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: structure
138 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Nov 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED, A THUMPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD LOOSENED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Structure, Oct 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND AFFECTED THE CONTROL ARM. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAME RUST; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE VIN BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,255.
Structure, Wheels, Aug 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND FRAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED SPARKS TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 29, 2016
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK AND MOUNT HAVE RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF OF FRAME. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A VILLAGE STREET, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD BY A MANHOLE AND HEARD A TERRIFYING NOISE, THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE BACK OF THE CAR WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. UPON PARKING AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE BROKEN PIECE WAS PRESSED AGAINST THE REAR TIRE, AND HAD RUBBED SOME OF THE RUBBER OFF IN THE SHORT TIME IT WAS DRIVEN AFTERWARD. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT FRAME CORROSION SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CORROSION ON THE FRONT END. IT SEEMS THAT IT SHOULD BE FOR THE ENTIRE FRAME, AND RECTIFIED BEFORE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES OCCUR. MY VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THOSE DATE AND STATE PARAMETERS, YET THE VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. FRONT RECALL: 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. CONSEQUENCE: A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: 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.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 22, 2016
REAR STRUCTURAL BODY, JOINTS, MASSIVE RUST AND CORROSION.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 22, 2016
STRUCTURAL EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION REAR WHEELS
Steering, Structure, Jun 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FOR THE STEERING WAS DETERIORATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2016
AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS OR CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON...ALSO REAR PASSENGER SHOCK HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM WHEEL WELL CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. I JUST HAD THIS VEHICLE FINANCED BACK IN FEBRUARY 2016.
Structure, Wheels, May 1, 2016
I HEARD RATTLING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR LIKE A TIN THERMOS ROLLING AROUND. I LOOKED AT THE BACK AND WAS INSPECTING MY VEHICHLE. ONCE I TOOK OUT THE SPARE TIRE COVER I DISCOVERED A HUGE HOLE IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. I CALLED MY DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE SERVICED. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR AN ISSUE LIKE THIS AND I AM FINDING THAT MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS FROM 2005-2006 ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR AS MY DEALER IS NOT COMFORTABLE LETTING USE DRIVE IT, AND THEIR BODY SHOP WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT SAYING THAT IT WAS TO COMPROMISED AND WOULD BE LIABILITY
Suspension, Structure, Apr 29, 2016
VEHICLE STEERING HAS BECOME UNSTABLE AND WOBBLY. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK ON THE ALIGNMENT, AND WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED. I FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT APPARENTLY MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
Structure, Apr 7, 2016
PASSENGER SIDE REAR INNER WHEEL WELL AND STRUT MOUNT RUSTED OUT. HOLE THE SIZE OF A GRAPEFRUIT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF VEHICLE. COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS EXACT ISSUE ALL OVER THE INTERNET YET NO SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE PROBLEM. MY STRUT HAS NOT YET PROTRUDED AND BROKEN THROUGH THE MOUNT BUT WILL SHORTLY IF NOT ADDRESSED.
Structure, Mar 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED FROM A PARKING SPOT, THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF FRAGMENTS OF CORRODED METAL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELLS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME CORROSION TO THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS, AND THE ENTIRE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Structure, Mar 25, 2016
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED. SHOCK MOUNT IS NOW COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 18, 2016
THE WHEEL WELL ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF CAR COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING MY SHOCK TO BE FREE IN MY CAR. FORD WILL NOT FIX IT AND IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. A QUICK SEARCH WILL REVEAL AT LEAST 96 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE IN THE EXACT SAME AREA OF THE VEHICLE
Structure, Mar 3, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 21, 2016
THE FRAME AROUND THE REAR SUSPENSION IS RUSTED OUT (THROUGH) THE REAR SHOCK IS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ? I KNOW THE VEHICLE IS OLD BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ON EVEN OLDER VEHICLES.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Feb 18, 2016
ENGINE CRADLE, PART OF THE FRAME IS UNDER RECALL,IS BROKE. DEALER APPLIED "BAND-AID" MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO REPLACE BROKEN CROSS-MEMBER, EVEN THOUGH IT IS UNDER RECALL. RECALL #14V165000
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 3, 2016
I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT (12 YEARS OLD, 45,000'WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH). IT HAD UNDERCOATING TO PROTECT FROM RUST WHEN IT WAS NEW. VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LIKE NEW INSIDE! SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE AFTER DRIVING IT 2 MONTHS WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STARTED FALLING APART (WASN'T LIKE THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT). WITHIN A 3 WEEK SPAN IT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AGAIN IT WAS PROTECTED WITH UNDERCOATING AND STILL RUSTED OUT ALL THOSE YEARS IN A GARAGE BEING BARELY DRIVEN!!! I ASKED ABOUT GETTING BOTH SIDES DONE WHILE IT'S IN THE SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WELL WAS FINE AND IN GOOD SHAPE, ALMOST NO RUST AT ALL. FORD STOCKS ONLY THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL, NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN MANUFACTURING FAILURE/SUBSTANDARD PART THAT FORD DOESN'T WANT TO OWN BEYOND SELLING YOU THE REPLACEMENT PART. I'M LOSING APPRECIATION FOR "AMERICAN MADE" VALUES. THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY UPSETTING BECAUSE IT'S A BRAND I PREVIOUSLY HELD IN HIGH REGARD. THIS EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON MY TRIPS.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 7, 2015
SHOCK FRAME SUPPORT ON RIGHT REAR SIDE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ALONG WITH ENTIRE AREA RUSTING OUT PREMATURELY. I CAN SEE THE OUTSIDE THRU MY SPEAKER GRILL. HOW COULD THIS NOT BE A SAFETY RECALL WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A FORD DEFECT? REPAIR QUOTES IN THE $2000- $2500 RANGE.
Structure, Dec 6, 2015
OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE IS MAKING METALLIC CREAKING, SQUEAKING AND GROANING SOUNDS FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR. THE SOUND IS TRIGGERED BY JUST SITTING IN THE STATIONARY CAR AND ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. IT BECOMES CONSTANT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE STARTS MOVING. THERE ARE ALSO OCCASIONAL HEAVY METALLIC THUMPS OR KNOCKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OR UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, AND THE RIDE IS ROUGH. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR INNER METAL WHEELHOUSE IS EXTREMELY RUSTY. A FEW HOLES ARE SEVERAL INCHES SQUARE & GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. PART OF THE RUST IS VERY NEAR WHERE THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER BOLTS INTO THE WHEELHOUSE. THE WHEELHOUSE METAL IS SO RUSTY THAT I CAN FLEX IT WITH MY HAND AND CAUSE THE CREAKING SOUNDS. I BELIEVE THE HEAVY METALLIC THUMPS ARE CAUSED WHEN THE CONICAL BUMPER INSIDE THE TOP OF THE SPRING BOTTOMS OUT AND HITS THE SUSPENSION MOUNTED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SPRING. THIS LIKELY HAPPENS BECAUSE THE SHOCK ABSORBER CANNOT STOP IT, SINCE THE RUSTY WHEELHOUSE BENDS SO MUCH. THIS SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM IS HEAVILY DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET BY A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE. THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER COULD CRASH THROUGH THE WHEELHOUSE AND PROTRUDE INTO THE CAR INTERIOR, INJURING OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR. THIS WOULD MAKE LOSS OF CONTROL MORE LIKELY. IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF THE SHOCK ABSORBER BREAKS FREE AND BECOMES TANGLED UP WITH THE REAR WHEEL OR PUNCTURES THE TIRE. THIS CAR IS A UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION, SO THIS WHEELHOUSE IS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE STRUCTURAL STRENGTH FOR THAT PART OF THE CAR. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THIS RUSTY WHEELHOUSE WILL DISINTEGRATE AND NOT PROPERLY ABSORB THE CRASH ENERGY LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO. THIS MAKES IT MORE LIKELY THAT THE OCCUPANTS WILL GET INJURED. PLEASE FORCE A VEHICLE RECALL ASAP WHICH MAKES FORD MOTOR CO. REPLACE THIS DANGEROUS WHEELHOUSE WITH ONE THAT HAS A SAFER, NON-RUSTING DESIGN.
Structure, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL, AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER TOWER WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Structure, Nov 8, 2015
2004 FORD ESCAPE. REAR RIGHT WHEEL HUB RUST/CORROSION AROUND STRUT ASSEMBLY. SAFETY ISSUE WITH REAR SHOCK. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2004 TO 2006 FORD ESCAPE DESPITE RUST PROOFING. RUSTS AROUND AREA FOR STRUT LEADING TO STRUCTURAL COMPROMISE OF THIS ASSEMBLY. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 19, 2015
FORD'S 14S02 RECALL WAS TO DEAL WITH EXCESSIVE RUST ON A SUBFRAME UNIT. IF THE RECALL INSPECTION OF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT RESULT IN CHARACTERISTICS WARRANTING REPLACEMENT, FORD INSTRUCTED DEALERS TO INSTALL A CROSS BRACE. APPROXIMATELY 13 MONTHS AFTER OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE HAD THE CROSS BRACE INSTALLED THE SUBFRAME UNIT FAILED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKED TO THE SIDE AND IF THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER CAR OR ANY OBSTACLE ON THAT SIDE OF OUR VEHICLE WE WOULD HAVE HIT IT. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND ON EACH OCCASION WAS TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY HAD ALREADY INSTALLED THE CROSS BRACE - WHICH WAS NOT THE PART THAT FAILED AND WAS NOT THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED. THE REPAIR COST OVER $800. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE ESCAPE HAD FEWER THAN 60,000 MILES. DURING EACH ON MY CALLS TO FORD, AND AFTER BEING TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS, I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY COULD HAVE A SUPERVISOR CALL ME 1 BUSINESS DAY LATER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME A TIME WHEN I COULD EXPECT THE CALL SO I HAD TO BE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY. TO SUMMARIZE, THE BAND-AID FORD PUT ON TO DEAL WITH THE SUBFRAME PROBLEM (THE CROSS BRACE) DID NOT FAIL. THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED DID FAIL EVEN WITH THE CROSS BRACE. FORD IS DENYING COVERAGE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.
Structure, Sep 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.
Structure, Aug 28, 2015
RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED OUT. CAUSING SHOCK NOT TO BE ATTACHED. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IS. FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.