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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AND NOW THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT TO REPAIR IT AGAIN THE COST WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 200.00, AND THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING IT ONE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2010, crash
I WAS THE OWNER OF A 2004 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS RECALLED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLE. I HAD TO CALL MY INSURANCE CO. GEICO BECAUSE OF THIS THEY SENT OUT A TOW TRUCK TO CHECK THE SITUATION. THE TOW OPERATOR GOT THE ENGINE TO RUN NORMALLY. I PUT IN A CLAIM AGAINST FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT THINK THEY WERE LIABLE. MY ESCAPE ACCELERATED AGAIN AND WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. I NEED HELP TO PRESENT MY CASE TO FORD MOTOR CO. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WITH THE ENGINE STILL REVVING, BY PLACING THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES) AND THAT REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH WITH HER FOOT STEADY ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO SPEEDS OF 70 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. SHE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR THROUGHOUT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH REVEALED THAT THE VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN AND CAUSED A SHARD OF METAL TO BECOME LODGED IN THE ACCELERATOR MECHANISM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,272.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED MORE THAN OF THE WAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL WOULD NOT RELEASE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND REMOVING HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD EXHIBIT UNUSUAL INCREASES IN RPMS OF UP TO 4500 WHILE IN ANY GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE MALFUNCTIONING. HE PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE WAS NOT CLOSING CORRECTLY, THEREFORE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72667. THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED. UPDATED 05/03/10. *JB UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 06/10/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010
FORD ESCAPES WERE RECALLED FOR STICKING ACCELERATORS WHILE THIS VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. AT ~90K MILES, ACCELERATOR BEGAN STICKING (THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS). FORTUNATELY ALL OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE THERE WAS ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER AND 'UNSTICK' THE ACCELERATOR. MATS WERE NOT THE ISSUE SINCE I REMOVED THE MATS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG YET REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS (AT MY EXPENSE). NO INCIDENTS SINCE THEN - ABOUT 20K MILES LATER. OBVIOUSLY THEY STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE AND HE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 04V5740000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, CABLES IN 2005; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Seat belts, Feb 28, 2010
1. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS NOT RETRACTING THE WAY IT SHOULD WHEN MY SON WOULD UNBUCKLE FROM HIS BOOSTER SEAT. I WOULD HAVE TO FEED THE BELT THROUGH TO HAVE IT RETRACT. 2. IT HAPPENED EVERY TIME WE UNBUCKLED HIS SEAT. 3. WE SWITCHED HIS SEAT WITH MY DAUGHTER'S, AS SHE IS STILL IN A CAR SEAT AND IS LATCHED TO THE CAR ITSELF, AND WAS NOT USING HER SEAT BELT. WE CALLED FORD AND IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE GET THE PART FIXED THROUGH THEM BECAUSE IF IT FAILS AGAIN, IT WILL BE UNDER WARRANTY. IT COST US $223 TO HAVE HIS SEAT BELT REPLACED. I ASKED FORD TO CHECK THE OTHER SEAT BELT, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (BACK SEAT) AND THEY AGREED THAT ONE HAS TO BE REPLACED TOO, BECAUSE IT TOO RETRACTS SLOWLY AND CATCHES WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE IT. WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT IT WASN'T RIGHT, UNTIL WE MOVED OUR SON TO THAT SIDE. AGAIN, WE DON'T USE THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE OF THE LATCH SYSTEM ON OUR DAUGHTER'S CAR SEAT. IT WILL COST US ANOTHER $223 TO HAVE THAT ONE FIXED TOO. WE ARE GOING TO WAIT UNTIL WE HAVE TO MOVE OUR DAUGHTER TO A BOOSTER BEFORE HAVING IT FIXED. BUT WE FIND IT INTERESTING THAT BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND WHEN FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME WE'VE OWNED THE CAR, THE 2 CAR SEATS WERE LATCHED IN AND WE DIDN'T USE THE SEAT BELTS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2010, crash
WHILE MOVING MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE IN MY DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL. I STRUCK A BUSH IN MY YARD AND WAS ABLE TO STOP. THE BUSH WAS DESTROYED AND THERE WAS APPROX. $500 DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. A RECALL REPAIR ON THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS PERFORMED BY FORD IN MARCH OF 2005. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER WHO WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING ME. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO FORD MOTOR CO. WHO STATED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHEN IT WAS RECALLED AND WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE HAD THE BUMPER DAMAGE REPAIRED AND WILL HAVE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. I AM LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT DURING THIS INCIDENT. I AM HESITANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN AND I AM VERY CAREFUL WHEN I HAVE TO. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER AND HAVE SEEN WHAT M/V CRASHES CAN DO. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jan 31, 2010
