2005 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 1,584 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 44 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
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.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemSep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Campaign 14V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintApr 7, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 06V111000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
489 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Apr 8, 2014
I NOTICED THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE VEHICLE AND A FEW WEEKS LATER HEARD LOAD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM REAR CARGO AREA. I LOOK AND SAW THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED THREW INTO THE CARGO AREA AND THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS WERE RUSTED OFF. *TR
Suspension, Apr 8, 2014
THE REAR END RUSTED OUT ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH ONLY 120000MILES ON IT. SENT PICTURES TO FORD THEY SAID BY HAVE NOT SEEN THIS ISSUE IN THE PAST. *TR
Suspension, Apr 7, 2014
THE LEFT REAR SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AND PUSHED UP INTO THE INSIDE REAR CARGO AREA. GAS FILLER TUBE MOUNT BROKE ALSO. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Apr 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD THIS LOUD BANGING. I LOOKED AT MY WHEEL WELL AND IT WAS ALL RUSTED OUT AND MY SHOCK IS COMING UP NOW THROUGH MY REAR PANEL. I HAVE LOOKED AT ALL THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE OTHER ARE NOT RUSTED AT ALL BUT THIS ONE IS. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IT NOW BECAUSE WHEN UP TO SPEED AND YOU HIT A BUMP THE ALL REAR END PULLS SOMETIMES ALMOST INTO ANOTHER LANE. *TR
Suspension, Apr 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL WELL. THE WHEEL WELL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Suspension, Apr 6, 2014
THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTED THROUGH. MY SHOCK IS RATTLING AROUND, BOUND TO MAKE IT'S WAY INTO THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 1, 2014
RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSE IS RUSTED SO BAD THE SHOCK IS ABOUT TO COME LOOSE AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OR COULD RUB THE TIRE AND CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY A MECHANIC THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 31, 2014
THE RIGHT PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. NOTICED A THUMPING SOUND DRIVING AT 35MPH. TOOK EVERYTHING OUT OF THE BACK AND TESTED FURTHER. STILL NOTICED THE SOUND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND ROAD CONDITIONS. A FEW DAYS LATER NOTICED THE REAR WHEEL RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK HAD DETACHED. STOPPED AT LIBERTY FORD, BRUNSWICK, OH AND THEY DID NOT EVEN EXAMINE IT. SERVICE AREA SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS. CALLED GANLEY FORD WEST CLEVELAND, OH AND THEY REPORTED THIS IS BECOMING A PROBLEM. REFERRED ME TO THEIR BODY SHOP. APPROX COST $1,200. CALLED SOME OTHER SHOPS LOCALLY AND WAS ADVISED "TRADE IT, NOT WORTH FIXING, OR $2,500." WAS ABLE TO GET REPAIRED FOR $435 AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 31, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR BODY PANEL IN THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE TOP OF THE SHOCK TO DETACH FROM THE BODY AND ALMOST PENETRATE INTO THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER CABIN. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Mar 28, 2014
ORIGINAL OWNER OF A GARAGE KEPT, 2005 FORD ESCAPE WITH 105K MILES. I NOTICED A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHICH WAS VERY LOUD INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD THE SERVICE TECH REPLACING THE TIRES ON MY OTHER FORD VEHICLE TAKE A LOOK AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING AWAY AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS FALLING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS HAZARD WHICH NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP. EVERY SERVICE TECH I SHOW SAYS THEY'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE UNDERCOATING WAS SPRAYED DIRECTLY ON TO THE VEHICLE AND NO OTHER METHOD OF PROTECTION IN THE WHEEL WELL WAS USED BY FORD ON THIS MAKE/MODEL. MY VEHICLE WAS TOP OF THE LINE, LOADED, WHEN PURCHASED. I'M CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ASAP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR DESIGN. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A SUDDEN BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 25, 2014
WHILE DRIVING BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE A LOUD RATTLING SOUND, FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. BECAME VERY LOUD WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. SOUNDED AS IF SMALL PIECES HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACK TIRE. AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I LOOKED AND THERE WAS A LARGE RUSTED OUT TEAR IN THE WHEEL WELL, LOCATED RIGHT ABOVE THE MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER. I DID CONTACT MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT VILLAGE FORD IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE UP TO BE CHECKED, HE SENT ME OVER TO THEIR BODY SHOP.. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DEFINITELY A "SAFETY ISSUE" AND HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON OTHER FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS A FLAW IN THE BODY. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 24, 2014
I WAS HEARING A BAD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE BACK SO I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE LOOKED AND SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT MY ENTIRE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH - HE WONT EVEN TOUCH IT - HE SAID IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND TOLD ME ITS GOTTA BE A RECALL BEING THAT ITS AN 05 BECAUSE VEHICLES AREN'T MADE TO RUST LIKE THAT - SO I CALL FORD AND THEY SAY "NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPLAINT HAS BEEN NOTED" WELL IM ON DISABILITY WITH CHILDREN SO I CANT AFFORD THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS NOR CAN I GO WITHOUT A VEHICLE OR DRIVE MY KIDS IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, I JUST LOST MY HUSBAND AND I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO - FORD REP DIDN'T EVEN GIVE ME A GLIMPSE OF CARE - DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE IN ONE OF THEIR POORLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES BEFORE ANYONE WILL DO ANYTHING - COME ON BACK UP YOUR PRODUCTS - AND THEN PEOPLE WONDER WHY PEOPLE BUY FOREIGN. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 24, 2014
THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS EXCESSIVE RUST WHICH HAS CAUSED THE SHOCK TO COME THROUGH THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I DO HAVE PICTURES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 21, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BACK DOOR WASN'T CLOSED ALL THE WAY, SO WHEN I GOT HOME AND PARKED MY VEHICLE I CHECKED THE DOOR AND IT WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY. AFTER I SAW THE DOOR WAS CLOSED ALL THE WAY I DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SINCE THAT IS WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND I COULD SEE THAT THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, SO NOW I HAVE TO LEAVE IT SIT UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER MY DISCOVERY I WENT ONLINE AND SEARCHED AND I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THIS MATTER WAS INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL IS ISSUED, SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SUDDEN BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HOUSING PANEL WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2014
DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND.WAS GETTING WORSE AND LOOKED AT REAR PASSENGER TIRE SIDE. NOTICED THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED AND BROKEN LOOSE FROM UNDERCARRIAGE. VERY DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEED. HAVE OWNED OVER 20 CARS AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN. WHAT IS GOING ON FORD???? *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 19, 2014
THE RIGHT/PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS BECOME SO CORRODED WITH RUST THAT THE SHOCK HAS COME FREE FROM THE METAL, AND SLAMMING HARD. THE STATE OF THE METAL REMINDS ME OF A BUTTERFINGER CANDY BAR, THAT FLAKES OFF IN LAYERS. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS IN THE LAST COUPLE DAYS ABOUT SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS THIS, ALL WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE LEFT/DRIVER REAR SIDE HAS NO SIMILAR RUSTING, NOR DO THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS (AS FAR AS I CAN SEE/TELL). THE UNDERCOATING HAS BEEN HIDING THE RUST APPARENTLY, AND IT HAS BEEN FLAKING OFF HEAVILY IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 18, 2014
I HEARD A SOUND IN THE REAR WHICH WAS LIKE THE METAL TOUCHING. MY BOYFRIEND SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SHOCKS GOING. I TOOK TO THE GARAGE TO HAVE INSPECTED AND THEY REFUSED TO AND SHOWED ME THE INNER WHEEL WELLS. THEY WERE RUSTED ON BOTH REAR SIDES. THE VEHICLE BODY WAS SEPARATED. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CAN FIX IT BUT WE CAN'T FIND THE REPAIR PARTS. I PUT THE NUMBERS FOR THE PARTS IN THE FORD.COM AND APPARENTLY THE NUMBERS DO NOT MATCH WHAT THEY HAVE. THIS IS DISAPPOINTING TO ME, I DO NOT HAVE A JOB, DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT I DO HAVE THE RESOURCES TO GET IT FIXED. I ALSO SENT AN E-MAIL TO FORD BUT HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING AS OF YET. THANK YOU *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 17, 2014
SEVERE RUST OUT OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL, TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT RUSTED FREE FROM THE CAR. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION COULD COME DOWN ONTO THE TIRE OR LOOSE CONTROL OF THE REAR OF CAR WHILE DRIVING. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE I FIND HUNDREDS OF SAME PROBLEMS. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR WITH SERVICE AND CLEANING ABOVE AND BEYOND NORMAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURE FLAW AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 16, 2014
IT STARTED OFF AS LIGHT RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA. AS THE WEEK PROGRESSED, THE RATTLING GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. AT THAT POINT, MY DAUGHTER WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN WE INSPECTED THE AREA WHERE THE NOISE CAME FROM, WE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS THOROUGHLY RUSTED OUT AND WE COULD SEE THROUGH IT, INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. ALSO, THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE DAMAGE IS SO EXTENSIVE THAT WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 16, 2014
DRIVING TO/FROM WORK, I STARTED NOTICING A SLIGHT CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER A DAY OR SO, IT BECAME A LOUD THUMPING. UPON INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL & SHOCK MOUNT WERE DISINTEGRATING AND THE SHOCK WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE HOLES SO LARGE YOU CAN SEE INTO THE TRUNK. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM YET FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. THIS IS MY FIRST - AND MOST DEFINITELY LAST - FORD. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 12, 2014
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
Suspension, Mar 4, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED ON RESIDENTIAL ROADWAY, A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND REAR TRUNK AREA. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE PORTION OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK ABSORBER WAS MOUNTED TO THE VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. RATHER THAN BEEN DESIGNED TO MOUNT TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IT APPEARS THAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO ATTACH TO THE SHEET METAL WHEEL WELL. DUE TO THE COMPLETE RUST-THROUGH OF THE WHEEL WELL THE REAR PASSENGER UPPER SHOCK MOUNT HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ANYTIME THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE SMALLEST BUMP OR CRACK IN THE ROAD, A LOUD BANGING WOULD OCCUR AS THE UNATTACHED SHOCK WOULD IMPACT AGAINST THE VEHICLE WHEEL WELL.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 2, 2014
I HAVE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT GOT A SEVERE SHOCK DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THERE IS SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE RUST, INSIDE THE INSULATION, THAT THE SHOCKS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME AND CONTINUALLY RAM INTO THE INTERIOR PANELS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2005. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE IN GREAT CONDITION AS WELL AS THE CAR. THIS IS A CLEAR MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE SHOCK WOULD HAVE CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 60MPH AND HIT THE ROAD OR SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR IT. *TR