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
Structure, Aug 22, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THAT SUPPORTS THE SHOCK TOWER HAS COMPLETELY RUST OUT,THIS IS COMMON IN THE 2004-2006 ESCAPES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 29, 2013
THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL IS LOOSE BECAUSE THE METAL SUPPORTING IT IS RUSTING AWAY. WHENEVER A BUMP IS HIT THERE IS A LOUD NOISE AND SHARP JOLT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 17, 2013
SON CAME HOME FROM COLLEGE. BANGING NOISE NOTICED WHEN SISTER RIDING WITH HIM COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION AT OIL CHANGE GARAGE IT WAS NOTICED THAT RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED AND BROKEN OFF FROM THE WHEEL WELL SHEET METAL. VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE IN THAT CONDITION AS WHEEL COULD POSSIBLY BREAK OFF OR AT THE LEAST POOR HANDLING OF VEHICLE. ONLINE SEARCH CAME UP WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR 2003/2004/2005 ESCAPES. CALLED FORD BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED SO OWNERS OUT OF LUCK FOR VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR
Structure, Feb 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Structure, Jun 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TRYING TO OPEN THE TRUNK BY ENGAGING THE KEY ALARM BUT THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. THE TRUNK ALSO COULD NOT BE OPENED MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRUNK LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. . UPDATED 07/27/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT DEALER WANTED TO CHARGER 24,500 TO REPAIR THE MOTOR AND 125.00 TO EVALUATE. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS TOO EXPENSIVE. UPDATED 08/02/2012 *JS
Structure, May 23, 2012
FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE BEEN HEARING A RATTLING SOUND BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, FIGURED A SCREW WAS LOOSE IN THE PANELLING CAUSING A VIBRATION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER NUMEROUS TIMES COMPLAINING OF NOISE, THEY SAID THEY WOULD BALANCE THE TIRES AND CHECK THE BRAKES, BUT NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT WHEEL WELL RUSTING THROUGH. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS LOOSE DUE TO THE RUST DAMAGE THAT IS CONTINUING TO GROW. I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN INVESTIGATING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TRYING TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE SOUND, I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO AUTO BODY SHOP ON 5/22/2012 AT 11:33 AM AND THEY WERE STUNNED TO SEE THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE APPRAISER CAME OUT AND TOOK PICTURES AND LOOKED AT IT. AFTER LOOKING IT OVER HE TURNED TO ME AND ASKED ME HOW OLD THE VEHICLE IS, I SAID IT IS A 2004. HE SAID, "I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE." HE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT MUST BE A FACTORY DEFECT. HE SAID WHEN FORD WAS PUTTING THE COATING ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL, THEY MUST NOT HAVE COATED IT ENOUGH AND MOISTURE GOT INSIDE CAUSING IT TO RUST. HE WENT BACK INSIDE AND ONE OF THE GUYS FROM THE SHOP HAPPENED TO BE INSIDE, SO HE CAME AND LOOKED AT IT AND SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN BEFORE EITHER AND HE HAS BEEN DOING BODY WORK FOR 25 YEARS! HE ALSO SAID IT IS POSSIBLY BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE STRUT IS COMING LOOSE, DUE TO THE RUSTING OUT FROM AROUND THE STRUT. THIS MOVEMENT OF THE STRUT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH HANDLING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AROUND CORNERS. HE GRABBED THE STRUT AND IT SHOOK EASILY BY HAND. I HAVE NOTICED THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT WHENEVER I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS WIND PULLING ME, BUT IT IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. I CALLED FORD, BUT THEY SAID WARANTY RAN OUT, CANT HELP YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Structure, May 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL ACCUMULATED WATER ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER LOCATED CORROSION IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL THAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION AND BOLTS TO CORRODE. THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS ALSO SHOWING SIGNS OF CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR, STATING THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 18, 2012
WHEN TAKING MY ESCAPE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANICS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I TOOK IT FOR AN ESTIMATE THAT DAY AND COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY AFFORD THE REPAIRS. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN THROUGH THE MOUNT AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH ONLY NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. ONLY THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS THIS PROBLEM. ONLINE RESEARCH WITH OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND EVEN ACKNOWLEDGES AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BUT WILL NOT COVER. *TR
Structure, Sep 2, 2011
LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE BOLT CORRODED AND FELL APART LEAVING REAR GLASS HANGING. *TR
Structure, Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER DOOR LIFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
Structure, Jun 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT STARTED SWAYING ABNORMALLY. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL WAS CORRODED AROUND THE STRUT MOUNT AND THE STRUT HAD COME THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Structure, May 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHERE THE TOW HOOK IS LOCATED IS DAMAGED. HE IS ATTEMPTING TO TRADE IN THE VEHICLE AND GOT IT INSPECTED. THE INSPECTOR DISCOVERED THE DAMAGE AND STATED THAT THE TOW HOLE HOOK IS TOO LARGE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 84,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Structure, May 29, 2005, crash, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM HAVING A FEW DRINKS WITH MY FRIENDS, A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND ALTHOUGH I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, I COULDN'T STOP QUICK ENOUGH TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER AND SMASHING IN THE GRILL OF MY NEW CAR. WHEN THE STATE PATROL ARRIVED, THEY GAVE ME A TICKET FOR SPEEDING AND AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS NOT SPEEDING WHEN I HIT THE DEER, (I HAD GOTTEN THE SPEED DOWN TO ABOUT 60MPH AT IMPACT) THEY THEN WANTED ME TO TAKE A ALCOHOL IMPAIRED TEST WHICH I NATURALLY DECLINED BECAUSE I WASN'T IMPAIRED. I ONLY HAD JUST A FEW DRINKS AND MAYBE SOME BEER & WINE AT DINNER AND MAYBE 2 DRINKS BEFORE I LEFT TO GO HOME. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO ARREST ME LIKE A COMMON CROOK AND TOOK ME TO JAIL, WHERE I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT. ANYWAYS, MY INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX MY NEW CAR AND NOW THE CAR COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX IT ALSO. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK. IF IT HAD BEEN MADE GOOD, IT WOULDN'T HAVE SUSTAINED ALL THAT DAMAGE FROM HITTING A LOUSY DEER. WHILE TRYING TO FIX THE DAMAGE MYSELF, MY FRIEND [XXX] PUT SOME GAS ON THE GRILL AND LIT IT TO SOFTEN UP THE PLASTIC JUNK THEY MADE THE GRILL OUT OF, SO WE COULD BEND IT BACK TOGETHER AND J.B. WELD IT. WELL, [XXX] GOT SOME OF THE HOT MELTED PLASTIC ON HIM AND IT BURNED LIKE [XXX] AND HE JUMPED UP AND KNOCKED OVER THE JAR WITH GAS IN IT AND THE WHOLE PLACE WENT UP IN FLAMES. MY CAR NOT ONLY BURNED, BUT MY GARAGE WENT UP IN SMOKE TOO. NOW THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS TELLING ME THAT THEY WON'T PAY THE CLAIM FOR THE GARAGE OR THE CAR CAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE ARSON FOR PROFIT. HOW IN THE [XXX] CAN I PROFIT FROM LOSING MY CAR AND GARAGE. [XXX] PISSED, AND HAS THREATENED TO SUE ME CAUSE HE GOT BURNED AND THINKS HE SHOULD GET SOME OF THE INSURANCE MONEY I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET SINCE HE'S THE ONE THAT STARTED THE FIRE. SHOULDN'T I BE SUING HIM? ANYWAY, IF THE [XXX] CAR HAD BEEN MADE GOOD, I WOULDN'T BE IN THIS FIX. NOW I HAVEN'T GOT ANYTHING TO DRIVE AND NO PLACE TO PARK IT IF I DID. THIS REALLY SUCKS. IS THERE ANYONE I CAN SUE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR