Noise in front suspension at low speed when traveling over semi-smooth asphalt surfaces, gravel rd, etc. especially downhill. In addition to the noise (sounds like pieces of Tupperware thumping together) it can be felt in the steering column. I took a Ford mechanic for a ride along to verify that there was a problem and identify the issue.
He felt the issue was being caused by the links that connect the struts to the torsion bars. The links were replaced under warranty with no improvement. I was told that Ford would not do any additional warranty work to the vehicle because the problem is an inherent characteristic of the Escapes.
I took the vehicle to an independent suspension shop to get a second opinion and they felt that the steering rack and output shaft had excessive play causing the problem. I contacted the dealership with this information, they agreed with that diagnosis and agreed to change out the steering rack assembly at there own cost since Ford would not warranty the issue.
After the steering rack replacement there was still no improvement (same stock parts). I filed a BBB complaint against Ford for this issue, case # FRD1525878. A Ford engineer came out to the dealership and inspected the vehicle with me in attendance. He stated that Ford engineering is aware of an issue with the steering rack assembly output shaft possibly having excessive play but was not able to go into detail. He stated that there may be some re-engineering at some point but nothing is in the works as of yet. He stated that since all of the 2015 Escapes that he has inspected/tried out all have the similar characteristics that there is no plan to repair or recall at this time.
Ford offered $600 as a goodwill gesture if I agree to close the claim with BBB. I stated that since this is a wear item that will fail pre-maturely as well as being incredibly irritating for a new vehicle, I would only entertain an extended warranty covering the known issue as well as the goodwill gesture to cover the past and future frustration this problem has caused at a minimum. The claim is currently in active status waiting for a response from Ford as of 9/25/15.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Noise in front suspension at low speed when traveling over semi-smooth asphalt surfaces, gravel rd, etc. especially downhill. In addition to the noise (sounds like pieces of Tupperware thumping together) it can be felt in the steering column. I took a Ford mechanic for a ride along to verify that there was a problem and identify the issue.
He felt the issue was being caused by the links that connect the struts to the torsion bars. The links were replaced under warranty with no improvement. I was told that Ford would not do any additional warranty work to the vehicle because the problem is an inherent characteristic of the Escapes.
I took the vehicle to an independent suspension shop to get a second opinion and they felt that the steering rack and output shaft had excessive play causing the problem. I contacted the dealership with this information, they agreed with that diagnosis and agreed to change out the steering rack assembly at there own cost since Ford would not warranty the issue.
After the steering rack replacement there was still no improvement (same stock parts). I filed a BBB complaint against Ford for this issue, case # FRD1525878. A Ford engineer came out to the dealership and inspected the vehicle with me in attendance. He stated that Ford engineering is aware of an issue with the steering rack assembly output shaft possibly having excessive play but was not able to go into detail. He stated that there may be some re-engineering at some point but nothing is in the works as of yet. He stated that since all of the 2015 Escapes that he has inspected/tried out all have the similar characteristics that there is no plan to repair or recall at this time.
Ford offered $600 as a goodwill gesture if I agree to close the claim with BBB. I stated that since this is a wear item that will fail pre-maturely as well as being incredibly irritating for a new vehicle, I would only entertain an extended warranty covering the known issue as well as the goodwill gesture to cover the past and future frustration this problem has caused at a minimum. The claim is currently in active status waiting for a response from Ford as of 9/25/15.
- greyline, Portland, OR, US