NHTSA Complaint #10648860 — 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

WHILE DRIVING - AT ANY SPEED - A RATTLING SOUND STARTED FROM THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. RATTLE GOT LOUDER OVER TIME AND BECAME A LOUD BANGING SOUND EVERY TIME WE HIT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH; THE ONLY THING HOLDING IN THE SHOCK ON THAT SIDE IS LIGHT PADDING / INSULATION. MECHANIC INDICATED CAR WAS NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING, AS WE COULD FACE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE FOUND A BODY SHOP WHO QUOTED US AT $1200 FOR THE REPAIR. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE SAME ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS FROM 2001-2004. WE WILL BE HOLDING ON TO ALL RECEIPTS, WITH THE HOPE THAT FORD WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL / REIMBURSEMENT. *TR