MyCarTSB

2002 Ford Escape Suspension Problems

68 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data

68
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2008Dec 2015
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Suspension Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #15E045000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Owner Complaints (68)

criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2020

While driving on the highway and hitting a bump, you heard a loud bang and suddenly lost most steering control, though you managed to safely exit the highway. A mechanic found that the passenger-side sub-frame (a structural support component under the vehicle) had broken and was hanging about 6 inches lower than normal. Although Ford had apparently already serviced a recall for frame corrosion on your vehicle, the dealer said they couldn't help with this sub-frame breakage despite a separate recall covering this exact issue.

NHTSA #: 11374355
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2023

While driving, your car made an abnormal noise and drifted to the left. A mechanic found that the subframe (the metal frame that supports the suspension) had rusted significantly. This type of rust can affect how your car handles and stays stable on the road. Fixing this would likely require replacing or repairing the rusted subframe.

NHTSA #: 11503115
highSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 2021

You're hearing a loud noise from your suspension while driving at various speeds. A mechanic diagnosed a worn control arm that needs to be replaced. Even though your vehicle was previously serviced under a Ford recall in 2014 for a similar structural issue, the problem has returned. Fixing this will require replacing the control arm assembly.

NHTSA #: 11420877
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2020

While backing up in a parking lot, your passenger-side wheel collapsed inward into the wheel well, and you heard an abnormal noise before shutting off the engine. The dealer diagnosed this as related to a known Ford recall (campaign 14V165000) but refused to repair it because your vehicle exceeded the recall mileage and age limits. The repair would likely involve replacing suspension components related to the wheel assembly and structural support.

NHTSA #: 11320708
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2020

Your car jerks and swerves, especially at higher speeds, due to problems with the lower control arm on the driver's side and the subframe. The issue starts at low speeds but gets worse as you drive faster, creating a safety concern. Fixing this will require replacing or repairing the damaged lower control arm and potentially addressing subframe damage.

NHTSA #: 11307960
highSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2019

Your lower control arms were replaced in December 2013 for $1,279.79, but a recall for the same part was announced four months later and your vehicle was excluded from it. Additionally, your airbag warning light stays on continuously and won't turn off, which the owner believes may be a defect. The combination of the control arm issue and persistent airbag warning is causing concern about airbag safety.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11245533
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2019

Your front driver's side lower control arm has loosened multiple times and needed to be retightened to proper specifications—this has happened four separate times. Even though your vehicle was previously repaired under a Ford recall (campaign 14V165000), the problem has come back. Your car failed a state inspection because of this recurring issue. The fix will likely involve inspecting the control arm connection, replacing any worn fasteners or components, and ensuring everything is properly torqued to manufacturer specifications.

NHTSA #: 11229992
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY MAZDA (91 WEST SERVICE RD, HARTFORD, CT) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED, CORRODED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA #: 11165588
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT A FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *TT

NHTSA #: 11102548
mediumSUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2018

HAD A RECALL FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MAY 30 2014 AND TODAY HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME PART AND FORD ISN'T RECOGNIZING IT AS A PROBLEM , THE PART IS $2000 AND VECHICLE IS STILL WORTH MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT AND I HAD TO BUY THE PART AND PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION AND FORD REFUSE TO CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT : THE RECALLED PART FAILED NOT SATISFYING THE RECALL ONLY LASTED 4 YEARS , CAUSING THE CECILE NOT TO PASS STATE INSPECTION

NHTSA #: 11092784
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE SERVICED. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUSPENSION. PRIOR TO THE TEST DRIVE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC OF SEVERE RUST ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (ELKHORN MOTORS FORD, 910 N WISCONSIN ST, ELKHORN, WI 53121, (262) 723-2131) WAS CONTACTED AND A SUBSEQUENT VIN SEARCH SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS TANK STRAPS WERE ALSO CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JS

NHTSA #: 11084623
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WENT IN ONE DIRECTION AND THE WHEELS WENT IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REINEKE FORD LINCOLN OF LIMA (1360 GREELY CHAPEL RD, LIMA, OH 45804, (419)223-3673) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUPPORT WAS SEVERELY RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME, CROSS MEMBER, CONTROL ARM, AND STEERING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA #: 11024564
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2017

