Problems · by component
2010 Ford Escape structure problems
86 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Ford Escape cite structure, 4% of all 2,130 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
86
4% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
What owners say about the structure
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which…”
“Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers”
“concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide…”
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment, but the mechanic was unable to perform the alignment due to a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe had corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle continuously pulled to the right, requiring the driver to make constant corrections. Upon visual inspection of the vehicle, the contact observed that the front passenger's side tire was angled inward and had nearly detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front engine cradle after observing excessive corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.”
“During routine maintenance my mechanic told me the sub frame of my 2010 FordEscape had a serious problem. It appears there is a design flaw which allows condensation from the air conditioner to be traped and ultimately rust through compromising the frame. They said they didn't recommend driving the car, because if the frame failed the right wheel could detatch causing a catastrophic event. This rust only exists on the passenger side.”
Showing 6 of 86 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.