This 2011 Ford Escape has a front K-frame (subframe) failure. The area where the front passenger lower control connects to the k-frame has completely rusted through, causing the lower control arm to almost detach from the vehicle at the front bushing. While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became crooked and the car was taken to a shop for an alignment. Upon inspection it was learned that the K-frame has rusted in that one area so badly that the wheel could become detached if the vehicle is driven any further. I see that Ford has this exact issue with 2001-2004 models and did a recall. However, they are not indicating that they are addressing this same problem with newer models.

- Clear Spring, MD, USA

I took my vehicle to Chenango Ford to have its NYS Inspection done. After a few minutes the representative at the Ford dealership came out to tell me that the Front Subframe had a rusted hole (Rusted Out) and it would cost me $4800 to repair the vehicle. I was able to drive the vehicle home and have filed a complaint with Ford Motor Company the representative I spoke with is Case Number: [XXX] Patricia Johnson Phone Number: (866)631-3788 Extension: 79606 At this time I am left with a well maintained vehicle that is no longer usable due to safety issues caused by I believe faulty engineering and vehicle design. As a Disabled person on a limited income I now have lost a major means of transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Whitney Point, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel locked, causing the vehicle to drive straightforwardly towards oncoming traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and reversed. The contact stated that a road construction worker placed traffic cones around the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer for the part and was informed that the part was not available. The contact followed up with the dealer, who informed her that the part had been discontinued. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was being towed to the independent mechanic, the front driver's side lower control arm fractured due to severely rusted bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

- Rochester, NY, USA

The power steering went out on us several times, but this last time, I was almost in a accident. Also, it has a rubbing/ grinding sound in the front with a shimmy and no matter what, it won't quit.

- Akron, OH, USA

Front sub frame rusting through that could potentially result in the control arms breaking away from the sub frame and the driver losing control of the vehicle. No incident has occurred from this, but could if not inspected and found. This was found by an independent service center. No warning lamps

- Marshfield, WI, USA

Sub frame rotting out, lower control arms. Know issue with A/C leaking onto frame cause extreme rust. This can/will cause loss of control when driving. Purchased used and was not made aware of the issue and unknown history.

- Bellmawr, NJ, USA

Subframe rusted only on passenger side front where the weld is to hold/ support the passenger front wheel. It snapped and wheel was completely free/ had no control over it and causing the front axle to snap.

- Auburn, ME, USA

I found a piece of rusted metal on my garage floor. After having both my mechanic and the man who did earlier body work on this vehicle it was found that the shock tower is rusted. To the extent that the driver's side back wheel is leaning into the fuel line. Making my Escape unsafe to drive. There are many Youtube videos that discuss this problem. So, this is not an isolated case. This is a safety concern that should lead Ford to recall and repair the Escape that this affects.

- Bensenville, IL, USA

The engine cradle mount that holds the lower control arm failed because of severe rot but only one mount is rotted, very localized. Have picture of failed piece. The broken mount cause the passenger side front tire to move independently from the drive side wheel and makes it have hard to steer straight. Called dealer and it-??s a very well known problem, you guys did a recall with early models and all ford did was put a brace in and didn-??t address the extreme rot in the engine cable. Has not been inspected by anyone but picture shows the issue, problem exist on passenger side only

- Sun Prairie, WI, USA

That's not normal that's recall rust necessary

- Easton, PA, USA

The contact's significant other owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the front passenger-??s side subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed him to no longer drive the vehicle due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

- Auburn, NY, USA

When I entered elementary street in Lousville CO, to pick up my three grandchildren, the steering got so hard that I couldn't maneuver between so many cars, I couldn't turn, I was very scared if children started to come out, I got to the parking and parking badly, I called for help, to pick up children, and a man said turn it on again, it will work, my brother took the car to my house, and according to him it worked, I was so scared, that I will not drive it anymore, until I fix it, mechanic said the electric power steering should be changed, in the Ford, they gave a budget for a spare part, I am inquiring about "Recalls" and it says my car has zero, but there is one on # 14S05 and I want to know why this does not apply to me car, can you please help me?

- Dacono, CO, USA

1.) Front suspension cradle system causing the steering wheel to cocked to one side is what failed and pictures have been uploaded for inspection. 2.) This could have been a lot worst had this happened going down the freeway as my wife and I travel a lot. 3.) Not that I am aware of 4.) No it was only inspected by the Brown Motors Dealership 5.) There were no warning lamps before the incident happened.

