Problems with 2005 Ford Escape SUSPENSION

As i sit here and read all these reports on ford escape passenger side rear wheel well issues, i wonder how long or what is it going to take for ford to realize this is a major safety problem which needs taken care of. *tr

Right rear shock mount came apart and damaged wheel well. upon further inspection dealer said entire assembly had rusted apart from the inside out with no visible corrosion from the outside of vehicle. ford motor company was contacted and offered no recourse or repair. *tr

While driving begin to experience a loud rattling sound, from the rear passenger side. became very loud with the movement of the vehicle. sounded as if small pieces had fallen off the back tire. as soon as i got home i looked and there was a large rusted out tear in the wheel well, located right above the mount for the shock absorber. i did contact my service advisor at village ford in dearborn michigan. i took the vehicle up to be checked, he sent me over to their body shop.. i was told this was definitely a "safety issue" and he had seen this before on other ford escapes. this is a flaw in the body. *tr

The entire shock tower on the rear passenger side had rusted out. the shock has nothing to hold on to. i am told the vehicle is unsafe to drive. on line there are a number of complaints of the same problem with the 2005 ford escape. i think this widespread problem should be investigated immediately.

I was hearing a bad clunking noise from the back so i took it to a certified mechanic and he looked and said he has never seen anything like it my entire wheel well is rusted through - he wont even touch it - he said it is extremely unsafe and told me its gotta be a recall being that its an 05 because vehicles aren't made to rust like that - so i call ford and they say "nothing we can do for you and your complaint has been noted" well im on disability with children so i cant afford thousands of dollars in repairs nor can i go without a vehicle or drive my kids in an unsafe vehicle, i just lost my husband and i just don't know what to do - ford rep didn't even give me a glimpse of care - does someone have to die in one of their poorly constructed vehicles before anyone will do anything - come on back up your products - and then people wonder why people buy foreign. *tr

The left rear shock mount rusted and pushed up into the inside rear cargo area. gas filler tube mount broke also. *tr

My wife had been complaining about a loud slapping coming from the right rear of the vehicle. i took it for a drive. i discovered that the passenger side rear wheel well is completely rusted out and the shock absorber was just bouncing loose creating a horrible noise and also noticed shock breaking thru the interior of the vehicle. noticed on line that others have similar or exact problem. years 2001 thru 2004 just recalled. what about 2005's. there's nothing else wrong with the vehicle and only 82,000 miles. very disappointed and puts my family at risk and in a bind for a safe vehicle to drive. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, a sudden bang was heard from the rear end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear wheel housing panel was perforated due to rust and needed to be replaced. the manufacture was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 86,000.

Driving under normal conditions, heard a loud banging sound.was getting worse and looked at rear passenger tire side. noticed the entire shock mount rusted and broken loose from undercarriage. very dangerous if traveling at higher speed. have owned over 20 cars and never had this happen. what is going on ford???? *tr

The right/passenger rear wheel well has become so corroded with rust that the shock has come free from the metal, and slamming hard. the state of the metal reminds me of a butterfinger candy bar, that flakes off in layers. i have read many reports in the last couple days about similar situations as this, all with the right rear wheel well. the left/driver rear side has no similar rusting, nor do the front wheel wells (as far as i can see/tell). the undercoating has been hiding the rust apparently, and it has been flaking off heavily in the last couple of weeks. *tr

As i was driving home from work i started hearing a thumping sound from the right rear when i would hit a bump at first i thought maybe the back door wasn't closed all the way, so when i got home and parked my vehicle i checked the door and it was closed all the way. after i saw the door was closed all the way i decided to look at the right rear wheel since that is where the noise was coming from. when i looked into the right rear wheel well that is when i discovered that it had rusted out and i could see that the top shock mount is almost completely rusted away, so now i have to leave it sit until i can afford to have it repaired. after my discovery i went online and searched and i found out that this is a common problem with the 2005 ford escape. i would appreciate it if this matter was investigated and a recall is issued, since this is a major safety issue. *tr

Severe rust out of right rear wheel well, top of shock absorber mount rusted free from the car. appears to be a major safety issue that the rear suspension could come down onto the tire or loose control of the rear of car while driving. after checking online to see if anyone else may have a similar issue i find hundreds of same problems. we have maintained this car with service and cleaning above and beyond normal and this has happened. i feel this is a manufacture flaw and should be taken care of by ford motor company. *tr

The passenger rear wheel well has excessive rust which has caused the shock to come through the inside of the vehicle. i have researched this problem and it appears that others with the same model have had the same issue. i do have pictures. *tr

