NHTSA Complaint #10504519 — 2005 FORD ESCAPE

THERE WAS BANGING IN THE RIGHT REAR. THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OFF THE INNER FENDER . THE INNER FENDER HAS SEVERE RUST AND PART OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. THE INNER FENDER HAD TO BE REPLACED. A PORTION OF THE FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. A NEW SHOCK WAS NEEDED. THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF THE CAR HAD TO BE REPAIRED FROM THE SHOCK HITTING INTO IT. ALL IN ALL $1,373.55 IN REPAIR. I HAVE PICTURES. I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD AND WE HAVE SALT ON THE ROAD IN WINTER. I ALSO CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO EXPLAINED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR SUCH AN INCEDENT. AFTER LOOKING ON LINE I FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY NORMAL USE. THE AFFECTED PARTS MUST NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TREATED OR COATED OR SEALED OR SOMETHING. *TR