Wheel Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

On 2/12/2026 I was driving in gordon county, GA. I was going about 25 mph when I hit a pothole on the right hand side of the road. It resulted in a split wheel/rim on the right front side of my vehicle. It also damaged the wheel/rim on the right hand back side, as well as breaking the shock absorber on the right back side.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

Tpms failure after ipma replacement – “after the dealership replaced the ipma module on Nov 14, 2025 to address repeated adas system failures (blis, cross-traffic, pre-collision assist, park aid, front camera fault), the tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) immediately stopped functioning. The Fordpass app shows all four tire sensors missing (‘—’) and permanent ‘tire pressure data delayed’ warnings. This occurred while the vehicle remained in the shop for over 40 days with unresolved adas defects. The tpms failure adds another safety-critical issue following a repair that already failed. This indicates escalating electronic instability and confirms the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable. ”.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Escape 🔎.

I went to trade in my car and was informed that frame behind front driver side is almost rusted through. Meaning the body could detach from frame or something else dangerous could happen. This is my only car and now I'm afraid to drive it.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

Upon starting our vehicle, we received several warning lights relating to collision control and that the awd system had failed. This happened on a Saturday so we had to wait until Monday to bring the car in to the dealer for service. The service department told us that the diagnostic testing indicated that the awd module and the ptu actuator motor needed to be replaced. Our vehicle is under six years and under 29,000 miles, along with being garage kept and having regular maintenance.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

My tire sensors keep going out. I've replace them twice already. It's a concern for my especially traveling at highway speed.

My car togs a lot. My tire sensors keep going out. I've smelt gas before while driving. It's very slow going up hill. I hear grinding sounds intermittently.

Tire pressure default sensor keeps going on and them off after a while. Tires are not low.

I have a 2017 Ford Escape and just had it in the Ford dealer for inspection and was informed that all of my lug nuts are swollen a;nd stripped and need replacement.  I checked online and found that this is a recurrent issue with Ford vehicles where the lug nuts can swell due to a two-piece design with a steel core and decorative outer shell, often made of aluminum or chrome. The outer shell can corrode, swell, and delaminate making it difficult or impossible to remove the lug nut with a standard lug wrench. This is a common issue among Ford models and can lead to drivers being stranded with flat tires.  there was a class action suit started in 2017 that was subsequently dismissed.  I feel that this is negligent on Ford's behalf as it is a known design fault and safety issue and they should be issuing a recall to replace these lug nuts at no cost. I agreed to have Ford replace the lug nuts as I was concerned for my safety, should I need to get the lug nuts off. The cost was $267. 95 plus 6% tax = $284. 03. I was also informed that the replacement lug nuts are the same design and are only guaranteed for 2 years. I fail to understand why this safety issue doesn't warrant a recall to be issued and I should be reimbursed for my replacement.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

Tire pressure monitoring system failure in rear tire. Error message states failure on dashboard. Issue began happening week of July 7, 2025. Vehicle has not been inspected by dealer or other professional.

Bought 4 new tires from costco Dec 2023. June 2024 tire rotation showed 5/32 and 6/32. After only 7k miles. Brought tires back to costco and was told I had to wait to make a warranty claim until they are 2/32! this is forcing me to literally put my family's lives at risk. Finally in June 2025, after only 17,312 miles driven the tires were at 3/32. Filed a warranty claim. Costco did the best they could, but in the end, I now have to buy new tires. I did receive ~$600 for the warranty claim but now have to spend another $432 plus an alignment. Total cost for now is $900 + $400 +200 (alignment). Not sure how other people view this, but I think I was completely ripped off. $1500 for new tires? really? tech stated that bridgestone knows/knew these tires are/were problematic yet did nothing. These tires need to be recalled, the company investigated for deliberately putting peoples' lives at risk.

Subject: safety complaint – tpms & trunk system failure on 2020 Ford Escape hybrid I’m reporting two ongoing issues with my 2020 Ford Escape hybrid that I believe are connected to a recall I’ve seen issued for other vehicles of the same make and model year. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system (tpms): my dashboard only displays pressure readings for two of the four tires. The other two do not register at all, which makes it difficult to monitor tire safety. 2. Trunk release button failure: the button to electronically open my trunk no longer works. I have to manually open the liftgate each time, which is not how the vehicle was designed to function. The last time I took my vehicle in for a recall-related service, I was told I would need to return to complete additional recall work. I never received follow-up communication, and my VIN currently does not show any active recalls, despite these ongoing issues and my earlier service visit. I have since discovered that other 2020 Ford Escape models have been recalled for failures related to the body control module or related systems—which seem directly tied to my problems. I’m requesting a review of my case, as these failures could compromise vehicle safety. I’d also appreciate consideration for repair assistance or further investigation into whether my VIN should be included in the relevant recalls. Thank you for your time and attention.

