Problems with 2004 Ford Escape STRUCTURE

Well, my ford escape 2004 ltd edition had issues slowing down. i had used the cruise control intermittently and noticed that the vehicle continued as if cruise control was on even after i braked hard and cancelled the cruise control. i shut the vehicle off and tried turning it back on. when it started back up, the vehicle revved to 5,000 rpm in under 5 seconds. i did this twice with the same effect. i brought it in to my ford dealership. they said there was no recall (although now i see them all over the internet). i got a call back after this whole ordeal that the right rear wheel well had completely rusted through and that the shock was not attached to anything. this seems to be a common trend with these vehicles, but there are no recalls. my dealership is bringing it to an auto body shop today. i am expecting a $3,000 repair now. *tr

The right rear fender well has rusted out around the shock mount causing the shock mount to separate from the body of the vehicle. *tr

Passenger rear wheel well has completely rusted out and shock and mount have rusted off of frame. *tr

When driving home on 12/30/14, i heard a loud rattle coming from the right rear of the vehicle. i looked in the rear passenger wheel well and noticed that there was a lot of rust. i did not drive it again until i took it to my mechanic to have it inspected on 1/6/15. he informed me that the wheel well was rusted and the strut could break loose. he also informed me that he had never seen a vehicle do this. i was also informed that it is a safety issue and i should not drive the vehicle until it is fixed. he also checked to see if anyone in the area would be able to fix it since he is not equipped to do so. no luck with that. after seeing how many people are having this same issue with their ford escape, i would expect that the ford company would do the right thing, take responsibility for the defect and make it right. i am prepared to follow through to have this matter taken care of, even if i have to take it to lansing and washington. *tr

The right rear wheel housing was totally corroded away. after researching online found many with the same problem. the other three wheel housings were in good condition without rust. i took suv to woltz & wind ford in heidelburg, pa where they told me that their supply of this part was used up and ford was not making any at that time. the rear housings support the rear shocks and "could have" caused a severe accident. it took 3 1/2 months before part was replaced. of course ford down plays the severity of the problem and i was given a total run-a-round by the dealership and with fords customer service. i am 78 years old widow who dreads to think what "could have" happened. please do not wait until someone gets kills to make this a priority. you may speak to myself or my son-in-law [xxx] who has been helping with this mess. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. daughter took me for a ride and i sat in the rear of the vehicle to try and find the source of the rattling. checked the storage compartment for the spare, all other parts and could not determine the source. the next day the noise was much more pronounced. took it to a body shop and they immediately found the source of the problem, that being a totally rusted out shock/strut tower. the body shop manager said he has seen this on multiple escapes. he refused to quote the job as he did not want to be liable in case it did not work out. *tr

Tl* the contacts owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was advised that there was a hole above the passenger's side rear body panel and as a result, the rear passenger's side structure of the unibody needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 112,000.

I hit a bump and the back of my vehicle started making a banging noise afterward any time i went over the slightest bump. i took it to the garage and the mechanic wouldn't even touch it. the rear shock mount plate is rusted out and he said the wheel well is breaking right off the frame. there is nothing left around it - the metal was only held together by undercoating in some places. he said it was pushing down on the brake line, too. i have seen several incidents with this make/model/year and the 2005 as well. this needs to be addressed before someone gets killed. my children were in that vehicle! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she heard an abnormal noise and upon further investigation, she found that the rear wheel well suffered from severe corrosion. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 150,000.

Noticed a loud noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. after arriving home i checked the muffler area thinking it was loose which it was not. i then checked inside of the passenger side rear wheel well and found that the shock that was attached to the frame of the vehicle had totally rusted out leaving a huge hole in the frame. the hole now leaves the vehicle unstable and exposed to all elements of the weather. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the sub frame was completely rusted and had become detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire front sub frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 40,000. updated 11/19/13*lj updated 11/29/2013 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the sub frame was completely rusted and had become detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 143,000.

The right front wheel began pulling to the right. upon inspection we found the sub-frame under the right front was rusted and was sagging. i was advised not to drive the vehicle because the frame could collapse and control of the vehicle would be lost. upon further inspection it was noticed that only frame rusted out where the air conditioner was dripping condensation. the dealer said it was the road salt used in winter. if that was the case why wasn't the whole sub-frame rotted and not just the section where the air conditioner was dripping? i don't think a 10 year old vehicle should have the frame disintegrate like this. *jb

I was driving home from the store and started hearing a loud banging noise coming from the rear of the truck. upon investigation i discovered what i believe to be a major safety concern in my 2004 ford escape. the rear passenger side wheel well over the shock tower completely rusted out and separated over the shock. i have been told and seen that this seems to be a common problem with my vehicle and other years of escapes. after speaking with an independent body shop in my area they informed me this was a common problem they have seen several times before. but when i contacted 3 local ford dealers they all claimed to have never seen it before. and wanted to charge me a hundred dollars just to look at it. i am told the vehicle is undriveable in this condition. and that in most cases can not be repaired. after doing much research online i found hundreds of other people with the same exact problem. i have also contacted ford and am awaiting a response. i would like to see a recall made on this as i can see this being a major problem that could have caused an accident. and is going to be a very expensive repair job if it is even repairable. i have photos but am not sure how to attach them. *tr

The right rear wheel well that supports the shock tower has completely rust out,this is common in the 2004-2006 escapes. *tr

The right rear inner wheel housing has almost completely rusted away causing the right rear shock absorber to break away from its top mounting and cause severe vehicle bouncing and swaying while driving making it almost impossible to drive the vehicle.many other escape owners i have spoken to are having the same problem and an internet search of this problem confirms my findings. *tr

The shock mount on the rear passenger wheel is loose because the metal supporting it is rusting away. whenever a bump is hit there is a loud noise and sharp jolt. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that upon inspection, she was advised that the sub frame was completely covered with rust and had become detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire rear sub frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate current and failure mileage was 180,000.

Son came home from college. banging noise noticed when sister riding with him coming from right rear of vehicle. upon inspection at oil change garage it was noticed that right rear shock mount had completely corroded and broken off from the wheel well sheet metal. vehicle not drivable in that condition as wheel could possibly break off or at the least poor handling of vehicle. online search came up with similar complaints for 2003/2004/2005 escapes. called ford but no recall has been issued so owners out of luck for very expensive fix. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and advised that they could not provide any assistance to the contact. the failure mileage was 98,000.

Excessive corrosion in rear wheel wells, straps holding gas tank and underside of running boards. both running boards completely fell off, the straps holding the tank had to be replaced because the tank was in danger of falling off. this car is in a covered garage 90% of the time. *tr

July 26,2014 in october 2013, i could not get my car inspected ( ford escape 2004 ) because the sub frame in the front was so badly rusted the steering rods was falling off and would not pass inspection. this was before the recall notice. 14502/nhtsa recall 14v-165, so i had a new subframe installed. reference # 10547199. [xxx] at clarion ford would do nothing because there was no recall at the time. i have sent all the information, and cost, to ford in june 2014 and have not heard nothing from ford. is there anything that you could do that would have ford contact me? thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact was trying to open the trunk by engaging the key alarm but the trunk would not open. the trunk also could not be opened manually. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that they needed to replace the trunk latch. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacture was not contacted. the failure mileage was 40,100 and the current mileage was 43,000. . updated 07/27/12 *bf the consumer stated that dealer wanted to charger 24,500 to repair the motor and 125.00 to evaluate. the consumer feels this is too expensive. updated 08/02/2012 *js

When taking my escape in for an oil change, the mechanics pointed out to me that the rear passenger shock mount was almost completely rusted out. i took it for an estimate that day and could not immediately afford the repairs. within a few days the shock had completely broken through the mount and into the passenger compartment with only normal roadway driving. only the rear passenger wheel well has this problem. online research with other escape owners shows this is a common problem that ford knows about and even acknowledges as a manufacturing defect but will not cover. *tr

Lift gate glass hinge bolt corroded and fell apart leaving rear glass hanging. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that the tailgate door would not open . the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power door lift was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 208,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear passenger side wheel well accumulated water abnormally. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer located corrosion in the passenger side rear wheel well that caused the suspension and bolts to corrode. the driver side wheel well was also showing signs of corrosion. the manufacturer denied assistance with the repair, stating that the warranty was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact was driving 70 mph when he heard a loud noise in the rear of the vehicle as it started swaying abnormally. the passenger side rear fender well was corroded around the strut mount and the strut had come through. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 125,000.

