2005 Ford Escape structure problems

“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.”

“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after her father inspected the vehicle, he made her aware that there was damage to the rear subframe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.”

“Rear driver's side door will not close/latch. Latch can be manually moved, but does not engage when shutting door. Currently using bungee cords to keep door closed as I have children and no other vehicle. Vehicle was parked, door was opened from inside to allow passenger to exit, but when they attempted to shut the door, it would not latch closed. No prior problems with the door and no prior warnings/lights. Since door won't close, the door ajar dash light is illuminated and I have to turn my interior lights to off so that they don't remain on while I'm driving”

“MY FORD ESCAPE HAS HANDLED POORLY FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS; A FEW DAYS AGO MY DAUGHTER (FOLLOWING ME IN HER OWN CAR) TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOOKED CROOKED. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THIS MORNING WHO TOLD (AND SHOWED) ME THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE SEEMED SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT I HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM.”

“FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED WHILE DRIVING - SLOW VEHICLE SPEED. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE SUBFRAME, BUT THE FAILED SUBFRAME ALLOWS THE CONTROL ARM TO SWING DRAGGING THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE.”