While driving on a city street at low speeds and good road conditions the rear torsion(stabilizer) bar cracked and broke off its mount and flipped the rear wheel sideways. This was extremely providential in that had this occurred at high speeds the results would have been disastrous for all around and in the vehicle. The incident occurred fortunately right at a location where there was a service to fix it. I want this incident to register with you because it may save someone's life. Please take this seriously. This was my vehicle and now it is my daughter's vehicle.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

Ford motor company should issue a recall and replace the known faulty manufacturing defective lug nuts since 2019. The lug nuts swell and can not be removed by standard lug nut wrench. This is a safety issue because recommend tire rotation is impossible with standard tools. Dealerships are requiring owners to replace faulty lug nuts at an exorbitant cost. Vehicle owners are not performing the routine tire rotation thus creating a safety hazard resulting from tire failure, roadside safety issues and crashes due to excessive tire wear. This has been a known manufacturer fault since 2019. It is immoral and unprofessional to allow this practice to continue.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

After removing the lugnuts so many times, they no longer stay tighten. Eventually, the bolts will wear out causing your nuts to continuously come loose. I got new tires not even 2 weeks ago and ever since, they won't stay tightened. One of them won't tighten at all, it's striped out. This is not normal wear and tear. I didn't start experiencing issues with it until I had my tires removed 6 times in less than 6 months for suspension repairs, new tires, and regular maintenance. This isn't even this first I'm hearing of this issue with this same car. I've had several mechanics ask me if I've ran into the issue yet since it's so common. This on top of the 6f35 transmission failures in this car (amd other things) these things aren't safe to drive.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving approximately 70 mph on the highway, the rear passenger-side wheel rim suddenly failed and blew out, causing the tire to also blow out. The incident caused a sudden jolt and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to steer safely to the shoulder without crashing, but it was an extremely dangerous situation. The failure of the rim caused significant damage to the rear suspension. The vehicle required the following repairs: new rim two new tires right rear control arm – forward right rear control arm – adjustable right rear trailing arm lower rear lateral link rear suspension shock absorber all of this stemmed from the catastrophic failure of the rim at highway speed, which I believe should never occur on a properly maintained vehicle with no prior wheel damage. The failure occurred without hitting debris or a known pothole and was not due to a slow leak or flat—it was a sudden rim failure. This presents a major safety hazard not only to drivers of Ford Escapes but to others on the road. I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether other similar failures have occurred in 2018 Ford Escape models. A recall or formal review may be warranted.

All wheel drive stopped functioning in icy/snowy condition. Causing unsafe driving conditions. Warning message: driver display indicates, "all wheel drive module faulty, driver assist not available. Service required!" and an orange wrench displayed >>there is already a bulletin on this issue for 2020 Ford Escapes csb21b19, April 2021, however our VIN was not included in bulletin. >> we took the car back to the dealership for repairs and they said they are having many Escapes coming in with this issue whose vins are also not included in the original bulletin >> no pre warning. The first time we saw the warning the awd failed on snowy road. >>we contacted Ford customer service and got the run around. Ford needs to increase the list of vins included in the bulletin so people can get the module replaced to prevent the loss of awd in snowy/icy conditions.

Power transfer unit failure. The vehicle is only four years old with solely highway mileage. They cost to replace the ptu is $1990 which is quite a bit to pay for a manufacturer issue. I purchased this car brand new from the dealership.

My Ford Escape began shaking recently and as a precaution I tried to tighten the lug nuts, unfortunately I was unable to do so as the nuts no longer fit in the lug wrench, while my car was still driveable this could be an extremely dangerous circumstance if I received a flat tire in a remote location, there are countless similar stories on this I found out after doing some searches (I noted a few below). I don't understand how this dangerous safety issue has not caused a mandatory recall from Ford, and would love to hear if that is expected. Thanks, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My Ford mechanic states that my lug nuts are swollen. This would make it impossible for me to change my tires if something happened and I had a flat tire on the road. This seems a like a clear manufacturing defect and should be addressed at their expense not mine. Ford is quoting a price of $276 (without taxes) to replace all lug nuts. This is ridiculous.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to stowasser shop because it was again running poorly. This time, they had to install a new motor. At that time, my mileage was 49,000, but when the vehicle was returned to me, it had 75,000 miles on it. I asked why the mileage had increased so significantly, but they kept changing the subject and never provided an answer. When I went to pick up my vehicle, the salesperson who sold me the vehicle whispered to me that my vehicle needed new tires badly. I feel this was something the dealer should have addressed. I had not put many miles on my vehicle for the tires to be so worn. On January 18, 2023, I had to put new tires on this vehicle, which cost me $756. 00. It was difficult for me to come up with this money, but I had no choice if I needed reliable transportation. I had traded in my older vehicle because I needed transportation, I could count on in my retirement years. On October 2, 2024, I needed new brakes, which were badly worn down. This expense cost me $900. 00. The mechanic told me the oil level was very low and asked if a red light had come on to warn me. I said, "no, there was no sensor light. " if it had not been for the thoroughness of my mechanic, I would have driven off with no oil in the engine. Right now, my car is parked because another senor light came on and I was told that it is the catalytic converter. I am distraught because I trusted stowasser that they would take care of me because they knew I was retired and needed a reliable vehicle. I have lost my job, exhausted my unemployment benefits, and now live on social security. I cannot afford to fix this lemon of a car I was sold.

