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: suspension
154 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 12, 2015
WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH TO INTERIOR OF CAR, SHOCK DISLOCATED FROM WHEEL WELL. WE JUST MOVED TO RALEIGH FROM MICHIGAN. SEE RELATED NEWS ARTICLES: HTTP://WWW.USATODAY.COM/STORY/MONEY/CARS/2014/04/07/FORD-RECALL-FUSION-ESCAPE/7427299/ HTTP://TRUCKYEAH.JALOPNIK.COM/ALMOST-400-000-OLD-FORD-ESCAPE-SUVS-RECALLED-1560352974 HTTP://WWW.RIPOFFREPORT.COM/R/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY/DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY-FACTORY-DEFECT-TO-ESCAPE-VECHICLES-DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-904056 HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/FORD/ESCAPE/SUSPENSION/PROBLEM.ASPX
Suspension, Aug 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,200.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME, I HEARD A LOUD BANG COMING FROM THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR WHEEL. WHEN I GOT HOME AND LOOKED AT IT, I NOTICED THE STRUT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUED ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE VERY COMMON TO THE YEAR AND MAKE OF THIS VEHICLE.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2015
I HAVE 2004 FORD ESCAPE THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS RUSTED OUT I THINK FORD SHOUD RECALL FOR FIX AT THERE COST OTHERS HAVE THAT ISSUE TO I THINK IT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 22, 2015
RIGHT REAR SHOCK BREAKING FREE DUE TO RUSTED OUT INNER FENDER WELL. CALLED FORD. THEY WONT BACK THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THOUSANDS OF OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED AND THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR REPAIR. THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND CAUSES A SWERVE IN STABILITY. IT IS ALSO CAUSING REPAIRS TO BE MADE UNSAFELY WITH COB JOB FIXES. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...UPDATED 08/27/15 *BF UPDATED 12/3/15 *JS
Suspension, Structure, Jul 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) WAS RECEIVED IN MAY OF 2014. IN JUNE OF 2014, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE SUBFRAME AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE REMEDY INCLUDED INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE. THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. IN JULY OF 2015, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AN ABNORMAL PUMPING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,450.
Suspension, Jul 20, 2015
MY ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THE STRUT IS JUST HANGING THERE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE TO GET A RECALL. COME ON FORD STAND UP AND DO SOMETHING.
Suspension, Jul 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, AN ABNORMAL NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURES, AND HAD BEGUN TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,911.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 10, 2015
THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD CREAKING THAT I SUSPECTED WAS THE BACK WINDOW OR SOMETHING INSIDE. IT GOT WORSE AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THOSE AND THEN THE WHEEL WELLS, AND THE BACK RIGHT WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS NEARLY COMPLETELY DETACHED. IT DETACHED THE REST OF THE WAY OVER THE COURSE OF THE 2 MILE DRIVE TO MY HOME. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, ESPECIALLY IN THE 201-2004 RANGE, AND CAN AFFECT HANDLING. IT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO AS A FACTORY DEFECT AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS IN SOME VEHICLES, BUT NOT MINE. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT LOOK AT IT BECAUSE ANY REPAIR WOULD REQUIRE ALTERATION TO THE BODY, SO THEY'VE REFERRED ME TO A BODY SHOP.
Suspension, Jul 6, 2015
MY WIFE WAS GOING TO THE STORE AND HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AT APPROX. 35MPH. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME SHE SAID THERE WAS A RATTLE IN THE REAR OF HER CAR/TRUCK. I TOOK A LOOK AND THE TOP OF THE SHOCK AND THE SHOCK HOUSING WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR/TRUCK. THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL BROKE AWAY FROM THE CAR/TRUCK. CAN NOT DRIVE OUR CAR/TRUCK IN THIS CONDITION. GLAD SHE WAS NOT HURT. COULD HAVE GOT CAUGHT IN REAR WHEEL. I SEE A LOT OF THESE CARS/TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO REPAIR MY RIDE!!!!
Suspension, Jul 6, 2015
CHANGED THE REAR SHOCKS AFTER A WEEK WITH THE NEW SHOCKS IN I NOTICED A NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS THE SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED OUT AND THE CAR IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN UNTIL IT IS FIXED AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING MOST SHOPS WILL NOT TOUCH IT BECAUSE OF A LIABILITY ISSUE, NOT TO MENTION IF I FIND A GARAGE THAT WILL FIX IT THE COST IS GOING TO BE MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE! WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET? VERY VERY DANGEROUS!
Suspension, Jul 1, 2015
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. MAYBE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE ENTIRE SHEET METAL SECTION WHERE THE REAR STRUT MOUNTS TO THE BODY WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CLEARLY A PRODUCTION PROBLEM WITH THE UNDERBODY COATING. MANY OTHER FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINTS TALK ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR WHEEL WELL. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY IN 10/03. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY RECALL ITEM AS IT CAN IMPACT STABILITY IN CORNERING.
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 28, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR (PASSENGER REAR) WHEEL WELL HAS CORRODED SO BAD THAT THE STRUT MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO FAIL. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS HAVE NOT CORRODED AT ALL.
