Cracked Sub frame repair. Cost? Advisability?

Takes about 4-8 shop hours, the engine/trans has to be lifted slightly and suspension/brakes supported while subframe is dropped and new one installed (it's installed from underneath the car). New subframes are fairly cheap and good used ones even cheaper. If the mileage isn't super high and body in decent shape, it's worth it to replace.

Forgot to mention, shop around for quotes, a good local neighborhood mechanic will probably give you the best prices over dealerships or chains.

Thanks KenF. The current odometer reading is 190,306 Km / 118,250 miles. Vehicle was purchased from the original owner at 174,00 km / 108,118 miles in September 2012 with mostly highway miles. I have added only 10,000 miles during my ownership of <5 years. Front tires are almost brand-new Michelins and rear tires low-mileage Hankook's. Current mileage of 108,000 seems more like typical to me rather than "super-high". Will investigate repair option further.

I checked with the dealership who sold my Escape to the original owner here in Canada, The price they quoted for a new sub-frame is $3,874.34. The person in their parts department said the price was due to supply and demand. To me, this price is outrageous. What price have others been quoted for a new sub-frame in Canada or the USA?

Replaced rusted subframe on a 2005 Ford 500: $400 labor, $185 for parts. Replaced a subframe on a 2010 Dodge Charger, frame from the parts dismantler was 275. (had a helper and too about 5 hours, working off jackstands/wood cribbing and a chain hoist.) Dealerships are the LAST place for this type of work. Car is, I'm assuming, out of warranty and your not the original owner and not likely a regular buyer from them, they have no desire to be even remotely competitive with other shops that might have less pressure on them to keep up with all their warranty work. I'd find a local mechanic with minimal overhead who can afford to spend a solid day on just one car, in the neighborhood of 400-500 labor costs (USD). If you have a decent amount of garage space you can shop for a mobile mechanic as well.

The quote for our 2008 Ford Escape is $2,200 US from the dealer's repair shop. Have to wait a week for the part.

Check on Ebay, you see subframes on there $200-300 for most models. Also, if your Escape is 2001-2004 there was a recall for premature corrosion of subframes.

Thanks to all who contributed suggestions and comments. My 2002 Escape was just passed "as is" to a nearby vintage car restoration shop for them to restore or salvage as they see fit.

http://stores.ebay.com/carpartdirectcpd/

There was a recall on this. Only Ford has closed this out so you're on you own. $3800 is what my dealership quoted me. Mine only has 95.000 miles

Just put new tires on my car still. Shakes

ya recall on 01-04 but not my 05 that did same thing wtf

I am waiting to hear from Ford, they said $5000.00,I want it fixed,just bought it for $500, needs fixed or replaced

I'm in Canada - I found a used Ford Freestyle sub-frame on allusedparts.com. It's being shipped to Buffalo - I drive over and pick it up - $500 canadian - I've found a guy who will do the mechanical work for $450

I have a 2005 Escape. I was quoted $3500 Canadian for the repair. Friend and I purchased a used subframe online for $275 USD, plus delivery and exchange. We did the work ourselves. hardest part was getting the old bolts off, suggest spray with Rust Blaster twice a day for several days. Get a High Impact Ratchet set, and a good braker bar, or use an old gas pipe. Once bolts are cracked, they come off. Re-installation was a piece of cake. Biggest problem was determining the correct torque pressure. if doing yourself, save the hassle and do a few hours each day. An experienced mech with proper tools can get it done in a day. A DIY'er give yourself the time and think through each step. Most important is make sure vehicle is blocked with jack stands and or Tree stumps, emergency break is on, and block the rear wheels, both sides.

ford man for years last 2 fords has cured that for me! no more fords in this yard!

Hello to all! My business specialize in offering Rust Free Subframes. We mainly deal with other salvage yards on a wholesale basis. We are beginning to extend or reach direct to the consumer. Please feel free to contact me msapllc@gmail.com

I just had mine replaced today on my 2011 Ford Escape. The subframe was purchased from the dealership new, as there is a high demand for second hand ones. I was told this is a common occurance on these cars? The cost of the sub frame itself was 700 bucks brand new. Total cost (labour, parts etc) 1600$'s which compared to what I have just read, really is pretty good. :)

Have a 2009 escape with rotted subframe. Wouldn't pass inspection. Dealer said new one which they have in stock is $600. Plus 6 hours labor. Car is in good shape otherwise so I am having it done. I am happy with the price also.