2004 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 499 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 29 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersApr 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Campaign 14V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 26, 2012
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V156000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesDec 7, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 04V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FORD ESCAPES JUST STALLS WHILE DRIVING, THERE ARE NO WARNINGS SIGNS. THE VEHICLE WILL JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WILL START BACK UP RIGHT AWAY. THIS STARTED HAPPENING DURING THE WEEK SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2006. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS ON 12/9/06 AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN AND THE DEALER CHANGED THE AIR CONTROL VALVE, AND THE CRANK SHAFT TIMING SENSOR. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD CONTACT THAT THEY HAD CONTAMINATED FUEL AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. THE STALLING OCCURS TWO OR THREE TIMES A DAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AGAIN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER, NO INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THIS FAILURE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 10, 2006
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FLASHES AS IT'S SUPPOSED TO AND THEN REMAINS ILLUMINATED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR INTO THE SHOP THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE CIRCUIT AND WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $100 JUST TO MOVE FORWARD AND MAY COST MORE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES AND IT FAILS AFTER BEING FIXED REPEATEDLY. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2005
CONSUMER 2004 FORD ESCAPE STALLED AT SLOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS AWARDED A REPURCHASE OF HER 2004 FORD ESCAPE AFTER ARBITRATION DUE TO THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NM
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2005, fire
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE LAST YEAR, AND WE HAVE JUST LOST THE VEHICLE TO A FIRE. UNFORTUNATELY, MY ENTIRE 5,000 SQ. FT. BARN IS TOTALLY DESTROYED AS WELL, AND I NEARLY LOST MY HOME. SHE PARKS HER ESCAPE IN AN OPENING IN OUR DETACHED BARN TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE WEATHER. ON THE MORNING OF 3/5/05 (4:45 AM), I WOKE TO A GLOW IN THE WINDOW, FINDING THAT MY BARN WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED THE FIRE, THE FLAMES WERE CONTAINED TO THE AREA OF THE BARN WHERE HER ESCAPE WAS PARKED. THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY, AND WE LOST THE STRUCTURE AND THE ESCAPE. LOCAL FIRE INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING AT THE ESCAPE AS THE CAUSE OF FIRE. THEY BELIEVE THE WIRING MAY HAVE IGNITED WHILE SITTING IDLE (NOT RUNNING). I FOUND MANY INSTANCES ON THE INTERNET WHERE SOME FORD MODELS HAVE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SITTING IDLE, BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY REFERENCE TO THE ESCAPE. CAN YOU ADVISE IF YOU HAVE HISTORY OF SUCH FIRES WITH THE ESCAPE? I APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN PROVIDE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BEGIN AN INVESTIGATION TOMORROW, AND I AM TRYING TO COLLECT AS MUCH INFORMATION ON SPONTANEOUS FIRES ON FORD PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY THE ESCAPE.*JB *NM
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 30, 2003
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT ON 12/8/03. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE VEHICLE PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT, AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. ON 12/17/03, THE LEFT REAR POWER WINDOW HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT WENT INTO SERVICE AND THE ELECTRICAL SHORT WAS REPAIRED. ON 12/19/03 WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO SERVICE FOR THE PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY TRIED AN ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT FOR 400-600 MILES TO SEE IF IT CORRECTS ITSELF. ON 12/22/03 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM; AS I DID NOT FEEL THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT WAS A PROPER SOLUTION. THE SERVICE TRIED THE ALIGNMENT AGAIN, TRIED TO ROTATE THE TIRES, CHANGING THE TIRES, BUT NOTHING CORRECTED THE VEHICLE FROM PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY CONTACTED FORD WHO ADVISED THAT THE TROUBLE MAY BE THE STEERING RACK. ON 12/26/2003 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPT, AND THEY PUT ON A NEW STEERING RACK, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE NEW 2004 WITH NOW 600 MILES ON IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY WILL HAVE A FORD ENGINEER COME OUT TO SEE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD SALESMAN THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AND THE SALES MANAGER ON MY CONCERNS ON BUYING A NEW VEHICLE WITH THESE ISSUES RIGHT FROM THE START. THEY INFORMED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNTIL THE FORD ENGINEER COMES TO CHECK THE VEHICLE OUT. OUR CONCERN NOW IS THAT THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT FOR UNKNOWN REASON THAT THE FORD SERVICE EXPERTS CANNOT FIGURE OUT, THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURING WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 42 MILES ON IT.