Problems with 2002 Ford Escape STRUCTURE

While opening the rear liftgate window, both left and right hinges broke leaving the window hanging. analyzing where the break occurred (which was the same place on each hinge), this could have happened even if there was no attempt to open the lift gate window. the screw inside of the car holding the hinge to the window was rusted, apparently due to the parts not making a water tight seal on the window. if this had happened while driving, the window could have possibly broken completely off and caused damage to vehicles and/or persons that were following. the liftgate window hinge part # is 420a68. *tr

The subframe was so badly rusted that the control arm separated from the subframe. i found several complaints of the same thing happening to other people with ford escapes. and it always seems to happen at the right front passenger area. this is a very dangerous flaw, and one that could cause serious injury or death if the failure happens at high speed. i think the ford ranger frames were recalled for a similar rusting issue, perhaps the two are related. thank you for your time and prompt attention. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact was driving approximately 45 mph and heard an abnormal noise outside of the vehicle. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the sub frame was completely rusted and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. updated 5/7/13 *cn updated 05/28/2013 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle made a clunking noise. after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the frame was completely corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileage was 93,000.

Was approaching a stop sign and the tire fell sideways. called for a tow truck and the garage called and said the subframe was so badly rusted that the control arm separated from the subframe. i find this hard to believe that a vehicle with such little mileage could rust so bad. ford should seriously look into this issue because if your traveling @ a high speed and the control arm separates you can have a major accident and cause injuries or even death. *tr

While driving through a parking lot my 2002 ford escape suddenly made a clunking sound then suddenly stopped. i could not steer the car to the side or move it forward or backward. i exited the car and looked at the drivers side tire and it seemed fine . i then went over to the passenger side and saw that my wheel was completely turned in the opposite direction. i figured that i probably broke a tie rod. i called aaa to have the auto towed to a local service station. when the tow driver arrived he took a look at my escape and said that my subframe was rusted so bad that it had separated in two. by doing that my wheel axle had completely separated from the transmission. his opinion was that if i was driving on a highway and this had happened it probably would have caused a major auto collision and maybe even causing my escape to roll over. this to me seems to be a very dangerous flaw in the design and construction of the subframe and i am very fortunate this did not happen on the highway. it could have caused major damage and even death to innocent people. *tr

While driving along a highway in virginia, i heard. (and felt) a loud noise from the rear of the car. i thought i hit a pothole. i continued driving toward florida, stopping in a motel in south carolina. the next morning, while re-packing the car, i noticed the gas tank had fallen and was partly sitting on the rear axle. *tr

Driving 15mph down home street and heard a clunk. put in reverse to get back to driveway and right front wheel was sideways and dragging. after calling local garage was informed it was the subframe that holds the control arm that was rusted through. able to maneuver car onto front lawn where it still sits. *tr

1 - rear latch is not working properly. when it is cool outside, the latch will not open the back door. 2 - window latch has rusted causing the rear window to detach from the hinge. not that i am bidder, but at 37k miles, the transmission blew.... i discussed this issue with both ford and my dealership ([xxx]). both companies stated they could not help me and that it was on me to pay to correct. i explained that this was due to a lack of using proper supplies. they could not have cared less. i am hoping you can have them look into this because i would really hate to be involved in a car accident cannot use the rear as an exit.... information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while parked, the rear lift gate hinge fractured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the contact stated the hinge part number was the same part number for the hinge being recalled under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v442000 structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments. the dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in that recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

My car had a loud squeak and creak while driving that continually got louder over the past week... i took it to my mechanic and he discovered the sub frame assembly on the front passenger side has completely rotted away. this attaches to the control arm, and ford has no recall. he is a certified mechanic and says this part should never have rotted. he advised to check with ford for recall, however ford denies any recall with this part.. so no action from ford about a rotted frame! vehicle is now unable to be driven due to safety concerns of control arm becoming unattached. *tr

Lower control arm ripped off under cradle & ripped passenger side drive shaft off the transmission - the wheel fell off the car. it appears under cradle rusted from inside. i shudder at the thought of that happening when my wife was on the freeway, instead of coming to a stop. this vehicle was always kept in the garage. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the front passenger side wheel well and the sub frame had rusted out. the contact was informed by their mechanic that the vehicle was not safe to drive. the vehicle had not been inspected by the dealer. the failure and current mileages were 160,000. updated 05/23/12

The passenger side door became stuck in the lock potion and you can no longer open that door at all. you can't unlock the ether. the door does not open from inside, or outside of the vehicle. *tr

Metal straps holding up the gas tank rusted and broke on july 28, 2011 while filling the gas tank. had to have it towed to dealership where they replaced the two metal straps on august 1, 2011. on august 2, 2011 a recall was issued for the same problem on similar ford vehicles that were manufactured during the same year. dealership confirmed it was the same problem that was cited in the recall and stated that i was very lucky that i was not driving the vehicle at the time this occurred. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph the lower control arm detached from the vehicle and the front passenger side wheel pointed sideways, causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the failure was due to corrosion. as a result, the front subframe assembly and the lower control arms needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance because the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 78,000. updated 11/22/11*lj updated 03/13/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear window hinge for the tail gate detached from the vehicle while the tail gate was ajar. the glass window struck the contact in the head but the contact was not injured. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the hinge and they stated that there were no recalls for the failure. the contact stated that the rear window could have caused serious injuries. the failure mileage was 93,000.

Peeling paint on roof, hutch and around the driver side rear door. *tr

Approximately a year ago, feb. 2011, i noticed the truck lift gate and window was not working properly. i thought maybe because of the snow and cold weather it was frozen. the next few weeks it worked on and off. then after a month or so it stopped working at all. i searched to see if there was a recall on this part and there was one, i called ford but they said my vin was not on their list of recalls for that problem so i was out of luck and one year later it still does not work. i cannot open or close the rear lift door or the window above it. two mechanics looked at the problem and said only ford can replace the part. the panels on the door must be removed to get to the mechanism. the part costs about $15.00 but labor costs will be around $400.00 i researched this defect and found that many people have had the same problem with this model and year. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that the front passenger door, rear hatchback, and driver's side rear door were rusted and unable to be opened. the dealer stated that the doors needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 153,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, she heard a metal noise. when she opened the passenger front door, it fell on her foot. she was able to put the door back in place. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the front passenger door pin had been installed upside down. the dealer replaced the door pin and hinge assembly. the current and failure mileages were 114,083. updated 02/17/11*lj updated 12/06/2011 *ln

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance where the dealer located severe corrosion at the vehicle under-body, muffler and differential system. the manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty therefore they would not assist with the repair. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 76,000. updated 01/06/11. *lj updated 02/07/11

The straps which hold up the gas tank on my 2002 ford escape are rusted and have snapped in half due to severe corrosion. the front strap is just hanging there. ford said there is no recall. *tr

In january of 2010 i opened the back hatch on my 2002 ford escape and when i shut the door the glass shattered. then 3 months later i was driving down the road and the back passenger door glass shattered. my dog was in the back and luckily he was ok but if there had been a child in the seat they would have been severely injured. glass should not just shatter like this. since the incidents i have replaced both windows and paid for it out of pocket.

Escape was hit on front left bumper by another vehicle, causing escape to exit highway and crashing into and sliding down a concrete overpass pillar; damaging the front bumper, light, and complete left side of escape. the airbag did not deploy! *tr

Rear fenders rusting through, paint bubbling badly. *tr

Paint peeling on left side of my ford escape 2003. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. the contact is disabled and was stranded in her vehicle for over two hours. the vehicle doors do not have key holes. the fire department had to remove the rear door panel in order to free the contact from the vehicle. the contact stated that she was unaware that the vehicle did not have key holes when it was purchased. the doors only operated by remote. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the contact would receive a call back from the dealer. the door panel has been repaired. the dealer information was unknown. the current mileage was 22,074 and failure mileage was 22,064. updated 4/8/08 *cn the consumer stated frank is paralyzed. the consumer stated there is a great concern for no keyhole on the vehicle. updated 04/08/08 *tr

Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle's passenger side door did not open from both sides. the dealership determined that the door panel needed to removed to locate the problem but had not inspected the vehicle for repair.

While driving about 45 mph, the vehicle shut down without warning. engine check light appeared on the dashboard. *ak the cause was due to defective engine controls. other problems are as followed: both rear door's body weatherstrips had come loose and were warped and the left rear quarter panel window. *scc *jb

The windshield leaked water when it rained. the dealer stated that the windshield was separating from the molding, and it's not a safety defect it was normal. *ak while driving water would get inside the vehicle. *sc *jb

Dt: the contact stated while unlocking the driver's side door the tailgate locked. the contact had previous problems with the door locks, and they have been repaired. but the tailgate has not been repaired. the contact contacted the service dealer, but they wanted to charge him for repairs. he has not contacted the manufacturer.*ak

While driving a piece of metal that was in the road pierced through the bottom vehicle's floorboard and rug, cutting consumer on the leg. consumer stated dealer replaced floorboard and rug. please provide any further information.*ak

Consumer stated that white gelatinous material was leaking from multiple areas of vehicles locks and crevices onto the interior upholstery of vehicle, dealer stated that lubricant was applied to the various internal locking mechanisms and that the excess was settling by leaking out of crevices and seams, dealer wiped off excess lubricant. *tt