2012 Ford Escape suspension problems

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Suspension · KY

Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Suspension · TN

I have had a multitude of issues regarding the steering and suspension of my 2012 ford escape limited. I have replaced the same parts multiple times over a short period of time. And the parts normally would not be replaced but once in a car lifetime such as control arms 4x 3x on passenger 1x on driver. But anyway this led to me finding out that my front passenger subframe is rotted. Which led me to a community chat about this vehicle where I found people that have had accidents been hurt and this is a common thing to happen with this vehicle. The subframe should not rot especially on one side I’m particularly without a reason. There is a recall for some 2012 ford escapes for this part but for some reason my car is not on that recall. My car is now a danger to drive. The recall should include all vehicles that have the issue with that part. My vehicle is unsafe to drive now. Idk how long it’s been like that. I’ve had part after part replaced because of this but no one had figured it out until my most recent mechanic. I have had my wheel fall off my vehicle while driving when my first control arm broke because the rot in the subframe is causing the rubber inside the control arm to wear fast. So when my control arm broke when I was driving luckily I was on a street rd not a highway I was not hurt but had to get it towed. My wheel dropped a second time while I was driving because of the same issue where the rot on the subframe is, is at the connection to the control arm where the rubber is. So there’s 2 times I could’ve been seriously hurt. I drive on the highway a lot. I have been very lucky. There is cases of people being hurt and having accidents because of this. I’m on a chat about this vehicle where an overwhelming amount of owners have the same exact issue with this part.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Suspension · MI

My sub frame on the right-side front has rusted completely out and needs to be replaced to drive it safely. It is available for inspection, it has been inspected by three different mechanics, all came to the same conclusion, the sub frame needs replacing ASAP. The car has not been inspected by anyone else. No warning lights are on, this is not a part that would activate a warning light.

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Body, Steering · MI

While doing an exhaust inspection on my car, I noticed the front subframe is rusted completely through on the right hand side near the rear lower control are bushing. This is a major structural component of the vehicle and I believe it is a huge safety risk driving it. The car has around 114,000 miles on it. I feel Ford should issue a recall and replace these rusted trough front subframes. I cannot afford to replace it at the cost of $2000 including labor. Please help, thank you.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle was difficult to steer, and was veering to the left independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe was detaching the axle from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the call to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2022 · Suspension · KY

Passenger side front control arm mount has extreme rust that degrades the integrity of the front suspension. Many others report this same problem especially with the V6.

Filed Mar 25, 2019 · Seat belts, Steering · TX

My vehicle makes loud noise when I drive from the wheel barrel

Filed Nov 18, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 158,900 miles · NY

Started last year . Problem occur forward or backing up. Steering will become heavy and turning to the right. While driving steering wheel will get locked and the car will simultineouly stop but engine stays on. I will have to turn the car to off and turn back to on. Then I resume driving until it will occur again. This happened multiple times. I am not able to drive the car since I feel it is dangerous and unsafe. I contacted the ford dealer they declined any recalls. They claimed recalls are only available for the prior year 2011. The cost to repair could be up to $1300 as an estimate based on the symbol diagnosis code that appear on the dashboard. Strted a year ago with mileage around 135,000 and continue till todate . Wheel bearing were exchanged by other repair shops unkowing to me of the recall.

Filed Jul 6, 2016 · Suspension · TX

When I turn it makes a pop, the tail gate (trunk) will not open and back light shortage out at times. Car balls out sometime when I'm trying to go and will idle up on its own at times.

Filed Jun 11, 2015 · Suspension · 46,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken in for an inspection, the vehicle failed due to the passenger side lower control arm having excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.