There are 53 stored owner reports matching the body & structure leading-label group for the 2010 Ford Escape in our NHTSA-sourced dataset. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
This group counts stored reports whose component label starts with one of this site's matching prefixes, ignoring case. Each matching report counts once within the group. Components mentioned later in the label or only in the narrative are not searched. How component counts work
Loaded 50 of 53 matching reports. This is a limited sample of up to 50 reports, ordered by incident date when available, not the complete group. The list controls page through the loaded reports only.
Open the full vehicle complaint log (all categories)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
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 experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.
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.
The Front Engine Cradle sub frame is rusted out the same as the 2003-2005 escapes that were recalled
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.
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.
1. Passenger side rear door child lock will not disengage. 2. Liftgate lock failed, and will not open.
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 subframe rust through.
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.
Component: Engine Cradle/Front Subframe - (9L8Z-5C145-A) Large holes rusting in it on passenger side. Mechanic recommends replacement as otherwise hole could weaken the structure to the point it breaks, control arm could pop out. Seems to have been a known issue on older models like 2001-2004, but any newer models are not covered by Ford's recall, despite many people on forums saying they have the same problem. Problem noticed by mechanic within the last year or so. Some people hypothesize the problem comes from where the AC leaks its condensate.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the brakes was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine cradle frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
The front suspension subframe k-frame crossmember has excessive errosion creating large gaps and holes in the frame, directly under the ac unit on the passenger side. The rust hole on top from the leaking fluid from the ac has continued to pool inside the cavity and caused erosion near the control arm. Unknown to me or any daily driver, this excessive rust is not prevalent anywhere else or something I was aware I needed to check. Other owners have been contacted and have experienced the same issue, some have had the part completely fail and cause accidents. The vehicle is very close to failure and I was not aware, there are no apparent side effects. I could easily cause an accident when using the vehicle. No other part of the vehicle has excessive rust so it is not a concern otherwise. The k-frame needs to be replaced and a hose needs to be ran from the Ac to redirect the fluid being dissipated onto the k-frame as it is.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the sub-frame had extensive rust above the wheels. The contact was unable to pass the PA vehicle inspection. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 149,500.
The subframe is rotted out on the right passenger side which could cause the wheel to fall off while in transit. This is a known problem for the Ford escapes that has not been recalled by Ford. This vehicle is only 11 years old.
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY - THE LIFT GATE TRAPS WATER INSIDE AND HAS CAUSED THE LIFT GATE TO RUST OUT SO BADLY THAT IT HAS CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE LIFT GATE LATCH ACTUATOR MOTOR AND ASSEMBLY ON THE LIFT GATE 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY 2010. MY SERVICE DOG HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LIFT GATE MOTOR BECOMING BROKEN. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE AND HAD TO TAKE DOWN THE SEATS. IN THE EVENT THIS WAS AN EMERGENCY MY SERVICE ANIMAL WOULD'VE DIED. MY SERVICE ANIMAL IS TOO LARGE TO RIDE UP FRONT AND SHE RIDES IN THE BACK. ON OCCASION WHEN MY LIFT GATE WAS NOT WORKING, I HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO FIX THE RECENT ISSUE WITH THE GATE, THE SHOP THAT I TOOK MY CAR TO HAD TO PRY OPEN THE GATE AND REPLACE THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THIS ISSUE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE LIFT GATE IS REPLACED AND NO LONGER HOLDS WATER. THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPES. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ALSO HOLDS A LOT OF WATER. THE MILEAGE INDICATED IS FOR THE MOST RECENT REPAIR, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES PRIOR TO THIS DATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO MOYER FORD SALES INC. (10111 AL-59, FOLEY, AL 36535) WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSED FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
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 Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE WINDOW AREA OF THE TAILGATE. WHEN THE BRACKET CRACKED, APPEARS TO HAVE CORRODED AND CRACKED.
THE REAR SHOCK UPPER MOUNTING TOWER AND SUPPORT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM FRAME OF VEHICLE CAUSING REAR WHEEL TO LOOSE CONTACT WITH ROAD. VEHICLE THIS AGE SHOULD NOT HAVE FRAME RUST / DAMAGE MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE. MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
UNABLE TO CLOSE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR - WON'T LATCH OR CLOSE
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Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
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Vehicle import recorded: Apr 29, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.