This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
On August 26, 2014, I went to fair oaks Ford Lincoln dealership service in naperville, Illinois for safety recall notice 14S02 / NHTSA recall 14V-165 repairs, and I asked them to check an issue where when brakes are applied, there is a scraping/grinding noise, followed by a knocking noise, which can affect reliable stopping and the vehicle steering stability. Safety recall repairs were completed, then it was reported that the mechanic "pushed back" the vacuum plate cover for the rotor on the driver's side to resolve the scraping/grinding/knocking issue when applying the brakes. The issue with the braking action and subsequent noises and response of vehicle exhibited itself again by the second stoplight away from the fair oaks Ford dealer location. Two days later, on August 28, 2014, I took my 2002 Ford Escape to gearhead auto sales & repair in glen ellyn, Illinois for an inspection and repair cost estimate. On the lift, the issue was apparent to the mechanic at gearhead to be the right front axle being faulty, and he replaced the right front axle, with boots, clamps and grease. My issue is that the Ford dealer mechanic inspected and repaired my vehicle for the Ford safety recall notice 14S02 / NHTSA recall 14V-165 in the same proximity on the passenger side of the vehicle when it was on the lift, but he failed to find and report the easily seen faulty right front axle problem the gearhead mechanic promptly reported to me. Instead, the Ford representative falsely pointed to the driver's side front brake rotor vacuum plate being out of place as being the issue causing the scraping/grinding/knocking noise when applying the brakes. Is there any tie to the "corrosion-related separation" safety recall issue that led to the faulty right front axle condition? since my unemployment over the past 3 years, my Ford Escape has rarely been driven, and only in my local area.
Vehicle sub-frame failed due to corrosion causing separation of the lower control arm resulting in diminished steering control. This issue appears to be covered by Ford safety recall 14S02 and NHTSA recall 14V-166 that provided a reinforcement of the sub-frame. Unfortunately the reinforcing parts necessary for the recall action were not immediately available before the frame failed.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving 20 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign number 14V165000 (steering), but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,812.
Corrosion-related separation lower control arm from subframe. Car start pulling instantly to the right. Have to call towing to get to dealer for repair, Ford company refuse to repair under safety recall notice 14S02. Dealer quote me around $2000 for repair.
Car was making creaking sounds. Going around a corner the car basically had no steering or control. Got car to Ford dealership and based on taking photo of the car I was told that Ford decided to put a cross brace on as opposed to replacing sub frame. I told dealership I did not agree with decision that subframe should be replaced car was returned to me with cross brace installed.aprox 4 weeks later car was undriveable. Contacted Ford told me to tow car back to dealership. After inspection of vehicle was told now that sub- frame was broken dealership contacted Ford and was told that their request to replace sub frame was denied. The sub frame holds engine, trans, all steering and brake components. This is a very dangerous. My family could have been killed. I was told by fordsupv that because they put on brace instead of making the correct repair that was actually part of sub frame recall they would not replace sub frame. This is how Ford treats their customers and puts them in harms way. If you look at the history of Ford vehicles Ford Windstar Ford Escape etc. You will see they are using defective steel on under body components causing excessive rust resulting in critical component failures. In my 48 years of driving I have never had a vehicle with a broken frame when I asked Ford for phone number or address to [xxx]. fields I was told that is not given out and that the Ford supervisors denial was final decision. I feel Ford is 100% wrong in this issue and is not making safe cars, and when there is a recall will not even fix the recalled parts. Once again this is an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in death to my family if I was driving on the X-way shame shame on you Ford motor. I will be looking into filing law suit or class action law suit against you. Please do the right thing for the unlucky individuals who own these cars. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Rochester Hills, MI, USA
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While driving on a rural city street at 30 mph I decelerated to prepare to turn right. When I began to make my right hand turn I heard a loud pop and the car began to rattle the car came to a stop within 10 feet of the pop. I applied a small amount of power to the engine to try and get completely out of the road, but the car would not move. Upon inspection of the front passenger tire it was facing 90 degrees in the opposite direction of the car, and pushed to the back of the wheel well. The cv shaft had come completely detached from the drive shaft. The vehicle had to be towed to a local shop that did sub-frame work. Upon inspection at the auto body shop it was revealed that the engine cradle had also become detached due to the proximity to the exhaust from the engine heating it up constantly. Along with the following parts needing replacement: Right front cv shaft, front engine cradle, front control arm bolts, control arm bushing, cv drive axle, heavy duty exhaust clamps. The shop had to remove and replace the engine cradle and the right front sub-frame. If I had been on a high speed interstate, and this happened I would have probable flipped, because the front right tire was unable to move, and was pulling towards the inside of the car. The total cost to get this repaired to a safe driving condition was $1352.69.
While driving her 2002 Ford Escape to work my daughter noticed the steering was not right. In order for her to keep driving straight she had to turn the steering wheel. She went over a pair of rough railroad tracks & lost control of the vehicle. Her front passenger tire control bar had completely separated from the frame. It was rusted through. Luckily she was driving in a 30mph zone & there were no other cars around. Thankfully she was not hurt but quite shaken up. We were unaware of a vehicle recall on this model until a friend of hers recalled seeing an article in the news about control bars rusting through causing steering problems. Her front tire was completely bald after this incident. (tread was good before). I called Ford as soon as I was able & reported the incident. The rep told me that in order for a repair the vehicle had to be towed to a Ford dealer & to keep the tow bill as they would cover it. Right now the SUV is at the dealer. It has been 2 days since they've had it & I've heard nothing. I am getting very impatient. Because it's a recall I have a hunch they put it on the back burner. This vehicle is her only way to school & work. I asked about a loaner & they explained that because of the huge volume of recalls, a loaner would be difficult to come by. What has happened to customer service? I am expecting not only the vehicle to be fixed but I feel we should be compensated for the 1 tire - maybe 2 depending on the condition of the other side. I don't need a set of new ones - just something to pass inspection. If anyone has experienced the same issues please post something back. Thank you ! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Clicking noise while making a right hand turn. Steering wheel no longer in the straight up position when vehicle is traveling in a straight line. Approximately turned 20-25 degrees clockwise. Inspection of the front end revealed that the front suspension crossmember has rusted through at the passenger side lower control arm front mount area.
My vehicle began to make unknown noises when driving, and steering control became very loose. I promptly took the car to my mechanic. I was told the subframe was so badly rotted that the passenger wheel control arm had separated from the subframe and can not be reattached without replacing the subframe. The vehicle is now no longer safe to drive.
I was driving my 2002 Ford Escape and coming to a stop at an intersection when I heard a loud popping sound. After I stopped, I released the brake and rolled forward a few feet before re-applying the brakes and the sound repeated. I was able to drive it across the highway to a Ford dealership for repairs. Upon inspection the following morning it was determined that the subframe assembly had rusted out completely on the passenger side and had caused the lower control arm to become loose thus bending it and making it unusable. I am thankful that this happened at a very slow speed and fear that if other folks have this happen at highway speed it could be a very bad outcome ! this allowed my passenger side tire to pull outward hence pulling the control arm loose. It was a very expensive fix and the warranty I had purchased at the time of buying the vehicle was no avail. I contacted Ford and was told that if there is no recall then there is no problem !! sorry but it was a very expensive fix and I believe Ford should make good on this. How many injuries are required before someone takes notice "? the repair bill was $ $1160.96. I had only owned the vehicle for 7 months at that time. It still has many payments to be made before it is paid off. It would appear that the air conditioning drain runs down this area causing it perhaps " just an observation from a running vehicle identical to mine. Any help would be appreciated on this matter and hopefully it gets resolved before any fatalities happen if they haven't already !! thank you !
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that a grinding noise emitted from the steering column while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that the noise became more prevalent during hot weather. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but they could not diagnose the failure. The contact was informed that the failure could be the result of a bearing issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000...updated 09-17-12 the consumer stated the noise did cease for a period of time. Updated 09/18/12
No events leading to this... it just started about 2 yrs ago summer of 08. Clunking noise in the front of car. Can be felt by the steering wheel (which also has the squeaking problem). Occurs only when the temperature outside is warm. Went to the Ford dealer several times complaining of this... never was able to recreate the problem. Finally had both left and right arm assembly link, bolt, hex for front suspension replaced June 09. On Sept 09 noise returned and had everything tightened, lubed. Problem went away until again the weather warmed up then is now back worse than ever. Not only when turning the wheel but when driving straight.
Front knocking noise. Has been present since we first bought the car new. Many mechanics, including the Ford dealer, could not find the problem. Brakes, transmission, and struts were checked or replaced. The knocking persisted. On 8/15/08, the ball joint failed as my wife was traveling at 45 mph around a corner causing the driver side wheel to flop at a 90 degree angle. Steering was impossible. Luckily, my wife was able to get the car stopped safely without out any life threatening consequences. Ford Escape 2002 XLT.
While driving air bag light illuminated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The illumination of air bag light happened in an intermittent basis. Consumer was also involved in an accident where his air bags failed to deploy. In addition, consumer experienced noise in steering wheel and rattling noise in exhaust.
Vehicle lost power without warning. Also, it effected the ability to steer the vehicle. Dealer would honor the warranty. In the tsb that was issued, the diagnostics items were fine. Ford think they need to change the items on the tsb.
Car went out of control during a simple lane change left on intersate I-90, unabloe to steer, swerved and spun around and hit tall concrete medium, air bags were employed. Good weather 48 degrees, no ice or oil, was not up to full speed as had just gotten on the interstate.
Purchased 2002 Ford Escape from hinder Ford of aberdeen, md in June 02 and from the start the left rear wheel was cracked and the vehicle pulls (not drifts) to the left so bad that the vehicle left front tire will cross the line in 5 seconds if steering wheel is released while in the right lane of a two lane and within 3 seconds if in the left lane. Hinder Ford gave me the Ford 800 number to call because there was nothing they could do even after I provided them excerpts from Maryland law that states a vehicle with a steering or braking problem that can not be fixed the first time is to be replaced. They have refused. I complained to the on-line customer service several times until they finally sent the area Ford tech to investigate. He replied that there was definitely a problem (he stated he had seen this before), attempted to fix the problem. Hinder returned the vehicle and again stated there was nothing they could do. I sent certified/return receipt letters twice to Ford Motor Co. And latest result was a call last week from Mr. Duncan alberson who agreed that a cracked wheel and this vehicle leaving the road within three seconds was not safe, but that he was going with a report that he had from the area Ford tech who stated that the vehicle was within specification and that I should drive with my hands on the steering wheel! I stated I release the wheel only to emphasize the drastic pull of this steering and of course I drive with my hand on the wheel at all times! I told Mr. Duncan to simply send another tech to test drive my vehicle any time and any place and his response... he hung up! possibly because I also told him hinder Ford has sold two other vehicle with the exact same problem. If you know of a good law firm in my area please give me their number.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Glen Ellyn, IL, USA