It started off as light rattling from the rear passenger side wheel area. as the week progressed, the rattling got louder and louder and occurred more frequently. at that point, my daughter was afraid to drive the vehicle. when we inspected the area where the noise came from, we noticed that the inside of the wheel well was thoroughly rusted out and we could see through it, into the interior of the car. also, the shock was no longer attached to the frame. the damage is so extensive that we are afraid to drive the vehicle to a repair shop. *tr

Driving along and a load bang sounded from right passenger rear. shock housing rusted through and shock broke loose. the banging sound is very load inside the vehicle and sounds as if the rear passenger area is just going to fall apart! it is rusted through and it shouldn't be if it was undercoated properly. ford should take responsibility and make the repairs! i carry my grandchildren in this vehicle and am not in a position to replace it! *tr

Driving to/from work, i started noticing a slight creaking noise coming from the rear passenger side of my 2005 ford escape. after a day or so, it became a loud thumping. upon inspection, i discovered the wheel well & shock mount were disintegrating and the shock was no longer connected to the vehicle. there are holes so large you can see into the trunk. after doing a little research, i learned this is a common problem yet ford has not issued a recall nor are they offering any kind of reimbursement for the repair. needless to say, this is very disappointing. this is my first - and most definitely last - ford. *tr

Rear passenger side inner wheel liner completely rusted out. upper end of shock no longer attached to body of vehicle. *js

Original owner of a garage kept, 2005 ford escape with 105k miles. i noticed a loud banging sound coming from the right rear wheel well which was very loud inside the car. i had the service tech replacing the tires on my other ford vehicle take a look and he said the wheel well was rusting away and the shock mount was falling away from the frame of the car. this is a serious and dangerous hazard which needs to be fixed asap. every service tech i show says they've never seen anything like it. the undercoating was sprayed directly on to the vehicle and no other method of protection in the wheel well was used by ford on this make/model. my vehicle was top of the line, loaded, when purchased. i'm concerned for the safety of my family and myself. ford needs to address this problem asap and take responsibility for the poor design. *tr

I have an 05 escape that has severe rust damage to the right rear wheel well. there is so much damage from the rust that the shocks are no longer attached and continually ram into the interior panels. all other wheel wells are in great condition. from what i have read this is an extremely common problem (so much so that there is a facebook group and a message board on ford forums) the models effected ford models 2004-2006. serious consideration should be put into recalling them. http://www.fordforums.com/f59/2005-escape-shock-mount-rusted-out-177762/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/2005-ford-escape-2004-2006/397923900236108. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a sudden banging noise was heard from the rear end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the rear wheel housing panel was perforated due to rust and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 165,000.

Noticed a rattling sound on the right rear of the vehicle. upon inspection, found most of the rear wheel well where the shock absorber mounts to be rusted, and parts of the metal actually gone. the top of the right rear shock is basically not attached to any structure, as the metal around the mount has completed rusted. could see the backside of the vehicle interior where the metal has rusted away. *tr

On 2/20/14 i was traveling 65 mph on state route 219 in boston, ny, when a loud banging noise suddenly began to occur in the rear of my vehicle. this noise scared me and forced me to pull over on the shoulder of the expressway to inspect the rear area of my vehicle (while traffic continued at 65 mph). i could not see anything at that time so i slowly and cautiously drove my vehicle home. upon further inspection, my husband found that the right rear(passenger) side rear shock had become totally detached from the completely rusted out inner wheel well and was protruding into the inside of my vehicle. excessive rust could be seen along with several holes that had once been part of the wheel well. my vehicle is unable to be driven and is too costly to fix. after doing some research, i found that i am not the only owner of 2005 ford escape with this issue. this needs to be a recall! fortunately, this defect did not cause a serious accident because this is an integral component of my vehicles suspension. this 'defect' needs to be rectified before someone dies or becomes seriously injured. *tr

I was driving and i heard this loud banging. i looked at my wheel well and it was all rusted out and my shock is coming up now through my rear panel. i have looked at all the wheel wells and the other are not rusted at all but this one is. it is unsafe to drive it now because when up to speed and you hit a bump the all rear end pulls sometimes almost into another lane. *tr

Noticed a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle while traveling on a rural road about 50 mph. when arrived at destination, noticed severe rust in wheel well near shock mount and through to storage compartment. online research indicates that this problem is common and that ford is aware of the problem but not doing anything for owners yet. *tr

