 mi/hr road i hit a minor bump (approx 1" raised road across all lanes) due to poor road maintenance. after hitting this bump there was a loud popping noise every time i turned the wheel fully left or right. i could also feel this in my feet underneath the car. i was concerned and had plans to drive it to the auto shop later that day. when turning left out of a parking lot in town, heading to the shop, i noticed when i went to straighten out the wheel the steering wheel was a complete 90 degrees off from normal once i got the vehicle going straight. it did not feel safe to drive and i had it towed into the auto shop. after inspection it was found to be a rotted out and cracked sub frame. ford did a recall on this specific part in 2014 due to major corrosion issues with the 2001-2004 models. this vehicle was taken in for the recall, however, instead of replacing the part they decided it was good enough to drill a hole in the corroded part and install a bracket across the whole sub frame. i don't see how weakening a corroded part with a hole being drilled in it is any solution. i am not alone thinking this is a major issue that ford is completely ignoring. if the sub frame had failed when i was on the highway instead of exiting the parking lot i could have potentially been seriously injured as the sub frame holds the wheel and steering mechanism together. ford needs to take this issue with their vehicles seriously as they are putting peoples lives in danger.

Sub frame cracked, corrosion. ford is refusing to fix the sub frame instead they issue a safety recall 14s02 which does not replace the damage part. almost had accident with child on board, car went side ways, steering control was lost. how can ford be allowed to issue a safety recall but it doesn't fix the bad part. recall 14s02 only installs a metal bar so the wheel doesn't come off. once subframe is already broken ford doesn't do the repair. people life matter.

Sub frame/cradle rusted and caused a separation of the right front axel and stabilizer. the failure occurred while driving, just as we were exiting the highway. a loud thud occurred and the steering wheel shifted making driving and steering extremely difficult. this vehicle, according to ford's records, had a structure recall for the same issue (14v165000) the vehicle had been repaired at a ford dealer for the said recall a few years ago. ford is unwilling to help pay for the current repairs as we did not take it to a dealer for repair (which would have required towing as the car was barely drivable). this is a potentially dangerous situation and, it seems, the recall did not correct the original problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while driving 10 mph, the contact heard something fracture under the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the reinforcement cross-brace failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the contact mentioned that the cross-brace was not a sufficient repair for the control arm corrosion. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while attempting to have new control arms placed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the service technician that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted and needed to be repaired before the control arms could be installed. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 85,900. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact's wife was stopped by the police because the brake lights were not illuminated. there was no warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who was unable to open the rear door in order to repair the brake lights. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 125,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was approximately 184,000. updated 10/13/16*lj *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while pulling out of the driveway, the passenger side control arm suddenly separated from the subframe. while inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the failure occurred due to rusting of the subframe. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), although the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame had failed due to rust and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while making a turn at approximately 2 mph, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle as the contact lost control of the vehicle. the contact mentioned that after exiting the vehicle, he discovered that the front lower control arm and the sub frame had excessive rust and was fractured. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact heard an abnormal noise upon making a turn. the steering wheel turned, but the wheels remained straight when the failure occurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), but the failure recurred. the contact stated that the technician installed two brackets but not the engine mount brackets. the contact felt that the recall remedy was not performed accurately. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 228,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cross bar reinforcement was installed; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 66,946.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while driving approximately 25 mph, the wheel bearing completely detached from the vehicle, which resulted in the wheel detaching from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. an independent mechanic diagnosed that corrosion from the subframe caused the wheel bearing to detach and it needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while driving approximately 25 mph, a strange noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle before the steering wheel suddenly veered to the right. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the failure mileage was 180,000. the vin was not available. ma 10/2 *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the dealer was to install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace for the unintended detachment of the lower control arm. a short time after the repair, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for another service, who noticed that the ball joint was separated from the control arm and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

