2011 Ford Escape: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 24, 2024 · Suspension · MA

Sub frame rotted out on passenger side, causing passenger side control arm to become dislodged which resulted in lost control of car! Could have resulted in major accident and or death at higher speed! Entire family in car.

Filed Apr 15, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · MD

This 2011 Ford Escape has a front K-frame (subframe) failure. The area where the front passenger lower control connects to the k-frame has completely rusted through, causing the lower control arm to almost detach from the vehicle at the front bushing. While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became crooked and the car was taken to a shop for an alignment. Upon inspection it was learned that the K-frame has rusted in that one area so badly that the wheel could become detached if the vehicle is driven any further. I see that Ford has this exact issue with 2001-2004 models and did a recall. However, they are not indicating that they are addressing this same problem with newer models.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · 154,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel locked, causing the vehicle to drive straightforwardly towards oncoming traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and reversed. The contact stated that a road construction worker placed traffic cones around the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer for the part and was informed that the part was not available. The contact followed up with the dealer, who informed her that the part had been discontinued. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was being towed to the independent mechanic, the front driver's side lower control arm fractured due to severely rusted bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Body, Suspension · WI

Front sub frame rusting through that could potentially result in the control arms breaking away from the sub frame and the driver losing control of the vehicle. No incident has occurred from this, but could if not inspected and found. This was found by an independent service center. No warning lamps

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Suspension · NJ

Sub frame rotting out, lower control arms. Know issue with A/C leaking onto frame cause extreme rust. This can/will cause loss of control when driving. Purchased used and was not made aware of the issue and unknown history.

Filed Dec 28, 2021 · Suspension · WI

The engine cradle mount that holds the lower control arm failed because of severe rot but only one mount is rotted, very localized. Have picture of failed piece. The broken mount cause the passenger side front tire to move independently from the drive side wheel and makes it have hard to steer straight. Called dealer and it’s a very well known problem, you guys did a recall with early models and all ford did was put a brace in and didn’t address the extreme rot in the engine cable. Has not been inspected by anyone but picture shows the issue, problem exist on passenger side only

Filed Sep 27, 2021 · Suspension · PA

Our escape failed Pennsylvania state inspection due to the front subframe (engine cradle) rusting and cracking at the attachment points with the control arms. Our mechanic invited us to come into his garage and inspect the problem. Upon our personal inspection to the problem we noticed holes, cracks and bending at and near these joints. Our mechanic told us that this problem is a common occurance on the Ford escapes. This item was the first thing he checked in the inspection process. My wife had new tires put on in April. also new control arms were put on to get it lined up at another shop, so apparently they were bad at that time. I checked with one Ford dealer and they said there was no recall for this issue. My wife contacted the Ford dealer where we bought the vehicle and found out the part (subframe) was on back order for weeks. Also both Ford dealers appear to farm out this type of repairs to body shops. After reviewing this issue on line and to find a path forward for repairs I started to find out the extent of the issue with the Ford Escape front frame problems. I did see where a fix to the frame for earlier Escapes was approved for ford to just put a bar from one side of the frame to the other and we’re drilling and attaching to corroded material that should not have been allowed. I feel Ford should be held accountable for the proper repairs to our vehicle as well as the many others and not just try to cover up the fact that this is a major defect in the escapes. The major damage is to the right side frame area of our vehicle but the left side is breaking apart also. The left axil to transmission seal is leaking most likely due to the right side frame bending. We were fortunate in that we did find this before the wheel fell off and someone didn’t get hurt or worse. This repair will most likely be expensive. The part involved is a major structural part to the vehicle. The Frame that holds it together!

Filed Jan 28, 2020 · 70,000 miles · IN

Carrier bearing drive shaft assembly causing severe vibration upon exceleration and and letting off the gas peddle also ignition issue put key in turn on cranking several times before starting unless key is turned back my escape has 70,000 miles on it I should not be having these issues.my engine light is on and vehicle vibration it has new tires, I replaced tie rods, bearings, in front all new brakes this vehicle has been a big disappointment I have put a lot of money into it and only 70,000 miles for a 2011.please help me out with this situation this is the first ford I have ever owned I am not a happy customer.

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Steering · 130,000 miles · MI

Steering going out freezes and wont turn. Replaced tie rods upper and lower control arms. Cost $1000. And 2 days later out again

Filed Jan 4, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · WI

Bought 2011 ford escape xlt used 5-27-2016 (private sale, chicago il). Upon purchase, serviced at milwaukee area ford dealership, found front control arms & bushings torn/loose. Next, front sway bars, outer tie rod ends, brakes and rotors needed replacement. In oct. 2016 engine/transmission major issues: leaking oil and trans fluid -no oil lamp or check engine light- car would run out of oil, pulled over added more. Trans slipping during accel/weak accel. Hard shifting w/high rpms. Rough idle. Ticking noise under hood when brakes applied. 12-6-2016 ford dealership replaced gaskets & seals in engine & transmission- $2,000 repair. Upon driving car, issues continue, new issues present: trans slipping worse/bucking, car not accelerating when gas pedal depressed, car stalling in traffic, car lurching forward, car losing gasoline/smelling of gasoline. Broke down 12-8-2016 in parking lot due to fuel leak. Contacted aaa roadside assistance, returned to dealership, turned away. Fire dept cleared car for towing, fire hazard. Researched VIN, found recall for fuel delivery modulator flange, and field service action for electronic throttle body. Contacted ford customer support, verified recall for my VIN. Advised to not operate vehicle. Area ford dealerships refused to diagnose w/o charging. A service manager at a mazda dealership diagnosed additional undisclosed repairs: A/C line ruptured, front driver's side sway bar snapped and control arm bushing separated; ford mechanic had also left bolts & hoses loose/unclamped in engine. Steering and rear suspension deteriorating. Returned to dealership once more- turned away. Missed 1 month of work (driving is job). No rental provided, unwilling to reimburse. Filed dealer complaint. Filing consumer protection & disclosure lawsuit. Seeking class action lawsuit against ford motor company. Car is dangerous, I refuse to operate it.

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Suspension · 70,085 miles · ME

Went to the dealer, [xxx] , to get an oil change and they told me my maine state inspection was due. The inspection failed due to corrosion on the left front lower control arm bushing. There is a recall on earlier escape models, but my 2011 model was not covered. It cost me around 600 dollars to repair. If earlier models had this problem why are consumers paying for the same repair on newer models? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).