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: engine
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 4, 2013
AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON A CROWDED INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE SLOWED AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER SWITCHING THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITING A FEW MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND MOVE FORWARD FOR ABOUT A MILE WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED. AFTER THE THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED, I DECIDED THE CAR WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC AND PULLED OVER TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER INDICATES NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. LOSING SPEED IN FAST-MOVING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS; THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY IN THIS CASE. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER MUCH EFFORT BUT SHORTLY AFTER, CRASHED INTO A UTILITY BOX. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 04/22/14 MA WHEN THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER CRASHED INTO THE ELECTRICAL BOX, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND SPREAD TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/24/14
Engine, Jul 16, 2013
COULD NOT TURN CAR HEATER ON AS THE INTERIOR FILLED WITH ENGINE FUMES ESPECIALLY WHEN IDLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO 2 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS AND THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. NOW, SUMMER OF 2013 WHEN THE AC IS TURNED ON THE SAME THING HAPPENS. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT MYSELF AND 3 YEAR OLD SON ARE BREATHING THESE FUMES IN JUST DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE! ALSO, TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITHOUT ANY POSITIVE RESULTS! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH NO HEAT AND NO AC FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. WHAT CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2013
I WANT TO BRING TO YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE WITH MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 2007 (MILEAGE 102,000) AND HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE HAD 4 EXPERIENCES WHERE THE CAR WOULD STALL WHILE IN MOTION. IT APPEARS TO OCCUR WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 80 DEGREES AND I HAVE TRAVELED IN THE CAR FOR >30 MINUTES AND HAVE MADE A SHORT STOP (FOR GAS OR SHOPPING). AFTER CONTINUING MY DRIVE AFTER A SHORT STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF AT SOME POINT ON THE WAY HOME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSING ALL POWER TO THE STEERING AND BREAKING SYSTEM. THE CAR WILL START UP AGAIN (WHILE COASTING) WITH NO ISSUE BUT STALL AGAIN AFTER A SHORT WHILE. THESE HAVE BEEN VERY HARROWING EXPERIENCES ON BUSY ROADS AND FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS ME AND NOT MY PREGNANT WIFE, AS I DON'T BELIEVE SHE WOULD HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO EXECUTE THESE EMERGENCY ACTIONS WITH NO POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR >1 WEEK BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR REMAINS AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP UNTIL THE CAUSE CAN BE DETERMINED. *TR
Engine, May 15, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE A SMALL DISTANCE, SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,790. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 11, 2013
CAR'S ENGINE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND COMPLETELY STALLED GOING 45 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT AVOIDED AS CAR BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHO FOND TWO ENGINE COILS DEFECTIVE AND ALL SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS REPEATED ISSUES WITH DEFECTIVE COILS AND DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL ON A HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPS. THIS IS POOR ENGINEERING ON FORD'S PART AND DEMAND THE US GOVERNMENT FORCE A RECALL! *TR
Engine, Jan 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DOWNHILL AND THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE UNTIL THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,198.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2012
ALL THREE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED TO OPERATE IN THE CAR. WE WERE INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE CONVERTERS WERE UNDER WARRANTY BOTH FOR MILEAGE AND TIME (8 YEAR/80,000 MILE WARRANTY). DEALERSHIP REQUESTED CAR BE BOUGHT, WHICH WE DID. AFTER THE CAR ARRIVED, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN JANUARY 2004 AND THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JANUARY 2012. ADDITIONALLY, THEY WANT TO CHARGE US OVER $3,000 FOR THE REPAIRS. I ALSO ADVISED THEM THAT WE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN NOVEMBER 2007 WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM CARMAX. WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER EITHER. MY CAR REMAINS AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPAIR IT, HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL MAKING THE CAR PAYMENTS ON IT. I CONTACTED FORD MOTORS, FILED A REPORT AND WAS LATER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. *TR
Engine, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND JUMPING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,500.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 31, 2012
I MADE A LEFT TURN FROM EASTBOUND STEWART ROAD ONTO THE INSIDE LANE OF NORTHBOUND M125 (N. MONROE STREET), MONROE, MI AT APPROXIMATELY 09:00. WHEN APPROACHING FRENCHTOWN MALL AREA ON THE LEFT, CARS AHEAD WERE STOPPED FOR OTHERS MAKING LEFT TURNS INTO THE MALL. I TOOK MY RIGHT FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL TO COAST SO AS NOT TO HAVE TO BRAKE. SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED (SPED UP); MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND ON THE FLOOR. I HIT THE BRAKE HARD WITH MY RIGHT FOOT AND THE VEHICLE DID STOP. (I NEVER USE MY LEFT FOOT TO BRAKE. I ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT FOOT TO DRIVE AND TO BRAKE.) I THOUGHT OF ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION; NOW KNEW HOW IT FELT. RESEARCHED, FOUND INFO AS TO RECALL ISSUED . WE NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. PUT VIN # IN FORD SITE. OUR VEHICLE, 2004 ESCAPE 3.0L V6 NOT RECALLED. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING MAY, 2011. WE HAD THE ESCAPE IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE RECENTLY AND WE TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR, WHO IS ALSO THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER, THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKED. HE SAID IT COULD BE CHECKED BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. WE CHOSE NOT TO INCUR ADDITIONAL EXPENSE GIVEN THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS CONSISTENTLY HAD ALL SERVICE, OIL CHANGES, REPAIRS DONE AT THE FORD DEALER. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL, NOR OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED TO ALL DEALERS BY FORD. INTERESTING NOTE: WE OWN AND DRIVE A 1989 FORD F150 AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS FINE! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2012
AS I WAS ACCELERATING TO PASS A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE, I PRESSED ON THE GAS PETAL AND AFTER I WAS BACK IN MY PROPER LANE, MY VEHICLE KEPT SPEEDING AND NOT BACKING OFF ON THE GAS. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN NEURAL AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO KEEP RACING. I TRIED TO STOMP LIGHTLY ON THE GAS PETAL TO SEE IF IT WOULD COME BACK UP BUT IT DIDN'T. I THEN SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND CALLED THE TOW TRUCK COMPANY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2012
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE ACCELERATION PROBLEMS OF THE 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES WHICH MY 2004 HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW SITUATIONS OVER THE LAST 2-3 YEARS WHERE MY CARS ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY START RACING WHILE PARKED AT IDLE. WHEN THE ISSUE FIRST BEGAN I WAS ABLE TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY FOOT AND THE CAR WOULD RETURN TO A STANDARD IDLE. THE MORE RECENT INSTANCES NOW REQUIRE TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT WOULD IDLE NORMAL AGAIN AFTER BEING RESTARTED. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS CONNECTED TO A CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND THE LETTER DATED 7/10/12 WRITTEN TO FORD FROM THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY. THIS MAY ALSO BE CONNECTED TO A PRIOR RECALL 04V-574 THAT I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE OF. PLEASE KEEP ME ADVISED OF YOUR EFFORTS OR ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP. THANK YOU *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY HIS PERSONAL MECHANIC. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2012
AT FIRST, MY ESCAPE ONLY STARTED HESITATING ON RAINY DAYS WHEN I GOT TO ABOUT 45-55 MPH. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD BAD GAS SO I STOPPED AT AUTO ZONE TO GET DRY GAS FOR IT. THIS SEEM TO WORK LIKE A CHARM AND I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN; SPUDERING, NOT ACCELERATING, CAR SHAKING, AND ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ONCE I REACHED 45MPH. THIS HAD BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A FEW MONTHS ON AND OFF, THEN ONE SUNNY DAY ITS BEGAN HESITATING AND MISFIRING VERY BADLY NOW NOT ONLY IN 5TH GEAR BUT AT IDLE AND 1ST GEAR. IT MISFIRED AND HESITATED EVERY TIME I DROVE IT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THE MECHANIC COULD GET IT INTO THE SHOP. I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE TWO CODES THAT THE ENGINE WAS PULLING P0305 AND P0316 PENDING. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME WHEN THEIR ESCAPES REACH 90,000 MILES OR HIGHER, SOME EVEN WORSE. PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT THE ISSUES BEING CAUSED ARE A RESULT OF FORD PUTTING IN THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WHICH IS CAUSING THE COMPUTER CHIP TO BURN OUT LEADING TO MISFIRES IN THE COIL PACKS. MY MECHANIC JUST INFORMED ME THAT IT WILL COST $400 TO FIX TWO OF THE COILS AND THERE IS ONLY A 50/50 CHANCE THAT IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM (FOR NOW). HE SAID IT WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THERE IS NO TELLING HOW LONG THAT MIGHT BE, IT MIGHT BE RIGHT AWAY, A WEEK FROM NOW, OR A YEAR. WILL ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO WAY TO TELL IF IT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A WARNING TO OWNERS SAYING WHAT MAY HAPPEN ONCE THE CAR GETS OVER 100,000 MILES. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2010
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). THESE WERE BOTH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2010
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH IN AUGUST 2010. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). IT HAPPENED AGAIN 12/5/10 AND I AM AWAITING REPORT ON WHICH SPARK PLUG IT HAPPENED TO THIS TIME. THE FIRST TWO WERE THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jan 31, 2010
FORD 2004 ESCAPE - SLOWLY MAKING ASCENT UP A DRIVEWAY - SUDDENLY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS, ENGINE RACING, CAR BEGINS RAPID ACCELERATION - DRIVER ABLE TO SLAM ON BRAKES WITH EXTREME PRESSURE TO STOP CAR - ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE - DRIVER ABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK WITH ENGINE STILL RACING - TURNS OFF CAR. HE THEN TURNS CAR BACK ON, ONLY TO HAVE ENGINE STILL RACING - IMMEDIATELY TURNS OFF AGAIN. DEALERSHIP CALLED TO COME PICK UP CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 20, 2008
FORD ESCAPE 2004 IDLING PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES ENGINE STARTS TO MISFIRE WHILE RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 40 MILES AN HOUR. WHILE IDLING IT ALSO MISFIRE KEEPING THE ENGINE UNSTABLE. HAVE TAKING IT TO THE MECHANICS FOR ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS AND SOME TELL ME IT IS THE ENGINE GASKET THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED. HELP *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2007
ENGINE WOULD REMAIN AT FULL THROTTLE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. FOUND THAT THERE WERE PING PONG SIZE YELLOWISH ICE CHUNKS STUCK IN THROTTLE BODY KEEPING IT HELD OPEN. ALSO FOUND THAT THROTTLE BODY WAS SEVERELY ICED. REMOVED THROTTLE BODY AND REMOVED ICE AND CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. CONCERN HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WITHIN 9 DAYS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 14, 2006
2004 FORD ESCAPE, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *KB FRONT AND REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS PLUGGED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH. THE EGR VALVE HAD A HOLE IN IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2005
THE ENGINE STALLED AT 55 MPH, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECKUP FOUR TIMES, BUT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED 3 ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO PRESS A BUTTON WHENEVER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER INSTALLED A SPECIAL COMPUTER. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT INTERMITTENT STALLING AT LOW SPEED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED FROM A STOP POSITION OR COMING TO A STOP. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON EIGHT OCCASIONS, AND DEALER UNABLE TO RESOLVED / DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2004
VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY DIFFICULT TO START AFTER SITTING ALL DAY (I.E. 8 HOUR WORK DAY). IT WILL CRANK, BUT WILL NOT CATCH. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HAS TAKEN UP TO 4 TIMES TO START. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND SUGGESTED CHECKING TSBS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2004
ONGOING MUSTY MILDEW ODOR FROM VENTS AND A/C UNIT. HAVE BROUGHT IT FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. AFTER DRIVING IN THE CAR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, I FEEL ILL AND HAVE SLIGHT DIFFICULTY BREATHING. *AK