Hello, The engine cradle subframe on my 2005 Ford Escape has completely rusted through on the right hand side where it attaches to the steering control arm. As I was driving the subframe broke which made it impossible to steer the car. This pulled my car off the road to the passenger side. Fortunately I was not injured. Having now researched this issue, it is a common problem with 2005 Ford Escapes. This is very dangerous, and it should be addressed as it creates a life threatening situation.
2005 Ford Escape body problems
434 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 120,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 434
- of this car's complaints
- 31%
- typical mileage
- 120,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body360
- Frame and members: underbody shields20
- Frame and members14
- Body: door3
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments2
- Body: hatchback/liftgate2
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
- Body: door: hinge and attachments1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Escape body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2005 Ford Escape owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My rear passenger side rusted right out completely and the strut mount is not attached to any part of the body. It caused my vehicle to swirve off the road almost hitting another vehicle when it was raining out also in the snow this occurred several times where my rear end jerked sideways pulling my truck into a complete circle.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her father inspected the vehicle, he made her aware that there was damage to the rear subframe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Rear driver's side door will not close/latch. Latch can be manually moved, but does not engage when shutting door. Currently using bungee cords to keep door closed as I have children and no other vehicle. Vehicle was parked, door was opened from inside to allow passenger to exit, but when they attempted to shut the door, it would not latch closed. No prior problems with the door and no prior warnings/lights. Since door won't close, the door ajar dash light is illuminated and I have to turn my interior lights to off so that they don't remain on while I'm driving
My ford escape has handled poorly for the past several weeks; a few days ago my daughter (following me in her own car) told me that the right front tire looked crooked. I took it to my mechanic this morning who told (and showed) me that the subframe was completely rusted out and that the car was not safe to drive. He seemed surprised to learn that I had not received a recall notice for this problem.
Front subframe failed while driving - slow vehicle speed. The passenger side lower control arm remained attached to the subframe, but the failed subframe allows the control arm to swing dragging the vehicle to the side.
My escape keeps making a horrible rubbing/humming sound when turning right only, my rear passenger door does not lock and my alarm is constantly going off, and finally my frame on the rear passenger side is rusting and literally crumbling apart. My passenger air bag light does not function properly either. I just purchased this vehicle in may of this year from a car dealership.
Rust and corrosion on the wheel well caused the shock mount to come apart. Now it is loose and very dangerous. Ford must be held responsible for terrible design.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford escape. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service. The mechanic noticed that the entire undercarriage and crossmember were corroded. The contact called heller ford (700 w main st, el paso, il 61738, (309) 527-6050) and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,772. *ln manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Manufacturer stated that they would not be able to assist because VIN was not included in recall.
As I was driving there was a really loud clunking on the rear. I figured it was potentially a broken shock. In the passenger rear wheel well where the shock bolts to the frame was copletely rusted out. When I was hitting bumps it wasnt even attached to the frame. There was no way of repair. I am so greatful I was safe. And didnt get into an accident. One wrong bump. And the whole shock wouldve went through the trunk and could have caused a very serious accident.
Questions about the 2005 Ford Escape body
Does the 2005 Ford Escape have body problems?
Owners have filed 434 complaints about the body of the 2005 Ford Escape, 31% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Escape body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 120,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Ford Escape body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Escape have the most body problems?
The Ford Escape model years with the most body complaints are 2020 (671 complaints), 2005 (434 complaints) and 2004 (138 complaints).
Other 2005 Ford Escape problems
Suspension 459Engine 220Electrical 153Acceleration 149Transmission 117Wheels 98Brakes 66Fuel system 64Steering 49Visibility 37Airbags 34Driver assistance 16Seats 10Lights 8Seat belts 8Tires 7Locks 6
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