Bearing have a wired noise on from of vehicle when I get 35 miles or more
2003 Ford Escape suspension complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 90, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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).'
I was driving my car out of my driveway and the steering wheel turned off center making it difficult to correctly steer the car. I took it to a mechanic and was told the sub frame rusted and cracked in half.
Front sub frame rusted out and split half way across pulls vehicle when driving 14s02 complaint
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 5 MPH, a crunching sound was present coming from the front passenger side and the vehicle suddenly could not be driven properly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower control arm had fractured due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired in 2014 per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle later experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 53,000.
The front sub frame is rusted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Tl* 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 the federal safety agency 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 drivable. 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.
My daughter was driving home from work and went over the railroad tracks and the whole front end felt like it was going to collapse the steering got thrown way off and when she went to apply the brakes at the light she almost went through them because of the front-end being way out of line. When I had a chance to look underneath it the next day it is so corroded and split and cracked where the crossmember is. And these railroad tracks she went over every day with no problems that are very smooth except for that night when they just gave out. You can tell that the metal for the vehicle is not quality
Tl* 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 the federal safety agency 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. Upon exiting a parking area, there was an abnormal suspension vibration near the front of the vehicle. The front subframe fractured and impacted the front passenger side tire. The contact and a mechanic inspected the fact that there had been premature rust and corrosion associated with the underbody, subframe, and the bar that was connected to the frame. The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed by the mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution other than for the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v165000 (structure) and 15e045000 (suspension). The failure mileage was not available.
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-traveled 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.
Tl* 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 the federal safety agency recall number: 14v165000 ford recall number: 14s02
While driving, the front right tire felt like it was going to fall off the vehicle. I took it to my mechanic who stated that the sub-frame was cracked and ford had a recall in place. I had it towed to the nearest ford dealership who stated that it would be covered under the recall. Instead, they put a cross-bar on the cracked sub frame because they determined it was "not broken" only "cracked". The sub frame had "rusted and corroded" due to ford's own admittance of "faulty parts". I asked if the vehicle was safe and they stated "no". I asked if the vehicle would pass inspection and again they stated "no". I asked if this was a "bandaid" that they put on to make themselves feel better about the fact that anyone operating the vehicle could lose total control. I asked to speak to a manager, who told me there was nothing he could do. He did state he would makes some calls and called me a day or two later to say, that his manager said if I wanted the vehicle fixed, I could pay $1,200 for the part and an additional $600-$800 in labor to fix the vehicle, or I could trade it in. I am beyond frustrated that ford will not back up their product. The vehicle has less than 65,000 miles on it!
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine tire maintenance, the contact was informed that there was severe corrosion to the rear axles of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 07/12/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had a recall on the frame and was repaired. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shook and the steering wheel wobbled. The front driver side wheel was straight while the front passenger side wheel faced outward. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was completely fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Tl* 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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 40 MPH, a thumping noise was heard from the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely rusted and fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that a brace was placed on by the dealer in the subframe as part of a recall in 2014. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving at various speeds, there were abnormal noises coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, both front tires leaned inwards. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front control arm, sway bar, and tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the mechanic also stated that the subframe corroded and needed to be replaced. A week later, while reversing at a low speed, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the control arm and axle fractured. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,470.
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.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Ford Escape?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history