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN NORTHEASTERN OHIO WHEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THE POWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE SUBFRAME. AS A WOMAN I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED IT UP BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THAT EVEN WAS UNTIL I FOUND A RECALL FROM FORD THAT DIDN'T MEAN CRAP FOR ME BUT THAT FORD WON'T PAY FOR THEIR MESS OF A VEHICLE! I'M JUST HAPPY I DIDN'T CRASH INTO A NEARBY CAR AND WHEN THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN! DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET APPROXIMATELY 35MPH

NHTSA #: 11020686
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 30 MPH AND AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND UNSTABLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER A-ARM SUSPENSION HAD FRACTURED DO TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA #: 10971828
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2017

TAKATA RECALL RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUBFRAME. IN MOTION,ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE GOING STRAIGHT . STEERING WHEEL 90 DEG.FROM CENTER RIGHT FRONT WHEEL 2IN. OUT OF TOE.PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED .DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. FORD MOTOR CO. DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA #: 10954060
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2017

FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED INTO. MECHANIC SAYS IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA #: 10949131
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2017

SUB FRAME/CRADLE RUSTED AND CAUSED A SEPARATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT AXEL AND STABILIZER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, JUST AS WE WERE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. A LOUD THUD OCCURRED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHIFTED MAKING DRIVING AND STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS VEHICLE, ACCORDING TO FORD'S RECORDS, HAD A STRUCTURE RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE (14V165000) THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER FOR THE SAID RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO. FORD IS UNWILLING TO HELP PAY FOR THE CURRENT REPAIRS AS WE DID NOT TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR (WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED TOWING AS THE CAR WAS BARELY DRIVABLE). THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND, IT SEEMS, THE RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10945627
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME SEPARATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10920580
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2016

I HAD A RECALL (#14S02) WHICH IS A CORROSION RELATED SEPARATION OF THE ATTACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUBFRAME. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE WHAT THEY DID WAS PUT A CROSSBAR ACROSS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUBFRAME INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE WHOLE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUBFRAME. THIS ACTION DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM.

NHTSA #: 10911119
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2016

PASSENGER FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION FROM FRAME DUE TO CORROSION. RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREET WHILE TURNING. CV BOOT COVER ALSO DAMAGED BY CONTROL ARM FAILURE. AAA STATES THERE IS A LOWER CONTROL ARM CORROSION RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V165000. FORD DEALER STATES THERE IS NO RECALL. CAR HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN STATE OF OHIO.

NHTSA #: 10907382
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: May 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE REMEDY DID NOT PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION WERE FOUND NEAR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE POINT THAT THE PART COULD FRACTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10865129
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2016

LF LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE - WE BROUGHT OUR FORD TO A&CTIRE, ATKINSON, NH - 603-362-5213 FOR A STATE INSPECTION - THEY TOLD US THIS ISSUE AND THE FORD WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE - WE AUTHORIZED THE WORK - WE PAID $250.85 PARTS & LABOR, THEY PRINTED OUT RECALL # 14S02 RECALL TO PURSUE GETTING REIMBURSED - WE CALLED FORD AND THEY DENIED ANY REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA #: 10850763
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA #: 10846001
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2016

FRONT SUB FRAME IS CRACKED AND WHEEL IS WOOBLING.

NHTSA #: 10845694
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2015

THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR. 14S02. I HAD IT TOWED TO FULLER FORD IN CINTI, OHIO. WHEN THE RECALL BROKE IN MY CAR, RUSTED THROUGH FRAME. IT CAUSED OTHER DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I NEED A PASSENGER SIDE AXLE, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND A SWAY BAR LINK. FORD WILL NOT COVER THESE DAMAGES EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL CAUSED THE DAMAGE. JUST THANK GOODNESS I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS COMING TO A STOP OR I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I DONT BELIEVE FORD IS TAKING CARE OF THEIR ISSUE. A FRAME SHOULD NOT RUST THROUGH

NHTSA #: 10811377
mediumSUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Dec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) AT 80,707 MILES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCURATELY RESPOND TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA #: 10809233
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUB FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

NHTSA #: 10809092
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD AND ALL STEERING CAPABILITY WAS LOST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED AND THE VEHICLE DRAGGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10748476
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE WHEEL DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT CORROSION FROM THE SUBFRAME CAUSED THE WHEEL BEARING TO DETACH AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

NHTSA #: 10730102
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE DEALER WAS TO INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE FOR THE UNINTENDED DETACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. A SHORT TIME AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANOTHER SERVICE, WHO NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA #: 10702587
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2015

WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SEEMED LOOSE & THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND CREAKING NOISE INCREASED. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER WHERE I'D HAD THE WORK FOR RECALL 14V165000 COMPLETED ONLY 4 WEEKS PRIOR (26 DEC 2014), AND THEIR ASSESSMENT WAS A CRACKED SUBFRAME. SERVICE WRITER INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, AND THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE A MINIMUM OF $2000 IN PARTS AND LABOR, PLUS THE LIKELIHOOD OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NEEDED ONCE THEY FOUND OTHER CORRODED PARTS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. I DECLINED THE REPAIR AND PURCHASED A NEW CAR (NOT A FORD) INSTEAD. *TR

NHTSA #: 10680391
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE FRONT END OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUBFRAME. ALSO, THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE FRONT LOWER CROSS MEMBER AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: BODY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,145. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ UPDATED 6/3/2015 *JS

NHTSA #: 10655120
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,900.

NHTSA #: 10640708
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2014

MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. IT HAS AT LEAST 2 OBLONG RUSTED OUT HOLES NEAR THE CONTROL ARM. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THEY INSTALLED A CROSS BRACE. 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS TOLD ME THE BRACE WILL HOPEFULLY, IF I AM LUCKY, HELP ME PULL OVER WITHOUT CRASHING WHEN (NOT IF) THE SUBFRAME GIVES AWAY AND THE CONTROL ARM FALLS OFF. TWO OF THE THREE LITERALLY TOLD ME, "GOOD LUCK." I FEEL IF FORD REALIZES THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR A RECALL THEY SHOULD PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10631872
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ON THE TIRE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA #: 10626143
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED OFF ROAD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S FRONT CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE DEALER DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION) DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA #: 10607579
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED UNDER A MANUFACTURE'S RECALL PERTAINING TO THE CROSSBAR, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

NHTSA #: 10586120
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2014

WHILE TRAVELING OUT MY DRIEVWAY THE SUBFRAME BROKE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FRONT. THIS LET THE WHEEL GO 90 DEGREES TH THE CAR AND PULLED OUT MY FRONT AXLE MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE.FORD SAYS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SUBFRAME RECALL.CAN YOU GET MY CAR ADDED TO THE RECALL SO THEY WILL PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TT

NHTSA #: 10583016
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2013

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AT 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN SIDE STREET. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR WITH THE FRONT DROPPING AND THE CAR GRINDING TO A STOP. INSPECTION REVEALED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS BASICALLY BROKEN OFF WITH THAT SIDE OF THE CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION A-FRAME PULLED LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE DUE TO RUST ON THE CROSSMEMBER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10547889
mediumSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
Filed: May 2013

LOWER CONTROL ARM RIPPED OFF UNDER CRADLE & RIPPED PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OFF THE TRANSMISSION - THE WHEEL FELL OFF THE CAR. IT APPEARS UNDER CRADLE RUSTED FROM INSIDE. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT OF THAT HAPPENING WHEN MY WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY, INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10512534
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: May 2013

THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH FORD ESCAPES. AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AREA. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW, AND ONE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THE FAILURE HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEED. I THINK THE FORD RANGER FRAMES WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR RUSTING ISSUE, PERHAPS THE TWO ARE RELATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PROMPT ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10511860
mediumSUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2013

TO START OFF THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN YOU PUSH THE CLUTCH IN IT DIES AND YOU LOOSE ALL POWER , ANOTHER IS THE BUSHING IN THE CONTROL ARM SLIPPED OUT OF THE ARM MOUNT SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT AND ANOTHER THAT JUST HAPPENED IS THE GAS TANK STRAP AND SUPPORT PAN BROKE AND PLASTIC GAS TANK HIT THE GROUND ON ONE END AND THE OTHER IS GRINDING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX ANYTHING CAUSE IT AIN'T CONSIDERED POWERTRAIN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10504673
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2013

WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND THE TIRE FELL SIDEWAYS. CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND THE GARAGE CALLED AND SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE COULD RUST SO BAD. FORD SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR TRAVELING @ A HIGH SPEED AND THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATES YOU CAN HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND CAUSE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. *TR

NHTSA #: 10494658
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Jan 2013

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY MADE A CLUNKING SOUND THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OR MOVE IT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND IT SEEMED FINE . I THEN WENT OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I FIGURED THAT I PROBABLY BROKE A TIE ROD. I CALLED AAA TO HAVE THE AUTO TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE TOW DRIVER ARRIVED HE TOOK A LOOK AT MY ESCAPE AND SAID THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT HAD SEPARATED IN TWO. BY DOING THAT MY WHEEL AXLE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. HIS OPINION WAS THAT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THIS HAD HAPPENED IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AUTO COLLISION AND MAYBE EVEN CAUSING MY ESCAPE TO ROLL OVER. THIS TO ME SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBFRAME AND I AM VERY FORTUNATE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE AND EVEN DEATH TO INNOCENT PEOPLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10493468
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2012

DRIVING 15MPH DOWN HOME STREET AND HEARD A CLUNK. PUT IN REVERSE TO GET BACK TO DRIVEWAY AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SIDEWAYS AND DRAGGING. AFTER CALLING LOCAL GARAGE WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM THAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ABLE TO MANEUVER CAR ONTO FRONT LAWN WHERE IT STILL SITS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10477335
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2012

FORD ESCAPE WAS MAKING SHARP JERKING MOTIONS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT HAPPEND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE ESCAPE IN TO FORD DEALER TO GET THE ABS AND ENGINE COVER RECALLS. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT CASUE THE PROBLEM. I TOOK TO LOCAL MECH IN TOWN AND HE SAID ISSUE IS THE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS SEPERATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND IS RUSTED AWAY SO IT IS MAKING THE WHEEL WOBBLE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE JERKING MOTION. WONDERING IF RECALL IS ON FORD ESCAPE FOR SUBFRAME ISSUE WHERE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS ATTACHED . SEEN MANY SAME ISSUES WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. *TR

NHTSA #: 10476800
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 2012

MY CAR HAD A LOUD SQUEAK AND CREAK WHILE DRIVING THAT CONTINUALLY GOT LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK... I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. THIS ATTACHES TO THE CONTROL ARM, AND FORD HAS NO RECALL. HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND SAYS THIS PART SHOULD NEVER HAVE ROTTED. HE ADVISED TO CHECK WITH FORD FOR RECALL, HOWEVER FORD DENIES ANY RECALL WITH THIS PART.. SO NO ACTION FROM FORD ABOUT A ROTTED FRAME! VEHICLE IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OF CONTROL ARM BECOMING UNATTACHED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10468868
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jul 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL POINTED SIDEWAYS, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ UPDATED 03/13/12

NHTSA #: 10413361
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2010

2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR

NHTSA #: 10346993
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2008

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS I EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WHICH CUT OPEN LIKE A CAN OPENER ONE FRONT TIRES AND DAMAGED THE OTHER. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH TIRES AND SPRINGS REPLACED. IF I WAS TRAVELING MORE THAN 15 MPH I FEAR I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.*CN

NHTSA #: 10213354
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2007

ALL FOUR WHEELS BEARINGS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE INCIDENT INCLUDED A WHEEL FALLING OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THESE BEARINGS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10210279
mediumSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2007

I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR

NHTSA #: 10207380
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2007

FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

NHTSA #: 10191965
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,AIR BAGS
Filed: May 2007

IN APRIL 2007, I TOOK MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE BECAUSE OF CONSTANT CLICKING NOISE THAT I HEARD COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MY SWAY BAR END LINK, BUT THE RIGHT SIDE. THE LEFT END LINK HAD BEEN REPLACED IN APRIL 2006, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE RIGHT END LINK TO BE REPLACED. THE CLICKING NOISE PERSISTS. NOW, THE DEALER IS SAYING THAT IT IS THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM THAT IS MAKING THE NOISE AND I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO IT, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME NOISE AND STARTED ONLY 2 DAYS AFTER BEING SERVICED. ALSO, THE CAR HAS STALLED TWICE. THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND NEEDS A THIRD REPLACEMENT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AND REMAINS ON FOR MONTHS AT A TIME; STARTED IN 2004. THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS HAVE BEEN SERVICED FOR INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED.

NHTSA #: 10191662
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2007

BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS DEFECTIVE PARTS. FORD WAS WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK

NHTSA #: 10187767
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2007

REAR COIL SPRING ON 2002 FORD TAURUS BROKE AND DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT.

NHTSA #: 10185487
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2007

PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER IN 12/2005. IN 2/2007, A GRINDING NOISE APPEARED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. TOOK IT IN THE SAME DAY (I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED). THEY TOLD ME THE BEARING WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED ABOUT $1100 IN PARTS AND $600 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF. HE STATED THAT, "THIS IS COMMON ON MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS," AND THAT HE HAS DONE SIMILAR WORK OTHER TIMES. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE OTHER BEARINGS, BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO GO AT SOME TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10183134
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jan 2007

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 01/05/06 WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE AT 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T COME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE SOMETHING LOOSE. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC, BUT BEFORE REACHING THE MECHANIC HER ABS LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE RELUCTOR RING HAD FAILED AND THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE LEFT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB

NHTSA #: 10178953
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Nov 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ONE DAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ABS MODULE AND A WIRING HARNESS. UPDATED 01/17/07. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE ABS MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA #: 10172539
mediumSUSPENSION,TIRES
Filed: Aug 2006

I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES ON JULY 31,2005. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING LIKE THE WHEEL IS WOBBLING, AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIFT SUDDENLY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN ALSO EXPERIENCING A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLES WHEN THE HEAT WAS NOT IN USE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10166394
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2005

WE NOTICED A SLIGHT RUBBING WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO RIGHT WHILE ON VACATION. WITHIN 2 DAYS IT BECAME WORSE, THE THUMPING AND RUBBING SOUND WERE VERY LOUD AND FELT IN THE CAR. WE OPTED TO LEAVE THE CAR. LUCKILY WE DID, AS THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED, AND NOTED THIS IS NOT COMMON. WE WERE TOLD THAT HAD WE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME, THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY, AS IT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THIS IN TURN DAMAGED OUR BACK BRAKES, RESULTING IN NEW ROTORS AND PADS, AND THE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO GET THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BACK ON AS THEY WERE RUSTED ON THE CAR. *NM

NHTSA #: 10138955
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jan 2005

VEHICLE HAD A SOUND WHEN BEING DRIVEN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO SEE WHERE THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKES, AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10108914
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2004

BOTH OF THE FRONT BEARING HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 15,000 MILES. IT NOW ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BEARINGS. MY VEHICLE ALSO TRIES TO STALL WHILE I'M DRIVING. I DID NOT REALIZE THIS WAS SUCH A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FORD.*AK

NHTSA #: 10064159
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Jan 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE WAS RUMBLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE JUMPING AND OR KICKING. THE DEALER REPLACED ONE DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RUMBLING NOISE WOULD NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED BY FORD ENGINEERS. FORD DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, BUT SAY IT WAS NOT DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND CD'S WOULD GET STUCK IN THE CD PLAYER. *SC THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT OF ROUND, THE STABILIZER END LINKS WERE REPLACED *JB

NHTSA #: 10050466
mediumSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2003

WITHIN ONE MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE (2002 FORD ESCAPE) THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. (SEE ODI #10051805 FOR INFORMATION REGARDING 1998 FORD RANGER COMPLAINT).*MR THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME VIBRATION PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALER CONTINUED TO STATE THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, AFTER ABOUT A YEAR THEY FINALLY NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING ON THE REAR, IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE TO THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT AND REAR WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NEED NEW TIRES. ALSO THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. *CB *JB

NHTSA #: 10052130
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2002

THE SUV VIBRATES AT 50 PLUS MPH. DEALER ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT, UNABLE TO PIN POINT PROBLEM. CONSIDERING THE LEMON LAW AT THIS TIME. DT

NHTSA #: 769274
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2002

THERE IS A ROARING SOUND AND A GRINDING IN FRONT LEFT SIDE. *AK

NHTSA #: 8014931
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2002

MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS LESS THAN TWO MONTHS OLD AND HAD LESS THAN 1000 MILES WHEN I RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. I HEAR A LOUD CONTINUOUS CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. FORD HAS ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE (#16016) DESCRIBING THIS PROBLEM WITH 2001-2002 ESCAPES. THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION AND DEALER WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR CAR. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY DAUGHTER AND MY SAFETY WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. FORD NEEDS A RECALL TO REPAIR THESE CARS.*AK

NHTSA #: 764090

Other 2002 Ford Escape Issues