'20-'21 Ford Escape Door Check Broken Spot Welds Fix (SSM 50150/CSP

In this video, I fix a 2020 Ford Escape with broken spot welds in the door. As of filming of this video, there is a known common issue with 2020 and 2021 Ford Escapes where the bracket that holds the check arm device in the door is not properly welded to the inside of the door. Specifically, there is a spot weld that misses slightly from the obviously intended weld location and this seems to be where the damage first occurs. Once that misplaced spot weld fails, the other welds fail in succession until the bracket is then completely ripped free. This leaves the check arm in its extended position and it interferes with power window operation. The loose bracket also makes a loud clunking noise when you shut the door. Our local Ford dealership suggested ordering a later model door and having it painted to match. The door alone was quoted at 2500 and then you would need to have it painted to match (in this case white tricoat). So instead of that fix, I opted to fix the door myself by welding it back in place. If you're in a pinch and don't want to paint and weld, consider removing the check arm and bracket completely as there is a secondary door stop in the hinge mechanism that should work on its own to keep the door from over travelling on open. Since this vehicle is so new, I wanted it repaired correctly, completely, and permanently. I hope this helps you out and I will update this description if perhaps Ford changes their tone on their manufacturing flaw.
Update 6/6/24: Ford has sent notification to some customers (via FordPass app or mail) that their door needs to be inspected under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) Campaign# 23B56. Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds.
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#FordEscape #Ford #recall

[@mauiburger]

Thank you for posting this! Ford actually just sent out a "no-charge" Customer Service Program to fix this issue. So, that must mean they have enough of these welds coming apart that they need to do something about it. When I got the letter yesterday, I immediately inspected my own doors, but wasn't sure which part to look at. Now that I have seen your video, I know what to look for. This is probably a more common problem on higher use cars, like rentals cars for fleet vehicles. But, I can see that if someone were to push the door too far open, it might also stress those inadequate welds.

[@605BOLT]

It's so annoying because we already had to fix it prior to the recent letters being sent. What were we supposed to do? Couldn't just leave the car sit. I'm glad you found the video useful. I'm sure lots of people will be browsing like you. Hopefully it never breaks because getting a new door to match paint wise will be a chore in itself.

[@davidbrendaspencer9892]

No clunking; my window opens again; great job!

[@605BOLT]

Nice. Glad it worked out!!!

[@michaeljenkins6737]

I had mines done it took 8 hours to fixed it's a blessing to have a warranty no charge

[@605BOLT]

@@michaeljenkins6737 ya that would have been nice for sure!! Good deal they fixed you up!

[@richardhall521]

A blessing is if people would realize what shit boxes fords are and after that warranty is up ford wont be pampering your bottom, they'll be sticking it in dry. glad mines a company one not a personal, stuff like this drives me nuts cause it doesnt happen with toyota

[@605BOLT]

@@richardhall521 I feel like all corporations put profits and cutting costs above customers and building a reputation of long term quality. It's a shame.

[@jerrycallo]

We got a call on our 2022 that they'll fix it. Don't know why it takes 4 hours since they may only have to look at it and say it looks fine. Like others have said paint is going to be an issue and if the people that repair it suck at painting then it's going to look that much worse. If it looks fine I'd rather they do nothing (other than extend the warranty for it in case it starts puling apart later). Thanks for the video.

[@605BOLT]

I considered rivets but the material is so paper thin as it is that I was worried it would tear out again. I hadn't heard of an actual recall for 2022 yet. That would be great if they do something. Are you considering going to rivet route?

[@jerrycallo]

@@605BOLT Yeah, would take some pretty big rivet heads to not tear out, I was thinking if you get heads with a big enough diameter they might be too tall to fit when the door closed. Mine wasn't a recall it was part of the "customer satisfaction program" I think that's just a fancy way of saying it was still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. As such I'm not going to do any work myself. In fact if there's nothing wrong I would prefer they do nothing (other than extend the warranty for it). Mine aren't showing anything yet.

[@605BOLT]

@@jerrycallo right for sure. Would be best if it somehow never broke. 🤞 I agree with your thoughts about big rivets. Might not close just right

[@frankcastle2814]

I did 6 stainless bolts with nyloc nuts, and 3 of the welds were still holding. took me 2 hours and only removed the speaker.

[@605BOLT]

@@frankcastle2814 excellent info. Keep us updated if that is solid or if you have to do more repairing.

[@michaeljenkins6737]

That's ok I enjoyed your video I'll get more information as I drive this car and learn more about it

[@605BOLT]

@@michaeljenkins6737 that's true. Lots of quality content on escapes out there

[@AMoneyVideo]

They sent the letter about the door welds for my 2022 yesterday. It says regardless of miles through 2027. I'm worried they will mess it up worse if i take it in for a kit or door. Like leaving metal exposed that should be painted etc.

