Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2003 Ford Escape - part 1

While replacing the control arms on my 2003 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 I noticed on the passenger side there was alot of corrosion so much so the control arm is barely hanging on there is a flat bar running from drivers side to passenger side which has been rendered useless because the bolt that is used to hold it in place has nothing to bolt to this was supposed to fix the issue with corrosion well it hasn't its now gonna cost me god knows how much to fix I would like to know if this issue is still covered under, the recall.

Recall #14s02 (NHTSA campaign # 14v165000) covered replacement of lower control arm & ballpoint for every nearby state, but not virginia. Both lower control arms on my vehicle are corroded and in need of replacement, but there is no open recall for my VIN because 14s02 did not include virginia. Driving vehicle with corroded control arms is deemed dangerous, but costs of replacing approach vehicle value.

Tl- the contact mom owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact mom received notice of safety recall 14s02 and had the repairs done at hopkins Ford of elgin, inc. 1045 e chicago st, elgin, IL 60120. The vehicle continues to experience the failure. The contact stated while driving various speed. The vehicle would shift to right or left on it own. The contact was able control the steering wheel but it was difficult. The vehicle continue have the failure randomly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic firestone complete auto care located at 801 barrington rdhoffman estates, IL 60169 where it was diagnosed with needing to be replaced the driver and passenger lower control arm, and the front subframe . The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

The left front control arm broke through the subframe, causing a very expensive repair. My father was driving it at the time. When he went to accelerate on a state hi way it pulled very hard to the left into oncoming traffic, nearly ending in a bad way. I subsequently test drove it and discovered the problem. I immediately checked for any recall information and found this specific information. My father had taken it to his local Ford dealership and they said it was ok as of 2014. I noticed only some models were included in the 2014 recall. The subframe in the left front is soft and rotted out, while the right front and the rear is in good condition. I contacted Ford directly and found no relief or even a satisfactory explanation why my father's vehicle was not included. I'm quite appalled with Ford motor company's lame explanation of how vehicle doesn't qualify for reimbursement. Without being overly dramatic, my father or I could have lost our lives to to this rare type of damage. This Escape has been well taken care of and is in good condition for a 2003 from the rust belt. I've owned dozens of vehicles, as has my whole family, we've never seen this type of problem and it's not subject to a recall. I am hoping others have complained as well in hopes of sparking an expanded recall. Thank you for your time. I included a couple of general pictures for now as the Escape is at a repair shop. 2003 XLT v6 3. 0 with available full 4x4 capability. Approximately 165,000 miles. Completed by alexander schultz, son of gerald schultz.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted, which created an abnormal rubbing sound when the vehicle was turned. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was taken to ricart Ford (4255 s hamilton rd, groveport, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) where it was diagnosed that a new subframe and lower control arm were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 196,703.

Lower control arm separated from sub frame. High corrosion area. Separated at a speed of about 65 mph going over highway bridge. Right front tire tipped out and sent vehicle into a uncontrolled swerve to the left and right. Ford's recall 14s02 cross brace patch was installed but still almost caused a major crash. I don't believe the inspection by Ford was done properly when they installed the brace. If they had they would be replacing the sub-frame also.

Control arms are in terrible condition. Passenger side control arm dislocated while I was driving on a city street due to corrosion and poor manufacturing. There was a recall for it on some Escapes during those years but since my VIN number isnt on their recall lists for it im not covered. Ford needs to be held responsible for it and do the right thing. How are only some of the Ford Escapes during those years covered for bad control arms? please help and hold Ford accountable.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 35 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle swayed back and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and, upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, noticed corrosion and separation of the lower control arm from the frame. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched online and found NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 153,207.

My son was driving this vehicle when the front control arm snapped off from the front subframe! thankfully, he did not get killed or injured. The vehicle was towed to a local garage who informed me that Ford recall # 14s02 applies to this very condition. Upon calling Ford's customer assist line, I was completely shut down. I told the rep that I need a tow since the car was not driveable. She told me that Ford will not pay for a tow or any consequential damages. This makes no sense to me. Obviously, Ford has acknowledged a problem. I don't think it is fair for them to take no responsibility & leave the consumer footing the bill. Please look into this when you get a chance. Thank you.

Ford Escapes from the 2001 through 2004 model years for corrosion of the front subframe. The subframe carries the engine, transmission, steering gear and the front suspension, brakes and wheels Ford says the corrosion can lead to separation of a control arm -- part of the suspension that holds the wheel and tire in the right place I was told that this part needs to be replaced on my car. It's corroded by a mechanic. Than I read the USA today 2014 article. I was never notified. I just took video and pictures of the part. On my cell phone I can submitt. According to this article Ford knew about this. What r my option to get the repair.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While the contact's daughter was driving 40 mph, the driver struck a pothole and the vehicle began to pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side lower control arm and subframe were bent due to rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

2003 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 rear frame rusts causing control arm bracket to rip front the frame. Driving down the road came up to a stop light all of a sudden my brakes locked up got out and looked too see the frame had rusted allowing the lower control arm on the rear driver side to rip the bracket from the frame.

My 17-year-old son was driving the car home from work and after making a right turn the car severely jerks to the right. He almost went off of the road. We took the car to our local mechanic and were told that there was corrosion and separation of the control arm and we would need a brace to complete the repair. The mechanic said when he took the car for a test drive the steering wheel is out of alignment and he almost hit a mailbox when the car jerked to the right. When investigating how to get a used part I discovered that there is a recall for this exact issue (Ford recall #14s02). My car fits the same model year and purchase/registration locations as indicated in the recall, but Ford refuses to make the repair under the recall. Currently we are completely unable to drive the vehicle because it is unsafe for my son and other drivers on the road for the car to be driven. Had my son been driving faster when this happened there could have been a terrible accident.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 33 mph and attempting to turn, the front passenger side wheel failed and the vehicle became difficult to control. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder and discovered that the front passenger wheel was rusted and twisted outward. The failure caused the rear control arm to almost fall off. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

While driving on highway the steering started to become unstable and loose. Moments later the lower control arm (sub-frame) on passenger side separated causing loss of control almost ending in crash. Never received notice of the recall below to fix this problem which was issued about two years ago. Dealership contacted. They are dragging their feet on an answer as to whether they'll fix. Recall # 14s02 2001-'04 Ford Escape recalled for rust, steering problem Ford is recalling 385,762 2001-'04 Ford Escape suvs because a rust problem may cause the lower control arm to separate, potentially resulting in diminished steering control. | April 8, 2014 | Ford motor company recall title: front subframe crossbrace installation NHTSA recall number: 14v165000 Ford recall number: 14s02.

In may of 2016, I took my Ford Escape in for repair of a recall. My understanding of the recall was to prevent a failure of the lower control arm as I read the recall notice and the conversation that I had with repair center agent. A month later the lower control arm separates. After I had my vehicle towed to Ford, it was expressed to me that recall was not to prevent failure but merely to stabilize the vehicle in the event of failure. Had I not had the recall performed on my vehicle they would have repaired the Escape at cost to them, but because I had the recall performed then I most pay for it. Why would Ford authorize such a ridiculous recall effort. First of all if it's know issue, why not repair the issue. Secondly, had I know the ramifications, I would never have had the recalled performed. The control separated while driving and I hit a bump.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 10 mph, a loud thumping sound came from the front of the vehicle and the steering malfunctioned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe seperated due to severe rust and corrosion, which caused the lower control arm to fracture. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

My Ford Escape had recall 14s02 completed, which was supposed to "fix" the rusting out sub-frames made of inferior metal due to salt-belt states salting of roads, by installing a flimsy brace across the sub-frame, but I'm honestly not sure what it does besides prevent your car from "completely" losing control. Ford refuses to truly fix the problem and it posses a serious risk to me, my family, and others on the road. If the sub-frame does detach on my car, which it is one nasty pot-hole away from detaching, than I will lose control of my car when the control arm breaks off the sub-frame and I will be in a potentially life threatening situation. My local independent mechanic warned me of the danger of this problem just recently while it was stationary, but Ford did not. Ford simply brushed me off and didn't explain to me how dangerous this supposed "fix" is. I am student, and in order for me to fix this on my own the cost will be unbearable. I do not think this is fair or following federal law, and I don't know how this pathetic brace held on by a couple of bolts was considered a real fix for a very dangerous problem. The manner in which Ford has handled this situation has been deplorable as well, and I have received nothing but rudeness from their service department, and customer service representatives. The danger of this particular problem is that when the car is in motion and it does detach, especially on a highway, then I, and others will be at a risk due to loss of control of steering.

I was driving home from work on a highway(60mph) when my steering became loose, weaving left and right. Had to slow down to 20mph until I got home. The vehicle was inspected, found that the passenger side subframe had broken in 2. Ford is recalling 385,762 2001-'04 Ford Escape suvs because a rust problem may cause the lower control arm to separate, potentially resulting in diminished steering control. Ford dealers will install a reinforcement crossbrace on the affected Escapes. The subframe has broken apart due to the corrosion, and it's unsafe to drive. Since Ford is aware of this, they should have both subframe replace as a recall and not adding a crossbar as a recall. Currently the vehicle is parked on my driveway. The estimated cost to repair was too costly.

My wife owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving it down the road she noticed the steering was getting uncontrollable. She pulled the car off the road and called aaa for a tow. The car was towed to midas where we usually have our work done on our vehicles. Midas looked at the car while still on the tow truck. They said that it should be covered by the recall on the car. Midas called waikem Ford and was told to tell us to bring it there. We had the tow truck driver take it there. This was on 11/05/15. I was called on 11/6 and told they would not be able to look at the car that day and Monday 11/9 they would look at it. This was in a message to my phone. Monday I received another message from a guy named craig that he had taken pictures of the problem and sent it to Ford motor company. That was all the message said. Tuesday I received a message from craig that the car was done and we could pick it up anytime. I took my wife over to get the car and she drove it home which is three blocks away. She didn't notice anything wrong do to the short trip and slow speed. Saturday 11/14 she took the car out and once again the steering felt uncontrollable. I went over to waikem Ford and ask why the car wasn't fixed. I was told that Ford motor company had denied the fix on the car. Cross brace was installed which is what they do on the recall. How ever the frame rusted out where the control arms attach and the cross brace did nothing. The car was released to us without being told that the problem wasn't fixed. We were not told Ford motor company had rejected the request for repair. This is a known defect in the car, and Ford should have authorized the fix. Ford motor companies decision along with waikem Ford releasing that car to us put my wife and the public in danger.

I own a 03 Ford Escape and when driving at about 30mph my tire started rubbing the fenderwell and pulling hard to the right I had to fight to keep my car from hitting things and about 5 seconds after all of a sudden there is a very loud clunk sound from my passenger front tire. And my front end dropped and wheel locked up. Causing me to lose control of my vehicle. Nearly missing parked cars. I was told my lower control arm separated from subframe. Which has a corrosion issue (this is a know problem with this model, recall reference number --- 14s02) . . I was advised by a private mechanic that my subframe needed replaced. I googled and found out about this recall and had it taken to my local Ford dealership and so far have heard nothing. . This is ridiculous. And because of this safety recall, it damaged my car even further, broke my c/v joint. Probably messed up the axel to.

Steering lose with little control. Mechanic states a separation of the lower control arm due to excessive corrosion in frame. Matches Ford recall 14s02. Yet recall was performed June 2014. So safety recall failed.

Went to get car inspected and the exhaust y pipe and engine cradle subframe has corrison. Called the Ford recall and for some reason my vehicle did not have a recall, but there were other 2003 recalls for the control arms and corrison of the frame and members. This seems to be a problem with a lot of Ford vehicles but not on the recall list and should be. Vehicle has 100,078 miles. There is also noise come from an area around the tires not sure which one.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) and the dealer installed reinforcement cross bar to the under carriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the cross bar was not a permanent repair. As a result, the front sub frame needed to be replaced and the front passenger side lower control arm was rusted through. The contact felt that the recall remedy was not an adequate repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

A recall on our Ford Escape was performed last August. The recall was for rusted frame/cradle area that holds front suspension together. At the time of the recall I informed the dealer that the cradle was weak and very rusty over and above any other rust on car. The dealer installed a brace between the two rails of the frame and told me that was the extent of the recall. The other day while driving the cradle gave out and the engine,the steering gear dropped down a few inches rendering the car undriveable. I was able to maintain control and get it to the dealership. I was told they are only resposible for the brace not the weak cradle. I guess my question is how can this recall stop anyone from a wreck or damage when the entire cradle is affected by this problem. This recall had to be approved by someone im sure. This brace will not stop a car from being out of control at any givin time as the cradle rot will affect a lot more than just the lower control arm area. I understand its an old car but Ford knows there is a serious rust issue with this part. If Ford and the NHTSA feel this bandaid repair is good enough for safety of my family then I have my doubt on whether there is anyone in either organization that knows anything about a car or safety at all.

Daughter driving her vehicle home from work noticed severe vibration in front of vehicle and gradual loss of control of steering. Following day, vehicle brought to repair shop for inspection. Discovered that right lower control arm broken. Discovered that there was a massive recall for exact issue. Remedy said to be support brace/cross member. Vehicle brought to Ford dealership for repair. Recall device installed, however, dealership failed to advise vehicle owner of rotting sub frame in right front of vehicle. Inspected by independent auto shop after install and severe rotting and structural defects found in right front sub frame. Support brace supplied by recall essentially useless as it bolts in to rotting sub frame. Independent shop advises that vehicle is unsafe to drive for both occupants and other drivers due to serious likelihood of loss of control. Note that there are multiple complaints on same issue. Also note that a significant number, (over 50%), of these complaints reveal severe rotting and structural failure to right front sub frame. Contacted Ford about sub frame issues and concerns and was referred back to Ford dealership. Advised to express concerns over workmanship! Ford dealership installed the replacement cross member just fine. But they bolted it to a rusted defected sub frame!! come on people. Do we have to wait until some young unsuspecting mother with a car load of kids loses control of her vehicle and hits a tree, or a pole, or oncoming traffic before the real issue is addressed? I can only imagine the lawsuits!! certainly have enough people for a class action.

While backing out of drive felt an unusual tug of steering wheel, and steering wheel was rotated approx. 30 degrees. Drove it to repair shop where they discovered the lower control arm had rusted away from the subframe mount and the subframe was significantly rusted. Also was notified of safety recall 14s02. Made appointment and slowly drove vehicle to Ford dealership to have recall addressed. Dealership replaced only sub frame crossbrace as directed by Ford motor CO. Subframe is still rusted in other areas surrounding newly installed crossbrace and unsafe to drive. Dealership wanted over $2000 to replace subframe.

The front passenger side lower control arm failed while my son was driving the vehicle. He was going straight, and the right front side just buckled under while he was in motion. Luckily he wasn't on a heavily-travelled road when it happened, because there would have been a serious accident. The vehicle, although it is a 2003 Ford Escape, is not part of recall #14s02. Why, I don't know? no one at Ford can explain this to me, as it is exactly what has been happening with this make and model/year. We had it repaired at great cost to us, with exactly the parts/labor that Ford had been describing in the recall. Our mechanic even got the replacement crossmember from Ford! Ford themselves wanted nothing to do with the repair. In addition to the lower control arm, and crossmember, the tire had to be replaced, along with the right front axle assembly, as they were severely damaged from the frame failure. I would really like an answer as to why my vehicle is not included in the recall, when the recall describes exactly what has happened to my vehicle.

Separation of the lower control arm from the sub-frame causing hard steering and loss of proper control.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the lower control arm failed and caused a loss of steering control. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained for two months however, once the vehicle was returned to the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.

I took my 2003 Ford Escape to dealer to have cross brace put on due to recall. I know more than left their parking lot and notice car driving funny. Ever since being put on I have to replace control arm on passenger front, new tires and 2 alignments. Now I have to have cv joints replaced because of excessive vibration. I called the dealer and complained about car driving funny they basically told me its not there fault. I have soaked almost $1000 in repairs due to crossbar being put on my car. This needs to be fixed there are flaws in the cross brace being installed on cars. I have had vehicle for almost 3 years with no problems and since dealer messed with my car I have had nothing but problems.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that he received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign id number 14v165000 (lower control arm). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a reinforcement cross-brace was installed. The contact stated that the cross-brace was not working for his vehicle due to the front lower control arms being completely rusted. The manufacturer was notified about the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving downhill at approximately 5 mph, a loud noise emitted as the vehicle suddenly came to a stop. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger's side tire was collapsed inwardly which caused the control arm to fracture. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front end exhibited a loud noise as the front passenger's side front wheel separated. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the front sub frame and lower control arm, which were both determined to be corroded. As a result, the front passenger's side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 68,000.

While that vehicle was being operated; decelerating from about 35 mph, a very loud pop noise was heard and the front passenger side became unstable and steering became unreliable. Vehicle was stopped immediately. Upon initial inspection is appears that the wheel became partially detached from vehicle. After a thorough inspection is appears that the rear mounting bolt of the front passenger side control arm had detached from the sub-frame. This part of the sub-frame show excessive corrosion which led to the failure of the control arm mounting point. As a result of the failure the vehicle lost all ability to maintain effective stability. Luckily the vehicle was already decelerating and being operated on a roadway that had sufficient room to make corrective measure otherwise the outcome of this failure easily could have been catastrophic and fatal. The vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. The body and other parts of the frame do not have significant amounts of rust.