NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Wheels complaints
98 reportsClear category filter122,000 miles · Jun 19, 2014
StructureWheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WHEEL WELL HAD DEVELOPED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WHEEL WELL HAD DEVELOPED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA ODI #10604577
68,000 miles · Jun 16, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, UNDERMINING STRUT SUPPORT. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS HAVE MINIMAL TO NORMAL RUST WITH RUST PROOFING MATERIAL STILL IN PLACE. BODY OF VEHICLE HAS NO RUST AT ALL AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND WASHED REGULARLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10598635
105,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
SuspensionWheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL HAD CORRODED AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL HAD CORRODED AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10597932
150,000 miles · May 25, 2014
SuspensionWheels
AS I SIT HERE AND READ ALL THESE REPORTS ON FORD ESCAPE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL ISSUES, I WONDER HOW LONG OR WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR FORD TO REALIZE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM WHICH NEEDS TAKEN CARE OF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593976
158,000 miles · May 14, 2014
Wheels
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HOME FROM WORK AND NOTICED A LOUD THUMPING SOUND WHEN SHE WOULD GO OVER A BUMP ON THE ROAD. IT CONTINUED FOR A FEW DAYS AND SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT AND AFTER CHECKING THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA I SAW THAT THE METAL MOLDING HOLDING THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSO…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2005 FORD ESCAPE HOME FROM WORK AND NOTICED A LOUD THUMPING SOUND WHEN SHE WOULD GO OVER A BUMP ON THE ROAD. IT CONTINUED FOR A FEW DAYS AND SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT AND AFTER CHECKING THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA I SAW THAT THE METAL MOLDING HOLDING THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NOT BEING BRACED WHICH WAS CAUSING THE THUMP. I HAD IT CHECKED AT AN AUTO REPAIR AND THEY SAID I WOULD NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE WELD A REPLACEMENT METAL PIECE INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND PROBABLY REPLACE THE SHOCK IF IT IS DAMAGED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE I SAW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND HAVE BEEN WAITING TO TRY AND GET IT FIXED. FROM SEARCH THE INTERNET IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND I AM HOPING THAT A RECALL HAS OR WILL BE DONE ON FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10588351
84,000 miles · May 13, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
WHILE DRIVING OVER RAIL ROAD TRACKS A LOUD THUD WAS HEARD IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE FIRST ASSUMPTION WAS THE TIRE BLEW, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE TIRE WAS FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND THE THUD WOULD CONTINUE TO BE HEARD GETTING WORSE AND WORSE, ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
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WHILE DRIVING OVER RAIL ROAD TRACKS A LOUD THUD WAS HEARD IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE FIRST ASSUMPTION WAS THE TIRE BLEW, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE TIRE WAS FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND THE THUD WOULD CONTINUE TO BE HEARD GETTING WORSE AND WORSE, ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GOODYEAR AUTO SERVICE CENTER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE BODY. THE THUMPING WE HEARD WAS THE CHUNK OF METAL AND SHOCK MOUNT THAT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE BODY BUT STILL ATTACHED TO THE TOP OF THE SHOCK HITTING THE REST OF THE WHEEL WELL THAT WAS STILL THERE. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT HE WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THIS AREA OF THE CAR WAS RUSTED SO BADLY AND IT APPEARED THAT IT WASN'T UNDERCOATED PROPERLY TO PREVENT THE RUST. THE SERVICE TECH INFORMED ME HE COULDN'T FIX IT AND RECOMMENDED A WELDING SHOP (FRIESS WELDING). THE WELDING SHOP WAS ABLE TO CUT OUT THE RUSTED WHEEL WELL (THEY REFERRED TO IT AS A FENDER WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN THE NAME), REPAIR THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT, PUT ON A NEW SHOCK (THE OLD SHOCK WAS BENT TO BADLY FROM WHEN IT SEPARATED FROM THE CAR), AND PROPERLY UNDERCOAT IT. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS COMMON ON 05 AND 06 FORD ESCAPES AND THEY HAD REPAIRED QUITE A FEW FOR THE SAME THING. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT FORD RECENTLY HAD A RECALL FOR 01-04 FORD ESCAPES FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE ONLY ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THEY THOUGHT THAT FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON 05-06 FOR THE BACK. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL HELP TO HAVE A RECALL DONE BUT WHAT THE WELDING SHOP WAS TELLING ME SEEMS TO BE TRUE AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. I WILL KEEP ALL OF MY RECEIPTS AND THE PICTURES THAT I TOOK AND HOPE A RECALL IS EVENTUALLY DONE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10588227
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEELHOUSE PANEL IS TOTALLY CORRODED. THE 'PANEL' HOLDING THE REAR RIGHT SUSPENSION CRACKED, NOTHING HOLDING THE SUSPENSION. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN THE WEBSITE. THIS SHOULD BE TREATED AS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AS IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM IN WHICH THE FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587967
100,500 miles · May 5, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ON MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, FREEING THE SHOCK MOUNT. VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 100000 MILES AND IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586675
165,000 miles · May 5, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEELHOUSE RUSTED OUT BREAKING THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT CAUSING STEERING ISSUES . THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. THE WHEELHOUSE IS SIMPLE SHEET METAL THAT RUSTED OUT, THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS NO REINFORCEMENT AND IS SIMPLY ATTACHED TO A CUP IN THE WHEEL WELL. WHEN IT GAVE FREE THE VEHICLE SWER…
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REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEELHOUSE RUSTED OUT BREAKING THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT CAUSING STEERING ISSUES . THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. THE WHEELHOUSE IS SIMPLE SHEET METAL THAT RUSTED OUT, THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS NO REINFORCEMENT AND IS SIMPLY ATTACHED TO A CUP IN THE WHEEL WELL. WHEN IT GAVE FREE THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586569
84,000 miles · Apr 28, 2014
StructureSuspensionWheels
REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER WHEEL LINER COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. UPPER END OF SHOCK NO LONGER ATTACHED TO BODY OF VEHICLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10585231
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Sep 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Apr 7, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Dec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
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