I went to ford for service, and they found that the right rear shock tower where mounted to wheelhouse was rotted away. only rusted on right side. this is a very dangerous situation as if the part lets loose, the car body will sag and a crash will occur. i have taken to body shop and the cost is estimated to be $1500 or better. there are no re-calls on this safety issue, and calls to ford are answered "sorry there is nothing we can do". they seem to not give a care if people are injured and maimed from this flaw in manufacture. the body shop told me today that the wheelhouse part is on national backorder, and that there are 500+ orders waiting for these parts. ford notes that their supplier is waiting for parts to manufacture these replacement parts. my car is severe and can't be operated. i do not know what to do next. guess the first thing is finding someone who cares. i also think that this should be addressed before a serious crash occurs. i have been in law enforcement for 30+ years and would like to do something quick to save lives and injury. please advise if you can help. *tr

This is for a ford 2005 escape. the suv's passenger rear shock where attached to the wheel well is rusted. the wheel well is rusted out around the the area that the shock attaches to. in reading the ford forum, there are a lot of complaints on this year ford escape. i have also contacted ford on this and they do not see any issues. *tr

I have a 2005 ford escape that got a severe shock damage to the right rear wheel well. there is so much damage from the rust, inside the insulation, that the shocks are no longer attached to the frame and continually ram into the interior panels. i purchased this car new in 2005. all other wheel wells are in great condition as well as the car. this is a clear manufacturer problem. this is a major safety issue. if the shock would have came off while i was driving at 60mph and hit the road or something under the vehicle it could have caused a major accident and people could have been injured. there should be a recall issued for it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, a sudden banging noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. the contact discovered that the rear passenger's side wheel housing panel was rusted and caused the shock absorber to become detached from the vehicle. the contact indicated that the vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer but not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 77,000. uupdated 07/08/14 ma

This is a 2005 ford escape with the same problem reported by hundreds of other people on facebook, ford forums, this agencies own website etc. the rear right inner wheel well has totally disintegrated leaving the top of the shock absorber unconnected to anything. ford have not carried out a recall for this dangerous situation though apparently the parts involved were modified on newer vehicles to prevent this happening. the problem appears worse in northern states with bad winters where salty water becomes trapped inside the waterproofing sealant and the wheel well accelerating the rusting process. updated 04/16/14

The right passenger rear wheel well rusted out. noticed a thumping sound driving at 35mph. took everything out of the back and tested further. still noticed the sound at different speeds and road conditions. a few days later noticed the rear wheel rusted out and the shock had detached. stopped at liberty ford, brunswick, oh and they did not even examine it. service area said they have never heard of this. called ganley ford west cleveland, oh and they reported this is becoming a problem. referred me to their body shop. approx cost $1,200. called some other shops locally and was advised "trade it, not worth fixing, or $2,500." was able to get repaired for $435 after further research. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear passenger's side rear wheel well was severely rusted. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger's side wheel well would need to be replaced. the vehicle was scheduled for further inspection and repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Like many others, the rear passenger wheel well is rusted out so significantly that the strut mount is almost completely detached. this is very unsafe and difficult to detect until it's too late. it's obvious from speaking with body shops and ford reps that this is a well known issue. i can't reiterate enough that this is dangerous because of 1) the suspension can collapse onto the tire and 2) it's difficult to identify until the strut mount collapses. *tr

I was driving my 2005 ford escape and started hearing a loud banging noise from the rear passenger side of the car. after i found out what the problem was a few days later i haven't drove it since. the rear passenger side fender well/ wheel well was completely rusted away, the shock mount was not even connected to the wheel well. its unsafe to drive and there are hundreds of thousands of people who are having the same problem with the 04,05, and 06 escape. there is no recall on it yet and ford knows about the problem so i've read and are doing nothing about it. insurance will not cover this flaw from ford. *tr

Entire wheel well rusted out and disintegrated. section is gone and shock came through the interior. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, a loud noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who advised that the rear passenger side wheel was corroded. as a result, the housing and rear shocks were corroded and separated from the wheel. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 132,000.

While driving at moderate speed on residential roadway, a loud rattling sound was heard coming from the rear passenger wheel well and rear trunk area. after closer inspection of the wheel well it was observed that the portion of the vehicle where the rear passenger shock absorber was mounted to the vehicle had completely rusted through. rather than been designed to mount to the frame of the vehicle it appears that it was designed to attach to the sheet metal wheel well. due to the complete rust-through of the wheel well the rear passenger upper shock mount had become completely detached from the vehicle and anytime the vehicle went over the smallest bump or crack in the road, a loud banging would occur as the unattached shock would impact against the vehicle wheel well.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, a sudden banging noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. the contact discovered that the rear passenger's side wheel housing panel was rusted. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the rear wheel housing panel was perforated due to rust and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated the rear fender wheel well exhibited excessive rust. the contact took the vehicle to local mechanic, who stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the rear wheel not being secured and could become detached from the vehicle while driving. the failure mileage was 115,000.

The passenger side rear panel when the shock attaches to the under part has completely rushed away. we were told that there is over thousands of vehicle that have been affected. we took the vehicle to the ford collision shop and was told that they have not even started to do anything about this, he started that he has seen several vehicle come into the shop that are ford escape that the whole back under suspension has completely rushed out. *tr

I am here to write an incident about my my right rear suspension breaking away from the strut tower support bracket. it was all rusted out. the left side of the car is fine. i have seen quite a lot of these same problems on the internet. when we took our car in to the ford dealership they called it a catastrophic failure. car was unsafe too drive. we feel this is a safety concern for owners of this vehicle and, the public. *tr

I own a 2005 ford escape 87,00 miles, garage kept. i bought it new from the ford dealer. so i hear a loud banging noise and take it into a shop to get checked out. shop calls me in awe? he said that right side inter fender wheel well and shock tower has completely rusted away and is no longer connected to the vehicle?he also said you can see to the inside of the vehicle. he said in all his years, hes never seen anything like it. he said that a 1990 car should not have this damage. so i start to google and low and behold hundreds of complaints of the same thing. it seems to be a major issue with 2004, 2005 and some 2006 ford escape models and ford will not recall or make good on their poor craftsmanship. i contacted the dealer where i bought my vehicle and spoke to a repair manager who said he will call me back?so after a few hours (he googled himself), he calls and says tough luck?have a nice day. there are all kinds of pictures on the net that look like my car?.i took my own pictures but this is appalling and ford needs to be help accountable. this is a structure problem and very dangerous. i will probably have a hard time finding someone to even attempt to repair this as the don't want the liability (especially seeing i have 2 car seats in my vehicle.) *tr

I heard a sound in the rear which was like the metal touching. my boyfriend said it sounded like the shocks going. i took to the garage to have inspected and they refused to and showed me the inner wheel wells. they were rusted on both rear sides. the vehicle body was separated. i took it to an auto body repair shop and they can fix it but we can't find the repair parts. i put the numbers for the parts in the ford.com and apparently the numbers do not match what they have. this is disappointing to me, i do not have a job, do not have the money to purchase another vehicle, but i do have the resources to get it fixed. i also sent an e-mail to ford but haven't heard anything as of yet. thank you *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph over a road bump, a loud rattling noise was heard from the rear exterior passenger's side. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the contact noticed that the rear shock was completely detached and the brake line had ruptured. a certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the shock mount and wheel house assembly would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Loud banging sound from right rear wheel sounding like loose muffler upon further inspection i found the inner wheel well with the shock mount to be completely rusted away. trying to get it fixed and no one can put a price on the repair and most body shops are afraid to do it. called ford customer service about this very unsafe problem and they don't want nothing to do with it. *tr

After seeing post from friend that her right rear well on her 2005 ford escape was rusted through, it made me go look in the garage at my same vehicle. upon review i have a large hole into my spare tire tools box. there is significant rusting and cracks in and around the shock as well. left rear well does not seem to have same issue. *tr

Rear passenger side shock tower disconnected to frame. rusted out fenderwell. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the passenger's side rear shocks became detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger side wheel housing and shock mounts needed the be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 116,000. *tr

My wife and i were driving down the street and hit a bump and heard a very loud noise in the back right rear of the vehcile (rattled very loud). when we got home, i checked all inside the car, nothing was loose, i checked under the check thinking a shock absorber had broken and noticed the passenger side inner wheel well was completely broken through. the following week i took the care to a body shop and the man told me he had seen a lot of this problem on 2005 ford escapes where the shock absorber had been hitting on the wheel well until it finally burst through. he further stated that he had only seen it on the passenger side. he checked all the other wheel wells and they are fine.the entire wheel well would have to be replaced and with no guarantee of how long that will hold. he said to get it fixed as soon as possible. there is no rust on the vehicle and this is the only problem we have had with any body/suspension on the car that we have owned since 2006. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear shocks became detached from the vehicle. the contact was informed that the inner panel needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

The rear shock mount went through rusted wheel well and into trunk. *tr