# Corroded subframe & cradle on a 2005 Ford Escape? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** escape, ford\ **Created:** [October 26, 2024, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782 "2024-10-26T02:16:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba8739/32.png) [@alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexisnicole0183_191719)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/1 "2024-10-26T02:16:48Z")
I just got my condition report from my mechanic for my 2005 Ford Escape after I took it to the mechanic because I was hearing a grinding noise and feeling vibrations in the steering wheel when driving slow. I just bought this car not even 3 full weeks ago, and I’m not exactly in the position to be able to afford buying another car anytime soon. According to the report, the subframe & cradle are rusted and have corroded through, “rendering repairs unsafe”. Also according to the report, the rear spring had pushed through the left mount. Should I take it to another mechanic or a body shop for second opinion? Would this even be fixable? I’m just a college student who lives on her own, and I’m not in the position to drop a lot of money on a new car or any other repairs, and this car is my only means of transportation to school/work. ![IMG_2832](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/d/e/dead375677896f4d3a0be846cda0a52fc71fb08a.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/2 "2024-10-26T02:20:43Z")
Did they provide pictures to prove this is what was found? If not, get a second opinion. Tester ---
**Author:** ![alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba8739/32.png) [@alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexisnicole0183_191719)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/3 "2024-10-26T02:23:15Z")
@Tester They did not provide pictures. My neighbor crawled under my car to see if he could see anything like that, and he said he saw some rust, but couldn’t tell whether or not it was fully corroding. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 2:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/4 "2024-10-26T02:26:45Z")
It’s harder to inspect the underside of a vehicle if it’s not on a lift. Tester ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 5:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/5 "2024-10-26T05:01:45Z")
I would definitely get a second opinion, but don’t be too surprised if it ends up finding the same exact problems, and reaching the same conclusion. Here’s why: a professional repair shop doesn’t make money telling a customer to junk their vehicle and buy something else. They aren’t going to give a customer that advice unless they honestly believe that the vehicle cannot be safely and economically repaired. Steering and suspension repairs are not cheap, and if this mechanic thought your vehicle was in safe enough condition to be repaired, he would have given an estimate for those repairs. Sadly, I think you were taken advantage of, and ended up buying someone else’s used-up vehicle. Most problems are repairable, but rust is often not. It sounds like you are going to end up taking the loss and junking this thing, unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 1:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/6 "2024-10-26T13:44:10Z")
> [@alexisnicole0183\_191719](#): > > I just bought this car not even 3 full weeks ago We always recommend getting that inspection before you buy a car so surprises like this don’t happen. As far as fixable… everything is fixable but often not worth the cost. Take it to a second shop to see what they say. Maybe it can be patched together so you can at least get some use out of it. I am sorry this happened to you but use it as a learning experience. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/7 "2024-10-26T14:27:27Z")
You clearly got hosed by the seller, imo This is apparently a known problem on these particular vehicles, to the point more than one manufacturer has “patch kits” available > **[Dorman Products - 999-987](https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-139110-999-987.aspx?year=2005&make=Ford&model=Escape&parttype=Suspension%2520-%2520Shock%2520Absorber%2520Tower%2520Patch%2520Panel&origin=YMM)** > > Shock Tower Patch Panel > **[Rear Shock Mount Repair Kit for Ford Escape, Tribute, Mariner](https://shockmountrepair.com/kit/rear-shock-mount-repair-kit-ford-escape-tribute-mariner/?_gl=1*4j7jsz*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuKTpoZ-siQMVSjqtBh23VQf3EAAYASAAEgKjdvD_BwE)** > > Bolt-on-frame bracket repair solution for rusted shock mounts for Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner This is just to show you that it’s a known problem and the seller most likely knew about it and kept quiet, imo You should try to return the vehicle That said, if you have no choice but to drive it, check around if someone will install one of these “patch kits” . . . the Dorman part is a much more comprehensive repair and will buy you more time, imo. But the other one might be able to be installed by a DIY person with a LOT of tools. The second one is not much more than a hack job, imo But make no mistake . . . if your car is that rusted out, it’s like a cancer and any efforts will just buy you some more time If possible, please post pictures and reply back, as your kind of post is the kind many of us are more interested in following through to the very end ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/8 "2024-10-26T17:59:57Z")
Well if it is that bad and you just bought it, go try and get your money back but talk to a lawyer. If they sold a car knowing it was unsafe, I think you could recover the cost. But yeah we make mistakes when young and broke but at least go after they guy. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/9 "2024-10-26T18:33:24Z")
Did you buy this from some kind of a used car dealer or was it a private party sale? I almost hope it was bought from a dealer, as you’ll have some more options, imo ---
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/10 "2024-10-26T19:08:32Z")
The car was junk and seller got lucky that you paid for a good car and did not get one. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/11 "2024-10-26T20:21:00Z")
