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, Jul 4, 2016
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY BECAUSE OF RUST...EARLY YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM
Suspension, Structure, Jul 2, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY STARTED HEARING A LOUD SOUND AND THE CAR BECAME BUMPY AND BOUNCY. PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. TOOK TO A GARAGE AND TOLD RIGHT REAR INNER SHOCK MOUNT AND FENDER PANEL HAD ROTTED. FORD HAD A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS CONDITION, BUT DID NOT HAVE A RECALL. LABOR COST DUE TO WELDING WAS $1300.00, TOTAL COST 1,966.00. HOW COULD FORD HAVE A REPLACEMENT PART, BUT NOT A RECALL? TRIED 3 GARAGES ONLY 1 (WHO HAD A WELDER) WOULD CONSIDER THE JOB. CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN...CONDITION WORSENED QUICKLY AND HAD TO DRIVE 10 MPH TO GET ESTIMATES WITH BLINKERS ON...HOPING NO ONE WOULD HIT US. SCARY! HAD TO REPLACE INNER SHOCK MOUNT AND FENDER PANEL, INSTALL , WELD, AND SEAL. ALSO NEEDED NEW REAR SHOCKS.
Suspension, Jun 27, 2016
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH; LEAVING THE STRUT BOUNCING FREELY. THE CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME. AT THE TIME IT BROKE, IT ALMOST BOUNCED ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT HAPPENS TO ALL 2004-2006 ESCAPES. ....UPDATED 07/11/16 *BF
Suspension, Structure, Jun 24, 2016
ENTIRE RIGHT WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING AWAY. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS MOUNTED TO THIS SHEET METAL, SO IT IS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO COMPENSATE ME. CURRENTLY HEARING A LOUD THUMPING AT EVERY BUMP, DUE TO THE SHOCK BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Jun 17, 2016
THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE SHOCK MOUNT AND WHEEL WELL TOTALLY RUSTED AND HANGING ON BY A THREAD. MY 18 YEAR OLD SON COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD WE NOT DISCOVERED IT. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS WHICH IS HOW WE DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS THE SAME NOISE WE WERE HEARING AND DECIDED TO LOOK AT RIGHT SIDE BACK DOOR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. WE CAN LITERALLY MOVE IT UP AND DOWN. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED FROM THIS BECAUSE THE WHEEL CAN FALL OFF!!!! THANK GOODNESS WE HEARD THE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND INVESTIGATED IT.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 9, 2016
RUST AROUND QUARTER PANEL BACK END, RUST THROUGH PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AREA. TO THE PUT THE IT IS RUSTING AND EVENTUALLY THE WHEEL WELL WILL NO LONGER WHOLE THE STRUT IN. WHICH PUTS ME AT RISK OF GETTING SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS SUV IS LOCATED IN A SOUTHERN STATE NO REASON FOR IT TO RUST LIKE THAT. I'VE SEEN AND OWNED OLDER VEHICLES THAT DIDN'T RUST .BAD METAL OR RUST PROTECTION. TO GET FIXED I'M LOOKING AT 1000.00 TO 4000.00 WHO HAS THAT TO PAY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT WHEN FORD KNOWS THERE IS A ISSUE AND HASN'T FIXED IT YET.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 9, 2016
RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS COMPLETED RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE SHOCK TO TRAVEL UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL
Suspension, Jun 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT BRACKET RUSTED AND DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Suspension, May 16, 2016
THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE SHOCK MOUNT (WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE UNIBODY) HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY. THE TOP OF THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, May 13, 2016
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THRU TO THE INTERIOR. SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. QUOTED $2,200 TO REPAIR.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 11, 2016
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE STRUT TO BREAK THROUGH THE TRUNK OF THE CAR . IT ALSO HAVE BAD RUST ON THE OTHER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY. UPON TAKING IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Structure, May 4, 2016
2005 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 V6 PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY ENOUGH TO CAUSE REAR WHEEL SHOCK CONNECTED TO WHEEL HOUSE TO FORCEFULLY SEPARATE AND BEGIN COLLIDING WITH THE INSIDE PLASTIC MOULDING IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. DAMAGE WAS INITIALLY FOUND WHILE IN MOTION, NOTICED BY A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC TRUNK HOUSING, THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS VERY CLEARLY RUSTED. THE SHOCK WAS STILL CONNECTED TO A PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE. THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK HAD FORCEFULLY DISCONNECTED THE PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE IT WAS ATTACHED TO BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING AROUND OF RUST. AUTO-BODY SHOP QUOTED A $2,000 REPAIR (FOR A CAR BOUGHT FOR #3,600) TO ORDER A NEW WHEELHOUSE AND INSTALL IT. PROFESSIONAL AUTO BODY SHOP TEAMS QUOTED THAT THE ISSUE WASN'T SOMETHING YOU COULD PATCH OR LIGHTLY REPAIR, AND THE SHOCK WOULD NEED TO BE REATTACHED TO THE BODY OF THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. FORD WAS CONTACTED TWICE AND REPLIED WITH THEIR APOLOGIES THAT THE CUSTOMER WAS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, KNOWINGLY AWARE THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE AROUND 120,000 MILES. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO SIGNIFICANT RUST OR DAMAGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.
Suspension, Apr 23, 2016
THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE RIGHT REAR RUSTED OUT DETACHING THE SHOCK FROM THE BODY AND PIERCING THROUGH THE UPPER PLASTIC COVER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. FORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE HAD IT BROKE AND SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL! SECOND, FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE A LOT OF 2005 ESCAPES ON THE ROAD. ALSO AUTO BODYSHOPS ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANY MODIFICATIONS OR WIELDING DUE TO THE LIABILITY OF THE LOCATION AND IMPORTANCE OF THAT PIECE. SO THE VEHICLE IS UN REPAIRABLE AT THIS TIME!
