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: vehicle speed control
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE THROTTLE STUCK. APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW AND TACHOMETER INDICATED HIGH ENGINE SPEED. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RPMS PUT THE NEEDLE IN THE RED BEYOND THE GAUGE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE, AND OPENING THE HOOD THE PROBLEM DID NOT PERSIST, BUT RETURNED AFTER DRIVING AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2014
WELL, MY FORD ESCAPE 2004 LTD EDITION HAD ISSUES SLOWING DOWN. I HAD USED THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED AS IF CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON EVEN AFTER I BRAKED HARD AND CANCELLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TURNING IT BACK ON. WHEN IT STARTED BACK UP, THE VEHICLE REVVED TO 5,000 RPM IN UNDER 5 SECONDS. I DID THIS TWICE WITH THE SAME EFFECT. I BROUGHT IT IN TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL (ALTHOUGH NOW I SEE THEM ALL OVER THE INTERNET). I GOT A CALL BACK AFTER THIS WHOLE ORDEAL THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT THE SHOCK WAS NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON TREND WITH THESE VEHICLES, BUT THERE ARE NO RECALLS. MY DEALERSHIP IS BRINGING IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP TODAY. I AM EXPECTING A $3,000 REPAIR NOW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE TO 85 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 26, 2014
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND THE RPMS ON MY 2004 ESCAPE JUMP UP. SO I TRY TO SLOW DOWN AND CAR KEEPS ACCELERATING. THROW CAR INTO PARK BECAUSE BRAKES WOULDN'T SLOW IT DOWN. EVER SITE I READ SAYS IT IS THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. SUPPOSEDLY THIS WAS REPLACED BY DEALER WHILE IN FOR AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REPAIR IN DECEMBER 2012. UNDER RECALL. NOW WHEN I START VEHICLE RPMS JUMP, AND GET BURNING SMELL FROM MOTOR. CARS RPMS JUMP WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ALSO. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED IN MAY 2013 BUT SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT IS DIMLY LITE UPON ACCELERATING. I HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE ON THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND IT NEEDS MORE WORK. I ALSO AFTER GETTING BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REPLACED HAD TO PUT A NEW THROTTLE BODY COMPONENT IN BECAUSE MOTOR WAS RACING TO 3000 RPMS WHILE IN PARK OR WHILE FOOT WAS ON BREAK. PLEASE HELP. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE LIKE IT IS. CAN NOT AFFORD TO PUT ANYMORE MONEY INTO IT EITHER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ALTHOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2013, crash
2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SHE BELIEVED THE ACCIDENT, WAS DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALL.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 11/15/13*CN
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
Vehicle speed control, Aug 7, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER AND THEN A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE EXTERIOR DAMAGES HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000. UPDATED 9/5/13 *CN UPDATED 09/11/2013 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2013
IT WAS LAST FRIDAY WHEN I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE. THE SPEED CONTROL RECALL IS NOT FIXED. I WENT TO KEITH HAWTHORN FORD ON SOUTH BLVD, HERE IN CHARLOTTE, LAST YEAR, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A PART. I WAITED A FEW WEEKS, THEN I CALLED THEM AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PART WAS IN, I TOOK MY CAR IN, AND IT DID NOT TAKE 40 MINUTES THE CAR WAS READY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DID BUT I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH SPEED. IT IS VERY SCARY. THIS IS ALL THE TIME, NOT JUST LAST FRIDAY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2013
GOING UP A HILL ON SNOW COVERED ROADS SO WAS GOING SLOW WHEN CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. KEPT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE, BUT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. GOT OFF THE ROAD AND STOPPED THE RPM WAS UP TO 7. THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED TO HAPPEN A FEW TIMES EVERY WINTER FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND I WOULD TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED EACH TIME IT HAPPENED. THEY TRIED A FEW DIFFERENT REPAIRS AND NOTHING WORKED. JAN. 21,2011 CALLED FORD AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS IS THE FIRST THEY HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. IN SEPT. OF 2011 THE RECALL #12S37 CAME AND I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. SINCE JAN. OF 2013 IT HAS DONE IT TO ME TWICE - THIS RECALL OBVIOUSLY DID NOT FIX THE HAZARDOUS PROBLEM! I AGAIN CALLED FORD, GOT A CASE NUMBER, AND [XXX] - THE FORD REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME AND SAID HE INVESTIGATED MY CASE AND WITH THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS THERE IS NOTHING FORD CAN DO. I TOLD HIM THAT I FELT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE OFF THE ROAD AND I CAN'T ETHICALLY TRADE IT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT ANYBODY ELSE IN HARM'S WAY AND I HOPED FORD WOULD MAKE IT RIGHT BY ME AND HE SAID THERE IS NO TRADE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM FORD. I ASKED HIM IF FORD WOULD PAY ME WHAT IT WAS WORTH SINCE THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE OFF THE ROAD AND HE REPEATED IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND FORD WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PAY ME. OBVIOUSLY THE SPOKESPERSON FOR FORD DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME ETHICS I HAVE.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 10, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES) WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 3, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME JAMMED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT VEERED IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO TWO GUARD RAILS, FORCING THE VEHICLE ONTO TWO WHEELS UNTIL THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND BACK. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS PENDING AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED LEG AND KIDNEY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. PMB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2012
I WAS ON I-30 WESTBOUND APPROACHING THE MIXMASTER IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PASS A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE THE THROTTLE CABLE STUCK. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED PULLING THE GAS PEDAL UP, BUT IT CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. REACHING 80 MPH IN A 60 MPH ZONE I BRAKED BUT COULD ONLY GET DOWN TO 50 MPH. I WAS HAVING TO WEAVE THROUGH TRAFFIC TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 5 MILES. I DECIDED TO TRY TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT. THEN CAR THEN SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I NEEDED TO TRY TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY, SO I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE. THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING OUT CONTROL AGAIN. I MADE IT TO THE RIGHT LANE AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AGAIN. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BY THIS. I AM OUT AROUND $1,500. SO FAR, FORD IS NOT BEING VERY HELPFUL, THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND WHEN I CALL. THEY ACT LIKE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY FROM 5 TO 50 MPH AND THEN COMING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMAPIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,120. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,298.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 14, 2012, crash, fire
MY DAUGHTER WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM HOME AFTER TAKING A FRIEND HOME. IT WAS AUGUST 27, 2012 AROUND 9:30PM. HER CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD CRASHED INTO A TREE AND CAUGHT FIRE. SHE WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. WHAT IS PUZZLING IS THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS, NO SIGNS OF BRAKING. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION JUST YESTERDAY THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HER AUTOMOBILE THAT WE WERE NEVER AWARE OF. WE WERE TOLD THAT IF THERE WAS A THROTTLE PROBLEM THEN THAT WOULD MAYBE EXPLAIN THE ABSENT SKID MARKS AND NO SIGNS OF BRAKING. SHE WAS ONLY 19 YEARS OLD. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT YOU AND THAT MAYBE YOU COULD HELP. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU CAN DO. [XXX] HEARTSICK MOTHER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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, Jul 27, 2012, crash
AS I WAS ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY I FELT MY CAR ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SPEED IN WHICH I WAS APPLYING PRESSURE. I IMMEDIATELY REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE PEDAL BUT THE PEDAL REMAINED ALL THE WAY ON THE FLOOR BOARD. I TRIED BRAKING BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED NO STOPPING FORCE. I EXITED THE FREEWAY NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS AHEAD IN TERMS OF INNOCENT BYSTANDERS AND TRAFFIC. NOT KNOWING HOW TO PROCEED I BEGAN STANDING ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND LIFTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. MY CAR CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN. I DROVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE DOWN SOME CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION BARRIERS ON THE FEEDER IN HOPES THAT IT WOULD SLOW THE VEHICLE BUT OUR SPEED WAS SO GREAT AT THIS POINT WE WERE BOUNCING OFF AND I WAS AFRAID WE WOULD CAUSE A MORE HORRIFIC ACCIDENT BY BEING THROWN BACK ON TO THE FREEWAY. I MADE IT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION NARROWLY MISSING A TRUCK DRIVING THROUGH. I GOT ON TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CONCRETE BARRIERS AT THE INTERSECTION AND BEGAN DRIVING ON THE DIRT ROAD UNDER CONSTRUCTION. SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING TO CRASHED INTO TO STOP MY VEHICLE AS EACH PASSING SECOND OUR SPEED INCREASED, I LOCATED A TELEPHONE POLE AND CRASHED INTO IT WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN, MY MOTHER AND MYSELF IN THE VEHICLE. I AM UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BUT THERE WERE BYSTANDERS WOULD CAME WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND SPRAYED MY ENGINE. I AM ALSO UNSURE OF THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IT WAS AROUND 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD ONCE SHIFTED INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY GASKET AND SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,769 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY EXHIBIT SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON EACH OCCASION, BUT THE WHEELS CONTINUED SPINNING. THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC CLEANED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE CLEANING OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE AND THEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE BUT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE FRONT WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. THE SECOND TIME SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO PARK, THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED AND THE FRONT WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. UPDATED 09/05/2012 *JS
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, Jul 18, 2012
I DO NOT OWN A FORD ESCAPE BUT RATHER I'M A MECHANIC THAT HAS RAN INTO THIS PROBLEM 2 OR 3 TIMES OVER THE LAST COUPLE YEARS. THE THROTTLE STICKS ON THESE VEHICLES DUE TO THE SPEED CONTROL ACTUATOR TO THROTTLE CABLE. THERE IS A PLASTIC SLEEVE AROUND THE STEEL CABLE THAT ALLOWS THE CABLE TO RETRACT FREELY. THE PLASTIC DEGRADES AND BRAKES UP OVER TIME ALLOWING THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE TO BIND AND WEDGE ITS SELF UNDER THE ENGINE COVER CAUSING A STUCK WIDE OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS CABLE. IT RUNS FROM THE SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE CONTROL) ACTUATOR TO THE THROTTLE BODY BUTTERFLY. REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE COVER IS THE SIMPLE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE IS INDEED AT FAULT. *TR