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
499 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 3, 2014
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE . I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A CORROSION ISSUE WITH THE SUB FRAME WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS . I HAVEN'T HAD AN ISSUE WITH IT YET AND WAS PLANNING ON GETTING THE RECALL WORK DONE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS . ON 8/02/2014 WHEN I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY I HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAROF MY ESCAPE . WHEN I LOOK IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL I COULD SEE AN 8 INCH AREA AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE . I'M SURE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED . I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND AN ENDLESS LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE . I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO THE RECALL WORK ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE REAR WHEEL WELL /SHOCK MOUNT . I CAN NOT BELIEVE THERE IS NOT A RECALL YET FOR SUCH A SERIOUS AND COMMON PROBLEM . PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION . I WORK FOR FORD AND THIS MAKES ME SICK , THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE FORCED INTO IMPLEMENTING A RECALL FOR SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM . FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THEIR OWN BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIES FROM THIS PROBLEM . THIS IS A CONTROL ITEM AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE ! *TR
Suspension, Aug 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR WHEEL CONTROL ARMS HAD BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO SAFETY RECALLS IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jul 31, 2014, crash
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WIRHT MY 2 YOUNG KIDS AND ALL SUDDEN GO OVER THE TRAIN TRACKS AND THE REAR STRUT BROKE FROM THE SHOCK MOUNT AND CAME RIGHT UP THRU THE VEHICLE I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP LUCK I GAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITH A 1 MONT OLD BABY AND A 3 YEAR OLD THIS IS SEARIOUS MATTER! SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF THIS IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 26, 2014
JULY 26,2014 IN OCTOBER 2013, I COULD NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED ( FORD ESCAPE 2004 ) BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THE STEERING RODS WAS FALLING OFF AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS WAS BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE. 14502/NHTSA RECALL 14V-165, SO I HAD A NEW SUBFRAME INSTALLED. REFERENCE # 10547199. [XXX] AT CLARION FORD WOULD DO NOTHING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THE TIME. I HAVE SENT ALL THE INFORMATION, AND COST, TO FORD IN JUNE 2014 AND HAVE NOT HEARD NOTHING FROM FORD. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD DO THAT WOULD HAVE FORD CONTACT ME? THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR STARTS TO SPIT, SPUTTER AND RUN ROUGH, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LOSS OF POWER AND MY GAUGES FIRST TOP OUT THEN THEY BOTTOM OUT THEN THEY GO BACK TO NORMAL. FORD CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT DOESN'T CODE FOR THEM. *TR
Suspension, Jul 16, 2014
RIGHT SIDE SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT . CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Seats, Jul 9, 2014
THE SHOCK TOWER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HAS BROKEN, DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION, AND PUNCTURED THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND THE BACK SEAT. THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR BODY HAS SEPARATED FROM THE EXTERIOR BODY SO THAT THE WHEEL AND ROAD CAN BE SEEN FROM INSIDE THE BACK SEAT THROUGH A LARGE (INCH OR MORE WIDE) GAP. THERE IS NO CORROSION OR DAMAGE IN ANY OTHER WHEEL WELL. THERE IS A CORROSION RELATED RECALL ON THIS CAR WHICH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IS UNRELATED TO THIS PARTICULAR AREA OF THE CAR (SAFETY RECALL 14S02). FORD'S CUSTOMER "CARE" CENTER ACKNOWLEDGED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS YET HAS NO INVESTIGATION OR ACTIVITY AIMED AT A REMEDY FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. DUE TO FORD'S APPARENT NEGLIGENCE WHICH HAS CAUSED HUNDREDS OF FORD OWNERS IDENTICAL DAMAGE, MY CAR IS UNSAFE AND FORD IS UNWILLING TO ACT. *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE STARTED TO RATTLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Structure, Jul 6, 2014
MY DAUGHTER COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOUD CLANGING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF HER CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A DEALER AND IT HAS BEEN KEPT IN A GARAGE AND USED SPARINGLY. UPON INSPECTION I NOTED THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN FREE DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST OF THE WHEEL WELL. I CANNOT ALLOW HER TO DRIVE IT IN THIS CONDITION. NOT SURE IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED YET OR WHETHER IT WILL COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. I NOW RECOGNIZE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. WITH SO MANY OWNERS HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Jul 1, 2014
I BOUGHT MY 04 ESCAPE BRAND NEW, AND AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER CAR GARAGE KEPT, THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE!! RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME WHILE DRIVING AT ONLY 15 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 30, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER MOUNT COMPLETELY BROKE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE SUBFRAME DUE TO CORROSION/RUST. THIS CAUSED THE SHOCK TO LEAN OUTWARD TOWARD THE TIRE. THIS COULD NOT BE SEEN BY THE UNDERCOATING AS A PROBLEM PREVIOUS AND APPARENTLY ALLOWED IT TO CORRODE TO THE POINT THAT IT BROKE FREE. THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE OCCURRED IN MY INSURANCE LADY'S FORD ESCAPE, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS ONLY ONE MODEL YEAR DIFFERENT. ALSO ONLY ON THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER. IN SPEAKING WITH THE BODY SHOP ON THE REPAIR, THEY HAVE ALSO HEARD OF THIS ISSUE AND STATE THAT FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED IT AS A RECALL ISSUE. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR, AND TIME CONSUMING REPAIR AS THE VEHICLE IS GONE FOR ALMOST A WEEK. THIS IS ALSO A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE DUE TO HOW IT FALLS APART. WE ARE LUCKY WE WERE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS AND ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN IT OCCURRED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 26, 2014
2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, IN 2013, AND THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Jun 23, 2014
2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOWER CONTROL ARM RUST RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE PULLED OVER, AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN. HE WAS UNABLE TO PULL IT OF. SO HE DROVE BACK HOME, AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO FENDER LEFT ON THE SHOCK. ALSO, THE TRUNK LID WAS RUSTING. *JB THE CONSUMER HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND PLACED THE KEYS IN THE CONSOLE. HE EXITED THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE BACK SEAT. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jun 19, 2014
RUSTED OUT RIGHT WHEEL WELL WITH STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN APRIL OF 2013. THIS CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A FREEWAY ON JUNE 15, 2014 WHEN A LOUD THUMPING STARTED IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL ON . ON INSPECTION THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT. THE SUPPORT THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS ATTACHED TO WAS COMPLETELY ERODED AND A PART OF IT PUNCHED THROUGH THE WALL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AREA. WE FELT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $2259. REVIEW OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINT WEB SITE REVEALS MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Wheels, Jun 18, 2014
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. PULLED INTO REST AREA, AND LET CAR SIT A FEW MINUTES. STARTED IT UP AGAIN, AND NO NOISE. STARTED BACK ON THE INTERSTATE, AND NOISE STARTED AGAIN. PULLED OFF AGAIN, AND NOTICED RIGHT WHEEL WAS WOBBLING. LOOKED AT WHEEL AND LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE, AND WHEEL WAS NOW DEFORMED. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY AND HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW WHEEL. FACILITY INSTALLED IT AND TIGHTENED ALL LUG NUTS. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED, WITH THE LUG NUTS REQUIRING TIGHTENING MONTHLY. ACCOMPANYING RUST IN THE WHEEL WELL IS A PROBLEM. HUB IS NOT HOLDING WHEEL CORRECTLY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AROUND A TURN ABOUT CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE NOR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Service brakes, Jun 14, 2014