- Cheboygan , MI, USA

Our escape failed Pennsylvania state inspection due to the front subframe (engine cradle) rusting and cracking at the attachment points with the control arms. Our mechanic invited us to come into his garage and inspect the problem. Upon our personal inspection to the problem we noticed holes, cracks and bending at and near these joints. Our mechanic told us that this problem is a common occurance on the Ford escapes. This item was the first thing he checked in the inspection process. My wife had new tires put on in April. also new control arms were put on to get it lined up at another shop, so apparently they were bad at that time. I checked with one Ford dealer and they said there was no recall for this issue. My wife contacted the Ford dealer where we bought the vehicle and found out the part (subframe) was on back order for weeks. Also both Ford dealers appear to farm out this type of repairs to body shops. After reviewing this issue on line and to find a path forward for repairs I started to find out the extent of the issue with the Ford Escape front frame problems. I did see where a fix to the frame for earlier Escapes was approved for ford to just put a bar from one side of the frame to the other and we-??re drilling and attaching to corroded material that should not have been allowed. I feel Ford should be held accountable for the proper repairs to our vehicle as well as the many others and not just try to cover up the fact that this is a major defect in the escapes. The major damage is to the right side frame area of our vehicle but the left side is breaking apart also. The left axil to transmission seal is leaking most likely due to the right side frame bending. We were fortunate in that we did find this before the wheel fell off and someone didn-??t get hurt or worse. This repair will most likely be expensive. The part involved is a major structural part to the vehicle. The Frame that holds it together!

- Ohiopyle, PA, USA

I have a 2011 Ford eacape.... we lost power steering 2-3 years ago in my car while driving on twisty hilly roads in ithica, NY on way to get our 3 young grandchildren and thank god it was my husband driving because I probably would have been in a serious accident... tons of cars recalled... same make, same model, same year and made at same plant in Kansas!!!!! but Ford never recalled mu VIN#..... we were stranded there and lost time from work!!!! we took it to 3 Ford dealers with no help!!! wanting almost $2,400!!!!! lost time from work getting it fixed which took over 3weeks and finally our mechanic found the part!!!! power steering column!!!! how with 1,000S of complaints is mine not covered!!!! it's the steering column!!!! it's not like it's a muffler!!!! now after paying to get it fixed !!!! I have since given this to my 18 year old daughter for her senior year and she lost power steering almost sending her into head on traffic!!!!! my daughter almost got killed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and yes we were told its the god [xxx] steering column again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what do I have to so to go after Ford for this serious issue!!!!!! they make billions and billions of dollars selling faulty, dangerous cars!!!!!!! and are allowed over and over and over again to get away with it!!!!!! they know full well that there is a serious issue and should have recalled all of the 2011 Escapes to get that part fixed!!!!!! all!!!! when are you or somebody going to put a stop to this [xxx]!!!!!!!!! almost exactly 3 years to the day of when this happened before!!!! now I have to wait again to find a part, pay tons of money again!!! and thank god my daughter didn't get hurt!!!!! parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Elba, NY, USA

I hit a bump in the road and wheel on passenger side of vehicle when up into wheel well. Almost hit oncoming traffic when I lost all steering. I took it to the Ford dealership via tow truck and was told that the front subframe was completely rotten at 87,000 miles driver side is not far from breaking I was told repairs would cost as much as the vehicle is worth

- Mooresville, IN, USA

While doing the last several services on my Escape, I've noticed the front cradle/crossmember severely rusted, but not rusted through. On this last service, (10/22/19) I noticed two spots rusted through, very similar to the recall on the previous body Escapes.

- Zanesfield, OH, USA

Loud rattling noise coming from the front suspension. Believed to be struts, sway bar, or sway bar links. Only happens while in motion on all types of terrain.

- Fort Riley, KS, USA

Suspensions on back wheels makes a tapping sound and affects the springs of the balance of the SUV, causing the tires to to wear out or down inconsistently. Possibly causing tires or steering wheel to cause accident.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

Very often as I'm driving the power steering will go out making it very dangerous to turn the wheel will just jerk away.. also the fuel tank has always been an issue. Now I am unable to pump gas without gas leaking out. The wheels and tires always go flat I'm thinking something to do under truck

- Orlando, FL, USA