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.
Structure, Sep 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 3, 2013
THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THE SUB-FRAME UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT WAS RUSTED AND WAS SAGGING. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRAME COULD COLLAPSE AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE LOST. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS NOTICED THAT ONLY FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DRIPPING CONDENSATION. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE ROAD SALT USED IN WINTER. IF THAT WAS THE CASE WHY WASN'T THE WHOLE SUB-FRAME ROTTED AND NOT JUST THE SECTION WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DRIPPING? I DON'T THINK A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE THE FRAME DISINTEGRATE LIKE THIS. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Aug 24, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL HOUSING HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO BREAK AWAY FROM ITS TOP MOUNTING AND CAUSE SEVERE VEHICLE BOUNCING AND SWAYING WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.MANY OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS I HAVE SPOKEN TO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND AN INTERNET SEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM CONFIRMS MY FINDINGS. *TR
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
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.
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, Jul 18, 2013
HEARD A RATTLE IN REAR OF CAR. THOUGHT IT WAS EXHAUST SYSTEM RELATED. UPON INSPECTION FOUND REAR PASSENGER UPPER SHOCK CONNECTION HAD ROTTED COMPLETED AND THE SHOCK WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE CAR. SHOCK IS BARELY HANGING ON THE VEHICLE AND APPEARS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER FORD REQUIREMENTS AT THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. NO UNUSUAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
Engine, Jul 16, 2013
COULD NOT TURN CAR HEATER ON AS THE INTERIOR FILLED WITH ENGINE FUMES ESPECIALLY WHEN IDLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO 2 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS AND THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. NOW, SUMMER OF 2013 WHEN THE AC IS TURNED ON THE SAME THING HAPPENS. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT MYSELF AND 3 YEAR OLD SON ARE BREATHING THESE FUMES IN JUST DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE! ALSO, TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITHOUT ANY POSITIVE RESULTS! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH NO HEAT AND NO AC FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. WHAT CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Suspension, Jul 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR SHOCK MOUNT PENETRATED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD BECOME PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2013
I WANT TO BRING TO YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE WITH MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 2007 (MILEAGE 102,000) AND HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE HAD 4 EXPERIENCES WHERE THE CAR WOULD STALL WHILE IN MOTION. IT APPEARS TO OCCUR WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 80 DEGREES AND I HAVE TRAVELED IN THE CAR FOR >30 MINUTES AND HAVE MADE A SHORT STOP (FOR GAS OR SHOPPING). AFTER CONTINUING MY DRIVE AFTER A SHORT STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF AT SOME POINT ON THE WAY HOME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSING ALL POWER TO THE STEERING AND BREAKING SYSTEM. THE CAR WILL START UP AGAIN (WHILE COASTING) WITH NO ISSUE BUT STALL AGAIN AFTER A SHORT WHILE. THESE HAVE BEEN VERY HARROWING EXPERIENCES ON BUSY ROADS AND FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS ME AND NOT MY PREGNANT WIFE, AS I DON'T BELIEVE SHE WOULD HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO EXECUTE THESE EMERGENCY ACTIONS WITH NO POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR >1 WEEK BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR REMAINS AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP UNTIL THE CAUSE CAN BE DETERMINED. *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
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
Engine, May 15, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE A SMALL DISTANCE, SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,790. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Apr 19, 2013
MY DAUGHTER NOTICED HER ESCAPE WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT IT WAS TRAVELING SIDEWAY`S DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED HER FRONT TIRE`S WERE WORN, ESPECIALLY THE PASSENGER`S FRONT, IT WAS WORN ON THE OUTSIDE. I SPOKE WITH A FORD MECHANIC THAT SUGGESTED NEW TIRE`S AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, SHE HAD THAT SERVICE DONE, WHICH DID NOT MAKE THE VEHICLE DRIVE ANY DIFFERENTLY. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE IN WHICH NOW THE VEHICLE WAS DOG TRACKING WHEN DRIVING AND WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL WELL`S WERE TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE REAR SHOCKS BECAUSE OF IT. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WHOM HAVE EXPRESSED THE SAME CONCERN. THE WHOLE REAR END HAS APPARENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF LINE, BECAUSE OF THE RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL`S THAT ATTACH TO THE SHOCK`S TO HOLD THE REAR END IN ALIGNMENT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AND FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS ISSUE DOE`S NOT JUST INCLUDE 2004 MODEL`S , IT HAS ALSO BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION, THAT EVEN A NEW 2013 MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE THIS ISSUE INVESTIGATED IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 14, 2013
THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS STRUGGLING AND THEN SHUTS OFF. IT WOULD TAKE A SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FOR THE CAR TO RESTART BUT EVENTUALLY IT WOULD. NOW THE CARS JUST IDLES AND RUNS REALLY ROUGH AND SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID ALL IT NEEDED WAS A NEW CAT-CONVERTER MANIFOLD, NOT STATING WHY. WE REPLACED IT ($1500) BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REPEATED. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO REPLACE 6 IGNITION COILS AND PLUGS AND POSSIBLY THE PCM. THEY ALSO SAID THE IGNITION COILS CAUSED THE CAT-CONVERTOR MANIFOLD TO MALFUNCTION IN THE FIRST PLACE. SO WE REPLACED ALL COILS AND PLUGS FOR $1600 BUT THEY SAID THE PCM WAS FINE FOR NOW BUT IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME FOR THE PCM TO FAIL. I'M NOT SURE IF FORD DELIBERATELY NEGLECTED THIS IGNITION COIL ISSUE BUT IT IS SUSPICIOUS. MY COMMUTE IS MAINLY INTERSTATE HWY AND I'M AFRAID THIS PROBLEM IS MIGHT CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHILE ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE HWY. *TR
Air bags, Apr 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRING IN THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. *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
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.
Visibility, Feb 20, 2013
AS I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD IN THE BACKSEAT, IN PARK, WITH THE ENGINE ON, WAITING FOR MY OLDER SON, WE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE BACK WINDSHIELD HAD SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD SHOT OR THROWN SOMETHING AT THE CAR BUT ONCE I GOT OUTSIDE AND LOOKED AT IT I COULD TELL BY THE WAY THE GLASS HAD BLOWN OUTWARD (FOR THE MOST PART) THAT SOMETHING THAT I COULD NOT EXPLAIN MUST HAVE HAPPENED/MALFUNCTIONED WITH THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND, AS I WAS A HALF HOUR FROM HOME AND IT WAS RAINING, PRETTY INCONVENIENT. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO FORCEFUL THAT IT DAMAGED BOTH THE REAR WIPER SYSTEM AND THE HYDRAULIC ARM WHICH LIFTS THE REAR WINDOW. I AM GLAD MY DOG WAS NOT TRAVELING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AS PLENTY OF GLASS ENDED UP IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. ALSO, NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS TO GET FIXED? THIS IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 11, 2013
CAR'S ENGINE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND COMPLETELY STALLED GOING 45 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT AVOIDED AS CAR BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHO FOND TWO ENGINE COILS DEFECTIVE AND ALL SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS REPEATED ISSUES WITH DEFECTIVE COILS AND DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL ON A HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPS. THIS IS POOR ENGINEERING ON FORD'S PART AND DEMAND THE US GOVERNMENT FORCE A RECALL! *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 3/14/13 *CN
Visibility, Jan 14, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THE ROADS WERE CLEAR, FLAT, AND SMOOTH. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS IN THE 20'S. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE WARM UP FOR 15 MINUTES, WHEN THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED FOR NO REASON ON THE EXPRESS WAY. THERE WERE NO BRIDGES OR OVERPASSES FOR ANYTHING TO FALL ON IT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. I HAD DRIVEN IT LESS THAN 200 MILES SINCE MY PURCHASE. APPROXIMATE TIME OF INCIDENT 16:36. *TR
Engine, Jan 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DOWNHILL AND THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE UNTIL THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,198.
Service brakes, Dec 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME ELAPSED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A GRINDING SOUND WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,258.