2003 Ford Escape: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 8, 2024 · Body · 122,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slightly veer to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side control arm had slightly detached. The dealer informed the contact the failure was a result of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure) and the vehicle was included; however, the fix needed exceeded the repair stated in the recall remedy. The dealer diagnosed that the front subframe was extremely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened. The contact was also referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2022 · Suspension · IL

Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and links to take care of the problem. After ordering parts, the vehicle, while driving to work, a loud popping sound was heard and then the vehicle dropped down and had to be towed home (thank God this didn't happen on the expressway). I then looked up any recalls on this vehicle and low and behold there was a recall on this year, make and model car BUT not on this VIN number (Ford's number for this recall is 14S02. Recall date 2014-04-02 Recall no.14V165000). This vehicle suddenly and dangerously broke down from this same problem, and has the same issue that was recalled by Ford on this make, model and year described in their recall (14S02) but the VIN number seems to say otherwise when I looked it up. This needs to be investgated before this happens to someone while driving in snow or rainy condtions or while driving on the expressway. Please investigate!

Filed Jan 10, 2021 · Suspension · OH

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

Filed Dec 29, 2020 · Suspension · 106,500 miles · VA

Recall #14s02 (the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 16, 2020 · Suspension · MI

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.

Filed Mar 12, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 86,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact's mother owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact's mother received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) the vehicle was repaired at hopkins ford of elgin inc. Located at (1045 e chicago st, elgin, il 60120) however, the failure was experienced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle moved from left to right independently. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver and passenger's side control arms and the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Suspension · 165,000 miles · WI

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. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 196,703 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jul 23, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 192,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Jul 2, 2018 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jun 21, 2018 · Body · 123,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the subframe was rusted near the lower control arm. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (balise ford of cape cod in hyannis, ma) were both notified, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 121,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While turning at low speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle shook. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bob chapman ford (1255 columbus ave, marysville, oh 43040, (937) 642-0015) where it was diagnosed that the control arm and subframe were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.