2003 FORD ESCAPE Structurebody Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF $2,000 TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND QUOTED REPAIRS COSTS AS HIGH AS $4,800. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE K FRAME WAS CORRODED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE K FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE POWER CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, AND THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,470.

MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE FORD RECALL # 14S02 AND A CROSS BRACE WAS INSTALLED. THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A SUBFRAME CORRODING AWAY IN SOME PARTS OF THE US INCLUDING MY REGION. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT FORD DID NOT CORRECTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR CROSS BRACE. THEY SIMPLY BOLTED A CROSS BRACE FROM ONE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE OTHER AND IT DOES NOTHING WHEN THE SUBFRAME ACTUALLY CORRODES AWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT A WEEK AGO WHEN MY FRAME THAT HAS THE CROSS BAR INSTALLED FINALLY GAVE WAY AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CROSS BRACE AND SUBFRAME THAT HAS CORRODED TO NOTHING. FORD HAS CLAIMED THAT SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND MAKE FORD ACTUALLY FIX THIS PROBLEM...

THE FRONT FRAME OF THE CAR HAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAS COME LOOSE AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. THERE IS A RECALL OF THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BUT I AM BEING TOLD MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL. THE CONTROL ARM DETACHED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I HAD THE DAMAGE ASSES BY A LOCAL MECHANINC, WHO INFORMED ME OF THE RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY COULD NOT BE DRIVEN PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD POP WAS HEARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OURISMAN FORD & LINCOLN OF ALEXANDRIA (6129 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303, (703) 660-9000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME LOOKED RUSTED AND LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRONDES FORD TOLEDO (5545 SECOR RD, TOLEDO, OH 43623) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER 20 MPH, THE WHEELS TURNED AT DIFFERENT ANGLES AND THE VEHICLE MADE A SCREECHING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO BRONDES FORD, BUT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER (WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE) DECLINED TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND, UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, NOTICED CORROSION AND SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,207.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE #CAS13006709 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FOLLOW UP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 17653427. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,907.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARK THOMAS FORD (LOCATED AT 3098 ELM RD EXT NE CORTLAND, OH 44410) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: CAS13677317. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,522.

MY FATHER TOOK MY ESCAPE TO HAVE THE BRAKES ASSESSED AND WHILE IT WAS UP ON THE LIFT, THE OWNER OF THE SERVICE STATION MADE MENTION TO THE EXCESSIVE, ABNORMAL RUST IN THE CHASSIS. HE STATED THAT THE CONDITION OF THE CHASSIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THAT THE SUPPORT ARM, THAT WAS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL #14V165000 AND 14S02, IS ATTACHED TO RUST AND NOT SUPPORTING ANYTHING TO MAKE THE TRUCK SAFE. I HAVE TRIED A NUMBER OF TIMES TO ASK FOR HELP FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY. THIS TRUCK WAS WELL CARED FOR AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE IN GREAT WORKING ORDER. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE RUST ISSUE, THE TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. UNDERTAKING A NEW CAR PAYMENT WOULD BE A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT I AM...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY NEAR THE CONTROL ARM, WAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT IT FAILED INSPECTION. ALSO, THE VEHICLE'S RPM MONITOR FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 0-5, FAILING TO CORRECTLY INDICATE AN INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REV UP WITHOUT THE CONTACT PURPOSELY CAUSING AN INCREASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,310. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

MY VEHICLE WAS SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON 4/14/2017 AND THE NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON MY DOOR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT TO AVOID THE FIRE FROM REACHING THE GAS TANK AND ALSO SPRAYING THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE TO TRY TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING THE SIDING ON FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW UP SO HE DROPPED THE HOSE AND RAN.WHEN THE FIRE DEPT GOT HERE IT HAD ALREADY BURNED MY VEHICLE ALL THE WAY UP AND MELTED THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE. THE FIRE CHIEF WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE OF THE WAY EVERYTHING WAS BURNED! NOTHING WAS LEFT BUT THE 2 REAR TIRES AND WHEELS AND THE 2 BACK TAIL LIGHT LENS. I HAD DROVE IT 2 1/2 HRS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED SO THE MOTOR WAS ALREADY COOLED OFF! I'VE CHECKED FOR...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY VEERED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S HOME WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACKED SUBFRAME DUE TO EXTREME CORROSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. UPON EXITING A PARKING AREA, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SUSPENSION VIBRATION NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SUBFRAME FRACTURED AND IMPACTED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT AND A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE FACT THAT THERE HAD BEEN PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNDERBODY, SUBFRAME, AND THE BAR THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN FOR THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) AND 15E045000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STARTED MAKING NOISE AND GOT WOBBLY. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOOK A DAY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE NOT SECURE IN THE SUB-FRAME AND MAY SEPARATE ANYTIME. THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS PER THE RECALL SAYING THAT THEY PUT A CROSS BRACE AND THE RECALL IS FIXED. THE CROSS BRACE THAT WAS PUT, IS A BAND-AID FIX AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE FAILURE OF THE DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAME. THE SUB-FRAME WILL FAIL EVEN AFTER INSTALLING THE CROSS BRACE THAT FORD SEEMS TO THINK WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL SEPARATE AND THE CROSS BRACE WILL NOT PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS CRACKED AND FORD HAD A RECALL IN PLACE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. INSTEAD, THEY PUT A CROSS-BAR ON THE CRACKED SUB FRAME BECAUSE THEY DETERMINED IT WAS "NOT BROKEN" ONLY "CRACKED". THE SUB FRAME HAD "RUSTED AND CORRODED" DUE TO FORD'S OWN ADMITTANCE OF "FAULTY PARTS". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND AGAIN THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THIS WAS A "BANDAID" THAT THEY PUT ON TO MAKE THEMSELVES FEEL BETTER ABOUT THE FACT THAT ANYONE OPERATING THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE TOTAL CONTROL. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER, WHO TOLD...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACTWAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

THE ASH GOLD PAINT IS BUBBLING ALL OVER THE OUTSIDE ROOF REAR DOOR SIDES (ALL OVER) THE CAR TO INCLUDE THE INTERIOR. THE ROOF HAS RUSTED AND FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING. I WENT TO TWO FORD DEALERS IN SAN DIEGO AND CALLED FORD DIRECT. THE PASSED ME OVER TO THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMIN HOTLINE THAT TOLD ME TO CALL FORD, THEY WILL HANDLE THE COMPLAINT. EVERYDAY MORE PAINT PEELS OFF.

0N APR 22, 2015 WHILE DRIVING FROM SHADY SPRING WV TO PRINCETON WV ON I-77 TO A DRS APPT, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEH WHEN VEERING OR TURNING RIGHT. I HAD TO WORK THAT DAY AFTER I RETURNED FROM THE DR AND HAD PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEH TO A MECHANIC AFTER I GOT OFF TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON PLUTO ROAD IN SHADY SPRING, I ROUNDED A CURVE TO THE RIGHT AT 20 MPH AND SOMETHING BROKE CAUSING THE VEH TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I HAD THE VEH TOWED TO A&R SERVICE CTR IN SHADY SPRING AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT AFTERNOON THAT THE SUB FRAME BROKE/ LOWER CV JOINT HAD CAME LOOSE AND THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION COVERING THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH OF THE VEH. I NOTIFIED KC...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ON THE FRAME AND WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FACED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A LOUD THUMPING SOUND CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME SEPERATED DUE TO SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATLY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE APPRUPTLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME FRACTURED NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER BUT, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING AND VIBRATIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE ATTACHMENT AREA AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

MY FORD ESCAPE HAD RECALL 14S02 COMPLETED, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO "FIX" THE RUSTING OUT SUB-FRAMES MADE OF INFERIOR METAL DUE TO SALT-BELT STATES SALTING OF ROADS, BY INSTALLING A FLIMSY BRACE ACROSS THE SUB-FRAME, BUT I'M HONESTLY NOT SURE WHAT IT DOES BESIDES PREVENT YOUR CAR FROM "COMPLETELY" LOSING CONTROL. FORD REFUSES TO TRULY FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT POSSES A SERIOUS RISK TO ME, MY FAMILY, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. IF THE SUB-FRAME DOES DETACH ON MY CAR, WHICH IT IS ONE NASTY POT-HOLE AWAY FROM DETACHING, THAN I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR WHEN THE CONTROL ARM BREAKS OFF THE SUB-FRAME AND I WILL BE IN A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. MY LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WARNED ME OF THE DANGER OF THIS PROBLEM JUST RECENTLY WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, BUT FORD DID NOT. FORD SIMPLY BRUSHED ME OFF AND DIDN'T EXPLAIN TO ME HOW DANGEROUS...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WERE ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONT TIRES LEANED INWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM, SWAY BAR, AND TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, WHILE REVERSING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND AXLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,470.

LAST YEAR I RETURNED MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE SUB FRAME RECALL. I HAD THE NEW SUPPORT INSTALLED. THIS YEAR WHEN I WENT FOR MY ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION I WAS TOLD TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS MY SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT IT COULD BREAK AT ANY TIME. WHY WAS THE SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL?

STEERING LOSE WITH LITTLE CONTROL. MECHANIC STATES A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN FRAME. MATCHES FORD RECALL 14S02. YET RECALL WAS PERFORMED JUNE 2014. SO SAFETY RECALL FAILED.

WENT TO GET CAR INSPECTED AND THE EXHAUST Y PIPE AND ENGINE CRADLE SUBFRAME HAS CORRISON. CALLED THE FORD RECALL AND FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A RECALL, BUT THERE WERE OTHER 2003 RECALLS FOR THE CONTROL ARMS AND CORRISON OF THE FRAME AND MEMBERS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF FORD VEHICLES BUT NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND SHOULD BE. VEHICLE HAS 100,078 MILES. THERE IS ALSO NOISE COME FROM AN AREA AROUND THE TIRES NOT SURE WHICH ONE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL FRACTURED AND DAMAGED THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTED THROUGH AND FORD DIDN'T INCLUDE MY VEHICLE IN THE RECALLS. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY HAVING A WIDER ISSUE WITH THIS CONTROL ARM SINCE RECALL NUMBER 14SO2 HAS AFFECTED MY ESCAPE AS WELL. THEY CLAIM THAT MY LOWER CONTROL ARM WASN'T PART OF THE FACTORIES THAT WAS LISTED SO THEY WON'T INCLUDE ME IN THE RECALL. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR A WHILE AND IF I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY ENTIRE WHEEL COULD HAVE DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE A HORRIBLE CRASH. THEY MUST INCLUDE ALL FORD ESCAPES FROM 2001 THROUGH 2004 AS LISTED IN THIS RECALL SINCE MY ESCAPE IS OBVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR OR AT LEAST NOTIFIED OF THE DANGER. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH CAR THEY DEEMED ACCEPTABLE FOR THE RECALL IF...

ON JUNE 9 2014, I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE FORD DEALER TO HAVE RECALL 14S02 PERFORMED. WE HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAD GOTTEN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT "THE CAR WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE" BECAUSE OF THE RUST SPOTS THAT HAD EATEN THROUGH THE ENGINE CRADLE. HE WARNED ME THAT IF THIS WENT UNREPAIRED, THE FRAME COULD COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE. HE REASSURED ME THAT HE WAS WORKING WITH FORD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CRADLE AS PART OF THE RECALL. HE TOOK PICTURES (TWICE) OF THE CAR AND SUBMITTED THEM AND A REQUEST TO FORD FOR THE REPAIR. ON JULY 13 2014, MORE THAN A MONTH LATER, THE SERVICE WRITER LET ME KNOW THAT FORD HAD REJECTED THE REPAIR CLAIM, SAYING THAT "THEY DIDN'T THINK THE RUST WAS SIGNIFICANT, IT WAS SURFACE RUST, AND THE CAR WAS ACTUALLY...

I HAVE ENTERED THE VIN CORRECTLY BUT YOUR SYSTEM DOESN'T RECOGNIZE IT. FIRST FLAT TIRE IN THE 10 YEARS I HAVE OWNED CAR PURCHASED NEW. JACK, JACK TOOLS AND TEMPORARY SPARE NEVER USED BEFORE.. FOLLOWING OWNER'S MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS, JACK DOES NOT RAISE VEHICLE HIGH ENOUGH TO REMOVE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHEEL AND SPECIFIED STANDARD-SIZE TIRE. ATTEMPTED FLAT REPAIR ON FLAT PAVED SURFACE. I HAVE 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING ON AUTOMOBILES.THIS FLAW COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO REPLACE A FLAT TIRE IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS (DARKNESS, WEATHER, DANGEROUS LOCATION,MEDICAL EMERGENCY). THE JACK WORKS MECHANICALLY AND LIFTED THE RIGHT REAR CORNER OF THE VEHICLE BUT LACKED 4 TO 6 INCHES OF LIFTING VEHICLE HIGH ENOUGH TO REMOVE WHEEL. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND NOT AN INCOMPETENT USER. JACK WAS POSITIONED AS SHOWN IN MANUAL. MY FIRST CAR WAS A 1931 MODEL A FORD AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHICH WERE BOTH DETERMINED TO BE CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

MY FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTING ABOVE THE BACK WHEELS I ALSO NOTICED THE SAME RUST ON SIMILAR MODELS AND YEARS OF THE ESCAPE IS THERE A RECALL THERE SHOULD BE. *TR

THE EXTERIOR PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LARGE PIECES. STARTING TO RUST. *TR

ON BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR JUST ABOVE THE TIRES THE PAINT HAS PEELED OFF AND HAS STARTED TO RUST. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAKAGE ON HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE HOSE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

PAINT OF FORD ESCAPE 2003 PEELING ON THE FRONT. THERE ARE TWO LARGE SPOTS ABOUT 1 SQUARE FOOT EACH. I HAVE CALLED FORD IN GREENVILLE, SC FEW TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO WITH TWO 3/8 OF AN INCH SIZE FLAKES. THE SUV HAS BEEN GARAGED AND HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE OF HOWEVER NOW THE PAINT IS FLAKING WITH SECTIONS AT A TIME. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE SEEN THE EXACT SAME MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AT ONE POINT I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER ANOTHER FORD ESCAPE ASSUMING IT WAS MY CAR BECAUSE OF THE SIMILARITY WITH THE PAINT. THERE ARE SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2003/CONSUMER-DISCUSSIONS.HTML MY CONCERN IS THAT FORD HAS FAILED TO REMEDIATE THIS ISSUE WITH ITS ACTIVE CUSTOMER BASE AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE NOTED AS GROSS NEGLIGENCE. *TR

PAINT DEFECTIVE ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE WITH GOLD ASH PAINT. PEELING AROUND BACK WINDOW AND 3 LARGE PATCHES, OVER 6" IN DIAMETER, ON ROOF. *TR

THE PAINT IS PEELING AROUND THE WHEEL WELLS AND HAS STARTED TO RUST; CAUSING POSSIBLE INSTABILITY TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2003 FORD ESCAPES. CAN SOMETHING BE DONE? THERE WERE SOME CLAIMS THAT FORD IMPROPERLY PREPARED THE ESCAPE FOR PAINTING. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

MY FORD ESCAPE IS A 2003 MODEL AND WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED USED IN 2007 BY US. WITHIN A YEAR THE PAINT ON THE ROOF AND REAR HATCH STARTED PEELING. TWO YEARS LATER, IT IS RUSTING WHERE THE PEEL IS GONE AND STILL CONTINUING TO PEEL. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OR INCLEMENT WEATHER THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND SEEN WHERE THIS IS COMMON IN FORDS MY VEHICLE'S AGE. *TR

PAINT IS PEELING FROM THE ROOF AND TWO SPOTS ON THE TAILGATE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT SLOAN FORD IN EXTON, PA WOULDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT. A REP FROM FORD ADVISED THAT A DEALER SHOULD LOOK AT IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT KENNEDY FORD COLLISION IN CONSHOHOCKEN PA WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRM THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. FORD DECLINED ASSISTANCE. THE FORD REP WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A DEFECT DESPITE ADVISING ME THAT FORD SERVICE MANAGERS HAVE SUPERIOR EXPERTISE IN EVALUATING FAILURES. *TR

2003 FORD LIMITED GOLD ESCAPE PAINT PEELING AND BUBBLING ON HATCH AND ABOVE FRONT WINDOW. FORD WILL DO NOTHING WHEN I CALLED SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PAINT ISSUE. *TR

1) THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE ARE UNKNOWN 2) 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS AN ISSUE WITH ITS EXTERIOR PAINT. THE PAINT IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE CAR AND THE EXPOSED METAL IS RUSTING. THIS RUSTING LEADS TO THE COMPROMISE OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CAR. THIS COMPROMISE CAN BE DETRIMENTAL IN CASE OF A COLLISION. A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED LOTS OF 2003 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. 3) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *TR

PAINT PEELING -- DELAMINATING -- FROM ROOF OF 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT, COLOR CODE C2. AREA IS ABOVE JUNCTION OF ROOF AND WINDSHIELD. BODY SHOP VERIFIED CONDITION A RESULT OF BAD PRIMER. FORD NOTIFIED AS WELL AS TWO OKLAHOMA CITY-AREA DEALERS -- OVERALL FORD AND BOB MOORE FORD. NO RESOLUTION FROM FORD AS OF YET. *TR