The front passenger door locking system is defective and is stuck in the lock position. unable to open door from the outside or the inside of the car. this is a safety issue that should have been addressed in the past since i noticed numerous complaints regarding this same problem on the internet or your nhtsa website. the ford dealer service manager also mentioned to me that this is a recurring problem that should have been addressed in the past by ford. service fee is $500 if the repairman is able to open the door without breaking it as sometimes it does break causing an even more expensive repair. this is an expensive repair job for a jammed locking mechanism that should easily be working properly. god forbid i am involved in a car accident and my wife, other front passenger or myself is unable to open the door in case of an emergency. this is a major inconvenience as any passenger that wants to sit in the front has to leap through the driver door to sit in the front. my wife is the original owner of this car and it currently has 130,000 miles. all car doors should be able to work without jamming as this obviously poses a safety issue. why nhtsa has never bothered to escalate this problem to a recall is beyond me when there are other ford escape owners with the same safety problem? please advice, thanks.

While pulling out of a parking lot, i noticed the vehicle's steering seemed loose & there was a creaking noise from the front end. vehicle continued to pull to the right as i drove down the road, and creaking noise increased. i drove directly to dealer where i'd had the work for recall 14v165000 completed only 4 weeks prior (26 dec 2014), and their assessment was a cracked subframe. service writer informed me that the car was dangerous to drive, and the cost to repair would be a minimum of $2000 in parts and labor, plus the likelihood of additional repairs needed once they found other corroded parts in need of replacement. i declined the repair and purchased a new car (not a ford) instead. *tr

2002 ford escape. consumer writes in regards to excessive corrosion and large crack in the engine cradle/ subframe. *smd the consumer stated the steering went to the left approximately 15 degrees while driving straight down the road. the sent in recall notice # 14v165000. according to ford, the vehicle did not have complete separation of the lower control arm. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the cross-brace fractured. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 14v165000 (structure) but the recall remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm needed to be replaced. in addition, the mechanic advised that the vehicle could not be driven. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the underbody framing and the cross member. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who installed a newly designed reinforcement; however, the frame and the cross member were rusted and not covered under the recall repairs. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 189,000. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while traveling 25 mph, the front lower control arm fractured and the wheel detached from the vehicle. after inspecting the vehicle, the contact indicated that there was rust on the front end of the lower control arm and the subframe. also, the subframe was rusted through on the front passenger side. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who replaced the front lower cross member and the front subframe. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure: body). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 139,145. updated 01/23/15*lj updated 6/3/2015 *js

Vinyl door panel of front passenger door pealed off. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. while driving approximately 10 mph on uneven pavement, the steering wheel suddenly turned approximately 45 degrees to the right. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the passenger side subframe was rusted and corroded, which caused the lower control arm to fail. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,900.

Received notice in mail my ford was recalled due to corrosion related separation of forward attachment of lower control arm from subframe. this was fix with just reinforced crossbar...an independent mechanic just recently check my veh due to steering and front end issue i have been having and discovered the area where the crossbar hold on to is rusted off..i can not drive vehicle...this rust they tell me was/or would have been notice of time cross bar was install and should have notified me that more work should have been done. perhaps correct/replace the whole thing...i would like to have it repaired at fords request,,,the dealership denied due to recall fixed according to ford. had i been aware if this rust issue at time of repair i would have been able to deal with it and not be at risk driving all these past months.... *tr

Vehicle sub-frame failed due to corrosion causing separation of the lower control arm resulting in diminished steering control. this issue appears to be covered by ford safety recall 14s02 and nhtsa recall 14v-166 that provided a reinforcement of the sub-frame. unfortunately the reinforcing parts necessary for the recall action were not immediately available before the frame failed. *tr

Took my escape in to local ford dealership for repair of safety recall 14v-165. the dealership told me that the corrosion on the subframe and engine cradle was more extensive than what the recall has ever dealt with and that the installation of just the reinforcement crossbrace on the subframe will not fix the problem only "bandaid" it. the corrosion is so bad the part is going to break under any driving conditions and can therefore cause a crash. so now i have called the ford motor company to dispute the problem to be fixed properly but they denied my claim and i am therefore still without a vehicle to drive because mine is unsafe to drive. *tr

Corrosion-related separation lower control arm from subframe. car start pulling instantly to the right. have to call towing to get to dealer for repair, ford company refuse to repair under safety recall notice 14s02. dealer quote me around $2000 for repair. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), but the remedy did not provide a permanent solution. upon further inspection, extensive rust and corrosion were found near the lower control arm to the point that the part could fracture. the failure mileage was not available.

car was making creaking sounds. going around a corner the car basically had no steering or control. got car to ford dealership and based on taking photo of the car i was told that ford decided to put a cross brace on as opposed to replacing sub frame. i told dealership i did not agree with decision that subframe should be replaced car was returned to me with cross brace installed.aprox 4 weeks later car was undriveable. contacted ford told me to tow car back to dealership. after inspection of vehicle was told now that sub- frame was broken dealership contacted ford and was told that their request to replace sub frame was denied. the sub frame holds engine,trans, all steering and brake components. this is a very dangerous. my family could have been killed. i was told by fordsupv that because they put on brace instead of making the correct repair that was actually part of sub frame recall they would not replace sub frame. this is how ford treats their customers and puts them in harms way. if you look at the history of ford vehicles ford windstar ford escape etc. you will see they are using defective steel on under body components causing excessive rust resulting in critical component failures. in my 48 years of driving i have never had a vehicle with a broken frame when i asked ford for phone number or address to [xxx]. fields i was told that is not given out and that the ford supervisors denial was final decision. i feel ford is 100% wrong in this issue and is not making safe cars, and when there is a recall will not even fix the recalled parts. once again this is an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in death to my family if i was driving on the x-way shame shame on you ford motor. i will be looking into filing law suit or class action law suit against you. please do the right thing for the unlucky individuals who own these cars. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

While driving her 2002 ford escape to work my daughter noticed the steering was not right. in order for her to keep driving straight she had to turn the steering wheel. she went over a pair of rough railroad tracks & lost control of the vehicle. her front passenger tire control bar had completely separated from the frame. it was rusted through. luckily she was driving in a 30mph zone & there were no other cars around. thankfully she was not hurt but quite shaken up. we were unaware of a vehicle recall on this model until a friend of hers recalled seeing an article in the news about control bars rusting through causing steering problems. her front tire was completely bald after this incident. (tread was good before). i called ford as soon as i was able & reported the incident. the rep told me that in order for a repair the vehicle had to be towed to a ford dealer & to keep the tow bill as they would cover it. right now the suv is at the dealer. it has been 2 days since they've had it & i've heard nothing. i am getting very impatient. because it's a recall i have a hunch they put it on the back burner. this vehicle is her only way to school & work. i asked about a loaner & they explained that because of the huge volume of recalls, a loaner would be difficult to come by. what has happened to customer service? i am expecting not only the vehicle to be fixed but i feel we should be compensated for the 1 tire - maybe 2 depending on the condition of the other side. i don't need a set of new ones - just something to pass inspection. if anyone has experienced the same issues please post something back. thank you ! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

My car is included in the recall for the rusted out subframe. it has at least 2 oblong rusted out holes near the control arm. it was taken to the dealer. they installed a cross brace. 3 different dealers told me the brace will hopefully, if i am lucky, help me pull over without crashing when (not if) the subframe gives away and the control arm falls off. two of the three literally told me, "good luck." i feel if ford realizes the issue is serious enough for a recall they should properly fix the problem. *tr

The passenger side door is stuck in the locked position. this is not an uncommon problem according to an internet search. i believe this should be a recall as it is a safety problem, and my car won't pass state inspection unless it is fixed. it is an expensive repair (i was quoted $700). *tr

While driving on a rural city street at 30 mph i decelerated to prepare to turn right. when i began to make my right hand turn i heard a loud pop and the car began to rattle the car came to a stop within 10 feet of the pop. i applied a small amount of power to the engine to try and get completely out of the road, but the car would not move. upon inspection of the front passenger tire it was facing 90 degrees in the opposite direction of the car, and pushed to the back of the wheel well. the cv shaft had come completely detached from the drive shaft. the vehicle had to be towed to a local shop that did sub-frame work. upon inspection at the auto body shop it was revealed that the engine cradle had also become detached due to the proximity to the exhaust from the engine heating it up constantly. along with the following parts needing replacement: right front cv shaft, front engine cradle, front control arm bolts, control arm bushing, cv drive axle, heavy duty exhaust clamps. the shop had to remove and replace the engine cradle and the right front sub-frame. if i had been on a high speed interstate, and this happened i would have probable flipped, because the front right tire was unable to move, and was pulling towards the inside of the car. the total cost to get this repaired to a safe driving condition was $1352.69. *tr

on nov 26 i was driving to my work at 45 miles per hour and the distance i kept from the car in front of me was sufficient to allow me stopping adequately. suddenly, i noticed that traffic was approaching to a red light so i tap on the brakes to slow down and stop. however, the brakes were not reducing the speed so immediately i stamped on the brake pedal to let the car stop while simultaneously, i looked to realize that i could not change lanes. at this point i was left with no time to gear down the transmission or to pull the emergency brake. consequently, my ford escape was forced to stop by crashing into the car in front of me and producing a domino effect involving a third vehicle in front of us. fortunately, no personal injuries were reported from the other two drivers whose cars were involved.. i did suffered slight neck pain and after visiting the hospital i did not had major injuries or nothing to worry about so far. in regards to personal property damages, the two cars in front of mine, had minimal damages but, mine was severely damaged to the point is totally inoperable. all claims were reported and taken care by geico, my insurance company. also a traffic crash car report was filed. i received a driving traffic citation from the police, which i plan to escalate to the courthouse, after knowing that the brake failure i experienced resulted from manufacturer's defects reported by ford under recalls 11s24 and 12 s37. * please note that this writing is only for information purposes and to alert any other drivers to perform on-time maintenance check-ups to prevent similar or worst scenarios. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear hatch door failed to lock. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician verified that the door latch needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 176,000 and the current mileage was 176,604.

The rear liftgate glass support broke while opening the rear window. i was able to quickly grab the rear window before it could break. i would note that the falling rear windshield can strike the operator and/or bystander and could cause significant injuries that could include bruises to the head, neck or back, and possibly cuts to the face, arm or hand. i took my ford escape to my local ford dealer (friendly ford of monroe, mi) to have this issue repaired. i mentioned to the service manager that explorers and mountaineers had been recalled for this same exact defect and he told me to save my receipt in case my vehicle is recalled in the future. the repair to my vehicle cost $236.00 at the dealer. i noted that on september 9, 2004, ford notified the owners that it will recall approximately 955,732 vehicles, specifically 2002 and 2003 ford explorer and mercury mountaineer vehicles to replace the liftgate glass strut brackets and/or hinges. i'm sure these hinges were also used on 2002 ford escapes. before buying the above listed ford escape, i test drove several other escapes. on one of the escapes that i test drove, i opened up the rear liftgate glass and noticed that one hinge was broken and that the glass was hanging from just one hinge. i notified the dealer of this problem and told him that i would not be buying this vehicle. my niece also owns a 2003 ford escape and her hinge became rusted out and had to be replaced. see "nhtsa recall" 04v442000 for details. *tr

I was driving my 2002 ford escape at 25 mph on a suburban side street. suddenly there was a loud clunk sound on the right front of the car with the front dropping and the car grinding to a stop. inspection revealed the right front wheel was basically broken off with that side of the car sitting on the ground. further inspection revealed that the lower front suspension a-frame pulled loose from the engine cradle due to rust on the crossmember. *tr

My vehicle began to make unknown noises when driving, and steering control became very loose. i promptly took the car to my mechanic. i was told the subframe was so badly rotted that the passenger wheel control arm had separated from the subframe and can not be reattached without replacing the subframe. the vehicle is now no longer safe to drive. *tr

I received a letter about recall notice 14s02/nhtsa recall 14v-165. i have called my local ford dealership and gone in to the service center about this recall. the date on my letter was may 2014. they said they did not have the parts to fix the vehicle. i have tried several times to get this fixed and am just blown off by the dealership. what do i have to do get this recall taken care of. *tr