Body problems of the 2002 Ford Escape

Vehicle was manufactured 04/2002 recalls state that from oct99 to jan04 multiple states had issues with rusting with suspension causing the car to crash. My vehicle was made in one of the states and has alot of underbody rusting. Back hatch latch gets stuck often and will not open. Drums on the back are sticking causing the vehicle to drag at take off, abs had a recall Ford dealer "fixed" the issue abs light stays on. Radiator light stays on constantly even though fluids are at correct level radiator is not damaged. Battery light constantly stays on as well brand new battery and alternator wire are connected free of corrosion. Interior lights caught on fire and melted the plastic housing so I had to take out the small bulbs. Everything is available for inspection if needed. Abs was looked at by Ford dealer and "fixed" but problem is still there. Problems have not been inspected by anyone other than the abs, no warnings at all. Events happened at different times during the time I got the vehicle. 2022 Jan.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, the lower control fractured and the wheel separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the recall remedy was not sufficient to prevent a failure. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Ah.

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.

My engine coolant light stays on even after taking steps to fix it as it was a problem with the 2002 Ford Escapes, and there is a problem with my power steering as fluid and all that is fine, which I read was a recall also.

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.

Driving on a 45 mi/hr road I hit a minor bump (approx 1" raised road across all lanes) due to poor road maintenance. After hitting this bump there was a loud popping noise every time I turned the wheel fully left or right. I could also feel this in my feet underneath the car. I was concerned and had plans to drive it to the auto shop later that day. When turning left out of a parking lot in town, heading to the shop, I noticed when I went to straighten out the wheel the steering wheel was a complete 90 degrees off from normal once I got the vehicle going straight. It did not feel safe to drive and I had it towed into the auto shop. After inspection it was found to be a rotted out and cracked sub frame. Ford did a recall on this specific part in 2014 due to major corrosion issues with the 2001-2004 models. This vehicle was taken in for the recall, however, instead of replacing the part they decided it was good enough to drill a hole in the corroded part and install a bracket across the whole sub frame. I don't see how weakening a corroded part with a hole being drilled in it is any solution. I am not alone thinking this is a major issue that Ford is completely ignoring. If the sub frame had failed when I was on the highway instead of exiting the parking lot I could have potentially been seriously injured as the sub frame holds the wheel and steering mechanism together. Ford needs to take this issue with their vehicles seriously as they are putting peoples lives in danger.

Sub frame cracked, corrosion. Ford is refusing to fix the sub frame instead they issue a safety recall 14s02 which does not replace the damage part. Almost had accident with child on board, car went side ways, steering control was lost. How can Ford be allowed to issue a safety recall but it doesn't fix the bad part. Recall 14s02 only installs a metal bar so the wheel doesn't come off. Once subframe is already broken Ford doesn't do the repair. People life matter.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving 10 mph, the contact heard something fracture under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the reinforcement cross-brace failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the cross-brace was not a sufficient repair for the control arm corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While attempting to have new control arms placed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the service technician that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted and needed to be repaired before the control arms could be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,900. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame had failed due to rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Wh.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) at 80,707 miles, however, the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle failed to accurately respond to the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and it was discovered that the lower control arm became detached from the vehicle and the front passenger wheel was turned outward from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. Sw.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Ford Escape. The contact stated that within 9 days of purchasing the vehicle from an independent dealer, the vehicle erupted into flames in a residential driveway. The contact stated that the dealer did not mention that the contact was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v165000 (structure), 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling , vehicle speed control) and 12v005000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle and that the suspension was unstable in the front. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop who inspected the vehicle and provided a diagnosis which was extensive. The vehicle was driven and shortly after the diagnosis the abs warning light randomly illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and the warning indicator went off but it continued to illuminate when the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was parked and when the contact exited the vehicle it erupted into flames. The fire department had to cut the hood open and inspected that the master cylinder was on fire as well as the fire wall. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the contact was waiting on the manufacturer to determine what caused the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,703. Dyd.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 25 mph, a strange noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle before the steering wheel suddenly veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.

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.

