I bought this Escape a little over a month ago and when I test drove it, I never heard anything making any noise - but after I went to the DMV and registered the vehicle I started driving home. When I got to some road that was a little rough, I heard this god-awful sound coming from the right rear of my Escape. When I pulled off of the roadway I inspected it and saw that the rear shock mount was completely rusted out and the shock wasn't attached.

When I got home I started researching this problem and seen that it is a common issue with the right rear rusting out on the Ford Escape. I'm on disability and there is no way that I can afford to have this repaired and I can't afford to buy another car. I don't know what to do. I am forced to drive it like this because of having to go to the doctor's frequently because of my health. I think that there should be a recall for this problem or a lawsuit brought up against the Ford Motor Company. If they recalled it on the 2001 to 2004 they should definitely include the 2005 model. The truck runs great and I can't afford to scrap it. What can I do?

Awful issue, but when you've got the right parts to fix it, it's not that bad. My mechanic told me they've done a few using the reinforcement bracket kit from BSS auto parts. I ordered mine from them online for under $100 and ended up installing it in less than an hour in my driveway, nothing hard. Nicely designed brackets that fit like a glove. No cutting, no welding.

I'm glad I found something like this. Otherwise because of how the rust is spreading on the body, it makes it impossible to weld in a new fender - that's what I've been told. Some people ended up paying hundreds and hundreds on an extensive welding job... they get a bad surprise when the guy starts to seek for healthy metal for welding and takes the whole day for the job... welding the fender is not the way to fix it. Instead bolt this bracket on the frame, it's cheaper on parts and labour, and truly solid. My two cents for what it's worth...

I was driving home from the hospital with my husband when we heard a thumping noise that continued to get louder. Once home, I checked the back passenger side wheel well to discover that it was completely rusted thru and the shock mount was hitting on the rusted broken wheel well! It crumbled in my hand!!This could have been a very serious accident!!! The car is not drivable and I know of others who have had the same problem BUT Ford won't admit that this is an issue! Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for their mistake. I am so sick and tired of trying to get answers from the Ford company. Their responses have been to hang up on me or completely deny having any complaints concerning this!

I have had this vehicle for a little over 2 years and I was so thrilled to get one. Before I had a van that pennied and dimed me to death. Now, after researching what is making the loud clunking noise coming from the passenger side wheel well. The rust has gotten to the point where I can move the shock with my hand. This is total bullshit. The research I have done says the shock will come loose from the rust and may poke up into the cabin of the vehicle. At first I thought maybe it was from ice frozen in there, but since it has warmed up it seems to be getting worse. I am a single mom of 2. I have a special needs son who has several doctor appointments in a month. Now, I find out the vehicle I liked so much could be a f#cking danger to drive. I don't know if there is a fix to it. I live on a fixed income so I don't have any extra laying around. I paid my loan off in half the time so I could get rid of the monthly payment. Is there anyone out there that can help me? Anyone want to donate a newer, reliable vehicle? No because people are not like that. I want to go see my mom who just turned 93 and now with this issue with the rear shock and rust, I don't know if I dare travel out of town. She lives about 50 miles from me, and that could be a long 50 miles if it breaks down. I thought Ford cared about their customers. Apparently not. When I was reading about the issue, it sounds like it cannot be legally repaired and really is not safe to drive. I have always worked and struggled for what I have. Now I have a piece of bullshit suv that may or may not be safe to drive. I guess with all these companies, and fat cats sitting on the top, it comes down to the almighty dollar. I have no way to pay for a different vehicle or make repairs, if they are even possible to do. Why didn't Ford include the 2005 Ford Escape XLT in the recall.It is the same problem that the 2000 - 2004 Escapes had and they were recalled!! What is up with that sh*t?? I don't have any rich relatives or some big bank account. I thought I had finally gotten a vehicle I really liked. Now I am almost scared to drive it. Wouldn't you be the same way. Why can't someone help me?? The world is self centered and most do not care, especially the big money making companies. Why do you, FORD, recall the 2005 for this very issue? You knew about it but didn't extend the recall to 2005. That is total bullshit. Yes, I am very pissed, I don't know if I will have a vehicle the next time I drive it, or a piece of f#cking junk sitting on the side of the road!!! I thought Ford was all about the US, with opening some companies back in the states. In my opinion, all Ford and all the other big companies care about one thing, and that is the almighty f#cking dollar. Tell me, what am I supposed to f#cking do??

It's an 05 Escape XLT in mint condition. Driving down the road one day with my family at speeds between 35 to 40mph. 40 was posted limit. Took a small left turn, nothing sharp or rough and shock blew threw rear passenger side. My daughters car seat was directly in front of it and debris blew everywhere. She could have been hurt or worse. The rear end began hopping to the right, almost loosing control. Pulled over and looked. A hole as big as 2 5 gallon buckets was there.

It is a serious safety risk to have these Escapes on road with this problem. They are common for this from research I've done and no one has done anything. There needs to be a recall. People have wrecked with injuries for sure and possibly deaths. I have a complaint in with National Highway Safety and putting one in with Ford in Detroit. My local Ford dealer wants $6000 to fix it. That's more than the SUV is worth in mint condition. This is outrageous and something needs to be done. No one should have to pay or suffer. It's a defect from manufacturer, poor engineering.

right rear passenger strut mount rusted, unsafe to drive

Just adding my complaint along with everyone else on the rusting in the rear passenger wheel well strut mount, both inner and outer wheel wells in addition to the frame rail. I do have 210,000 miles on the vehicle and nada claims an excellent condition retail value of 4800 dollars. This defect has rendered it useless and valueless except for scrap value. Agreed that there should be a recall. Car runs great and looks great, everything works as it should and now it is worthless. Shop repair is $3500.00. Not gonna happen!