I FIRST NOTICED A SURGING AND SQUEAL TYPE NOISE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. SPOUSE HAD REPAIRED 3 TIMES YET IT CONTINUES. DURING THIS TIME I ALSO HEARD A CLANKING NOISE FROM REAR END AS IF HATCH (WINDOW/DOOR) WAS NOT SECURELY CLOSED BUT THEN ASSUMED IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUE. I MENTIONED NOISE INCREASED, LOUD, FRIGHTENING (STEERING DIFFICULTIES). HE CONTACTED FORD BY PHONE (X3) AND EMAILED HOWEVER THEIR REPLY WAS NO FATALITIES OR INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED THEREFORE WE HAVE 2 OPTIONS. 1) TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AT OUR EXPENSE, 2) TRADE IN FOR A NEW FORD VEHICLE. BOTH SCHOOL/CITY/GOVT EMPLOYED AND CANNOT AFFORD 2000.00 TO REPAIR. YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE ENTIRE RIGHT SHOCK WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK AFTER A 12 HR DAY & TOLD HIM I FELT AS IF THE BACK END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF & CLANKING SOUND INTENSIFIED. AT 8PM HE WAS LAYING UNDER CAR ON GARAGE FLOOR AND FOUND THE SHOCK HANGING! HE WAS FORCED TO REMOVE AS I HAD TO WORK THE NEXT DAY AT 6AM. I AM DRIVING WITHOUT ONE SHOCK, NEW TIRES, RUSTED REAR FRAME AND SURGE CONTINUES. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO OTHER AVENUES FOR REPORTING. I HAVE 2 COWORKERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES, BOTH ESCAPES. THE REMOVED SHOCK IS RUSTED, NEAR CRUMBLING OF SORT BUT SAVED ALONG WITH SEVERAL PHOTOS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING MY LENGTHY EMAIL AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANY INPUT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/21/15 *JS
Suspension, Structure, Jun 9, 2014
I HAVE A HOLE AND RUST FORMING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THIS IS BEGINNING TO EXPOSE THE SHOCK AREA. I LIVE IN A HIGH SALT AREA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 6, 2014
HAD SPEED CONTROL ON, WHEN TO SLOW DOWN, STEPPED ON BRAKES CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT CAME OFF BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW DOWN IT SPEED UP! I DID HAVE A RECALL CALL DONE ON THE CAR FOR THIS. BUT THE FIX DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR SPEED UP TO 90 MPH. I HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I DID EVERYTHING I COULD THINK OF TO STOP THE CAR FROM SPEEDING UP. STOMPED ON THE BRAKES, PUSH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON ON AND OFF. TOWED THE CAR AND THE REPAIR GUY SAID THERE WAS SNOW IN THE CRUISE CONTROL CASING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT. HE DISCONNECTED IT. *TR
Suspension, Jun 4, 2014
TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN JUNE 2014, SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000(SUSPENSION). SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE; HOWEVER, FORD ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS COULD NOT PROVIDE A SOLID ANSWER ON WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE OR HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 3, 2014
REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING OUT. *TR
Suspension, Jun 2, 2014
ON A FAMILY VACATION, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE, BREAKING AWAY FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ENTIRELY. IMAGINE MY OUTRAGE WHEN I COME TO FIND OUT THAT RUSTED OUT PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS YEAR. THE WELL-BEING OF MY FAMILY WAS PUT IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE FORD HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FLAWED ENGINEERING. THAT IS SHAMEFUL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE ENDED POORLY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY! PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 2, 2014
RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED IN THE MAIL ON SATURDAY MAY 31ST. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY MORNING JUNE 2ND AT 8 AM< TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THE EARLIEST OPENING THEY HAD WAS DECEMBER 22ND 2014- THIS IS WAY TOO FAR AWAY IF THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY VEHICLE - DEALERSHIP IS ROMANO FORD ON BURDICK STREET, FAYETTEVILLE NY 13066 - (315) 637-4668 IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET FASTER REPAIRS??? *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 31, 2014
OPENED REAR WINDOW WHEN BOLT CONNECTING WINDOW TO HINGE BROKE. WINDOW SHIFTED DOWNWARDS AND HAD IT NOT BEEN CAUGHT COULD'VE SHATTERED AND INFLICTED LACERATIONS TO HANDS, ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST. INSPECTION OF BLOT SHOW CORROSION DUE TO BEING IMPROPERLY SEALED FROM WATER AND OTHER ELEMENTS. *TR
Suspension, May 31, 2014
WE WERE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SUBDIVISION AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE THAT CONTINUED FROM THAT POINT. WE PULLED OVER AN INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD COME LOOSE AT THE TOP MOUNT. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY A REPAIR SHOP, THE WHEEL/FENDER WELL HAS CORRODED INCLUDING THE INTEGRAL SHOCK MOUNT. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR