2006 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 720 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 23 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 30 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
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorNov 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
Campaign 05V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
75 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, May 21, 2024, crash
The rear shock tower has rusted out and broken away from the frame which was conformed at a local body shop. The passenger side went first then the driver side went about a year later. There was no warning that this was happening until it broke while driving which made us lose control of the car. When we took it to a repair shop and said it was 2006 escape they responded what side did the shock tower break on this was before we told them it was a shock tower they said it's always that part on a escape I personally know 2 other people who have had the same problem all different years of escapes.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Mar 23, 2024
Both rear shocks, mounts, wheel wells, entire length of body door panels passenger seats are just absolutely rusted beyond repair. I've gone to a couple different shops and each one said that there is nothing they can do to fix the issue. Now the vehicle when ridden in just bounces horribly wearing out bearing springs and tires are being worn out. There is only 110759 miles on it and bought this for my wife/ kids cause I've had 3 other escapes in the past so since I work on the road this is prefect sized for then not to big or too small. I've had so many issues this last year with repairs parts and now worried about safety issues.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 14, 2023
This 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, and all first and second generation (2001-2012) Escape models, were designed and built with a significant, known defect in the mating area and materials used for the rear floor pan, rear sub-assembly/rails, and rear inner fender liners/upper shock absorber mounts, all made of pressed steel. The design of the components renders them subject to trapping road debris/salt/contaminants, and the inferior steel used oxidizes quickly, resulting in perforated areas of substantial rust. In our 2006 model, the right rear inner fender liner was completely replaced, and the rear subassembly/rails were welded, in 2013 with new Ford parts. By May, 2018, it had to be repaired and welded again. As of May, 2013, five years almost to the day, it has again rusted and separated. As this hybrid Escape carries a 600 pound battery between the rails in the rear of the vehicle, this is a substantial, dangerous defect affecting potentially millions of cars manufactured over a decade. The current status of the oxidation, corrosion, rot and decay affecting our Ford Escape has rendered it incapable of being repaired per the auto mechanic shop we visited first, followed by the body shop we visited next. Both indicated that the poor design combined with the steel used contributed to the dangerous vehicle it has become.
Suspension, Mar 27, 2023
2006 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUSTED OUT REAR SHOCK MOUNTS.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2023
Well to put it lightly my rear axial the whole rear end is a mess this did not happen from normal were there is not that many miles I am very confident that if I was mot train on how to control a car if it were to go out of control at a high speed this would be a whole different story just thank how many are still on the road this year 2006 escape is a ticking time
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Dec 30, 2022
About a week after i bought this car and i bought it used but the abs light came on i took it to have it check out and was told the complete suspendtion system front and back was shot and that it all had to be fix i don't have the money for that i am a disabled veteran and i am scraping by as it is
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Nov 27, 2022
THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT RUSTS OUT NOT LONG AFTER MANUFACTURE AND WE THE CONSUMER ARE LEFT WITH THE PILE OF POOP. FORD IS HIGHLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND AS I TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN DAILY I WONDER IF THIS WILL BE THE DAY WE DIE. UPON THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING OUT, HOPE YOURE RELIGIOUS AND GOD IS YOUR CO PILOT BECAUSE AS THAT POINT THE SPRING IS WHAT YOU'RE LEFT WITH! ITS SO HORSE [XXX] FORD LEAVES THIS TO THE LITTLE GUY (THE CONSUMERS) TO RECTIFY THEIR PROBLEM DUE TO THEIR INFERIOR MANUFACTURING. I WAS GOING OVER THE I280 BRIDGE IN OREGON OHIO WHEN IT DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO FAIL. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Structure, Nov 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the depression of the accelerator pedal, the front passenger’s side subframe collapsed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that severe corrosion on the passenger’s side subframe had caused the collapse. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2019
RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT BROKE LOOSE AND STARTED TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 2, 2018
REAR WHEEL WELLS WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS IS RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING RIDE AND CONTROL ISSUES. I NOTICED CLUNKING WHILE DRIVING CAUSED BY THE RUST AND LACK OF SHOCK STABILITY. I TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. BEING THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT RUSTY AND IS CARED FOR REGULARLY THIS IS BAD AND I AM NO LONGER GOING TO INVEST MY MONEY INTO IT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND I FEEL WITH AS COMMON AS THE ISSUE SEEMS IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD AS THE SHOCK BEING LOOSE COMING INTO THE INTERIOR IS ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN, AND THE WEAR AND TEAR FROM THE TIRE RIDE CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR NOT TO MENTION WEAR AND SNAPPING THE BREAK LINE CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 7, 2018
HEARD A BANGING NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING THAT SOUNDED FROM TRUNK. NOTHING IN TRUNK, REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL THE SHOCK TOWER HAD FALLEN THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL WHICH APPEARED TO HAVE RUSTED OUT.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jul 17, 2018
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL TOTALLY RUSTED OUT, NO REPAIR SHOP WILL FIX. LOUD KNOCKING WHEN DRIVING, CAN NOT DRIVE AFRAID WHEEL WILL FALL OFF.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 9, 2018
ON MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE I ALMOST DIED ON HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FORD BROKE. UPON LOOKING UP INFORMATION I NOTICED THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR FORD ESCAPES 00 _04 BUT THAT ESCAPE IS THE SAME FRAME AND STRUCTURE. I NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT THE FRAME WAS SUPPOSE TO BRAKE LIKE THAT. I HOPE NOBODY EVER GETS HURT BUT THIS.PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSES BECAUSE THAT CAR IS VERY POPULAR.
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE HOSE TO RUPTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE HOSE. PRESTON FORD IN BURTON, OHIO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. *TT *TR
Suspension, Feb 26, 2018
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, BEGAN TO HEAR THUMPING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE AN ISSUE WITH THE TIRE. GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND MORE FREQUENT UNTIL I STOPPED AND INSPECTED. FOUND THE RIGHT REAR STRUT TO BE NEARLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 11, 2018
OUR 2006 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN MAKING A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHENEVER WE HIT A BUMP. I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A LOOSE PANEL UNTIL I LOOKED UNDER THE REAR-PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND NOTICED THE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF RUST AND CORROSION AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY WIDESPREAD ISSUE THAT FORD HAS DONE LITTLE TO REMEDY. IT HAS SINCE BECOME A CONSISTENT ISSUE ANYTIME WE ARE DRIVING, THERE IS AT LEAST A RATTLE--EVEN ON SMOOTH ROADS. WHILE WE HAVE TRIED TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF DRIVING AS MUCH AS WE CAN, MAKING ONLY NECESSARY TRIPS AND COMPLETELY ELIMINATING ANY EXTRANEOUS USE OF THIS CAR, THE DAMAGE ONLY SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE, AND AT AN ALARMINGLY FAST PACE. THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE AND WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO BUY A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW. IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON A SIMILAR ISSUE FOR 2001-2004 MODELS, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON LATER YEARS? THE VEHICLE IS A LIABILITY ON THE ROAD--WE CRINGE EVERY TIME WE HAVE TO TAKE IT OUT (AGAIN, IT IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE) AND WE DON'T KNOW WHICH BUMP IS GOING TO COMPLETELY RUIN THE CAR. AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS WIDESPREAD CORROSION ISSUE NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED AND ALL NECESSARY STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE ON THE ROAD IS MAXIMIZED DESPITE SHODDY CONSTRUCTION OF THIS VEHICLE.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 2, 2017
THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AROUND THE CONNECTION FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER. NO BODY SHOP WILL REPAIR AS IT IS TOO COSTLY AND TOO MUCH OF A LIABILITY THEY CLAIM. DRIVING ALONG AND SUDDENLY THE CAR GOT LOUD IN THE BACK. SHOCK ABSORBER HAD COME THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE AUTOMOBILE. CAR HAS RUST ON BACK "TRUNK" DOOR AND A ON THE EDGE OF THE WHEEL WELL EXTERIOR ON THE SAME SIDE, BUT REMAINING PARTS OF THE CAR HAVE VERY LITTLE OR NO RUST. BUT WHEN YOU LOOK INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL YOU SEE ALL THE RUST AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER. GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS ISSUE - OTHERS REPORT SAME ISSUE WITH PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND PEOPLE ARE CONSIDERING SUEING FORD. 2001-2004 ESCAPES HAD A CORROSION RECALL ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION, BUT THERE IS NOTHING FOR YEARS 2005 AND NEWER. THIS IS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT.
Suspension, Nov 1, 2017
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME DUE TO CORROSION. THIS IS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT LED TO A RECALL OF 400,000 FORD ESCAPES (MODEL YEARS 2001-2004) JUST 3 YEARS AGO.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 16, 2017
MY DAUGHTER WAS ALERTED TO A PROBLEM WHEN LOUD BANGING NOISES STARTED RECENTLY WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. UPON INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELLS BODY PARTS AND SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS HAVE SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE. OUR VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE'S SCHEDULE AND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW WE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF A POTENTIAL ISSUE BEFORE DURING PREVIOUS TIRE REPLACEMENTS, SHOCK REPLACEMENTS, AND OTHER SERVICES THAT WOULD HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE PROBLEM. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO BAD THAT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE AND REFERRED US TO THEIR BODY SHOP. THE ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE CABIN IS NOW EXPOSED. I ALSO HAVE AN AUDIO RECORDING OF THE NOISE INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. MY DAUGHTER WAS ALSO CAUTIONED BY THE MECHANIC ABOUT AN IMMINENT FAILURE OF THE SUSPENSION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON THE INTERNET. THERE WAS A RECALL BY FORD FOR 2001-2004 FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND THEY INDICATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR OUR VEHICLE. BASED ON OUR EXPERIENCE AND THE ISSUES REPORTED BY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FOR LATER MODEL YEARS, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND ACTION BY FORD TO REPAIR THESE LATER YEAR MODELS SUCH AS OURS AS WELL.
Suspension, May 11, 2017
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER IS RUSTING AWAY AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FRAME I READ ONLINE THAT FORD RECALLED ALMOST 400,00 VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Oct 13, 2016
REAR SUBFRAME BROKE ABOVE THE AXLE NEAR THE DIFFERENTIAL. SYMPTOMS ARE GRINDING NOISE DURING LEFT TURNS AS TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEMS ACTIVATE. FORD DEALER ESTIMATES COST OF $3=$8,000 TO REPLACE THE REAR SUBFRAME. ## VIN PASSED ## FORD ESCAPE HYBRID AWD 2006 ##
Suspension, Structure, Sep 17, 2016
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY, I COULD HERE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR. AFTER INVESTIGATING, IT WAS VISIBLY NOTICEABLE THAT THE SHOCK TOWER ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF THE VEHICLE. THIS ALLOWED THE WHEEL TO BOUNCE FREELY AND THE SHOCK TO JAM UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Aug 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK PLATE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Aug 13, 2016
A FEW MONTHS AGO I NOTICED A THUMPING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STARTED TO HAVE THE BLACK COATING FLAKE OFF OF THE INSIDE REVEALING RUST. SINCE THEN MY STRUT HAS BROKEN OFF FROM MY FRAME & THE SHOCK HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE BEEN DOING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS. MY CAR IS UN-DRIVEABLE & MOST LIKELY SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX THAT I MIGHT AS WELL BUY A NEW CAR.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2016
THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON FORD ESCAPE 2006 VEHICLES. WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLE USED ONE YEAR AGO, 117K MILES ON IT AND THE WHEEL WELLS/SHOCK TOWERS LOOKED FINE. AFTER ONE WINTER THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH (THERE IS LITERALLY A RUST HOLE) AND THE DRIVER IS ALMOST AS BAD. WE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO PURCHASING IT A YEAR AGO - THEY DIDN'T EVEN POINT OUT ANY CORROSION. MEANING, WITHIN A YEAR IT CORRODED SO BAD IT NEEDED $1300 WORTH OR REPAIR. OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD US THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ISSUE, BUT SEARCHING ONLINE AND ASKING OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER WE DISCOVERED THERE WASN'T. THIS ISN'T THE TYPE OF COSMETIC RUST OF THE BODY, BUT RUST OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT WHOEVER ENGINEERED THE BODY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF. I CAN FIND RECALLS ONLINE FOR 2001 -2004 ESCAPES FOR SIMILAR STRUCTURAL RUST, SO WHY ISN'T FORD RECALLING 2006 ESCAPES WHEN THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING? THE FORD DEALER TOLD US, KEEP THE REPAIR RECEIPT IN CASE FORD ISSUES A RECALL, THEN WE COULD BE REIMBURSED. THIS RUST ISN'T JUST AND EYESORE, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE.