Problems with 2005 Ford Escape STRUCTURE

I was driving down the street when i noticed a banging noise coming from the rear of the car. when i parked the car and investigated i realized that the passenger side rear wheel well was rusted out. my shock is not longer attached to the car and every time i hit a bump it slams into the car. *tr

Had my 2005 ford escape in for service and mechanic stated that there is severe rust on undercarriage and rear wheel wells. mechanic stated that the car will not pass inspection because of this safety issue and that the rear shock mounts are rusting through. i contacted ford and they stated that only the 2001-2004 models are covered under the new recall and to keep my receipts for any work i have done to fix it. i am the original owner with no accidents and under 50,000 miles on the vehicle. i have researched this problem and have read hundreds of people with the same problem.. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while traveling approximately 30 mph, the rear passenger side shock fractured and punctured through a rusted hole into the rear interior of the vehicle. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the underbody was rusted, the rear shock was rusted on the rear passenger side, and a large hole near the rear wheel well was present. the contact removed the rear shock, but the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

The right rear wheel well has completely corroded, and the shock absorber upper mount has almost completely separated from the body, making the vehicle undrivable.. the left rear shock absorber mount looks like new...no sign of rust. looking online at ford forums, there are alot of people complaining of this very problem. furthermore, model years 2001-2004 ford escape were recalled for the very same problem. *tr

I began to hear a thumping sound from the passenger rear side like something was loose. it turns out that the wheel well is rusted through and the shock absorber is in danger of breaking loose which could cause further damage and make the vehicle difficult to control. *tr

The right rear wheel well is all rusted out and the mount for the shock is barely attached. this is suspect because no other wheel wells on the car have corrosion like this. *tr

Right rear wheel well has on my 2005 ford escape has rusted completely through. the shock absorber is banging against the inner interior molding when the vehicle goes over a bump. there are large holes in the passenger compartment and the shock absorber is about to separate entirely from the wheel well leaving the suspension on the right rear side of the vehicle compromised. the wheel well on the left rear of the vehicle is in tact. *tr

I have previously filed a complaint after taking the above car to a body shop when i noticed some rusting in the wheel well area. the body shop (x3) explained this was a known issue with ford (prior to the 2001-2004 recall). i contacted ford via e-mail, and filed a complaint here. the wheel wells in the rear of the vehicle were peeling, and i was told the shock mount would eventually punch through to the inside of my vehicle rendering the vehicle unsafe. this weekend, this exact thing happened. ford has never acknowledged my issue, and i noticed the complaints on differently online forums have increased significantly since i first noticed the issue. my vehicle is well-cared for with all appropriate maintenance completed. the body shops i went to did not want to fix my vehicle because they felt ford needed to acknowledge the problem. *tr

Excessive wheel well rust such that the shock mount has disconnected. *tr

A severe rattle started in the right rear wheel well of my 2005 ford escape hybrid. a body shop determined that the right rear wheel well had nearly completely disintegrated due to rust and that the shock mount was hanging by a thread. an internet search performed by the shop revealed that this is a common problem to this make and model manufactured in the years around 2005 and that it occurs only the in right rear wheel well. the left rear wheel well is intact and solid. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving over bumps in the road at various speeds, the contact could hear a hard knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear passenger side wheel well was rusted and corroded along with part of the subframe. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 135,000.

The right rear shock broke loose as a result of extreme rust in the right rear wheel well around the shock tower. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving approximately 65 mph, a loud snapping noise was coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the inner quarter panel and the passenger side wheel well were rusted and corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 137,000.

Right, rear wheel well is completely rusted out. shock has become detached. loud banging noise. shock poking through to the trunk. unsafe to drive. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that there was extensive rust on the rear wheel wells. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear wheel wells needed to be replaced and may potentially fracture due to the corrosion, which was affecting other components within the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

My wife was driving her 2005 ford escape and noticed a loud noise coming from the passenger side rear of the vehicle. the noise happened when she was hitting bumps in the road. upon inspection of the vehicle, i notice a hole rusted through the wheel well on the rear passenger side. i removed the interior panel to discover the wheel well completely rusted through around the shock mount. this is an extremely dangerous situation!. i thoroughly checked all of the other shocks on the vehicle. this area is the only one affected. *tr

Ford escape 2005 was up for inspection/emissions in pa. it was found to have excessive rust and corrosion to both rear wheel wells, needing full replacement prior to passing inspection. this is an issue that has been found repeatedly with 04-06 models. it is a safety hazard, as gone unnoticed, can cause the shocks to break through while driving. the expense of repair is estimated at over $1400. there is no current recall by ford, yet, they are noted to have implemented body changes to fix this issue on subsequent model escapes. an otherwise 'healthy' low mileage var could be deemed "totaled" due to such damage, yet no recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear wheel well rusted through and punctured the suspension. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the wheel well needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 135,000. updated 10/07/14*lj the consumer stated the shock absorber support tower broke free from the wheel well. updated 03/12/2015 *js

I was driving when very loud banging start in the rear trunk area. i thought it was a worn shock. it was much worse than that. the shock mount was completely rusted away from the body. there is a large hole in the trunk area where you can see the tire from inside. *tr

While driving our 2005 ford escape we heard loud banging noises coming from the right rear of the vehicle whenever we went over a bump. we inspected our escape and discovered the right rear fender well is severely rusted out. we were extremely upset to realize our son had been driving this car and could have suffered a severe injury due to this structural defect. we researched this and discovered many other ford escape owners have had this same experience. with no official recall, we are forced to research possible repair; however, even is we repair this vehicle, we are not sure we would put our son or ourselves behind the wheel again. *tr

Noticed a loud banging coming from passenger side rear wheel well. looked from outside and saw a large crack in the framework of wheel well. removed the interior panel and found the entire wheel well had rusted through and around the strut. strut is only held by lower section of metal but flexes enough going down the road that it bangs on the interior panel which is the only way i knew i had an issue. if i did not stop and look i may have been driving and the strut could have broke completely free which is a huge safety concern. *tr

While driving the 2005 escape a noise was starting to come from the right rear of the car. suddenly there was a loud clanking when ever a bump or even slight change in the road occurred. almost ran off the road it was so sudden. it sounded like something was coming through the back of the car. when i got to work i couldn't find anything, but it continued. finally i had someone look it over closely and they found that the right rear well was rusted out and the shock was not connected to anything on the car as there was nothing for it to connect to. took it to 2 different body shops to check on the repairs needed one quoted $3-$5,000 the other said at least $3,000. both said they had seen this exact same problem on this year vehicle several times in the past month! what is going on? the ford dealership acted like they didn't know anything about it. come on! something is up. very disappointed in ford. we have always had fords, all of our vehicles are fords and until recently we had not had any issues. now we are questioning our loyalty, big time. *tr

There started to be a banging noise in right rear area of vehicle. after inspection, i found that the right rear shock had separated its mount from the wheel well due to excessive rust. *tr

Complaint one: excessive rusted passenger side rear wheel well and strut mount, strut mount broke away. complaint two: rusted engine cradle caused passenger side front half shaft to separate from center of the car causing the to stop moving foreword and loss of steering. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the rear shock mounts detached from the vehicle and the frame was completely rusted on both sides. the contact was a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear frame rail and the fuel filler neck were completely rusted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear passenger side wheel well was corroded and caused the shocks to detach from the vehicle. the dealer confirmed that the shocks were detached. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I discovered that my rear passenger wheel well has completely rusted through. it is also rusting the frame of my ford escape. rust seems to be a common problem with the escape and there was a recall on the 01-04 models. not sure why 05 is being ignored. this is a very very dangerous situation. my shock does not appear to even be connected at this point. there is nothing that i did to cause this problem. i took pictures and can send them to the proper person. i took it to a body shop and they told me the car is very dangerous to drive. i really have no choice at this point. if something terrible was to happen then i guess my next step would be to talk to a lawyer. i hope that this matter is looked into on the 2005 ford escape and the proper recall is placed immediately. i am not sure what is causing the rust and corrosion issue on the escapes, but i can assure you that the 2005 models are just as damaged as the 2001-2004 models. i am very nervous to drive my car, but i also have to go to work to make a living and pay for the car. i hope this message gets to the right person and i hope immediate action is taken. a wreck, injury, or fatality can be prevented if something is done about this now. please contact me for pictures of my wheel well and rust on the car. i hope to hear from someone soon. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a loud clanking noise from the rear of the vehicle. the contact discovered that the rear passenger side wheel well was corroded and caused the shock absorber to separate from the vehicle. the vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic, but parts were not available to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl * the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving 55 mph, the rear of the vehicle began to shake. a local mechanic stated that the subframe was rusted and had detached from the fender. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

I drive a 2005 ford escape in a 'salt belt' state - new york. i was recently made aware per my former mechanic by right rear well / sub frame has completely corroded to where my shock tower hits the inside of my trunk. the replacement is over $1050. i know that the 2001-2004 ford escapes were recalled for this same reason. this is highly dangerous to myself and other drivers on the road. it is unacceptable for the 2005's to not be recalled. see link below: http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2014/ford-recalls-escape-rusted-subframe.shtml. *tr

The vehicle had excessive rust especially in the wheel wells. this rust was so excessive that it caused the shocks and struts to break away from the car body itself. multiple body shops and car dealers informed me that there was no way to repair the card since the rust damage was so severe there would be no way to correct the damage. *tr

I noticed a loud banging in the rear passenger side of the vehicle, and discovered that the inner wheel house was completely rusted out around the shock mount. it became undriveable and completely unsafe, and i was forced to repair the area. the ford certified replacement part cost me around $130, and the service to repair it cost around $880. approximately 3 months later the driver side started to make the same sounds, and was beginning to rust out the same as the other side. i also repaired this side, to a cost of $650, also using a ford certified part. now not even 2 months later, both certified replacement parts are beginning to split apart due to the force of the shock that is attached to this flimsy metal. the truck has become unsafe to drive, and i'm being forced to purchase a new vehicle. i've been reading around the internet, and this issue for extremely common on this year of the ford escape. i am astonished and disgusted that ford will not make it right on part of their customers. *tr

While driving my escape i heard a loud metal banging. upon further investigation the entire wheel well is rotted out on the back passenger side. it's so bad that the entire shock is no longer connected. this vehicle only has 75,000 miles on it and has no real rust problem besides this. i feel like this should be a huge recall. i had my two year old in the backseat when it happened. thankfully no accident was involved. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger wheel well and shocks steel metal corroded and fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 117,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, he heard an abnormal noise that came from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear fender well needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

While washing the vehicle i noticed that the right rear inner wheel well had a large hole rusted through. it appears that it will soon affect the shock mount and cause the shock to break loose from the vehicle at the top mount, which could prove quite dangerous. in researching the problem, it seems there are many complaints for the same issue. ford needs to issue a recall to remedy the problem. *tr

My 2005 ford escape has 112,000 miles on it. i have owned it since 2010 and purchased it from a ford dealership. while driving at approx.. 30mph down a city street i noticed a loud banging sound in the rear right passenger side every time i went over a bump. after arriving home i looked over the entire rear interior of the vehicle and found no reason for the sound. i checked the rear left wheel and it was fine. i then checked the rear right wheel and was shocked to see large sections of the wheel well were missing and there was extensive rusting to the point that i can see the underside of the tan interior of the vehicle. the rest of my vehicle is pretty much rust free, surprisingly since i live in michigan. the other 3 wheel wells show minimal evidence of rusting. apparently ford recalled the 2001-2004 escapes due to "excessive corrosion". my mechanic told me this is his 4th rear right wheel well repair on a 2005 ford escape in the past few months. this is so dangerous! if you experience this same issue please file a vehicle safety complaint. ford must recall this vehicle. *tr

While driving along i noticed a little rattle when i rode over bumps, assumed it was regular random noises from uneven asphalt. make it to the corner of my street and the rattle is annoying now. i pulled over to check it out didn't notice anything so i continue on home as soon as i pull in i hear a big clunk. get out and what is apparently my shock mount is lying on the ground. look under car near where its laying and the complete wheel well at the rear passenger side is rusted out so bad that the mount had nothing to hold to. i can completely see through to the inside of the hatch. with 3 kids, 2 under 6 yrs old i can not transport my kids safely and im stuck because i just bought car this feb,4 months ago and im still paying a car note. to expensive to fix when someone actually says they can fix it. checked online and you wouldn't believe how many people have this exact problem same side and all. this can not be a coincidence and ford had a recall for this very thing for years 2001-2004 so they are aware of the problem however they a certain amount of complaints before a recall can be issued. if you have this problem please file a complaint. *tr

found rust hole in inner fender on passenger side wheel..then heard noise such as door not shut.reinspected to see shock not attached as rust ate away the support.all escapes of this year have the same problem..ford should be held accountable for this and any damage that occurs.very dangerous. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made a clunking noise. after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side wheel well and struts were severely corroded and fractured. the manufacturer advised the contact that the failure could be corrected by replacing the rear panel. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 158,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the rear passenger wheel weld rusted through the frame. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 73,600.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. the contact discovered that the wheel well was rusted out. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shock mount was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 92,300.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that the undercarriage had extensive rust to the point of corrosion. the contact heard a loud rattling noise, which was coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the undercarriage needed to be replaced. the vehicle was replaced for another vehicle from the ford manufacturer. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

I had to replace the rear shocks on this vehicle. in doing so the auto repair fatality showed me that the entire center of the right rear wheel well was corroded away, leaving big hole. the garage told me that they had seen this on several of this mode (2001-2007) i talked to a couple of dealers that told me the same thing. one even told me that he thought it should be a recall. *tr

(case# [xxx]) (ford escape 2005 sub-frame defect) i wish to report an extremely unsafe condition that has occurred with my 2005 ford escape. the past several months, while driving the vehicle, i have noticed a loud metal-sounding banging noise whenever the car goes over even a slight bump/crack in the road. i have taken the vehicle into our local ford dealership twice to have the problem checked out. first time, ford replaced the links (?), which did not resolve the problem. the second time, i pointed out to service technician that the rear wheel well was rusted through. service technician removed interior covering to further inspect damage, and discovered the shock absorber was sticking up into the vehicle. service technician referred vehicle to their (ford dealership) body shop, who's technician informed me that the sub-frame is rusted out and would cost at least $6000 to repair. i declined their repair offer, and brought the vehicle home. upon further research (vehicle safety and recall websites), i was shocked to discover that many other owners of 2005 ford escapes are experiencing and reporting this same problem, and are frustrated and angry that a recall has not been issued by ford. these vehicles are only nine years old, are now totally worthless, and are extremely unsafe to drive. i have been forced to find alternative transportation, which is a major inconvenience and expense for me. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated the rear wheel well was rusted, exposing the electrical wiring of the vehicle. in addition, the entire frame underneath the vehicle was rusted and caused a rattling noise when the vehicle was driven at any speed. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that rear passenger side shock tower was rusted entirely, causing wiring damage. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 83,000.

i was driving on a city street when i started hearing loud banging noises from the rear of my escape whenever i went over any type of bump. once home, i looked around and discovered that the wheelhouse panel on the rear passenger side of my escape was severely rusted and deteriorating. there were several large holes in the metal. the wheelhouse panels around the other three wheels look fine with minimal to no signs of rust. i took my escape to a ford dealership and was told the damage would cost me $2,350 to have them fix it, but that they could not get to work on it for about 2 weeks. i checked around on the internet and found that other people were having the same problem with their 2004 - 2006 escapes. i called ford and was told that no recall is underway to fix what, to me, is a problem due to something that ford was doing wrong from 2004 to 2006, and that ford should step up to fix free of charge. i've taken my escape to several body shops to receive other estimates on the cost of the work. several of those body shop experts said that there is no way that a nine year old auto should have as much rust and deterioration as mine has, further strengthening my belief that this due to a screw up by ford. i've made arrangements with one of those body shops to have the work done this week for about $800, about a third less than ford wanted me to pay to fix their screw up. before this, i would have recommended a ford to anyone. in addition to my escape, i've also bought a ford explorer and a ford escort for myself as well as a 2003 ford escape for my daughter. but, if ford is the kind of company that will not take responsibility for its mistakes and will not take care of its customers, i will not buy another of their automobiles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a loud thumping noise was emitted from the rear of the vehicle. upon inspection, it was discovered that the passenger side of the sub frame was corroded and separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear sub frame, the rear body side member assembly and the interior rear quarter panel would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 42,247.

The front sub frame is rusting out, could break & cause vehicle to lose control. there is a recall to replace sub frame for 2001 thru 2004, my veh. manufacture date is 12/2004, i called the dealer & ford motor corp. they stated my car did not fall under the recall, i have the exact problem as the cars under the recall, they need to extend the year to cover there mistake. i ask ford motor customer relations for assistance they said there was none. *tr

Right rear wheel well completely rusted through, undermining strut support. all other wheel wells have minimal to normal rust with rust proofing material still in place. body of vehicle has no rust at all and is in excellent condition. vehicle has always been garaged and washed regularly. *tr