The front passenger door locking system is defective and is stuck in the lock position. Unable to open door from the outside or the inside of the car. This is a safety issue that should have been addressed in the past since I noticed numerous complaints regarding this same problem on the internet or your NHTSA website. The Ford dealer service manager also mentioned to me that this is a recurring problem that should have been addressed in the past by Ford. Service fee is $500 if the repairman is able to open the door without breaking it as sometimes it does break causing an even more expensive repair. This is an expensive repair job for a jammed locking mechanism that should easily be working properly. God forbid I am involved in a car accident and my wife, other front passenger or myself is unable to open the door in case of an emergency. This is a major inconvenience as any passenger that wants to sit in the front has to leap through the driver door to sit in the front. My wife is the original owner of this car and it currently has 130,000 miles. All car doors should be able to work without jamming as this obviously poses a safety issue. Why NHTSA has never bothered to escalate this problem to a recall is beyond me when there are other Ford Escape owners with the same safety problem? please advice, thanks.

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.

While driving on a rural city street at 30 mph I decelerated to prepare to turn right. When I began to make my right hand turn I heard a loud pop and the car began to rattle the car came to a stop within 10 feet of the pop. I applied a small amount of power to the engine to try and get completely out of the road, but the car would not move. Upon inspection of the front passenger tire it was facing 90 degrees in the opposite direction of the car, and pushed to the back of the wheel well. The cv shaft had come completely detached from the drive shaft. The vehicle had to be towed to a local shop that did sub-frame work. Upon inspection at the auto body shop it was revealed that the engine cradle had also become detached due to the proximity to the exhaust from the engine heating it up constantly. Along with the following parts needing replacement: right front cv shaft, front engine cradle, front control arm bolts, control arm bushing, cv drive axle, heavy duty exhaust clamps. The shop had to remove and replace the engine cradle and the right front sub-frame. If I had been on a high speed interstate, and this happened I would have probable flipped, because the front right tire was unable to move, and was pulling towards the inside of the car. The total cost to get this repaired to a safe driving condition was $1352. 69.

On Nov 26 I was driving to my work at 45 miles per hour and the distance I kept from the car in front of me was sufficient to allow me stopping adequately. Suddenly, I noticed that traffic was approaching to a red light so I tap on the brakes to slow down and stop. However, the brakes were not reducing the speed so immediately I stamped on the brake pedal to let the car stop while simultaneously, I looked to realize that I could not change lanes. At this point I was left with no time to gear down the transmission or to pull the emergency brake. Consequently, my Ford Escape was forced to stop by crashing into the car in front of me and producing a domino effect involving a third vehicle in front of us. Fortunately, no personal injuries were reported from the other two drivers whose cars were involved. . I did suffered slight neck pain and after visiting the hospital I did not had major injuries or nothing to worry about so far. In regards to personal property damages, the two cars in front of mine, had minimal damages but, mine was severely damaged to the point is totally inoperable. All claims were reported and taken care by geico, my insurance company. Also a traffic crash car report was filed. I received a driving traffic citation from the police, which I plan to escalate to the courthouse, after knowing that the brake failure I experienced resulted from manufacturer's defects reported by Ford under recalls 11s24 and 12 s37. * please note that this writing is only for information purposes and to alert any other drivers to perform on-time maintenance check-ups to prevent similar or worst scenarios.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear hatch door failed to lock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician verified that the door latch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 176,000 and the current mileage was 176,604.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph and heard an abnormal noise outside of the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the sub frame was completely rusted and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 5/7/13 updated 05/28/2013.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle made a clunking noise. After inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 93,000.

While driving along a highway in virginia, I heard. (and felt) a loud noise from the rear of the car. I thought I hit a pothole. I continued driving toward florida, stopping in a motel in south carolina. The next morning, while re-packing the car, I noticed the gas tank had fallen and was partly sitting on the rear axle.

1 - rear latch is not working properly. When it is cool outside, the latch will not open the back door. 2 - window latch has rusted causing the rear window to detach from the hinge. Not that I am bidder, but at 37k miles, the transmission blew. . . . I discussed this issue with both Ford and my dealership ([xxx]). Both companies stated they could not help me and that it was on me to pay to correct. I explained that this was due to a lack of using proper supplies. They could not have cared less. I am hoping you can have them look into this because I would really hate to be involved in a car accident cannot use the rear as an exit. . . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

Peeling paint on roof, hutch and around the driver side rear door.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front passenger door, rear hatchback, and driver¿s side rear door were rusted and unable to be opened. The dealer stated that the doors needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 153,000.

Escape was hit on front left bumper by another vehicle, causing Escape to exit highway and crashing into and sliding down a concrete overpass pillar; damaging the front bumper, light, and complete left side of Escape. The airbag did not deploy!.

While driving a piece of metal that was in the road pierced through the bottom vehicle's floorboard and rug, cutting consumer on the leg. Consumer stated dealer replaced floorboard and rug. Please provide any further information.