NHTSA Complaint #10585798 — 2005 FORD ESCAPE

I HAPPENED TO NOTICE RUST THROUGH WHILE CHECKING MY TIRES. IT IS LOCATED AT THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) REAR WHEELHOUSE PANEL WHERE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY ATTACHES TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE RUST HAS DISINTEGRATED IN THE AREA LEAVING A BARELY ATTACHED WHEEL ASSEMBLY WITH MASSIVE CRACKING AND HOLES IN THE METAL. IT IS THE ONLY AREA ON THE VEHICLE WITH RUST. I WAS TOLD IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND THAT I HAVE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING BEFORE IT WILL BREAK COMPLETELY, THUS DISABLING MY VEHICLE OR CAUSING IT TO CRASH WHILE BEING DRIVEN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT FURTHER, ESPECIALLY WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON IN THE VEHICLE. I AM DISTURBED WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS WONDERFUL SUV FROM A FINE COMPANY LIKE FORD AND THE ONLY THING STOPPING THEM FROM DRIVING IT IS A SINGLE PANEL WITH SUCH A SEVERE DEFECT. I AM FULLY PREPARED TO JOIN OR LEAD A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JS