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 20, 2015
GOING 20 MPH DOWN SIDE ROAD AND HIT POT HOLE. THE PART THAT YOU MOUNT THE REAR SHOCK TO CAME APART DO TO RUST AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN REAR WHEEL HOUSING. CAR IS UNRIVALLED AND INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER DO TO IT BEING A TIME RELATED THING. THERE WAS NO RUST IN WHEEL WELL OR HOLES BEFORE. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED. I INSURANCE SAID IT'S A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF FORD. THEY HAVE NO RECALLS IN PAST OR PRESENT.
Suspension, Jun 13, 2015
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL RUSTED SHOCK CAME OFF. FORD WON'T FIX IT. DRIVING WITH ONE REAR SHOCK.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jun 10, 2015
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
Suspension, Structure, Jun 6, 2015
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK MOUNT WHICH WAS BOLTED TO IT FELL AND IS HANGING NEXT TO AND ON THE WHEEL ALONG WITH A BALL OF SHARP TWISTED METAL FROM THE WHEEL WELL. HEARD NOISES FROM BACK OF CAR PAST MONTH OR SO BUT THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. THEN WENT OVER POTHOLE AND LOUD BANG LIKE THE EXHAUST PIPE FELL AND WAS DRAGGING. THEN A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE METAL PIECE IS ABOUT TO PIERCE THE TIRE AND THE SHOCK ITSELF IS HANGING AND BANGING AGAINST TIRE. CAR IS UNDRIVABLE AND MAY BE UNFIXABLE IN THAT THE FIX WOULD BE WORTH MORE THAN THE CAR. I OF COURSE CAN NOT GET ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS SO WITHOUT A CAR NOW BECAUSE OF THIS. THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS SEEM FINE, NO RUST. THOUGH THERE IS A FEW RUST SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RUNNING BOARDS AND ONE OF THE DOORS (WHICH THERE SHOULD NOT BE IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANY RUST) TO HAVE THIS IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RUST ONLY IN ONE WELL TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OR THE PAINT JOB AT THE FACTORY. IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT IT COULD KILL SOMEONE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN AN SUV . THIS IS A DEFECT, NOT AGING. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THOUGH THE CAR IS 11 I HAVE LESS THAN 90,000 ON IT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TRASH THE CAR DUE TO BODY ROT AT 90,000. IF THIS WAS DUE TO AGING OR WEATHER ALL THE WHEEL WELLS WOULD BE LIKE THIS.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, May 18, 2015
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE UPPER BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THIS PIECE BROKE LOOSE FROM THE REST OF THE BODY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND ALMOST CAUSED ME A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED JUST IN THIS DATABASE ALONE WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, RUST/CORROSION OF THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO TOLD US THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY SEEN 4 OR 5 OTHER ESCAPES THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.
Suspension, May 11, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE BODY. CREATED SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL FORD PRODUCTS ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY FORD.
Suspension, Apr 30, 2015
CLUNKING NOISE AND ROUGH RIDE. FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK ESSENTIALLY DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST ASIDE FROM SMALL SURFACE RUST ON NON-PAINTED PIECES. SEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON WITH THESE ESCAPES, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED DESPITE THE OBVIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Suspension, Apr 28, 2015
THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNT IS LOCATED RUSTED AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE. LOOKING ONLINE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THANK GOD I BROUGHT IT INTO MY MECHANIC BEFORE IT TORE MY TIRE APART. *TR
Suspension, Apr 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AROUND THE SHOCKS AND CONTROL ARMS. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 7/7/15*CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN
Suspension, Apr 13, 2015
PROBLEM WITH RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED. WHEN DISCUSSING WITH MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL ESCAPES. JUST HAD THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AND WAS NEVER SEEN WHEN PURCHASING. WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT OF CHECKING WHEEL WELLS. SHOCK IS BARELY HANGING ON AND WAS TOLD IF DRIVEN CAN FLIP OVER. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED INDEPENDENTLY WITH A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AND THE ENTIRE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Suspension, Mar 23, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 ESCAPE WHEN I HEARD A RATTLING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE ENTIRE SHOCK TOWER HAS RUSTED OUT AND THERE IS A WHOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH FORD ON 2/23/15 AND TOLD THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. I TOLD THEM IT AMAZING THAT I CAN FIND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND YOU KNOW THING. ALSO TOLD THEM THAT THE LEFT SIDE SHOCK TOWER LOOKS GOOD. SO WHY IS THE RIGHT SIDE RUSTED OUT. SHE COULDN'T EXPLAIN IT. SHE SAYS SHE WILL TAKE THE COMPLAINT AND IT WILL ALSO GO TO NHTSA. WELL IT SEEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. YOUR COMPLAINTS SEEM TO BE VERY SIMILAR. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED. BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINES WENT IN MY VEHICLE AND THE MASTER CYLINDER COST ME $860. TO GET FIXED. WHICH I THINK WAS IN A RECALL THAT YOU HAD BUT FORD COMPANY DOESN'T HAVE THAT RECALL. SO KEEP RECEIPTS FORD SAYS TO GET REIMBURSED IF STUFF GETS RECALLED. PLEASE RECALL THE SHOCK TOWER ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR RUSTING OUT AND DRIVER SIDE IS OK. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. FORD COMPANY NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS EVEN THOUGH THE CLAIM THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR