NHTSA Complaint #11496813 — 2008 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the rear-end started swaying to the left and the right. The vehicle was bouncing while driving over potholes or imperfections on the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was also making a rattling sound while driving. The contact stated there was no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove to her destination and after stopping and inspecting the vehicle, she observed that there were large gaps inside the passenger’s side wheel well. The contact stated that the passenger’s side shock absorber had penetrated the trunk. Additionally, the front driver’s and passenger’s side control arms and subframe members were severely corroded. The contact observed that the frame was rusted on the driver’s and passenger’s side rear wheel wells. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the entire subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.