The right lower control arm separated from the subframe due to subframe rust. It caused loss of handling and rendered the car immobile. It was caused by a panic stop at a low speed. The car was towed to an independent garage where it is awaiting repair. Parts affected were the subframe, CV axle joint and the front fender (From the wheel hitting it when it broke).
2005 Ford Escape suspension problems
459 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 121,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 459
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- typical mileage
- 121,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Rear8
- Front7
- Front: wheel bearing2
- Front: shock absorber1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Escape suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford Escape suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2005 Ford Escape owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Control arm snapped and frame broke
Front left tower rod is going thru the wheel well from rust. This can cause major damage to myself, occupants, and the lives of others outside of the vehicle. The front left seatbelt light continuously alarms as if it is not connected. Is it? The back lights are always out not sure to replacement repeatedly. I'd the seatbelt good enough in an accident, I am not trying to find that it either. The lights are a ticket every time and are another hazard to other motorist. The main wheel rust was told to me upon a failed inspection. It is not fixed at this point just found out and looking for recalls but found many with the same exact hazard. The warning lights go off every minute and a half while driving in the dashboard. This has been since I purchased the vehicle last year. The same goes for replacing the back running light. I don't know if the auto place was aware of these problems, but I'm positive the were just trying to move the vehicle if the lot at this point. The repairs are more than half of the cost just for the wheel rust hazard
I was driving at ~35MPH and suddenly hear a loud clanking sound from the rear right tire. The car has minimal rust however the rear right tire well has extensive internal weakness that caused the shock to disconnect from the frame. This happened completely unexpectedly and could lead to accidents and death. It seems this problem has been reported by hundreds of other drivers of similar makes and models.
Rust through on right rear wheel well and shock tower. Car only has 100,089 miles. Has been kept clean and was bought from carmax in2013 in excellent condition. All repairs, maintenance performed by professionals since bought. Research shows this to be a common problem with this model. (in addition to the door open/alarm problem others and I experience) this is a safety issue that could result in serious injury or death as it involves the rear shock possibly dislodging and rear end collapsing. Please look into this and make ford fix this problem! Many owners bought these vehicles used and we cannot afford to fix these( if they can be fixed at all) much less buy a new vehicle.
Wheel well on rear passenger side as reported many time completely rusted out undrivable only 100000 miles
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65mph, I hit a pothole and immediately heard a loud banging sound from the driver side rear of my vehicle. After pulling off the freeway and inspecting the vehicle, I discovered the driver side wheel well to be completely rusted and the shock tower was separated from the frame.
The right rear wheel well housing of which the top portion of the shock connect to is rusted out which means the top part of the shock is not attached to the body.
Questions about the 2005 Ford Escape suspension
Does the 2005 Ford Escape have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 459 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Ford Escape, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Escape suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 121,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Ford Escape suspension?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Escape have bad suspension?
The Ford Escape model years with the most suspension complaints are 2005 (459 complaints), 2004 (154 complaints) and 2003 (90 complaints).
Other 2005 Ford Escape problems
Body 434Engine 220Electrical 153Acceleration 149Transmission 117Wheels 98Brakes 66Fuel system 64Steering 49Visibility 37Airbags 34Driver assistance 16Seats 10Lights 8Seat belts 8Tires 7Locks 6
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