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: service brakes
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL # 07V156000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, BUT WAS UNACKNOWLEDGED BY THE DEALER. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND FEARED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLEWAS NOT BEING DRIVEN , AND THE CONTACT HAD AN APPOINTMENT ON MAY 2, 2007 TO GET THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK UPDATED 05/23/07. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 24, 2006
PREMATURE FAILURE, EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. VEHICLE SERVICED BY TREBOUR FORD EVERY 5,000 MILES ACCORDING TO SERVICE SCHEDULE. AT THIS VISIT, INFORMED THAT BRAKE PADS WERE CLOSE TO NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NORMAL AND UNDERSTANDABLE. HOWEVER, WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE BEYOND THE POINT OF BEING USED FURTHER. THEY WERE WORN SO BADLY THAT THEY COULD NOT BE MACHINED EVEN ONCE. MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT BRAKE ROTORS WHEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND HAS 34,917 MILES WHICH HAS BEEN PRIMARILY HIGHWAY USAGE. THE NEED FOR BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT AT THIS POINT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT TIME OF PRODUCTION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2005
BRAKES SCREECH, SQUEAL, AND FEEL JERKY. ALSO WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD A DISTANCE OF FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES. MY BOYFRIEND, JODY, IS AN ATTORNEY. HE SAYS THAT ON OCCASION WHEN HE HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED FORWARD AFTER HE PUT IT IN PARK, AND TOUCHED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. HE ALSO REPORTED THAT MY VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES IN THE WAL-MART PARKING LOT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE FRONT END BEING BURIED UP AGAINST A HEDGE OF TALL THICKLY WOVEN (WEAVED[?] BUSHY LIMBS WHICH SCRAPED AND SCRATCHED MY FRONT END. ANYWAY, THE PAINT IS NOW SCRATCHED AND PEELING ON THE LOWER PART OF THE FRONT END, WHERE THE "CLADDING" IS PAINTED, AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE METAL HOOD.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 7, 2005
AS MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE TURNED 25,000 MILES, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BRAKE PADS. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS ALSO VERY LOW. THE BRAKE SHOP MANAGER STATED THAT IT IS EXTREMELY UNUSUAL FOR ROTORS TO BE REPLACED AT 25,000 MILES. UPON INVESTIGATING OTHER SIMILAR CLAIMS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES, IT APPEARS THAT FORD MOTOR CO. HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS MODELS FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO ONE COMPLAINT WEBSITE, FORD MOTOR CO. WAS SUBJECT TO A CLASS ACTION BY FORD CONSUMERS IN 2003 REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF WARPED ROTORS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND OTHER BRAKE ISSUES. I'D CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP, AND THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IF THE BRAKE PROBLEM OCCURED WITHIN THE 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE PERIOD, IT WOULD BE COVERED; OTHERWISE, IT WAS MY FINANCIAL PROBLEM. SINCE FORD MOTOR CO.HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE INFERIOR BRAKE PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO INSTALL THE INFERIOR ROTORS ON THEIR NEW VEHICLES, WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER CONTINUE TO HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS EVERY YEAR OR 25,000 MILES? ACCORDING TO THE BRAKE SPECIALISTS, ROTORS GENERALLY ARE REPLACED BETWEEN 60,000 - 85,000 MILES, AND NOT 25,000, UNLESS THERE IS A DEFECT IN PRODUCT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 10, 2004
AFTER 5000 MILE SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDE INSPECTING BRAKES AND ROTATING TIRES. I STARTED HEARING SOUND FROM THE REAR BRAKE WHILE APPLYING. THE NOISE WAS A TYPE OF THUMP WHICH SEEM TO CATCH ON THE DRUM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. MECHANIC RODE WITH ME AND DID HEAR NOISE. SAID THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE DRUM BRAKE WAS CATCHING. DEALER MACHINED DRUMS AND TAPERED ENDS OF REAR SHOES. NOISE WAS FIXED BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. *NM