2018 Ford Escape: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 8, 2026 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · TX

The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, the ball joint detached from the vehicle without any prior signs or issues. This caused an issue with the break line, with brake fluid leaking, the vehicle tilting and messed up the front of the vehicle had caved in on one side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a ball joint failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Wheels · WI

While driving approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the rear passenger-side wheel rim suddenly failed and blew out, causing the tire to also blow out. The incident caused a sudden jolt and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to steer safely to the shoulder without crashing, but it was an extremely dangerous situation. The failure of the rim caused significant damage to the rear suspension. The vehicle required the following repairs: New rim Two new tires Right Rear Control Arm – Forward Right Rear Control Arm – Adjustable Right Rear Trailing Arm Lower Rear Lateral Link Rear Suspension Shock Absorber All of this stemmed from the catastrophic failure of the rim at highway speed, which I believe should never occur on a properly maintained vehicle with no prior wheel damage. The failure occurred without hitting debris or a known pothole and was not due to a slow leak or flat—it was a sudden rim failure. This presents a major safety hazard not only to drivers of Ford Escapes but to others on the road. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate whether other similar failures have occurred in 2018 Ford Escape models. A recall or formal review may be warranted.

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Suspension · MI

I have purchased replacement lower control from Detoit Axle. On 8/13/2024. On 10/18/2024 car had to be take to repair shop because replaced control arm failed. Lower ball joint came out of socket.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Engine · 116,301 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the overheating and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a blown head gasket and that the tie rod had detached, causing damage to the suspension. There was white smoke coming from the engine, and the antifreeze temperature was high. The mechanic informed the contact that the head gasket and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 116,301.

Filed Sep 11, 2021 · Suspension · NH

Was given inspection sheet on car after brought into Auto Fair Ford for Oil Change and they were suppose to do a front end alignment. Person came to me hand paper work work to me and said I was all set. Left to go on a trip with car and did not look at paper work until a week later. On from it talked about replacing rear trailing arm bushings and dog bone control arms the car only has about 39,000 miles on it. In look up on sites had noticed on past escapes that they had a recall on this same items. My car is a 2018 Ford Escape. First of all the Ford place I brought the car to should have told me about the problem right away verbally. The trailing arm needs to be looked at on these cars