2010 Ford Escape body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 16, 2026MNBody & StructureSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11750831 · source
2. Filed Oct 26, 2025CABody & StructureBrakesEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11695708 · source
3. Filed Oct 8, 2025CABody & StructureBrakesEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11692025 · source
4. Filed Jan 7, 2025100,000 miNYBody & Structure

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11634535 · source
5. Filed Aug 6, 2024122,000 miMITowedBody & StructureSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11606825 · source
6. Filed Jun 21, 2024OHBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11595826 · source
7. Filed Apr 29, 2024MIBody & StructureSuspension

   Engine cradle rusted out. It was replaced and I have the old part. Problem was detected using the vehicle for a short drive at residential speed. If the part had failed on the freeway an accident may have occurred. Vehicle was left at a close by shop who confirmed part failure and warned vehicle could not be driven unless part replaced. Shop confirmed this is not uncommon. Called Ford Motor Company and was told to see my local dealer. Checked with dealer body shop. Body shop…

   NHTSA complaint #11585915 · source
8. Filed Mar 29, 2024MIBody & Structure

   The component that failed was the "Engine Cradle". The front end of the vehicle was visibly sagging due to the failing engine cradle. The engine cradle was so severely rusted that the control arm could literally fall off vehicle while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11580157 · source
9. Filed Jan 9, 2024OHBody & Structure

   A tech showed me the frame under the car is rusted and presents that if I hit a bump I blow the front passenger tire off. Ford recalled 2001-2004 Ford escapes for this reason the metal that year rusts for those in salted road states I'm in Ohio. Ford also recalled other models for rusted frames in salted road states like Detroit. Other people in car websites also reported same issue one person on YouTube made a video about it.

   NHTSA complaint #11564479 · source
10. Filed Aug 14, 2023112,067 miILTowedBody & StructureSteering

    The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, while driving out from the gas station at 10 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole; however, further down the road the vehicle started pulling and tugging. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that subframe was fractured, the rack and pinion, and the passenger’s side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11538320 · source
11. Filed Mar 3, 2023MOCrash1 injuredTowedBody & Structure

    Available for inspection upon request. Front SUB- FRAME RUSTED IN 2 ON RIGHT LOWER SIDE. Right lower control arm bushing pulled out of arm. Driving on highway car without warning jerked off the road. Could have killed everyone in the car had it collided with anything. Car is completely in drivable because it is not safe. Problem has been confirmed. No there was not any warning lights or warning. I was told by a ford mechanic that there is no way that this car should have a…

    NHTSA complaint #11510030 · source
12. Filed Oct 17, 2022146,000 miMIBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was having a routine oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was rusted and there was metal missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11489623 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology