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, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORTH REPAIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION FRONT) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Suspension, Wheels, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HOUSE STRUT MOUNT WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 105,000.
Suspension, Structure, Engine, May 27, 2014
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE (6 CYL., FRONT WHEEL DRIVE) THAT NOW HAS OVER 110,000 MILES. AT 108,465 MILES, THE #2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER BLEW AND WAS REPLACED (ALONG WITH ALL 6 IGNITION COILS). A SECOND MECHANIC FOUND DEBRIS IN THE #3 CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CLEANED IT AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. (THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR PASSING THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND WOULD BARELY MAKE IT UP A HILL.) THEN HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT POSING A SEVERE THREAT THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WILL PUNCH THROUGH INTO THE BODY OF THE CAR MAKING THE ESCAPE TOTALLY INOPERABLE. A RECALL IS ALREADY OUT FOR FORD MINIVANS FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT APPARENTLY NOT FOR THE ESCAPES. WHY NOT? THIS CAN BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF NEARLY $2,000. WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION COILS, I'VE ALREADY SPENT OVER $2500 AND DON'T HAVE THE $2,000 FOR THIS NECESSARY REPAIR DUE TO POOR MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 16, 2014
THE REAR HATCH GLASS HINGE BOLTS SHEARED ON BOTH HINGES DURING HATCH CLOSURE. THE REAR HATCH GLASS IS ONLY HELD ON BY REAR SHOCKS. THE INSIDE BOLTS BOTH HAVE SOME CORROSION. THE REAR GLASS IS NOT DAMAGED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, May 6, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A POTHOLE, AFTER HITTING THE POTHOLE THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. AFTER INSPECTION THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY AND BECAME SEPARATED. IT WAS FREE TO JOLT AROUND AND CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE. NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NOW. *TR
Service brakes, May 5, 2014
RUBBER BRAKE HOSE ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT RUPTURED CAUSING ALL BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN FROM SYSTEM. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR RUBBER BRAKE HOSE WAS NEAR FAILURE. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD SEEN SEVERAL FAILURES ON FORD ESCAPES. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL COMPLETELY WITH NO BRAKE PEDAL RESPONSE. *TR
Suspension, May 5, 2014
I'M DRIVING ON A NEWLY PAVED STREET WHEN I HEARD A LARGE NOISE, LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF, NEAR THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THEN I HEARD SOMETHING HITTING AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THE WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK AND MOUNT WAS NOW DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE FORD ESCAPE IS NOT DRIVABLE. THE REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED OUT THERE IS A HOLE INTO THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I LOOK FROM INSIDE THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT/HATCH AREA OF THE ESCAPE I CAN SEE THE OUTSIDE THROUGH THE HOLE. *TR
Suspension, May 4, 2014
MY WIFE NOTICED A CLUNKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THAT THE ISSUE IS A SEPARATION IN THE WHEELHOUSE WHERE THE STRUT ATTACHES TO THE WHEEL WELL. THE FACTORY-APPLIED UNDERCOATING FAILED AND CAUSED THE METAL AREA BENEATH IT TO RUST OUT. THERE IS A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE STRUCTURE, AND WE ARE ABLE TO SEE INTO THE TRUNK AREA. OUR BODY SHOP ADVISES THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE, AND THAT FULL DETACHMENT OF THE TOP STRUT MOUNT IS IMMINENT. AFTER INVESTIGATION, HE ALSO ADVISES US THAT HE FOUND ONLINE NEARLY 100 SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON SIMILAR VEHICLES RANGING FROM 2004-2006, ALL WITH VARYING MILEAGE. IN FACT, HE HAS TWO VEHICLES ON HIS PROPERTY THAT SHARE THE SAME CONCERN: ONE LOST FULL INTEGRITY, AND THE STRUT BLEW THROUGH THE BODY INTO THE CARGO SPACE; THE OTHER SHARES A SIMILAR LEVEL OF FAILURE AS OUR CAR. IT IS ALSO HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT THIS SORT OF RUST-OUT IS NOT COMMON NOR EXPECTED OF A VEHICLE THIS AGE. AFTER EXTENSIVE LOCAL RESEARCH AND PERSONAL INVESTIGATION, I HAVE FOUND IN MY CITY ALONE A HALF DOZEN FORD ESCAPE-STYLE VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEARS-RANGE WITH SIMILAR ISSUES AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONCERN. I ALSO HAVE RECORDED OVER 200 COMPLAINTS FROM SEVERAL BULLETIN BOARDS ACROSS THE INTERNET NOTING SIMILAR CONCERNS. WE HAVE YET TO PERSONALLY CONTACT FORD, YET WE SEE FROM THE POSTINGS THAT THE RESPONSE IS THE SAME: FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS AN ISSUE. FORD, HOWEVER, HAS SLATED LATER THIS MONTH TO ISSUE A RECALL RELATED TO A SIMILAR SUSPENSION-RUST ISSUE IN THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT WHEELHOUSE. AS THE LOSS OF AN EFFECTIVE STRUT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HANDLING, BRAKING AND SUSPENSION SAFETY ISSUES AT ANY CORNER OF THE AUTOMOBILE, THIS CONCERN FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT. *TR
Suspension, May 3, 2014
RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT DETACHED AND PUSHED THROUGH BODY OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOW IS UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 2, 2014
A RATTLING FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. UPON INVESTIGATION TO SEE WHAT IT WAS I FOUND THAT THE UPPER CONNECTION POINT OF THE SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS BARELY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE BODY. WITHIN A DAY OR TWO AFTERWARDS THE UPPER PART HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND THE SHOCK WAS BOUNCING AROUND FREELY. I REMOVED THE SHOCK YESTERDAY (5/1/2014) AS IT HAD PUSHED UP (SINCE IT HAS NO RESISTANCE OR MEANS TO HOLD IT COMPRESSED) AND PUNCHED A HOLE THROUGH THE PLASTIC INTERIOR SIDE WALL LINER IN THE TAILGATE AREA. THERE IS NOW AN APPROXIMATELY 10" SQUARE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHERE I CAN SEE THE TIRE AND ROAD. I WILL NEED TO SEAL THE OPENING TO KEEP ROAD WATER FROM ENTERING. PHOTOS CAN BE PROVIDED. *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING TODAY A BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED THAT THE STRUTS ARE BARELY ATTACHED. HE TOLD ME THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE I HAVE CAME ACROSS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES! *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2014
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDER. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC THINKING I NEEDED SHOCKS. MY MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT I COULD NOT PUT NEW SHOCKS ON MY ESCAPE BECAUSE MY INNER FENDER WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND MY SHOCK WAS NO LONGER BOLTED TO THE FRAME. I THEN HAD TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. MY SHOCK WAS JUST BOUNCING AROUND AND COULD HAVE BROKEN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT OR BROKEN OFF ALL TOGETHER. ONCE I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP I WAS TOLD I WOULD ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS BECAUSE MY RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK WAS CRACKED IN HALF. I JUST PURCHASED THIS "USED" VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER AND MY HUSBAND REALLY LIKES FORD PRODUCTS BUT AFTER THIS HAPPENING TO US AND FINDING OUT THAT FORD HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. LUCKILY NOBODY IN MY FAMILY WAS INJURED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I REALIZE THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO MOST VEHICLES WHERE THERE IS SNOW AND ICE HAS TO BE USED ON THE ROADS, I FEEL FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Apr 28, 2014
THE REAR PASSENGER FENDER WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. WE CAN SEE INTO OUR TRUCK. THE RUST IS SO BAD THE TOP SHOCK MOUNT IS NO LONGER CONNECT AND THE FRAME IS CRACKED. I WENT TO TWO DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS BECAUSE FORD IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING. BOTH BODY SHOPS SAID A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD NOT RUST LIKE THIS AND IT WOULD COST MORE THAN WHAT THE VEHICLE IS WORTH TO FIX. WE CAN NOT LONGER DRIVE OUR VEHICLE AND WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER IT AS TOTAL UNLESS FORD STANDS BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES AND CREATES A RECALL. FORD CREATED A RECALL FOR THE FRONT OF THEIR FORD ESCAPES RUSTING OUT BUT HAVE NOT DONE THE SAME FOR THE REARS. I HAVE READ ONLINE SEVERAL HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR FORD ESCAPE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Apr 23, 2014
I AM WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF MY PROBLEM WITH MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT AROUND THE RIGHT REAR STRUT IT'S COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE STRUT IN NEARLY FREE. I DID RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT I AM DEFINITELY NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE IT FIXED OR POINTED IN THE DIRECTION AS TO WHERE I CAN GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Apr 22, 2014
WE JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE . W E KNEW ABOUT A PAINT ISSUE BENEATH THE HATCH WINDOW. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A VERY REPUTABLE GLASS AND BODY SHOP . THE SHOP OWNER IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND TOLD US TO LOOK AT IT . THE AREA BEHIND THE TIRE IS VERY EATEN WITH RUST. A GOOD SIZED HOLE EXISTS EXTENDING TO THE SHOCK AND STRUT. THE SHOP OWNER SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN MANY OF THEM. ALWAYS THE SAME WHEEL WELL AND NOWHERE ELSE. ASSUREDLY THE STRUT AND SHOCK ARE COMPROMISED. HE SAID THAT HE ALMOST ALWAYS SEES THIS ON THE ESCAPES. THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS EXTREMELY METICULOUS ABOUT SERVICING AND UPKEEP WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Wheels, Apr 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR WHEEL WELD BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 110,000.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 14, 2014
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR PULLED REALLY HARD TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND STARTED MAKING A LOUD HORRIBLE NOISE. EVERYTIME I WOULD HIT A BUMP, IT PULLED THE CAR. I MADE IT HOME AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT MY SHOCK WENT RIGHT THROUGH IT. ALL OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE JUST FINE AND APPEAR TO STILL BE COATED. *JS
Structure, Apr 12, 2014
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM METAL ATTACHMENT, PRESUMABLY A RUST-THROUGH FAILURE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Apr 10, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE. THE BODY/FRAME PART OF THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE LOOSE AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK. SO THERE IS NOTHING HOLDING THE SHOCK IN PLACE. IT IS CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AREA. THE BODY/FRAME HAS DETERIORATED IN THAT AREA. I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE. FORD HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE FRONT END RUSTING PREMATURELY AND CAUSING DAMAGE. BUT, I THINK THIS IS THE SAME REASON. *TR
Structure, Apr 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST AND HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 8, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AWAY. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE FOUND MANY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE OTHER THREE WHEEL HOUSINGS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION WITHOUT RUST. I TOOK SUV TO WOLTZ & WIND FORD IN HEIDELBURG, PA WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THEIR SUPPLY OF THIS PART WAS USED UP AND FORD WAS NOT MAKING ANY AT THAT TIME. THE REAR HOUSINGS SUPPORT THE REAR SHOCKS AND "COULD HAVE" CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. IT TOOK 3 1/2 MONTHS BEFORE PART WAS REPLACED. OF COURSE FORD DOWN PLAYS THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM AND I WAS GIVEN A TOTAL RUN-A-ROUND BY THE DEALERSHIP AND WITH FORDS CUSTOMER SERVICE. I AM 78 YEARS OLD WIDOW WHO DREADS TO THINK WHAT "COULD HAVE" HAPPENED. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLS TO MAKE THIS A PRIORITY. YOU MAY SPEAK TO MYSELF OR MY SON-IN-LAW [XXX] WHO HAS BEEN HELPING WITH THIS MESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Apr 1, 2014
TRANSMISSION BROKE IN THE YEAR2008 AND THEN AGAIN IN LESS THEN 18 MONTHS LATER. THE CAR WE AS NOT EVEN 5YEARS OLD. TWO TRANSMISSION JOB. FORD NEED TO DO RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. SPOKE TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY HAD PROBLEMS TOO. I WILL LET THEMKNOW WHERE TO FILE COMPLAINT. FORD KNOWS THEIR IS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT WON'T ADMIT TO IT BECAUSE IT IS A SO COSTLY FOR THEM TO FIX IT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 26, 2014
THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES CODE 46 AND STAYS ON, WILL NOT GO OFF. TAKEN IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES DOES NOT FIX PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE! PLEASE DO A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM!!! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2014
THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DECELERATE. IT IS OK WHEN YOU FIRST START IT, BUT THE FIRST TIME YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AND LET OFF IT WILL NOT DECELERATE. YOU MUST HOLD THE BRAKE. IF YOU LET GO OF THE BRAKE IT WILL SURGE. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Steering, Mar 20, 2014
STEERING FAILURE.