2011 Ford Escape suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 19, 2026NYSteeringSuspension

   I have a 2011 Ford Escape AWD 3.0 engine. I took it for NY state inspection and it fails due the right side front subframe is rusted and unsafe. Ford has a recall on models up to 2004 but this vehicle has the same issue of the A/C draining on it causing the rust. I have been an auto tech for over 48 years, retired now, and strongly feel this should be a major concern and covered at least 50% by Ford. This design flaw and the fact that I live in a state that uses salt in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11757910 · source
2. Filed Apr 16, 2025MISuspension

   While driving down road, vehicle suddenly pulled right and started shaking the steering wheel and started making grinding noises. The steering wheel was now off by several degrees in order to drive straight. Luckily this occurred at a low speed and not at highway speed. If this was at 70 miles per hour it probably would have resulted in accident. Pulled to side of road and noticed right wheel out of alignment. After getting vehicle home looked under vehicle and discovered…

   NHTSA complaint #11654991 · source
3. Filed Jan 31, 2025MIBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   Top of wheel well around shock absorber broke off due to rust as well a frame disintegrating due to rust. When shock broke free part of wheel well lodged behind the tire and destroyed the brand new tire.

   NHTSA complaint #11639804 · source
4. Filed Nov 29, 2024OHBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   The front subframe on the passenger side is rusted through. I have also heard this part referred to as the engine cradle. I noticed while changing the serpentine belt and had it looked at by a mechanic. Took it to Midas and mechanic said front subframe should to be replaced but couldn't get the part. I researched this online and found it to be a common problem. People say it may be from AC water discharge due to occurring mostly on passenger side only. The uploaded images…

   NHTSA complaint #11627912 · source
5. Filed Oct 4, 2024170,000 miOHTowedSuspension

   The contact's father owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the suspension of the vehicle collapsed, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the front passenger's side axle had fractured and had bent the front passenger's side wheel. The independent mechanic advised that the vehicle be replaced rather than repaired. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11618040 · source
6. Filed Aug 5, 2024MNSuspension

   Had my Escape in for an oil change and was informed that the engine cradle (Front Sub Frame) was rusting out. Took it to a second shop and was instructed that is need to be fixed in the month or it is going to drop when I am driving sometime. The estimated cast is from $1,500 to over $2,000. That is a huge cost for me and I am not sure how I am going to afford that. I look up and it seems to be happens to a lot of 2011 escape owners and need to be looked into. It could cost…

   NHTSA complaint #11606497 · source
7. Filed Jul 24, 2024MASuspension

   Sub frame rotted out on passenger side, causing passenger side control arm to become dislodged which resulted in lost control of car! Could have resulted in major accident and or death at higher speed! Entire family in car.

   NHTSA complaint #11604174 · source
8. Filed Apr 15, 2024MDSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires

   This 2011 Ford Escape has a front K-frame (subframe) failure. The area where the front passenger lower control connects to the k-frame has completely rusted through, causing the lower control arm to almost detach from the vehicle at the front bushing. While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became crooked and the car was taken to a shop for an alignment. Upon inspection it was learned that the K-frame has rusted in that one area so badly that the wheel could become…

   NHTSA complaint #11583147 · source
9. Filed Apr 11, 2024NYSuspension

   I took my vehicle to Chenango Ford to have its NYS Inspection done. After a few minutes the representative at the Ford dealership came out to tell me that the Front Subframe had a rusted hole (Rusted Out) and it would cost me $4800.00 to repair the vehicle. I was able to drive the vehicle home and have filed a complaint with Ford Motor Company the representative I spoke with is Case Number: [XXX] Patricia Johnson Phone Number: [phone removed] Extension: 79606 At this time I…

   NHTSA complaint #11582440 · source
10. Filed Apr 11, 2024154,000 miNYTowedSteeringSuspension

    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel locked, causing the vehicle to drive straightforwardly towards oncoming traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and reversed. The contact stated that a road construction worker placed traffic cones around the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic,…

    NHTSA complaint #11582312 · source
11. Filed Dec 16, 2023OHElectrical SystemSteeringSuspension

    The power steering went out on us several times, but this last time, I was almost in a accident. Also, it has a rubbing/ grinding sound in the front with a shimmy and no matter what,it won't quit.

    NHTSA complaint #11560443 · source
12. Filed Oct 20, 2023WIBody & StructureSuspension

    Front sub frame rusting through that could potentially result in the control arms breaking away from the sub frame and the driver losing control of the vehicle. No incident has occurred from this, but could if not inspected and found. This was found by an independent service center. No warning lamps

    NHTSA complaint #11551124 · 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