2002 Ford Escape Body & Structure Problems

Your vehicle's subframe—a key structural component—was found to be severely corroded. Although it was repaired under a safety recall, the repair didn't fully resolve the problem. You may notice continued structural issues or concerns with how the vehicle handles.

FRAME RUSTED OUT. FORD HAS TAKEN OVER 2 WEEKS TO ATTEMPT TO FIX. I'M HAVING TO RELY ON FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR A RIDE. NO COMMUNICATION WITHIN DEALER AND CUSTOMER

RUSTED SUBFRAME- WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SO RUSTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PLACED ON A LIFT. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE WORST HE HAD EVER SEEN AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRIAN BEMIS FORD (1380 DEKALB AVE, SYCAMORE, IL 60178, (815) 895-4584) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THEY REFUSED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CONTACT DUE TO THE DANGEROUS CONDITION OF THE RUSTED FRAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT CHARGE THE CONTACT A STORAGE FEE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2018. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *TT*JB

MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER FORD RECALL 14S02. SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WHILE DRIVING ENDANGERING MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. ILLINOIS, "SALT STATE". CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR EXHAUST REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND THE LOWER PART OF THE ENGINE FRAME WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED SUBURBAN FORD OF STERLING HEIGHTS AT (586) 268-7500 (40333 VAN DYKE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED MANUALLY, IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, TO AN UNKNOWN PLACE OF BUSINESS. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A SQUEALING AND CRACKING NOISE. THE WHEEL BEARING AND STRUTS WERE FAULTY ON THE VEHICLE AS STATED BY THE CONTACT. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN ADDITION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME BECOMING SEVERELY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

DRIVING ON A 45 MI/HR ROAD I HIT A MINOR BUMP (APPROX 1" RAISED ROAD ACROSS ALL LANES) DUE TO POOR ROAD MAINTENANCE. AFTER HITTING THIS BUMP THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE EVERY TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL FULLY LEFT OR RIGHT. I COULD ALSO FEEL THIS IN MY FEET UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I WAS CONCERNED AND HAD PLANS TO DRIVE IT TO THE AUTO SHOP LATER THAT DAY. WHEN TURNING LEFT OUT OF A PARKING LOT IN TOWN, HEADING TO THE SHOP, I NOTICED WHEN I WENT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE WHEEL THE STEERING WHEEL WAS A COMPLETE 90 DEGREES OFF FROM NORMAL ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT. IT DID NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE AND I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE AUTO SHOP. AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND TO BE A ROTTED OUT AND CRACKED SUB FRAME. FORD DID A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PART IN 2014 DUE TO MAJOR CORROSION ISSUES WITH THE 2001-2004 MODELS. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE RECALL, HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE PART THEY DECIDED IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO DRILL A HOLE IN THE CORRODED PART AND INSTALL A BRACKET ACROSS THE WHOLE SUB FRAME. I DON'T SEE HOW WEAKENING A CORRODED PART WITH A HOLE BEING DRILLED IN IT IS ANY SOLUTION. I AM NOT ALONE THINKING THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT FORD IS COMPLETELY IGNORING. IF THE SUB FRAME HAD FAILED WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF EXITING THE PARKING LOT I COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS THE SUB FRAME HOLDS THE WHEEL AND STEERING MECHANISM TOGETHER. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES SERIOUSLY AS THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER.

SUB FRAME CRACKED, CORROSION. FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX THE SUB FRAME INSTEAD THEY ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL 14S02 WHICH DOES NOT REPLACE THE DAMAGE PART. ALMOST HAD ACCIDENT WITH CHILD ON BOARD, CAR WENT SIDE WAYS, STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. HOW CAN FORD BE ALLOWED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BUT IT DOESN'T FIX THE BAD PART. RECALL 14S02 ONLY INSTALLS A METAL BAR SO THE WHEEL DOESN'T COME OFF. ONCE SUBFRAME IS ALREADY BROKEN FORD DOESN'T DO THE REPAIR. PEOPLE LIFE MATTER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD SOMETHING FRACTURE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CROSS-BRACE WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT REPAIR FOR THE CONTROL ARM CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE NEW CONTROL ARMS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE CONTROL ARMS COULD BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 184,000. UPDATED 10/13/16*LJ *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD FAILED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND IS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE PAST SINCE I NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET OR YOUR NHTSA WEBSITE. THE FORD DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ALSO MENTIONED TO ME THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE PAST BY FORD. SERVICE FEE IS $500 IF THE REPAIRMAN IS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT BREAKING IT AS SOMETIMES IT DOES BREAK CAUSING AN EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB FOR A JAMMED LOCKING MECHANISM THAT SHOULD EASILY BE WORKING PROPERLY. GOD FORBID I AM INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY WIFE, OTHER FRONT PASSENGER OR MYSELF IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AS ANY PASSENGER THAT WANTS TO SIT IN THE FRONT HAS TO LEAP THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR TO SIT IN THE FRONT. MY WIFE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 130,000 MILES. ALL CAR DOORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO WORK WITHOUT JAMMING AS THIS OBVIOUSLY POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY NHTSA HAS NEVER BOTHERED TO ESCALATE THIS PROBLEM TO A RECALL IS BEYOND ME WHEN THERE ARE OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WITH THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM? PLEASE ADVICE, THANKS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CROSS BAR REINFORCEMENT WAS INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,946.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A STRANGE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/2 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERBODY FRAMING AND THE CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INSTALLED A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT; HOWEVER, THE FRAME AND THE CROSS MEMBER WERE RUSTED AND NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