For over a year i have been hearing a rattling sound but thought nothing of it, figured a screw was loose in the panelling causing a vibration. i have taken it to a ford service center numerous times complaining of noise, they said they would balance the tires and check the brakes, but never said anything about wheel well rusting through. the rear passenger side wheel well is rusted completely through and the strut is loose due to the rust damage that is continuing to grow. i have recently been investigating the entire vehicle trying to locate the source of the sound, i finally figured it out and decided to take it to auto body shop on 5/22/2012 at 11:33 am and they were stunned to see the inside of the wheel well on the passenger side. the appraiser came out and took pictures and looked at it. after looking it over he turned to me and asked me how old the vehicle is, i said it is a 2004. he said, "i have never seen this happen before." he came to the conclusion that it must be a factory defect. he said when ford was putting the coating on the inside of the wheel well, they must not have coated it enough and moisture got inside causing it to rust. he went back inside and one of the guys from the shop happened to be inside, so he came and looked at it and said he has never seen that happen before either and he has been doing body work for 25 years! he also said it is possibly becoming a safety issue, because the strut is coming loose, due to the rusting out from around the strut. this movement of the strut could potentially cause problems with handling, especially when turning around corners. he grabbed the strut and it shook easily by hand. i have noticed the car pulls to the left whenever i hit a bump in the road, at first i thought it was wind pulling me, but it is happening more often. i called ford, but they said waranty ran out, cant help you. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *tt

Air bag light is continually on for many years - feel a safety issue i haven't received a recall notice on the airbags no crash rear inner fender wells rust through on 2004 ford escape models according to dealership- manufacturer issue - would like replaced - safety issue my entire family owns ford vehicles. my father retired from ford, canton, ohio we have always been proud to be ford owners. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. the contact stated that the gap underneath the vehicle where the tow hook is located is damaged. he is attempting to trade in the vehicle and got it inspected. the inspector discovered the damage and stated that the tow hole hook is too large for the vehicle. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 84,000 and failure mileage was 83,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. while driving at 30 mph, the contact heard a noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. in addition, the contact stated that the air bag and seat belts warning lights illuminated and the front driver side seat belt failed to retract. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the rear passenger inner fender well corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the seat belt pretensioner connectors needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 28,000.

While driving home from having a few drinks with my friends, a deer ran out in front of me and although i slammed on the brakes, i couldn't stop quick enough to avoid hitting the deer and smashing in the grill of my new car. when the state patrol arrived, they gave me a ticket for speeding and after i told them that i was not speeding when i hit the deer, (i had gotten the speed down to about 60mph at impact) they then wanted me to take a alcohol impaired test which i naturally declined because i wasn't impaired. i only had just a few drinks and maybe some beer & wine at dinner and maybe 2 drinks before i left to go home. they then proceeded to arrest me like a common crook and took me to jail, where i had to spend the night. anyways, my insurance company refuses to fix my new car and now the car company refuses to fix it also. this car is a piece of junk. if it had been made good, it wouldn't have sustained all that damage from hitting a lousy deer. while trying to fix the damage myself, my friend [xxx] put some gas on the grill and lit it to soften up the plastic junk they made the grill out of, so we could bend it back together and j.b. weld it. well, [xxx] got some of the hot melted plastic on him and it burned like [xxx] and he jumped up and knocked over the jar with gas in it and the whole place went up in flames. my car not only burned, but my garage went up in smoke too. now the insurance company is telling me that they won't pay the claim for the garage or the car cause it looks like arson for profit. how in the [xxx] can i profit from losing my car and garage. [xxx] pissed, and has threatened to sue me cause he got burned and thinks he should get some of the insurance money i thought i was going to get since he's the one that started the fire. shouldn't i be suing him? anyway, if the [xxx] car had been made good, i wouldn't be in this fix. now i haven't got anything to drive and no place to park it if i did. this really sucks. ...

Vehicle brought into repair shop and found that the engine cradle and was rotted considerably. a recall notice on this problem was sent to the customer and customer took into bright ford, inc for the recall. repair was done several months later and returned to customer may 16, 2004. three months later we again have this vehicle in the shop and upon inspection the lower control arm bracket rotted off of the cradle and caused the lower control arm to be only mounted by the rear bolt. this car is considered a hazard to drive due to the right front tire movement not being controlled by steering. brighton ford on their invoice #19744, found the front sub frmae rusting through on right hand side. sent quote for new sub-frame and were denied and they were told to put this cross brace on the vehicle. this repair is not in line with the repairs that were needed. the vehicle cannot be driven at this time and brighton ford says it is your responsibility to determine repair. this was not a safe repair and knowingly told customer that it was repaired. *tr