Suspension, Structure, Apr 8, 2016
THIS CAR HAS 80000MILES ON IT AND IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED 5000 TO FIX THE CAR TO MEET SAFETY STANDARDS. I CAN SEE THE TIRE ALL THE WAY THRU THE METAL.
Suspension, Apr 6, 2016
RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL EFFECTING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TOP MOUNT COULD BREAK FREE WHILE DRIVING. I HEARD A NEW RATTLE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND MY WHOLE WHEEL WELL ABOVE THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT. GOT PRICES FROM FOUR FORD DEALERS RANGING FROM 900.00 TO 4000.00 TO REPAIR IT ALL OF THE DEALERS WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HERD OF MANY OTHER EXAMPLES. I AM WONDERING WAY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL?
Suspension, Structure, Apr 5, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SHOCK TOWER HAD SEVERE CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR SHOCKS TO FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WINDOW SUPPORT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2016
WHILE I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE IN THE REAR OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS GETTING LOUDER, WHEN I LOOKED AT BOTH SIDES I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE CAR REPAIR SHOP AND WAS QUOTED $1000 FOR THE REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I STARTED DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2004 AND 2005 FORD ESCAPE THAT THEY DIDN'T PROPERLY SEAL ONE SIDE OF THE CAR, AND THAT THEY HAD ONLY RECALLED THE 2004. I HAD CONTRACTED THE FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, I THEN INFORMED THEM THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM AND SHE SAID THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORDS. I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM THEY HAD WITH THE 2004 FORD ESCAPE. MY CAR ONLY HAS ONLY 93,000 MILES WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS SUV IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 25, 2016
I HAD FINANCE A 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT AFTER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MONTH I NOTICE A STRANGE SOUNDS FOR THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE I TRACK AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR. UNDERNEATH THE CAR PANEL WHERE THE SHOCKWAS AT IS RUSTED ALL THROUGH. THE THE FRONT TIRE IS WEAR AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING BAD SHOCKS STRUCT AND WHEEL ELIGNMENT WAS ALL EFFECT WITH THE RUST PANAL FROM SHOCKS...
Suspension, Structure, Feb 15, 2016
IN JULY OF 2015 I BROUGHT MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF VERY LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING. NOISE WAS THE SAME WHETHER ON A STREET OR THE HIGHWAY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE VERY SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR AND IS NOW GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE ARE OTHER AREAS OF RUST ON THE BODY THAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE COMING ON PREMATURELY. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ONLY UP TO MODEL YEAR 2004. PLEASE....THE 2005'S HAVE THE VERY SAME ISSUE!
Suspension, Structure, Feb 6, 2016
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT AROUND SHOCK ATTACHMENT. JUST DISCOVERED THIS TODAY BUT THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A KNOW ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER - THEY HAD A RUST RECALL FOR 2001 - 2004 MODELS
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2016
VEHICLE HAS 95,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENTIRE BACK PASSENGER REAR WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, SO MUCH SO THAT THE SHOCK IS PUSHING UP INTO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELLS ARE FINE AND SHOW VERY LITTLE WEAR AND THE VEHICLE RUNS JUST FINE. WHEN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, IT APPEARS THAT A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE ARE ENCOUNTERING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE WITH JUST THAT SAME SPECIFIC SPOT. MY FEAR IS THAT THIS MAKES THIS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT I HIT A LARGE BUMP OR POT HOLE.
Suspension, Jan 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE, WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER STRUTS CORRODED CAUSING THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCKS TO FRACTURE, SEPARATING FROM THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 16, 2016
LOUD BANGING COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH THE VEHICLE BODY TO THE POINT OF ENTERING THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. I AM TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 13, 2016
RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, BOUGHT CAR BRAND NEW, ONLY 60,000 MILES ON IT . COME TO FIND OUT ALL FORD ESCAPES THIS YEAR ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A SUSPENSION AND HANDLING ISSUE, CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND KEEP IN LANE. THE PROBLEM HAS IT'S OWN FACEBOOK PAGE, 2004-2006 FORD ESCAPE. VERY POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN MOUNTING SHOCK TO SHEETMETAL.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 5, 2016
MY SON WAS COMPLAINING THAT THE BACK END OF THE CAR BEGAN RATTLING AND "JUMPING" WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY IN NOV OF 2015. WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT IN DEC AND WAS TOLD AND SHOWN HOW UNSAFE THE CAR WAS TO DRIVE,DUE TO THE ENTIRE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS HOLDING THE WHEEL TO THE CAR WAS THE PLASTIC MOLDING OF THE TRUNK AREA WHICH WAS ALSO MELTING AWAY FROM THE HEAT.I COULD NOT BELIEVE A CAR COULD DISINTEGRATE AND DETERIORATE SO BADLY. IN GOOD CONSCIOUS THE AUTO REPAIR OWNER WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. NOR WOULD I WANT TO. PLUS, THE COST TO FIX IT WAS NOT WORTH THE PRICE OF THE CAR,AND HE COULDNT FIX IT. HE TOLD ME TO LIST IT ON CRAIGS LIST TO SELL THE CAR IN PARTS. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION , AFTER I SPENT $6000, TO BUY THE CAR IN AUG OF 2014, THEN ANOTHER $2000 FOR 4 NEW TIRES, BRAKE LINES, AND OIL LEAKS!! WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE WOULD HAVE COME UP. I JUST GLAD MY SON DID NOT GET HURT DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE 21/2 HRS ON THE HIGHWAY. I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THIS EXACT COMMON PROBLEM OF 1000 OTHER PEOPLES COMPLAINTS. FORD NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE OF THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM OF FAULTY MATERIAL. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN HURT, AND HOW MANY MORE NEED TO GET HURT BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE,