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
1,584 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Engine, Nov 27, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND TURNING THE VEHICLE, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ADDITIONAL INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. VILLAGE FORD (23535 MICHIGAN AVENUE, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48124, (313) 565-3900) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Service brakes, Nov 22, 2018
ABS LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY MY BRAKES ARENT WORKING PROPERLY TIMES WHEN IT DIDNT STOP HAD TO SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR AND PULL OFF TO SAFE SPIOT I WAS TRYING TO STOP
Power train, Nov 18, 2018
SEE REPORT
Steering, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2018
LAST YEAR I NOTICED THE RUST AROUND DOORS AND WHEELS, IM RETIRED & A DISABLED 77 YR OLD MAN SO I DRIVE IT ONCE A WEEK. OVER THE SUMMER I NOTICE IT HANDLING FUNNY, HAD IT SERVICED AND INSPECTED. I WAS ON ROUTE 30 A MILE FROM MY HOUSE IT STARTED SHAKING & MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VIBRATING, I BARELY MANAGED GETTING WHEELS TO TURN IT OFF THE HWY, I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, THIS [XXX] THING FEELS LIKE IT'S GONNA FALL APART, HOME WAS 1/4 MILE, NOISE & VIBRATING CONTINUED, STRUGGLED TURNING WHEEL INTO MY DRIVEWAY, PARKED IT, GOT OUT AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL IS TILTED WAY OUT. MY SON JACKED IT UP AND SAID MY LOWER CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OR THRU AND BROKEN OFF AND IT IS ALL RUSTED BAD UNDERNEATH & SAID IT'S SCRAPE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Structure, Nov 12, 2018
THE AREA AROUND THE SHOCK SUPPORT HAS SLMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS IS SUPER UNSAFE.
Structure, Nov 6, 2018
FIRST PROBLEM WAS REAR PASSENGER TIREWELL ROTTED AND SHOCK BROKE THROUGH. HAD THIS THIS REPLACED BY AUTO BODY SHOP. NOW DRIVING CAR ON CITY STREET HEARD A THUD AND CAR STOPPED. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME IT WAS THE SUB FRAME THAT HAD RUSTED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. HE HAS SEEN THIS MANY TIMES. COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THIS HIS CAR. ON WAY TO LOCAL MECHANIC TO SEE QUOTE TO FIX.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 4, 2018
THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, LARGE HOLE IN BODY, SHOCK WENT RIGHT THREW THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED EXTREMELY FAST, I JUST PUT NEW TIRES AND BRAKES ON THE CAR. THIS DEFECT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND POISED A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN. THE CAR CAN'T BE SOLD OR TRADED IN AND NOW HEADED TO THE JUNKYARD
Suspension, Structure, Oct 26, 2018
REAR FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AS WELL AS PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER,RUSTED SO BAD CAN SEE THROUGH TO OUTSIDE IN 2 SPOTS WHICH ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE ,COULD CAUSE EXPHIXIATION TO OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO REAR OF VEHICLE GIVING WAY AND BREAKING IN TWO ON A ROADWAY,DAMAGE WASN'T VISIBLE UNTIL IT TOTALLY BUSTED THROUGH WHILE DRIVING! FORD SHOULD RECALL DUE TO SAFETY AS THE 2004 WAS.
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2018
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND GETTING TO A DESTINATION, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURN OFF THE KEY WILL NOT REMOVE FROM THE SWITCH HAVE DID ALL THE TROUBLESHOOTING IT IS IN GEAR ALL THE WAY OFF AND STILL CAN'T REMOVE IF WE LEAVE IT SET FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WE CAN THEN REMOVE THE KEY THIS STARTED ON MONDAY OCT 8TH AND HAS DONE IT EVER SINCE CONSISTENTLY
Engine, Oct 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FIVE STAR FORD LINCOLN (478-238-0847, LOCATED AT 900 RUSSELL PKWY, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 18, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE EXITING A PARKING AREA AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A MEDIAN AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12006 (ENGINE). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Power train, Oct 16, 2018
GEAR SHIFT LEVER STUCK IN PARK- VEHICLE STARTS RUNS FINE CAN NOT GET OUT OF PARK. HAD BEEN DIFFICULT SEVERAL TIMES BUT GOT IT WORKING AFTER SEVERAL EPISODES OFF AND ON NOW STUCK IN OFF STREET PARKING AT SENIOR CENTER. APPT MADE FOREPAIR 10-17 SKILLMAN FORDGREENWOOD IN GOOD CAR EVERYTHING ELSE DEPENDABLE
Structure, Oct 9, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE BACK OF THE FRAME/BODY METAL SNAPPED, WHEN DROVE THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH SEVERELY BAD POT HOLES. RUST ON CAR WAS AVERAGE FOR AGE AND WAS STILL DRIVE ABLE. BUT HAVEN'T DRIVEN IN MONTHS BECAUSE SCARED OF SAFETY RISK. I FEEL LIKE THE FRAME SHOULDN'T BE HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY 13/14 YEARS OLD. THE CORROSION OF THE METAL ON THE CAR IS VERY EXCESSIVE. THIS IS MY SECOND FORD ESCAPE IN 3 YEARS AND THEY ALL HAVE HAD BODY ISSUES WITH FAST METAL CORROSION. THE PHOTO ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS TAKEN TODAY AFTER MONTHS OF SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD NEAR THE AREA OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST IN THAT AREA, WHICH WAS AFFECTING THE SHOCKS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Sep 27, 2018
ENGINE STARTS RIGHT UP JUST FINE AND IT RUNS FINE UNTIL I GO TO MAKE A STOP THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. IT WILL START BACK UP BUT AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT WILL SHUT DOWN. I CAN LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE AND IT WILL START TO MOVE AGAIN JUST FINE. SOMETIMES I CAN DRIVE IT A WEEK AND ITS FINE AND SOMETIMES IT WILL DO IT AT EVER STOP OR AT A SLOW YIELD. I CAN FEEL THAT ITS ABOUT TO CUT OFF AND I SHIFT IT TO NEUTRAL AND IT WON'T SHUT DOWN BUT WHEN I CHANGE IT TO DRIVE I HAVE TO GUN IT.
Steering, Power train, Sep 24, 2018
WHILE GOING ONTO A FREEWAY ONRAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON, THE ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE WAS AFFECTED BY TOTAL POWER LOSS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT DISPLAY ANY ISSUES LEADING UP TO THIS BUT NEARLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT BY THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND GET IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER BEING TOWED, THE AUTO SHOP DIAGNOSED A P0354, P0351, P0355, P0352 IGNITION COILS, AND PCM FAILURE. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE MULTIPLE CLAIMS OF THIS OCCURRING AND IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.
Suspension, Sep 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE LOWER BALL JOINT FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2018
WELL MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY. IT MAKES THE DOME LIGHTS STAY ON. NEED HELP BEFORE IT GETS WORSE.
Service brakes, Hybrid propulsion system, Sep 17, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE "PULL OVER SAFELY NOW" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CRASH OCCURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EN ROUTE TO COCCIA FORD LINCOLN INC (LOCATED AT 577 E MAIN ST, WILKES-BARRE, PA 18702, (570) 823-8888) TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V526000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ISSUED CASE NUMBER: CAS-14733790. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,109.
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2018
HIT A POTHOLE AND MY SHOCK/STRUT PUNCHED THRU THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL AND DETACHED OTAELF...IT IS NP LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND IVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS. AND HERE THE 2001-2004 ESCAPES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR JUST THIS REASON? WHY NOT THE 2005 WHEN THE WHOLE BODY DESIGN IS THE SAME... I HAD A 2001 ESCAPE BEFORE THIS THAT WAS RUSTING ON THE OUTSIDE WHEEL WELLS AND BEGINNING TO RUST INSIDE AS WELL... DUE TO THIS I DONT BELIEVE I WILL BE BUYING FORDS ANYMORE... I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY KIDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED! AND NOW IM STUCK WITH A GIANT PIECE OF METAL SITTING IN MY PARKING SPOT AS NO ONE WILL TAKE ON THE JOB AND IF THEY DO IT WOULD BE A MIN OF $2000 OR MORE!
Power train, Sep 3, 2018
ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING & IT ACTED LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO CHANGE GEARS AT ALL. I STOPPED GOT GAS AND LIGHT STAYED ON. THEN AS I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN IT WENT AWAY. AFTER PARKING AT HOME OVERNIGHT I ATTEMPTED TO GO REVERSE & IT ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. AFTER SOME BACK AND FORTH WITH THE SHIFTER IT LET ME GO IN INTO REVERSE ONLY WHEN I REVVING UP AND THEN IT STARTED HAVING ISSUES IN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. IN SEARCHING THIS ISSUE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, END HAS CAUSED A FEW ACCIDENTS.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2018
ONE OF MY DOOR OPEN SENSORS ACTS UP WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT CAUSING THE ALARM TO SOUND ON ITS ON. WHEN IT'S COLD THE OPEN DOOR INDICATOR GOES AWAY AND ALARM DOESN'T GO OFF. HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH SENSOR TO SERVICE?
Suspension, Structure, Aug 21, 2018
OF COURSE I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS MOST FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE WITH THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING COMPLETELY OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT ONLY EFFECTS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF THESE VEHICLES AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF UNADDRESSED OWNER COMPLAINTS. FORD STILL WILL NOT DO A RECALL NOR WILL THEY DO ANYTHING FOR THEIR THOUSANDS OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS. I DO HOPE THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT I CAN JOIN BECAUSE FORD JUST WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I JUST HAD MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE GOING OUT-OF-STATE TO VISIT MY DYING FATHER WITH MY KIDS BUT NOW I CAN'T EVEN GO DUE TO THIS UNEXPECTED DEFECT WHICH FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHICH HAS LEFT ME WITH A VEHICLE I CANT DRIVE THAT I'M STILL PAYING FOR. I CAN'T EVEN TRADE IT IN BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE! THANKS FORD! I WILL MAKE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE I CAN ABOUT FORD'S INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS ITS CUSTOMERS AND I WILL NEVER BUY FORD ANYTHING EVER AGAIN!
Engine, Aug 20, 2018
TRUCK OVER HEATS OR STALLS. DOOR LOCKS AND ALARM GOES OFF ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY. TRUCK WILL NOT RESTART AFTER TURNING OFF ENGINE. HAS TO SIT FOR SEVERAL HOUR BEFORE I CAN RESTART VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING IT JUMPS AS IF IT WANTS TO STALL. HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WILL DRIVING ON CITY STREETS.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 19, 2018
PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH, SHOCK TOWER IS BANGING AGAINST INNER FRAME, CHUNKS OF RUST DISLODGING AND SCRAPING AGAINST TIRE. THIS IS OCCURRING WHILE DRIVING. I PUSHED THE CHUNK BACK AND IT SEEMS TO BE STAYING OFF THE TIRE FOR NOW. FORD AUTO REPAIR SHOP QUOTED $5000 TO REPAIR. MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK IS ACROSS TWO MAJOR CITIES VIA A HIGH-TRAFFIC MAJOR HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL TO BE A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS CONDITION SINCE IT AFFECTS NOT ONLY SUSPENSION BUT COULD CAUSE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS PUNCTURING THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND EXPOSING PEOPLE IN THE CAR TO EXHAUST AND FRIGID WEATHER (MINNESOTA) IN THE WINTER. THIS RUSTING THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH FORD - THEY RECALLED THIS MAKE AND MODEL UP THROUGH 2004 FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.