Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 2% | 49,000 miles |
| 2021 | 7 | 2% | 42,000 miles |
| 2020 | 9 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2018 | 11 | 1% | 49,000 miles |
| 2017 | 8 | 0% | 34,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 1% | 57,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2014 | 18 | 1% | 47,000 miles |
| 2013 | 27 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2011 | 32 | 2% | 87,000 miles |
| 2010 | 34 | 2% | 110,000 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 31 | 2% | 136,000 miles |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% | 89,000 miles |
| 2006 | 65 | 14% | 113,000 miles |
| 2005 | 459 | 33% | 121,000 miles |
| 2004 | 154 | 31% | 123,000 miles |
| 2003 | 90 | 16% | 121,000 miles |
| 2002 | 80 | 8% | 125,000 miles |
| 2001 | 42 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to Midas for a service appointment, and the contact was informed that the rear shocks were leaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear shocks were leaking. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,125.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change and maintenance performed, the dealer informed the contact the struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shock absorbers were leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected at a local dealer for a State Inspection, the contact was informed that the front passenger's side tire needed to be replaced, and that both rear shocks were leaking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear shocks should not be leaking at the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,513. The contact communicated the issue with the right driver window not going up sometimes when I press on the button. Now it is making a serious popping sound.
Felt sudden, hard bang under left foot while driving approx. 40 MPH. Car then lost control. Driver steered to right to get off road, hitting a curb in the process. Found broken left front axle when finally able to stop the car. There were NO obstacles or potholes to cause this accident (photos).
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact became aware that there was fluid underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear shocks were leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that approximately 20,000 miles later, while receiving a routine inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the rear shocks were leaking again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the failure was not covered under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who completed a test drive and informed the contact that the vehicle was in ECO Mode and recommended driving the vehicle in SPORT Mode. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. While the contact's daughter was driving 65 MPH, the driver's side rear control arm fractured and detached. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the vehicle drove over a mild bump on the road, causing the entire driver's side rear wheel to detach from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that his 1-year-old grandchild was an occupant of the vehicle and was seated in the rear seat when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the daughter was able to safely drive the vehicle to a nearby Midas, where the technician stated that they did not know how the contact's daughter was able to drive the vehicle in the defective condition. The technician informed the contact that when the vehicle arrived at the shop, the driver's side rear wheel was dangling and flopping, and the rear of the vehicle was fishtailing. …
I have to replace the rear trailing arm bushings, it is pulling out of the arm. I have 49k in mileage and do not drive off road. I think this was a bad part when built or installed incorrectly for this to happen. I am [redacted] old never have I had never had to repair anything like this before on any of my vehicles. I took my car in for a oil change at ford Ciocca in Flemington and was told I need back brakes rotor and rear trailing arm. I replaced the brakes and rotor and they had to order the part for this bushing 833 dollar for part.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (459), 2004 (154), 2003 (90), 2002 (80) and 2006 (65) model years. Suspension complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Ford Escape model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Escape suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles; 11% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (26 mentions), followed by the rear (19).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.