RECEIVED NOTICE IN MAIL MY FORD WAS RECALLED DUE TO CORROSION RELATED SEPARATION OF FORWARD ATTACHMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM SUBFRAME. THIS WAS FIX WITH JUST REINFORCED CROSSBAR...AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC JUST RECENTLY CHECK MY VEH DUE TO STEERING AND FRONT END ISSUE I HAVE BEEN HAVING AND DISCOVERED THE AREA WHERE THE CROSSBAR HOLD ON TO IS RUSTED OFF..I CAN NOT DRIVE VEHICLE...THIS RUST THEY TELL ME WAS/OR WOULD HAVE BEEN NOTICE OF TIME CROSS BAR WAS INSTALL AND SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME THAT MORE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. PERHAPS CORRECT/REPLACE THE WHOLE THING...I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT FORDS REQUEST,,,THE DEALERSHIP DENIED DUE TO RECALL FIXED ACCORDING TO FORD. HAD I BEEN AWARE IF THIS RUST ISSUE AT TIME OF REPAIR I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DEAL WITH IT AND NOT BE AT RISK DRIVING ALL THESE PAST MONTHS.... *TR

2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND LARGE CRACK IN THE ENGINE CRADLE/ SUBFRAME. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WENT TO THE LEFT APPROXIMATELY 15 DEGREES WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. THE SENT IN RECALL NOTICE # 14V165000. ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS-BRACE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) BUT THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME AND THE CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

VINYL DOOR PANEL OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PEALED OFF. *TR

TOOK MY ESCAPE IN TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR OF SAFETY RECALL 14V-165. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME AND ENGINE CRADLE WAS MORE EXTENSIVE THAN WHAT THE RECALL HAS EVER DEALT WITH AND THAT THE INSTALLATION OF JUST THE REINFORCEMENT CROSSBRACE ON THE SUBFRAME WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY "BANDAID" IT. THE CORROSION IS SO BAD THE PART IS GOING TO BREAK UNDER ANY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CAN THEREFORE CAUSE A CRASH. SO NOW I HAVE CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO DISPUTE THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED PROPERLY BUT THEY DENIED MY CLAIM AND I AM THEREFORE STILL WITHOUT A VEHICLE TO DRIVE BECAUSE MINE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

PEELING PAINT ON ROOF, HUTCH AND AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. *TR

I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT RECALL NOTICE 14S02/NHTSA RECALL 14V-165. I HAVE CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND GONE IN TO THE SERVICE CENTER ABOUT THIS RECALL. THE DATE ON MY LETTER WAS MAY 2014. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THIS FIXED AND AM JUST BLOWN OFF BY THE DEALERSHIP. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO GET THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, REAR HATCHBACK, AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WERE RUSTED AND UNABLE TO BE OPENED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

WHILE DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY IN VIRGINIA, I HEARD. (AND FELT) A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I THOUGHT I HIT A POTHOLE. I CONTINUED DRIVING TOWARD FLORIDA, STOPPING IN A MOTEL IN SOUTH CAROLINA. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE RE-PACKING THE CAR, I NOTICED THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN AND WAS PARTLY SITTING ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO AN INTERNET SEARCH. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND MY CAR WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION UNLESS IT IS FIXED. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR (I WAS QUOTED $700). *TR

ON NOV 26 I WAS DRIVING TO MY WORK AT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DISTANCE I KEPT FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW ME STOPPING ADEQUATELY. SUDDENLY, I NOTICED THAT TRAFFIC WAS APPROACHING TO A RED LIGHT SO I TAP ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES WERE NOT REDUCING THE SPEED SO IMMEDIATELY I STAMPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO LET THE CAR STOP WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY, I LOOKED TO REALIZE THAT I COULD NOT CHANGE LANES. AT THIS POINT I WAS LEFT WITH NO TIME TO GEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION OR TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. CONSEQUENTLY, MY FORD ESCAPE WAS FORCED TO STOP BY CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PRODUCING A DOMINO EFFECT INVOLVING A THIRD VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. FORTUNATELY, NO PERSONAL INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM THE OTHER TWO DRIVERS WHOSE CARS WERE INVOLVED.. I DID SUFFERED SLIGHT NECK PAIN AND AFTER VISITING THE HOSPITAL I DID NOT HAD MAJOR INJURIES OR NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT SO FAR. IN REGARDS TO PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGES, THE TWO CARS IN FRONT OF MINE, HAD MINIMAL DAMAGES BUT, MINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED TO THE POINT IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. ALL CLAIMS WERE REPORTED AND TAKEN CARE BY GEICO, MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ALSO A TRAFFIC CRASH CAR REPORT WAS FILED. I RECEIVED A DRIVING TRAFFIC CITATION FROM THE POLICE, WHICH I PLAN TO ESCALATE TO THE COURTHOUSE, AFTER KNOWING THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED RESULTED FROM MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS REPORTED BY FORD UNDER RECALLS 11S24 AND 12 S37. * PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WRITING IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES AND TO ALERT ANY OTHER DRIVERS TO PERFORM ON-TIME MAINTENANCE CHECK-UPS TO PREVENT SIMILAR OR WORST SCENARIOS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,604.

THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT BROKE WHILE OPENING THE REAR WINDOW. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY GRAB THE REAR WINDOW BEFORE IT COULD BREAK. I WOULD NOTE THAT THE FALLING REAR WINDSHIELD CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR AND/OR BYSTANDER AND COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURIES THAT COULD INCLUDE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, AND POSSIBLY CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND. I TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER (FRIENDLY FORD OF MONROE, MI) TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED. I MENTIONED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME EXACT DEFECT AND HE TOLD ME TO SAVE MY RECEIPT IN CASE MY VEHICLE IS RECALLED IN THE FUTURE. THE REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE COST $236.00 AT THE DEALER. I NOTED THAT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE OWNERS THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 955,732 VEHICLES, SPECIFICALLY 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND/OR HINGES. I'M SURE THESE HINGES WERE ALSO USED ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES. BEFORE BUYING THE ABOVE LISTED FORD ESCAPE, I TEST DROVE SEVERAL OTHER ESCAPES. ON ONE OF THE ESCAPES THAT I TEST DROVE, I OPENED UP THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AND NOTICED THAT ONE HINGE WAS BROKEN AND THAT THE GLASS WAS HANGING FROM JUST ONE HINGE. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD HIM THAT I WOULD NOT BE BUYING THIS VEHICLE. MY NIECE ALSO OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE AND HER HINGE BECAME RUSTED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEE "NHTSA RECALL" 04V442000 FOR DETAILS. *TR

WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW HANGING. ANALYZING WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED (WHICH WAS THE SAME PLACE ON EACH HINGE), THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED EVEN IF THERE WAS NO ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE SCREW INSIDE OF THE CAR HOLDING THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW WAS RUSTED, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE PARTS NOT MAKING A WATER TIGHT SEAL ON THE WINDOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDOW COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND/OR PERSONS THAT WERE FOLLOWING. THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE PART # IS 420A68. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGE PART NUMBER WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE HINGE BEING RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME STUCK IN THE LOCK POTION AND YOU CAN NO LONGER OPEN THAT DOOR AT ALL. YOU CAN'T UNLOCK THE ETHER. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE, OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THEIR MECHANIC THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000. UPDATED 05/23/12

APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO, FEB. 2011, I NOTICED THE TRUCK LIFT GATE AND WINDOW WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I THOUGHT MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE SNOW AND COLD WEATHER IT WAS FROZEN. THE NEXT FEW WEEKS IT WORKED ON AND OFF. THEN AFTER A MONTH OR SO IT STOPPED WORKING AT ALL. I SEARCHED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART AND THERE WAS ONE, I CALLED FORD BUT THEY SAID MY VIN WAS NOT ON THEIR LIST OF RECALLS FOR THAT PROBLEM SO I WAS OUT OF LUCK AND ONE YEAR LATER IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. I CANNOT OPEN OR CLOSE THE REAR LIFT DOOR OR THE WINDOW ABOVE IT. TWO MECHANICS LOOKED AT THE PROBLEM AND SAID ONLY FORD CAN REPLACE THE PART. THE PANELS ON THE DOOR MUST BE REMOVED TO GET TO THE MECHANISM. THE PART COSTS ABOUT $15.00 BUT LABOR COSTS WILL BE AROUND $400.00 I RESEARCHED THIS DEFECT AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HINGE FOR THE TAIL GATE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE TAIL GATE WAS AJAR. THE GLASS WINDOW STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE HINGE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE HEARD A METAL NOISE. WHEN SHE OPENED THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR, IT FELL ON HER FOOT. SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE DOOR BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PIN HAD BEEN INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR PIN AND HINGE ASSEMBLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 114,083. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ UPDATED 12/06/2011 *LN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE DEALER LOCATED SEVERE CORROSION AT THE VEHICLE UNDER-BODY, MUFFLER AND DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 01/06/11. *LJ UPDATED 02/07/11