In the last six months fourteen of sixteen original equipment lug nuts have had to be replaced because they were "swollen". The dealer was able to do this work but I am concerned for the times when I was not having the vehicle serviced. What if I had had a flat tire and could not change the tire because of this issue? this would put me and the vehicle at risk to find a place of safety to replace the tire.

Lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced. It seems like this is an issue with Fords.

I brought my vehicle into its manufacturer service center after noticing several issues. The vehicle was not maneuvering as smoothly as it used to and when it hit bumps I would feel a slight loss of control. This is extremely dangerous, especially in the coming winter months where it snows heavily where I live in the midwest. I also hear like a cracking sound underneath the vehicle. I saw several service light illuminate to include: awd fault service required, hill start not available, and pre collision assist not available. I brought in my vehicle into the Ford service center and they advised me that I needed to replace the awd module and that this has been a common trend among the Ford Escape vehicles. I conducted research online and observed that several people have also had complaints about the same if not similar issues with the same year, make, and model of my vehicle. I strongly believe that this issue should be addressed in recall, especially given the numerous amounts of complaints and known issues.

My 2022 Ford Escape the engine shakes really bad there are new brakes pads on my car and my rims are fill with dust from the brakes.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

During an oil change, the technician discovered 14 of the 20 lug nuts had swelled and needed replacement for a 2014 Ford Escape. The cost was $110. The service manager stated the technician would not put the old lug nuts on the vehicle since it was a safety issue. He said the nuts could not be removed with the lug wrench which comes with the vehicle and there is potential for the nuts to crack. He said Ford is aware of the problem and the cause is defective lugs especially in an environment where salt and brine solutions are used for snow and ice control. We live in wisconsin. He suggested searching the internet for the problem. I searched the internet and found a large amount of complaints related to Ford Escapes and other Ford models.

There was a flat on the left rear tire last Friday, Aug 2. It had to be changed at home because it was ruined and could not be aired up. When I tried to take the lug nuts off, the plastic coating on the nuts (whose stupid idea was that!!) made it impossible to get the Ford lug wrench on the nuts. Since my options at that time were very limited, I hammered the lug wrench on by force and finally got the nuts off. It did not improve their looks or usefulness a bit. After buying a new tire I went to the Ford dealer to get some usable lug nuts. They had nothing to offer, but did say their mechanics frequently complained that the lug nuts were faulty. Who would have ever imagined a manufacturer would ever screw up something as basic as lug nuts!! next car or truck I buy will not have such nonsense or I won't buy it.

The lugnuts on my 2014 Ford Escape titanium have swollen to the point that the lug wrench will not fit to remove the lugs. I found out that this is an ongoing problem and could result in lug failure and potentially cause an accident. When the Ford dealership (ted britt Ford of chantilly, virginia) informed me that all 20 lugs will have to be replaced at $10 per lug nut (for a total of $200) plus $50 (or so) for installation. Auto supply parts have oem replacement lugnut for about $25 to $8for0 for a set of 20 lugnuts. Over the years I've owned 4 Ford products and am at the point of trading in my Escape for a new one, but now have my safety concerns.

A wheel bearing is unsafe to drive on. Yes my safety and those in the car with me has been at risk. The problem was confirmed by a Ford dealership and has been inspected by a suspension tech. There was no light in the dashboard or anything to notify me of this issue.

The lug nuts were swollen.

Second warning from tire dealership that lug nuts are swollen and need replaced ASAP due to swelling. Noted numerous complaints on-line.

After getting a flat tire I could not get the lug nuts off by hand. They are aluminum and strip easily. Needed to call a tow truck with an air gun to get lug nuts off. Even with the air gun they strip. My mechanic says I now need 10 new lug nuts. That is after buying 8 about 2 years ago.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

Brought in vehicle for service. Was told the tires couldn’t be rotated because of “swollen lug nuts”. I would be responsible for replacing all 20 at a cost of around $180. 00 for the parts. The dealership said if I should happen to get a flat tire, I would not be able to do it and the car would most likely need to be towed. I don’t think I should have to pay for this repair on an item so basic and so important. I have not had an issue until the dealer brought it to my attention. I spoke with Ford customer service and was told this is out of warranty and there was no way to escalate my concern at Ford.

Rear differential failing causing the back tires to go at different speed than the front. Causes steering issues. Part is limited in availability per dealership as so many Ford cars are having the issue.

Wheel lug nuts have swollen and are distorted. Have been told by Ford dealer to replace them. Car has 41,000 miles. Ford is responsible and needs to replace.

Tpms sensors of back right and left will not show readings and tpms fault code will show in bcm.