NHTSA Complaint #10586048 — 2005 FORD ESCAPE

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN A RURAL ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND HIT A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION AFTER THE INCIDENT, MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE REAR STRUT MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BECOME DETACHED. THERE WAS SOME RUST PRESENT IN THAT WHEEL WELL AROUND THE STRUT HOUSING. THE SUPPORTING METAL CRACKED THE ENTIRE WAY AROUND THE STRUT HOUSING, DETACHING IT FROM THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. THE OPPOSITE WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION WITH THE FACTORY UNDERCOATING STILL IN TACT. THERE IS NO UNDERCOATING PRESENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE SAME AREA. WE WERE TOLD BY A MECHANIC AND AUTO BODY SPECIALIST THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IS ONLY COSMETICALLY REPAIRABLE, NOT STRUCTURALLY REPAIRABLE. *TR