[@605BOLT]

Right. I'm worried about paint match! Don't tell me a white door from 2024 will have the same flake, lay, and fade as the original bodywork. To me, I prefer this fix. If you get any further updates, please share your experience here for others. Thank you for watching/commenting!!

[@bspep3]

Killer job!

[@605BOLT]

Thanks!

[@hugh007]

Just got my letter for my '22 Titanium. I would get it fixed before it tears away so you don't need need a new door. They would have to paint that, and who knows how well that will come out? Thanks for the video.

[@605BOLT]

I agree. That's what I did.

[@joelgarza5708]

Just took my wife's '22 escape in today for same issue got the letter from ford as well they took some measurements and ordered the parts they needed ill let y'all know the end result currently not having any issues with the door at all god willing 🙏

[@605BOLT]

Very interesting. I wonder what their measurement criteria is. I gotta know how it turns out! Please comment back if possible. Good luck!!!

[@chi4life61]

Well, I just bought a 2020 Ford escape SEL2 weeks ago and today they repaired all the doors because of a recall although I wasn’t having problems it took them like four hours but grateful

[@605BOLT]

@@chi4life61 interesting. I wonder what all they did. I had way more than 4 hrs into this fix and that was just one door.

[@pgr461]

Hello. I have one question, we can see a set of 5 red leds on door pilar "B". What they are? Thanks

[@605BOLT]

If you're talking on the exterior of the car, that would be the keyless entry code buttons. There is a code of five digits that allows you entry to the vehicle when the door is locked. They are the buttons.

[@criven3128]

60k and spot welds are failing? Man, that’s brutal

[@605BOLT]

Not a good look lemme tell you that!

[@mikejeffers3872]

Mine recently failed at 40k on my 2020 escape sel… ford took pics and reported it since they’re now covering it under recall.. still waiting to hear back, it’s very annoying not being able to open the door all of the way or put the window down. This is after the AWD module on the transmission failed around 25k and it was just outside of factory warranty.. thankfully extended warranty covered it.. and it took a year to get it resolved. I’ve been having nonstop issues with it.. super annoying

[@605BOLT]

@mikejeffers3872 I agree. Very annoying. When it breaks it's not just an annoyance. It prevents the window from working at times. Not something you can really live with. Or should have to live with on a new car.

[@stvargas150]

For one without access to a welder machine, you use stainless steel pop rivets

[@605BOLT]

@@stvargas150 ford apparently has some sort of fix that involves rivets now. About 6 months too late.🫤

[@michaeljenkins6737]

My warranty is 100 thousand miles I'm going to used it before I loosed it tires included plus More

[@605BOLT]

@@michaeljenkins6737 haha yes

[@michaeljenkins6737]

@@605BOLT can you please make a video on full electric hybrid for 2021 Ford escape

[@605BOLT]

@@michaeljenkins6737 normally I would love to do that but I don't own one and I won't be buying one soon. Sorry.

[@orlondowilliams4568]

I have the same make and model and just received my letter from FORD in the mail today. I’m grateful, but my welds haven’t been functioning properly for well over a year now, where was this letter then!

[@605BOLT]

For many people the door broke completely and caused the window to not function as well. At that point if you have four cars sure you could park it but most people need their cars and can't afford to just not use it. I agree that it seems way late.

[@richardhall521]

2023, still happening.. wouldnt you think they'd fix it???

[@605BOLT]

@@richardhall521 ya..... It's not their best work. I think some people are getting fixes though.

[@richardhall521]

@@605BOLT yeah, 3 month wait, finally got it so door closes, but drivers window can only go down half way, and i love all windows down...oh well, winters coming! and i don't do drive thru's! :)

[@605BOLT]

@@richardhall521 wow that's too long of a wait in my opinion.

[@Sayitlikeitis1234]

2021 escape here…. Ford looked at mine and said I need a whole new door. Recall covers a new door. You bet your sweet ass the body shop painting the new door better know what the fuck they are doing. Find me a good lawyer so I can sue their asses on a class action. FORD SUCKS

[@605BOLT]

Damn that sucks. I will be curious to hear how the paint match turns out. Hope it goes well but I fear you might be in for a battle. Crazy that the whole door is ruined.

[@EEI605]

Nice job. Would have maybe added some weld thru primer on the inner bit. Also, I was thinking some panel bond in there would strengthen it up a lot, but with the extra welds you did, that isn't going anywhere. Nice video.

[@605BOLT]

Not a bad idea. I wonder if just straight panel bond and one or two rivets would hold. That stuff can be pretty tough.

[@EEI605]

Yeah that was my thought for the more DIY friendly version

[@605BOLT]

@@EEI605 this is diy friendly! Paint gun, panel poppers, and a mig setup. Don't even need to be a good welder haha.