THE STRAPS WHICH HOLD UP THE GAS TANK ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE ARE RUSTED AND HAVE SNAPPED IN HALF DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE FRONT STRAP IS JUST HANGING THERE. FORD SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. *TR

IN JANUARY OF 2010 I OPENED THE BACK HATCH ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN I SHUT THE DOOR THE GLASS SHATTERED. THEN 3 MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR GLASS SHATTERED. MY DOG WAS IN THE BACK AND LUCKILY HE WAS OK BUT IF THERE HAD BEEN A CHILD IN THE SEAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. GLASS SHOULD NOT JUST SHATTER LIKE THIS. SINCE THE INCIDENTS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH WINDOWS AND PAID FOR IT OUT OF POCKET.

REAR FENDERS RUSTING THROUGH, PAINT BUBBLING BADLY. *TR

PAINT PEELING ON LEFT SIDE OF MY FORD ESCAPE 2003. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT IS DISABLED AND WAS STRANDED IN HER VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO HOURS. THE VEHICLE DOORS DO NOT HAVE KEY HOLES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO REMOVE THE REAR DOOR PANEL IN ORDER TO FREE THE CONTACT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNAWARE THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE KEY HOLES WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DOORS ONLY OPERATED BY REMOTE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALER. THE DOOR PANEL HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,074 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,064. UPDATED 4/8/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED FRANK IS PARALYZED. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A GREAT CONCERN FOR NO KEYHOLE ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/08/08 *TR

THE FIBERGLASS PIECE ON THE HATCHBACK OF THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY CRACKING AND FALLING OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS IS A ROAD AND SAFETY HAZARD, AS MY PIECE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING 55MPH. I AM CONTINUOUSLY SEEING OTHER EXPLORERS OF THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND CONDUCT A RECALL. FURTHERMORE, THIS FAULTY PIECE IS OFFERED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT AT OVER $300! *TR

DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, TURNING ON INTERIOR LIGHTS AND LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION TO BEING DISTRACTING, IT IS PARTICULARLY UNSAFE AT NIGHT TO SUDDENLY HAVE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND UNABLE TO KEEP DOORS LOCKED. FORD SAYS ISSUE IS A DOOR SENSOR, BUT CANNOT TELL WHICH ONE IS BAD. THIS USED TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY, NOW IT HAPPENS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN FROM BOTH SIDES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO REMOVED TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR.

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE UNLOCKING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THE TAILGATE LOCKED. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS, AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. BUT THE TAILGATE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEALER, BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE HIM FOR REPAIRS. HE HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER.*AK

I HAD TAILGATE WINDOW REPLACED DUE TO A "RECALL" WHEN WE PICKED IT UP TODAY, FROM THE DEALERSHIP- FORD OTTAWA IL THE REAR TAILGATE( NEXT TO THE FORD OVAL ) WAS CRACKED 8 INCHS. THE DEALERSHIP SWEARS THAT THIS WAS THERE WHEN WE BROUGHT IN THE TRUCK AND REFUSES TO ADMITT FAULT. T HIS TRUCK HAD NO CRACK BEFORE IT WENT IN FOR THE FIX. *AK

WHILE DRIVING A PIECE OF METAL THAT WAS IN THE ROAD PIERCED THROUGH THE BOTTOM VEHICLE'S FLOORBOARD AND RUG, CUTTING CONSUMER ON THE LEG. CONSUMER STATED DEALER REPLACED FLOORBOARD AND RUG. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT SIX DIMPLES HAD DEVELOPED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR PASSENGER, DEALER STATED THAT THE METAL INTERNAL SUPPORT BEAM IS CONTRACTING AND PULLING THE METAL SKIN OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DIMPLING EFFECT, DEALER STATED DAMAGE WAS RESULT OF MANUFACTURER DEFECT, REPAIRED DAMAGE AND REPAINTED AFFECTED DOORS. *TT

CONSUMER STATED THAT SIX DIMPLES HAD DEVELOPED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR PASSENGER, DEALER STATED THAT THE METAL INTERNAL SUPPORT BEAM IS CONTRACTING AND PULLING THE METAL SKIN OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DIMPLING EFFECT, DEALER STATED DAMAGE WAS RESULT OF MANUFACTURER DEFECT, REPAIRED DAMAGE AND REPAINTED AFFECTED DOORS. *TT