Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part is available through the parts catalog. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Escape suspension problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Ford Escape have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 54,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Escape | 13 |
| 2010 Escape | 23 |
| 2011 Escape | 21 |
| 2012 Escape | 8 |
| 2013 Escape (this page) | 24 |
| 2014 Escape | 15 |
| 2015 Escape | 10 |
| 2016 Escape | 4 |
| 2017 Escape | 8 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 24 suspension complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 18 model years of Ford Escape in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles may exhibit damaged or delaminated bushing(s) on the rear suspension front lower arm (dog bone). If the rear suspension front lower arm requires replacement, an updated part BV6Z-5500-D with a solid bushing is available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-02 for removal and installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2012-2013 Focus vehicles built on or before 10/22/2012 and 2013 Escape vehicles built on or before 12/3/2012 may exhibit a crunching or creaking type noise from the front suspension on low speed turns and over bumps.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS, SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SOME NOISES FROM FRONT SUSPENSION, LIKE CREAKING OR CRUNCHING TYPE. MODEL 2012-2013 FOCUS, ESCAPE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD, A CLUNKING NOISE IS HEARD. REAR LOWER SHOCK MOUNTING BOLTS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED FOR SEALING AND TORQUING FOR CORRECT SPECS AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY AND KNUCKLE MOUNTING THREADS CLEANED, IF THERE IS CONTAMINATION. MODELS 2013 ESCAPE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Escape suspension system shows a pattern of failures across multiple critical components. The most serious involve rear lower control arm fractures—one owner with 40 years of mechanical engineering experience documented classic metal fatigue failure of the rear cross support arm at 177,000 miles, an incident that nearly caused a rollover at highway speed. Rear control arms have detached from corroded subframes, and both rear shock mounts and torsion/stabilizer bars have failed or broken, in at least one case causing the shock shaft to punch through the wheel well.
Front suspension issues are equally widespread. Owners report persistent clicking, clunking, and popping noises from the front end, particularly when turning or crossing bumps. Several owners took their vehicles to dealers multiple times—one owner visited six times with the problem recurring four months after repair. TSBs 13-3-2 and 13-5-11 were issued but owners report the fixes don't stick. Many describe the general suspension ride quality as rough and bouncy, with one owner reporting severe rear bouncing at 55 mph and others citing neck pain.
Additional failures include front axle vibration requiring shaft and joint replacement, wheel bearing degradation without warning lights, and widespread subframe corrosion with rust holes appearing on both front and rear. Some owners faced repair bills exceeding $10,000 for suspension work combined with related damage.
Same Ford Escape suspension reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Lower Control Arm / Cross Support Arm Fracture
Rear lower control arm cross support arm assembly (Ford Part No. CV6Z-5500-L) fractured into two pieces while driving at highway speed, causing sudden loss of rear wheel alignment and near-rollover. Mechanical engineer owner identified classic metal fatigue failure with rust present on fracture surface and shinny material at ultimate failure point.
When: 177,000 miles; 11 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Left rear wheel suddenly pointing wrong direction; Vehicle darted to right; Vehicle came up on two wheels; Vehicle swerved side to side
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced broken cross support arm assembly; part retained by owner for inspection
Rear Control Arm Detachment from Corroded Subframe
Rear driver's side control arm detached from vehicle at 55 mph. Dealer/mechanic determined subframe had corroded and required replacement. Owner lost vehicle control momentarily before stopping safely.
When: 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear control arm detached; Vehicle loss of control; Subframe corrosion visible
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; independent mechanic diagnosed subframe corrosion requiring replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case and advised owner to file NHTSA complaint
Rear Torsion Bar (Stabilizer Bar) Crack and Mount Failure
Rear torsion/stabilizer bar cracked and broke off its mount at low city street speeds, flipping rear wheel sideways. Owner notes this occurred at safe location; at highway speeds would have been catastrophic.
