Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2005 Ford Freestyle

I was travelling on a side street at approximately 30 mph. I heard a loud clunk from the rear of the car. . I stopped the car and got out to check the cause. The right rear lower control arm was no longer connected to the vehicle structure. The attachment bolt and bushing is connected to the control arm. The attachment bracket that is welded to the sub-frame is deterioated.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, she heard a loud noise as the steering wheel started to veer. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle she noticed that the rear control arm was fractured and became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician advised that there was corrosion of the rear sub-frame, causing it to detach from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 176,690.

I was driving my 2005 Ford Freestyle on an interstate highway at approximately 72 mph. While driving on a straight section of highway and with both of my hands on the steering wheel, the vehicle suddenly went completely out of control. I tried desperately to straighten up and to control the car but it was useless. The vehicle went sideways and then started to spin out of control. The vehicle ended up in a berm on the side of the highway facing in the opposite direction. Only by the mercy and grace of god was our vehicle not struck by a passing vehicle or did our vehicle roll. We walked away from the accident with no injuries just thankful hearts. The vehicle was towed to a service station and the technician quickly diagnosed the problem as a broken lower left rear control arm support bracket. The control arm is what keeps the rear wheels from turning left or right. The lower control arm support bracket is what helps to keep the control arm in place. Upon further investigation after the accident we have identified a number of other vehicle owners who have experienced this same problem. The part is constructed with an inexpensive and weak grade of steel and is subject to damage.

2005 Ford Freestyle. . . Lower right rear suspension control arm failed at frame attachment bracket. . . Near loss of control at low speed. . . Had failure happened at highway speed the result could have been very serious.