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.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE START UP,AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON A SEPERATE OCCASSION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A PRIVATE MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE BOTH FAILURES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP FAILED AND THE PRIVATE MECHANIC REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE FOR THE DETACHED ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,116.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 18, 2012
AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN STAYS ON. WARNING CODE IS 46. TOOK VEHICLE INTO FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO. NOT SURE WHAT SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE ISSUE WAS NEVER FIXED. LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN A YEAR LATER AND HAS GONE ON AND OFF FOR YEARS. DUE TO TIME AND COST , COULD NOT BRING VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR A SECOND TIME. WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY FORD SERVICE REP THAT I WOULD PROBABLY PAY $400 TO FIX. MAY BE SEATBELT PRETENSIONER. WAS INFORMED THAT AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF THIS WAS NOT FIXED.THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE WAS A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN)REGARDING THIS ISSUE. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. DUE TO THE HIGH COST TO REPAIR, AND WITH SO MANY PEOPLE OUT OF WORK, MANY CONSUMERS MAY NOT HAVE THIS WORK DONE, WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD. TO DATE, I AM NOT ABLE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. DUE TO SAFETY ISSUE THIS POSES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Mar 18, 2012
WHEN TAKING MY ESCAPE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANICS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I TOOK IT FOR AN ESTIMATE THAT DAY AND COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY AFFORD THE REPAIRS. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN THROUGH THE MOUNT AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH ONLY NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. ONLY THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS THIS PROBLEM. ONLINE RESEARCH WITH OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND EVEN ACKNOWLEDGES AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BUT WILL NOT COVER. *TR
Air bags, Mar 15, 2012
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. TOOK IT IN TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY SAID WE NEED TO REPLACE THE PRETENSIONER AND CONNECTERS. VERY EXPENSIVE ESTIMATE. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND SOMEONE SUGGESTED CHECKING UNDER THE SEAT (DRIVER SIDE) FOR A LOOSE CONNECTION. WE HAVE BEEN ADJUSTING THE SEAT BACK AND FORTH BECAUSE WE HAVE A TEENAGER LEARNING TO DRIVE. WE DID CHECK UNDER THE SEAT TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NOT A LOOSE CONNECTION. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT STAY LIT. NOT SURE IF BY JIGGLING SOME WIRES TO MAKE SURE THERE WASN'T A LOOSE CONNECTION THAT WE MAY HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM. NOT SURE THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START HOWEVER, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE WORKING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECENTLY REPAIRED FOR THE SIMILAR FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,659.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65, THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER, CAUSING THE RADIO, SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAUGE TO DECREASE TO ZERO FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,600. THE VIN UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT ALL OF THE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Structure, Sep 2, 2011
LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE BOLT CORRODED AND FELL APART LEAVING REAR GLASS HANGING. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2011
FORD ESCAPE LIMITED 2004 PROBLEM WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, DON'T WORK VIN:[XXX]. I BOUGHT IN MARCH 2011. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Seat belts, Jul 26, 2011
I OWN A 2004 FORD ESCAPE AND HAVE HAD THE SEATBELT HARNESSES FIXED 3 TIMES. ONE WAS JUST FIXED 18 DAYS AGO AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED YET AGAIN. THERE IS A WIRING PROBLEM WITH THE SEATBELT HARNESS. IT HAS BEEN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT EACH TIME. *TR
Structure, Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER DOOR LIFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
Structure, Jun 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT STARTED SWAYING ABNORMALLY. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL WAS CORRODED AROUND THE STRUT MOUNT AND THE STRUT HAD COME THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 25, 2011
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD CAUSING A CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A BARRIER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THE CRASH WAS CAUSED BY THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V574000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLES ON 2/7/2005; HOWEVER, IT HAS NOW FAILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 5/2/11 *CN UPDATED 05/11/11*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AT A RAPID SPEED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE ENGINE EXHIBITING AN UNUSUALLY HIGH INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ UPDATED 12/20/11 *CN
Air bags, Jan 10, 2011
2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH 72,000 MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER VEHICLE WAS STARTED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND AIR BAG LIGHT WENT AWAY. 4 DAYS LATER AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND NOW IT STAYS ON. THE LIGHT FLASHES A CODE OF 4-6 THREE TIMES AND THEN STAYS LIT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN CONCERNING THIS ISSUE AND THE FIX IS TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS GOING TO THE SEATBELTS FOR A COST OF AROUND $400.00, WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. SINCE THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ITEM IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 18, 2010
AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ON THE WAY BACK, IT AGAIN CAME ON AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES - IT FLASHED A FEW TIMES AND THEN STAYED ON. THE FORD DEALER TESTED THE CAR AND SAID THE WARNING LIGHT WAS CAUSED BY BOTH FRONT PRETENSIONER CONNECTORS COSTING $397.99. I LOOKED UP PRETENSIONER ON THE INTERNET AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS SPECIFIC TO 2004 FORD ESCAPES. THERE WERE ALSO SOLUTIONS SUCH AS DISCONNECTING THE LIGHT, IGNORING THE LIGHT, AND RIGGING THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD DEFECT THAT MAY LEAD TO LACK OF SAFETY AND HIGHWAY DEATH. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT CONSUMERS MAY IGNORE.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALSO DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2010
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). THESE WERE BOTH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2010
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH IN AUGUST 2010. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). IT HAPPENED AGAIN 12/5/10 AND I AM AWAITING REPORT ON WHICH SPARK PLUG IT HAPPENED TO THIS TIME. THE FIRST TWO WERE THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Visibility, Nov 4, 2010
2004 FORD ESCAPE - REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER REAR DEFROSTER WAS TURNED ON FOR SHORT PERIOD. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 28 DEGREES AND FROST WAS ON WINDOWS. VEHICLE WAS STARTED TO DEFROST WINDOWS BEFORE TRAVELING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AS HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO PAST ANOTHER VEHICLE THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED MORE THAN IT SHOULD. HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXTREME FORCE IN ORDER TO GET TO MOVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER AND AFTER INSPECTION HE WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BROKE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED; YET, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE CABLE AT HIS EXPENSE FOR $160. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ALSO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,394.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 13, 2010
2004 FORD ESCAPE - A B S RINGS ON AXEL CRACKED AND ALLOWED THEM TO MOVE .RESULT IN BRAKE FAILING -HAVE TO LET OFF THE BRAKE SO IT CAN GRAB AGAIN AND A SENSOR MAKE IT PULSE THE BRAKES. USING GASKET REPAIR TO HOLD THE RINGS IN PLACE...BOTH SIDES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WE KNOW OF THREE ESCAPES DIFFERENT YEARS THAT HAVE NOW THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 24, 2010
ON SUNDAY, JULY 18TH, 2010, WHILE DRIVING ON 280 S. IN THE AFTERNOON, I PASSED A VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AS I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. AS THIS WAS THE 2ND OCCURRENCE, I DID NOT PANIC BUT TRIED A COUPLE OF REMEDIES. I ENSURED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF, IT WAS. I TRIED TO "POP" THE GAS PEDAL OFF THE FLOOR BUT IT WAS LIMP. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR TO NO AVAIL. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AS THE RPM'S WERE HITTING OVER 4500 RPM AND THE MPH WERE HITTING OVER 70+ AND NOT SLOWING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE AND WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THEY FOUND THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS INDEED SLACK AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION. THEY CALLED THE FORD HOTLINE WHO SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING OR HAD A RECORD OF THE OCCURRENCE. THE DEALER CHARGED ME FOR THE INSPECTION AND SUGGESTED I REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AND PVC VALVE? THEY WEREN'T SURE IF THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BUT THEY SUGGESTED IT. THE THROTTLE BODY, THEY SAID WAS ON BACK ORDER BECAUSE OF INCREASED DEMAND. THE VEHICLE HAD 164,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Wheels, Jul 21, 2010
TWO AXLES ON THE CAR HAVE BROKEN. BOTH TIMES, THE CAR WAS USED FOR REGULAR USE (NO "OFF-ROADING", NO ACCIDENTS). THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE, THEN SUDDENLY, WHEN BRAKING, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO BE REPAIRED, THEY FOUND A CRACKED BOOT, CRACKED ABS RING, AND CRACKED AXEL. FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN 2007 (REAR AXEL), AND NOW IN 2010 (FRONT AXEL). *TR