FORD 2004 ESCAPE - SLOWLY MAKING ASCENT UP A DRIVEWAY - SUDDENLY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS, ENGINE RACING, CAR BEGINS RAPID ACCELERATION - DRIVER ABLE TO SLAM ON BRAKES WITH EXTREME PRESSURE TO STOP CAR - ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE - DRIVER ABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK WITH ENGINE STILL RACING - TURNS OFF CAR. HE THEN TURNS CAR BACK ON, ONLY TO HAVE ENGINE STILL RACING - IMMEDIATELY TURNS OFF AGAIN. DEALERSHIP CALLED TO COME PICK UP CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010
THE ENGINE REVS IN BELOW ZERO WEATHER EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE ESCAPE IN 2003. I'LL BE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH AND THE ONLY WAY I CAN SLOW THE SPEED OF THE CAR IS BY APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE CONTINUES REVVING AS IF IT WERE STILL GOING 60. THEN WHEN I GET OFF THE FREEWAY THE CAR CONTINUES TO REV LIKE THAT AND I STOP AT STOP SIGNS AND IT REVS AND ONLY BY PUSHING DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKE CAN I CONTROL THE CAR AS IT CONTINUES TO REV AS IF GOING ABOUT 60MPH. OFTEN WHEN I START IT IN THE MORNING IT REVS (WHEN BELOW ZERO) AND CONTINUES TO REV AS I DRIVE A MILE OR SO TO HAVE COFFEE. THIS HAS BEEN THE CASE SINCE I GOT THE CAR. I INITIALLY TOOK IT IN TO TOUSLEY FORD IN WHITE BEAR, MINNESOTA. THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED AND CHARGED SOMETHING LIKE $186 AND IT DID THE SAME THING ON DRIVING IT HOME (ABOUT 12 MILES). I TOOK IT BACK THEN AND THERE AS IT WAS DANGEROUS AND THEY TRIED TO FIX IT AGAIN AND IT STILL REVVED. ATTEMPTED FIXES: FEB 18, 08 REPLACED IAC, REPLACED 1L8Z*9F715*AA X-VALVE. THEN FEB. 19, '08 REPLACED IAC AGAIN PER INVOICE. I JUST GAVE UP AND DUE TO FINANCES DECIDED TO TAKE MY CHANCES DRIVING IT AS IS (STILL REVS). WHAT DO I DO NOW? THE DATE OF INCIDENT INSTEAD OF JAN. 8, 2010 SHOULD BE STATED AS "EVERY WINTER SINCE 2003". NEVER HAS BEEN FIXED.*CW
Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2009, crash
ON 10/18/09 MY SON WAS IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STUCK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING AND EVENTUALLY RAN INTO A PARKED VEHICLE ONE PERSON INJURED AND THE VEHICLE PARKED RECEIVED DAMAGE MY 2004FORD ESCAPE TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Visibility, Oct 13, 2009
THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EXPLODED ON OCT 4. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES BEFORE IT OCCURRED. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 50 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THERE WERE NO KNOWN CRACKS OR DAMAGE TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT AN ATM MACHINE WHEN IT SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2009
MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE I BOUGHT USED FROM A DEALER AFTER LESS THEN 4 MONTHS AN IGNITION COIL POPPED I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR CHANGED COIL AND SPARK PLUGS GOT IT BACK AND LESS THEN 2 DAYS LATER ANOTHER IGNITION COIL POPPED. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 25, 2009
TONE RINGS ON FORD ESCAPES BREAKING. THESE RINGS ARE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. TRUCK DOESN'T STOP PROPERLY. I READ ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE TONE RINGS. FORD CHARGES $250 PER SIDE. IN MY CASE BOTH SIDES ARE BROKE . SOUNDS LIKE A FACTORY FAULTY PART. *TR
Power train, Jul 7, 2009
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT W/ 60000 MILES. IT REQUIRED A TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AS PART OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T THIS LISTED AS A RECALL ITEM/ ONLINE IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR THIS VEHICLE. ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING MINE HAVE BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THIS VEHICLE AND THOSE IN ONLINE REPORTS INDICATE VERY SIMILAR FAILURES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFICIT/ FAULT. THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL/REPLACEMENT ITEM! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 15, 2009, fire
WHILE BODY WORK WAS BEING CONDUCED AT A DEALER FOR A SCRAPED FENDER, DEALER EMPLOYEE STARTED VEHICLE AFTER PAINT OPERATIONS. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTANTLY AND VIOLENTLY EXPLODED INTO SEVERAL PIECES. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILE, WAS DRIVEN INTO THE DEALER FOR THE BODY WORK, AND HAS HAD NO SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE STILL STARTS AND WILL HOLD AN ROUGH IDLE. THE TIMING BELT IS INTACT. THIS VEHICLE USES DIRECT FUEL INJECTION AND A DRY INTAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL PROCEDURES INCLUDING PAINTING PROCESS WERE PROPERLY FOLLOWED LEADING UP TO THE EXPLOSION. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE BODY SHOP FINISHING BODY WORK. NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN REACHED CONCERNING THE MECHANICAL FAILURE. *TR
Power train, May 11, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WENT FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AT 60 MPH. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING TO CHANGE LANES AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON IT'S BRAKES AND SWERVE TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. AS A RESULT, THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2009
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ALTERNATOR IN MY VEHICLE THREE TIMES NOW SINCE 2006. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM CAN'T FIND ANYTHING AND IS NOT WILLING TO HELP SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WAS REPAIRED WAS OVER TWO YEARS AGO. WHEN IT WAS IN FOR REPAIRS THEY STATED THE FORD DEALER IT WAS TAKEN TOO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I EVEN FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE BUT THEY GOT A LETTER OF SUCH IN ACCURATE INFO FROM THE DEALER THE CLAIM WAS DROPPED. I KNOW TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YEAR FORD I HAVE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE YOUR COMPANY TO BUY MY CAR AND GET ME INTO A NEW ONE OR AT THE VERY LEAST REPAIR THIS ISSUE AND ANY ISSUES THAT MAY BE FOUND IF AND WHEN THIS IS LOOKED INTO. I FEEL I SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT BREAKS DOWN EVERY TWO YEARS. SOMETIME MORE. PLEASE HELP. MY CAR IS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4WD. MILEAGE: 111925VEHICLE LOCATION: INPOSSESSIONIF CONTACTED DEALER: YESDEALER NAME: DIEHL MOTOR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2009, crash
ACCELERATING UP HILL TO POSTED 50MPH WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL PUNCHED TO THE FLOOR ON IT'S OWN. VEHICLE REACHED 85MPH AND SLOWED TO APPROX 55MPH WHEN DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL AND PULLING UP ON EMERGENCY BRAKE. ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULDN'T COME UP DESPITE ATTEMPTS WITH FOOT. ULTIMATELY CRASHED, VEHICLE TOTALED, PROPERTY DAMAGE TO A HOUSE AND NEIGHBOR'S YARD, PERSONAL INJURIES SUSTAINED BY DRIVER ONLY; NO PASSENGERS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2009
WHILE DRIVING HOME LAST WINTER MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK OPEN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I APPROACHED THE EXIT AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER LETTING THE CAR SET FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES EVERYTHING WORKED FINE AGAIN UNTIL THE MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT STAYED AT 3000 RPM UNTIL THE CAR WARMED COMPLETELY UP. *TR
Visibility, Feb 14, 2009
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK 7AM. IT WAS SNOWING LIGHTLY AND I BRIEFLY TURNED ON THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER TO MELT THE SNOW. APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE FROM HOME I TURNED OFF THE DEFROSTER WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD POP. I LOOKED AROUND AND DID NOT OBSERVE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. WHEN I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR I SAW THE DEFROSTER WIRES HANGING WITH PIECES OF GLASS ATTACHED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY HANGING BY A THREAD, I REALIZED THE LOUD NOISE WAS MY REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODING. I HEADED BACK HOME TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED - FINAL COST $369.15. THE REAR WIPER MOTOR WAS DAMAGED DURING THE EXPLOSION. AFTER THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED IT MADE A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE THAT WAS NOT THERE BEFORE. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT OTHER FORD ESCAPE (04, 05 & 06) OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE. THESE COMPLAINTS CAN BE VIEWED AT: WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM I CALLED FORD OWNER SERVICES AT 800-392-3673 AND FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT. THEY TOLD ME THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL ISSUED BUT I SHOULD BRING THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE DEALER WOULD DECIDE IF REPAIR EXPENSE WOULD BE COVERED. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THAT FORD MOTOR WOULD DECIDE IF REPAIR EXPENSE WOULD BE COVERED. DEALER TOLD ME THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE NEW WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WILL COST $150 FOR THE PART AND $50 TO INSTALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE DAMAGED MOTOR IS NOT REPLACED, IT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE TAILGATE WINDOW. THE DEALER OFFERED TO CHARGE ME ONLY FOR THE PART AND ABSORB THE LABOR TO INSTALL MOTOR. FOR OBVIOUS REASONS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS; NOT THE CONSUMER WHO UNKNOWINGLY PURCHASED A DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS PRODUCT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND PROCEEDED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED FORWARD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PLOWED AREA OF SNOW. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ROADS WERE NOT ICY AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09.*JB