2012 Ford Escape: ball joint or control arm failure

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 Oct 13, 2024 · Body · MA

Sub frame cracked,due to corrosion.Broke Lower control arm. I could not steer my SUV. I was terrified.The noise was so loud. This happened a road away from my home. I called AAA. They came and towed my vehicle to my driveway. I don’t understand why Ford company did not send me a recall. I could have been killed.I was on the highway a day before.I have researched and found this to be a safety concern for Ford Escape 2012. My SUV has 60.000 miles and is in very good condition. I have taken great care of my vehicle.

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 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.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Transmission · 56,603 miles · KS

Made left hand turn from a stop sign, as accelerating, lost power., put it in neutral started it again, put in gear, accelerated, approx 30 ft, did it again, I pulled over, called roadside assist, it was towed to dealership where I bought it, next day, they "said" it would cost me 104.50(ish) to have it analyzed, I said ok, later they finally told me that it was the air intake module was clogged, this all cost me 184.18. They also said that I have an oil leak, and he was going to "try" to get it fixed on my drive train warranty, but didn't know at the time if he could, now the control arm is a different story, he said he didn't know if it would take care of this also, he would let me know. If not it will cost 452.00 plus tax I do not understand, the vehicle is just now 2 yrs old and I can understand if I lived on bumpy gravel road or traveled on alot of bumpy gravel roads, but I do not, in fact 90% of the miles on my vehicle are highway miles, and I avoid bumpy gravel roads as much as possible, because I know they will eventually tear up a vehicle.