NHTSA Complaint #11234341 — 2014 FORD ESCAPE

IN THE 2013-2014 ESCAPE, AWD, THERE IS A KNOWN FAILING PART AND THEY HAVE A SERVICE ADVISORY, SSM 46965, TO ADDRESS THIS BUT WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL. MANY HAVE FAILED, INCLUDING OURS, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THEY GET TO CHARGE US $800 TO REPAIR. THIS FAILING PART IS THE "VISCOUS COUPLER" OR CLUTCH IN THE RDU OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL. IT IS A 1.5 HOUR REPAIR JOB THAT THEY CHARGE 3 HOURS LABOR TO DO. WHEN IT FAILS, YOU GET VERY LOUD POPS AND GRINDING NOISES FROM THE REAR END WHEN TURNING TIGHT TURNS IN A PARKING LOT. IF NEGLECTED, IT WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL COMPLETELY. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2013 AND FORD CONTINUES TO MILK PROFITS OFF IT TO THIS DAY. I BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE RE-EMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS.