I know also that I said that this problem with the wheel well just recently came up but has been going on for some time now. After putting on new shocks thinking that this would solve the issue, it didn't, and I kept hearing a dead noise whenever I would go over a bump.

I just recently had this issue fixed after viewing Ford's website for recalls but after finding one for this issue and taking my car or SUV to the dealership in Matteson, but only to find out they said there wasn't any recalls for that issue, lol.

The shop that I took the car to did a really good job and made my car feel as if I was driving a new car. I know that my car is over 10 years old but it is one of the best cars that I have had, and if the people that are responsible for fixing the cars as they were trained to do and do what they should do, then a lot of the issues would be taken care of and there wouldn't be any reflection on the company's rep.

Awful issue, but when you've got the right parts to fix it, it's not that bad. My mechanic told me they've done a few using the reinforcement bracket kit from BSS auto parts. I ordered mine from them online for under $100 and ended up installing it in less than an hour in my driveway, nothing hard. Nicely designed brackets that fit like a glove. No cutting, no welding.

I'm glad I found something like this. Otherwise because of how the rust is spreading on the body, it makes it impossible to weld in a new fender - that's what I've been told. Some people ended up paying hundreds and hundreds on an extensive welding job... they get a bad surprise when the guy starts to seek for healthy metal for welding and takes the whole day for the job... welding the fender is not the way to fix it. Instead bolt this bracket on the frame, it's cheaper on parts and labour, and truly solid. My two cents for what it's worth...

My story is the same as all the others, rusted rear passenger wheel wheel. Heard a loud scratching noise only to discover the strut shoved up in the seat. Loved this car and runs like a top. Loaded with options and well maintained and always in garage. Took to dealer and he said he had seen it before on the 2005 Escapes. He advised not trying to fix it, and handed me a card with Ford's number and advised me to call. I reported the problem in tears and a woman gave me a case number. Heard NOTHING BACK! What am I supposed to do with it now? No one wants it and I have been a loyal customer. Spent the last two days in a rental car shopping for a vehicle while mine sits in the garage. I am retired on a fixed income and this is outrageous. I had just had the oil changed and tires rotated. Why didn't the technician notice it? I am so disgusted with Ford. I will NEVER buy Ford again and will tell anyone and everyone what a sh*tty company they are. I am tempted to torch it in my driveway and when the news and emergency vehicles come I can give them my story about my Ford Escape and what I think of the company!

Just want to add my complaint to the other 100 plus complaints about the rear passenger side wheel well rusted completely through. Started to hear a loud banging noise in the back passenger side of the car when hitting the smallest bump. Took it into the dealer, who said it wasn't worth the cost to repair. Can't trade it in either cause it's only worth the cost of scrap metal. The wheel could fall off at any moment and it's not safe to drive. I'm shocked at how many people have the exact same issue but nothing has been done!

The whole right rear wheel well totally rusted away!! I bought the car 16 months ago from a single owner in August of 2014 with 100,000 miles on it for $6000. Within the next 1yr, It needed new brake lines, oil pan leak fixed, and new tires, OK $2000 later everything was fixed.

But then in Nov/Dec 2015, my son was driving home from Grand Rapids,Michigan to Detroit area about 2 1/2 hrs, and felt his back end shaking and bumping up and down. We took it to Kenny's Lakes auto shop in Walled Lake, Mich. He told us in good conscious he could not let us drive this car any more due to how unsafe it was. He showed me the strut was hitting up into the plastic molding in the trunk area and it was the only thing holding the wheel together, even that was melting away. I could not believe what I was seeing. I had no idea a car could disintegrate and deteriorate so badly.

Thank God my son did not die or roll his car at 80 miles a hour down the highway for 2 hrs, I was told the car is now scrap. unfix-able. I cannot find anyone who wants it. Ford needs to be accountable for such faulty products. How uncanny all of us are complaining of the exact same problem area.

Update from Jan 24, 2016: Jan 20th 2016, I found someone to fix the problem!! Remo Rossetti (313-283-1185) Custom welding and Auto Body repair, he says hes been fixing this exact same car/problem weekly for years... thank you Facebook friends for referring him to me. my car is like brand new again for 1/4 of the cost, well, no one would touch it anyway, not even a Ford dealership. Remo is a Honest, oldfashioned man who makes his living on referrals. I hope anyone in the southeast Michigan area with this problem give Remo a call. he is "the guy" to see!!

Began to hear a noise last week and through process of elimination, tightening anything that could be loose in the back end of my Escape, I discovered that I have such corrosion on the right rear wheel well that my shock is disconnected from everything but a slab of what used to be the wheel well. A mechanic looked at it and quickly said "that isn't right - look for a recall". (Incidentally, the left rear wheel well is in perfect condition.) I am shocked to learn that this is such a common problem and nothing is being done about it by Ford.

I am in the process of getting estimates from frame shops because it is unsafe to drive. I am also in the process of a letter writing campaign, although it looks like Ford has been pretty dismissive so far...any ideas?

My car is less than 10 years old, and barley has 100,000 miles on it. It had a rust protection package on it and yet now I have excessive rust in my passenger side wheel well. When I drive over bumps it sounds like the wheel is about to fall off. The stability of the vehicle is iffy at best. I spoke with Ford and they were no help (of course) and an independent repair shop said repairs would be probably over $2000. I'd need the entire well replaced. I am very disappointed with the longevity of my Escape (or should I say lack there of) considering I spent over $20,000 on it less than 10 years ago....Really?? Now I get why they say FORD means found on road dead! Next time I am shopping for a Toyota or Honda....