Rear subframe broke above the axle near the differential. Symptoms are grinding noise during left turns as traction control and ABS systems activate. Ford dealer estimates cost of $3=$8,000 to replace the rear subframe. ## VIN passed ## Ford Escape hybrid AWD 2006 ##

- North Potomac, MD, USA

The right rear shock and bracket that attaches it to the car is rusting and has broken off causing a very dangerous situation. This occurred without warning and presents an extremely hazardous situation.

- Hudson, OH, USA

The right rear fender well of my vehicle is broken and cracked where the shock mounts at the top. Therefore, the shock is basically attached to nothing more than some broken pieces of the fender well. The spring is the only thing giving the vehicle any support on the right rear tire and it makes an abdominal noise when going over the slightest bump. Ford has refused to replace the part and upon further research, has told many other owners of this model escape the same thing. I understand that rust happens, but this is quite clearly a manufacturer's defect.

- Spring Lake, NC, USA

Right rear shock absorber mounting has gotten weak and started to flex. The wheel well above it has lost the integrity of its plastic coating and has caused it to rust out enormously. Shock mount and wheel well need to be replace. From doing some searching online this is a major problem for the 04-06 escape and can lead to a failure of the mounting and make the vehicle unsafe to drive.

- West Burlington, IA, USA

Right rear wheel well completely rusted out and collapsed, exposing shock. Shock is broken. You can see through wheel well via the jack compartment. Unsafe to drive. Rough estimates are $3000-4000, replacing wheel well, shock, and right rear quarterpanel. Left wheel well intact and good.

- Terrace Park, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal grinding noise from the rear passenger's wheel. In addition, the contact noticed corrosion around the wheel and suspension of the rear passenger wheel. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

- Algonquin, IL, USA

We have a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid - and just this morning, upon hearing an odd rattle coming from the right rear when dropping off my daughter at the local veterinary hospital, I inspected the right rear wheel housing and discovered, to my shock, that under the factory black inner fender undercoating, which was hanging off, the upper shock mount was almost completely perforated with rust, to the point that I could feel a flow of cold air from the A/C exiting the cabin through the perforations. I called ganley Ford as soon as they opened, but the body shop won't be open until Monday. This is my wife's primary car, and with what I've discovered, I'm reluctant to have her, or anyone, drive it until the problem's addressed - and the extent of the corrosion is astonishing. With a 400++ pound battery located between the left and right upper shock mounts, and with the extent of the corrosion I just found, I'm equally concerned for the left rear upper shock mount and body pan integrity, as well as for the hybrid system and battery pack. Please help me to get into immediate contact with the proper Ford zone representative to get a look at this issue and decide where to go from here - this is a premium hybrid SUV that I thoroughly researched before selecting to purchase, and now I'm afraid to even move it from my parking deck at the office. This car, and other escapes suffering from this same issue, are accidents waiting to happen. A simple web search shows that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of escapes suffering the same issues. This is a critical safety issue and I would ask sincerely that NHTSA investigate and act quickly. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Akron, OH, USA