When: Unknown mileage; occurred while driving city street at low speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Rear torsion bar cracked; Stabilizer bar mount failure; Rear wheel flipped sideways
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at nearby service location
Rear Shock Mount Failure and Shock Ejection
Rear shock mounts fail, causing shocks to break or be torn off. In one case, shock mount broke and shock shaft punched through wheel well. Owner reported left rear shock torn off near top after running over rock.
When: Various mileage; one incident after puncture repair and rock strike
Symptoms owners cite: Shock torn off near top; Shock shaft punched through wheel well; Frozen or seized condition suspected
Repairs/costs cited: Shocks replaced; one repair done at independent tire shop; owner questioned whether mount defect contributed to shock damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford declined warranty coverage, stating technician did not feel part was defective
Front End Clicking, Clunking, and Popping Noises
Persistent clicking/clunking/popping sounds from front end, especially when turning or driving over bumps. Noise described as feeling like front wheel is falling off. Multiple owners report repeated dealer visits with noises returning after repairs.
When: Various mileage starting as low as early ownership; one reported at 148,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking/clunking from front end; Loud popping noise when turning; Noise when driving over bumps; Creeping noise while driving; Noise repeats after repair
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 13-3-2 and TSB 13-5-11 performed without resolving issue; dealer tightened rear end links without correcting problem; multiple dealer visits without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued (13-3-2 and 13-5-11); dealer advised nothing could be done
Front Suspension Instability and Abnormal Ride Quality
Front suspension produces rough, bouncy ride with poor stability. One owner reported severe rear bouncing (ten bounces) at 55 mph after uneven surface; others report general excessive bounciness causing neck pain and discomfort.
When: Various ages and mileage; one reported within first week of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive bounciness; Rough ride quality; Rear bouncing up and down repeatedly; Poor stability; Neck pain from excessive movement
Repairs/costs cited: Shocks replaced in at least one case; problem worsened after tire replacement; owner cites concern about suspension design
Rear Suspension Banging and Clanking Over Bumps
Banging and clanking sounds from rear suspension when driving over bumps, uneven road surfaces, or manhole covers. Owner reports passenger side sounds as if it will fall off.
When: 148,000 miles at initial report; issue ongoing from July 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging/clanking from rear when over bumps; Loud clanking from passenger side; Sounds like vehicle will fall off; Instability after bumps or uneven surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: Shocks replaced; problem worsened after tire replacement and puncture repair
Front Axle Vibration and CV Joint Failure
Vehicle vibrates at 40 mph due to right front axle shaft and joint assembly wear. Bushing, seals, and shaft joint components required replacement.
When: 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle vibration at 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Right front axle shaft and joint assembly, bushing, seals, and shaft joint forward replaced
Suspension Shock Fracture Leading to Tire Loss
Front passenger side tire suddenly fractured and separated from vehicle at 15 mph. Investigation revealed suspension shocks were fractured.
When: 7,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger side tire suddenly fractured; Tire separated from vehicle; Suspension shocks fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
Wheel Bearing Failure
Wheel bearing failure confirmed by Ford dealership and suspension technician. No dashboard warning indicator provided to alert driver.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Unsafe wheel bearing condition; No dashboard warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Identified by Ford dealership and suspension tech
Subframe Corrosion with Rust Holes
Rear subframe crossmember showing rust holes across front and back. Visual inspection revealed structural degradation. Owner uncertain if unsafe to drive but notes main structure appears solid.
When: Used vehicle purchased within last 2 years at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Rust holes in subframe crossmember; Corrosion visible on front and back of subframe
Repairs/costs cited: Identified during dealer visit for unrelated issue
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
When driving this vehicle, it ser me like it is not running right, and think it is going to die on us in traffic. The front seat belt does not go back in the area where it belongs and sits on the front seat. The passenger driver side door does not close right when you open it. It will stay open until you push the handle down and then it will close and lock. We are afraid to travel long distance…
Had suspension trouble with your 2013 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2013 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 19,300 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,300; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.