I’ll concur w/most the advice above, common sense says get a 2nd opinion, but I’m guessing it will be the same and the car isn’t safe to drive. I presume the car has been driven in an area where the roads are salted in the winter. It’s possible the problems, if limited to just a couple of locations, might be economically repairable, but I’m doubtful this is the case. Suggest to return the car to the seller along w/a copy of the mechanics’ reports; hopefully some sort of fair arrangement can be negotiated, e.g. the seller re-takes possession and gives you back some % of the money you paid. And suggest to post here before buying a used car. Sorry you had this unfortunate experience, but be sure to learn as much as you can from it. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/12 "2024-10-26T22:10:07Z")
Ford Escapes are known for structural rust problems. A 20-year-old Escape in Ohio doesn’t have much value, perhaps $1500 without the subframe and suspension failures. Not enough money for a lawyer, this is a small claims case. If the vehicle was sold “As Is/Needs Work” or “Parts car”, you don’t have a case. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/13 "2024-10-27T00:50:14Z")
We don’t know the facts such as how much was paid, who the seller was but if the seller knew the condition and sold it, there is room for a small claims judge to reverse th3 sale. The judge has discretion in a case like this and fraud is seemingly evident. ---
**Author:** ![alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba8739/32.png) [@alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexisnicole0183_191719)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/14 "2024-10-27T02:07:52Z")
Sadly it was a private party sale. More specially from a friend of my grandparents. ---
**Author:** ![alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba8739/32.png) [@alexisnicole0183\_191719](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexisnicole0183_191719)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 2:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/15 "2024-10-27T02:21:13Z")
@bing @Nevada_545 Yeah, that’s about what I bought it for. I bought it for $1350. When he sold it to me, he did tell me that he “recently had it taken to a mechanic” and that it didn’t have anything wrong with it, but he told me that in-person and I don’t have any physical records, like documents or texts to prove that he said that, so I have a feeling it would come down to my word against his. He was a family friend, more specifically a friend of my grandparents, so I thought that I could take his word for it… I was most definitely wrong! I’m going to take it in for a second opinion somewhere else, but if they also tell me it wouldn’t be worth fixing, I’m going to attempt to sell it back to him for a portion of what I paid him. If that doesn’t work then I’m probably just going to either sell it to a scrapper or someone like that for as much as I can get for it and get another used car, although I will definitely be taking my next one to a mechanic before buying next time! I appreciate the advice from everyone! ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 6:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/16 "2024-10-27T06:49:07Z")
I still think you should discuss it during a free consultation with a lawyer. There is such a thing as an implied warranty which means the assumption is that the item will fit the intended usage, like being able to drive a car. May be more related to the commercial code, but unless where as as is is written somewhere, I think he bears some responsibility. Yeah friend of a friend of the family, but in my experience doesn’t make them trust worthy. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/17 "2024-10-27T12:27:30Z")
If there is too much rust, talk to your parents and grandparents before contacting the seller. It seems to me that if the seller doesn’t return the full purchase price your grandparents might unfriend him. Your grandparents basically vouched for him and if I were them, I’d drop the seller from the friend list fast. Maybe they will feel obligated to talk to him first and fix the issue for you. Again, get the second opinion first, then act. If the second opinion shows lots of rust, ask them to show it to you and take pictures to show the seller. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/18 "2024-10-27T12:37:06Z")
> [@bing](#): > > May be more related to the commercial code, but unless where as as is is written somewhere, I think he bears some responsibility Implied warranties don’t apply to private party used car sales that are generally treated as “as is, where is” sales. The exception would be if the seller failed to disclose a known defect that affected the safety of the vehicle. Proving that would be difficult unless you could find the prior service shop and get them to admit they told him it was unsafe. Even MA, with it’s very consumer friendly “Lemon Aid” laws for used car sales are limited in scope. Age, mileage, seller type and other factors apply to the vehicle in question. It really is _buyer beware_ on private party used car purchases… Considering the relatively low cost of this vehicle and the circumstances of the sale, I’d chalk it up to life lessons. Regardless of the seller, you have to protect yourself when buying something like a car. The OP appears to have acknowledged that and is ready to move on. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/19 "2024-10-27T16:27:25Z")
I find it hard to believe he would not know the frame was rotted through. But we don’t know the history of the car and how it came to be a spare car for sale. Did he try to trade it and the dealer offered a hundred dollars? Did he have a shop refuse to work on it anymore? At any rate I take a dim view of people trying to pass their junk off on unsuspecting students. A letter from a lawyer might be enough to enlighten him. That’s all. I’d also like to see him explain this to a small claims judge whether you win or lose. It would not be fun for him and costs little. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782/20 "2024-10-27T17:32:54Z")
I don’t want this to sound cruel . . . Perhaps the $1350 sale price could be seen as a red flag . . . ? I just checked the local craigslist listings for Ford Escapes of this particular vintage and they’re asking in the $3000 - $4000 range [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corroded-subframe-cradle-on-a-2005-ford-escape/197782.md?page=2)