10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 114,691 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
While replacing the control arms on my 2003 Ford Escape XLT 4X4 I noticed on the passenger side there was alot of corrosion so much so the control arm is barely hanging on there is a flat bar running from drivers side to passenger side which has been rendered useless because the bolt that is used to hold it in place has nothing to bolt to this was supposed to fix the issue with corrosion well it hasn't its now gonna cost me god knows how much to fix I would like to know if this issue is still covered under, the recall
- Ashland, OH, USA
Recall #14S02 (NHTSA campaign # 14V165000) covered replacement of lower control arm & ballpoint for every nearby state, but not Virginia. Both lower control arms on my vehicle are corroded and in need of replacement, but there is no open recall for my VIN because 14S02 did not include Virginia. Driving vehicle with corroded control arms is deemed dangerous, but costs of replacing approach vehicle value.
- Alexandria, VA, USA
Ford Escapes from the 2001 through 2004 model years for corrosion of the front subframe. The subframe carries the engine, transmission, steering gear and the front suspension, brakes and wheels Ford says the corrosion can lead to separation of a control arm -- part of the suspension that holds the wheel and tire in the right place I was told that this part needs to be replaced on my car. It's corroded by a mechanic. Than I read the usa today 2014 article. I was never notified. I just took video and pictures of the part. On my cell phone I can submitt. According to this article Ford knew about this. What R my option to get the repair.
- Allen Park, MI, USA
The mechanic told me that the sub frame was broken and would be about $1000 to replace. I was driving down a dirt road, it was a little bumpy and the steering wheel stopped working due to the frame breaking. The 2003 Ford Escape has 124,000 miles on it. Luckily nobody was hurt, but I can't believe the frame of N SUV could break so easily.
- Battle Creek, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to an independent mechanic to be inspected, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the driver side rear wheel tubular frame. The mechanic informed him that the failure could cause the collapse of the driver side rear wheel. Prior to the discovery, the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000(structure). The contact spoke with germain Ford of columbus (7250 sawmill rd, columbus, oh 43235, (614) 356-9743) where he was informed that the dealer was not authorized to repair the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer who then referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 254,000.
- Columbus, OH, USA
My car had a recall #14S02 for a rusted subframe. Fords fix was to put a $20 piece of metal that they call a reinforcement brace. This reinforced brace has failed and the original problem has reoccurred. The original recall problem was that the car was almost impossible to steer and could cause serious accidents. Now Ford is telling my there is nothing they can do since they put the cheap reinforcement brace! now I have an undriveable vehicle that has the same problem as the original recall! I believe they should be responsible to fix the problem since what they did to fix the recall has literally failed again!
- Streamwood, IL, USA
The contact's mother owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact's mother received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure) the vehicle was repaired at hopkins Ford of elgin Inc. Located at (1045 E Chicago St, elgin, il 60120) however, the failure was experienced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle moved from left to right independently. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver and passenger's side control arms and the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
- Streamwood, IL, USA
Bearing are making noise
- Hialeah, FL, USA
Hello the car is making a noise like bearing when I drive more than 35 miles it going worse when you move a little bit the stearin weell and never end just when get less than 30 or 35 miles somtimes it doit less than 30 miles and everyday it going worse please can you doble check recall for from bearing I really appreciate
- Hialeah, FL, USA
Bearing have a wired noise on from of vehicle when I get 35 miles or more
- Hialeah, FL, USA
The left front control arm broke through the subframe, causing a very expensive repair. My father was driving it at the time. When he went to accelerate on a state hi way it pulled very hard to the left into oncoming traffic, nearly ending in a bad way. I subsequently test drove it and discovered the problem. I immediately checked for any recall information and found this specific information. My father had taken it to his local Ford dealership and they said it was ok as of 2014.I noticed only some models were included in the 2014 recall. The subframe in the left front is soft and rotted out, while the right front and the rear is in good condition. I contacted Ford directly and found no relief or even a satisfactory explanation why my father's vehicle was not included. I'm quite appalled with Ford Motor Company's lame explanation of how vehicle doesn't qualify for reimbursement. Without being overly dramatic, my father or I could have lost our lives to to this rare type of damage. This Escape has been well taken care of and is in good condition for a 2003 from the rust belt. I've owned dozens of vehicles, as has my whole family, we've never seen this type of problem and it's not subject to a recall. I am hoping others have complained as well in hopes of sparking an expanded recall. Thank you for your time. I included a couple of general pictures for now as the Escape is at a repair shop. 2003 XLT V6 3.0 with available full 4X4 capability. Approximately 165,000 miles. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
- Waukesha, WI, USA
I was driving my car out of my driveway and the steering wheel turned off center making it difficult to correctly steer the car. I took it to a mechanic and was told the sub frame rusted and cracked in half.
- Genoa, WI, USA
Front sub frame rusted out and split half way across pulls vehicle when driving 14S02 complaint
- Ossineke, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted, which created an abnormal rubbing sound when the vehicle was turned. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was taken to ricart Ford (4255 S hamilton rd, groveport, oh 43125, (614) 836-6260) where it was diagnosed that a new subframe and lower control arm were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 196,703.
- Circleville, OH, USA
Lower control arm separated from sub frame. High corrosion area. Separated at a speed of about 65 mph going over highway bridge. Right front tire tipped out and sent vehicle into a uncontrolled swerve to the left and right. Ford's recall 14S02 cross brace patch was installed but still almost caused a major crash. I don't believe the inspection by Ford was done properly when they installed the brace. If they had they would be replacing the sub-frame also.
- Andover, MN, USA
Control arms are in terrible condition. Passenger side control arm dislocated while I was driving on a city street due to corrosion and poor manufacturing. There was a recall for it on some Escapes during those years but since my VIN number isnt on their recall lists for it im not covered. Ford needs to be held responsible for it and do the right thing. How are only some of the Ford Escapes during those years covered for bad control arms? please help and hold Ford accountable.
- Conroe, TX, USA
The front sub frame is rusted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
- Bridgewater, MA, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 35 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle swayed back and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and, upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, noticed corrosion and separation of the lower control arm from the frame. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched online and found NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 153,207.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
My son was driving this vehicle when the front control arm snapped off from the front subframe! thankfully, he did not get killed or injured. The vehicle was towed to a local garage who informed me that Ford recall # 14S02 applies to this very condition. Upon calling Ford's customer assist line, I was completely shut down. I told the rep that I need a tow since the car was not drivable. She told me that Ford will not pay for a tow or any consequential damages. This makes no sense to me. Obviously, Ford has acknowledged a problem. I don't think it is fair for them to take no responsibility & leave the consumer footing the bill. Please look into this when you get a chance. Thank you.
- Monroe, NY, USA
- Chicago, IL, USA