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.
Visibility, Jan 25, 2009
WENT TO PULL CAR OUT OF GARAGE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. FOUND PARTS OF THE WINDOW MORE THAN 20 FEET FROM CAR. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. NOTHING HAD FAILED OR HIT THE WINDOW TO HAVE CAUSED THIS. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AUTO SHOP REPLACED THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS AT THE COST OF $480.48. THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER FAILURES SINCE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,731. UPDATED 02/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 02/26/09. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2009
THROTTLE CABLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE POSITION WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE AND RELATED COMPONENTS RECENTLY VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED 3 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS BECAUSE THROTTLE BECOMES STUCK WIDE OPEN AND IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. RECALL ON THROTTLE CABLE WAS COMPLETED 3 YEARS PRIOR. BOTTOM LINE IS $1,000 PLUS DOLLARS LATER ON A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 17, 2009
REPORTING AN EXPLODING BACK WINDOW ISSUE ON A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. ONCE IN 2005 AND NOW AGAIN IN 2009. THE ONLY THING BOTH TIMES HAD IN COMMON WAS THE RUNNING OF THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER. FORD HAS NO RECALLS OR BULLETINS AND WILL NOT PAY FOR SECOND REPAIR AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES AND PASSENGERS THEY MAY HAVE. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ONCE BUT TWICE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I WAS GIVEN NOTHING FOR MY TROUBLE AND THEY ARE NOT RESEARCHING THIS DEFECT. OH WAIT, I GOT A FREE OIL CHANGE. THE DEALERSHIP I WAS DEALING WITH WAS AWESOME...BUT THE CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORD MOTOR LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED! SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 7, 2009
THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE, WHICH ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT, STARTED SQUEALING, AND I WAS HAVING TO PUSH A LITTLE HARDER THAN USUAL. ON DECEMBER 26, 2008 MY HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED, INSTEAD OF NEW BRAKE PADS, WHICH WERE CURIOUSLY IN GOOD CONDITION, WE ARE GOING TO NEED NEW FRONT DISCS, FRONT AND BACK CALIPERS, AS WELL AS BRAKE PADS. WE WERE ABLE TO AFFORD THE BRAKE PADS AS WELL AS THE RIGHT FRONT DISC AT COST OF 400 DOLLARS BUT WE ARE GOING TO NEED TO SHELL OUT ANOTHER 400.00 PLUS TO REPAIR THE REST. THE WAIT WOULDN'T BE SO BAD IF I DIDN'T NEED THE ESCAPE TO TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY. *TR
Visibility, Nov 2, 2008
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE THE REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME ON THE ESCAPE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME PERSONALLY. I HAVE NUMEROUS FRIENDS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THESE REAR WINDOWS. I WONDER IF THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE REAR WINDOW? VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE THE WINDOW COMPANY COMING TO REPLACE ANOTHER WINDOW. *TR
Suspension, Aug 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, THE BOLT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM ROTTED/RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS A THREE YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 09/09/08 *BF UPDATED 09/09/08. *JB
Air bags, Aug 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BLINKED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE SEAT BELT SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. AS OF AUGUST 12, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND REMAINS AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,000.
Air bags, Jul 23, 2008
STARTING APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE, INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT IS NEEDED. I CALLED RAMSEY FORD, WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEM. THEY COULD NOT FIT IT INTO THEIR SCHEDULE UNTIL YESTERDAY. THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT INDICATED THAT BOTH SEAT BELT CONNECTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $332.27. THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS IN STOCK, BUT TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK DURING A CRASH. I PAID $42.50 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. BEING FORCED TO WAIT UNTIL PARTS ARRIVED, BUT WORRIED THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK IF NEEDED, I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ESCAPE AND MANY PEOPLE ARE DRIVING ON THE ROADS WITH NO AIRBAG PROTECTION. IF THIS SAFETY HAZARD IS SO PREVALENT IN THESE VEHICLES, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BY FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 20, 2008
FORD ESCAPE 2004 IDLING PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES ENGINE STARTS TO MISFIRE WHILE RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 40 MILES AN HOUR. WHILE IDLING IT ALSO MISFIRE KEEPING THE ENGINE UNSTABLE. HAVE TAKING IT TO THE MECHANICS FOR ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS AND SOME TELL ME IT IS THE ENGINE GASKET THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED. HELP *TR
Air bags, Jul 18, 2008
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT LIT. FORD DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN TO CHANGE WIRING HARNESS FOR $415 WIRING FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT FAIL IN 4 YEARS. *TR
Seat belts, Electrical system, Jul 7, 2008
2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH GEAR SELECTOR AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ISSUES. CONSUMER STATES THAT MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS. HE GAVE THE OK TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. *KB THE GEAR SELECTION AT THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN DID NOT LIGHT UP AT NIGHT. *JB
Tires, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jun 18, 2008
VALUE STEM FAILURE. I TWO FAIL ON ME IN TWO DAYS THE TIRES WHERE BROUGHT FROM GOODYEAR TIRE ON WILLIAMSBURG ROAD IN RICHMOND VA THE FIRST WAS SAT MAY 24 2008 HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE THE OTHER MAY 26 ONLY REPLACE STEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE LINKAGE SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE ENGINE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND COAST TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, CRUISE CONTROL, THROTTLE BODY, AND ROLL CABLE WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $430. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,800. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY BACK IN JAN 2005, BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED IN MAY 2008. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED.
Wheels, May 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO PUT AIR IN HER TIRES EACH WEEK BECAUSE THEY WOULD CONSTANTLY DEFLATE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO CALL NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY (NTB) AND HAVE THEM INSPECT THE TIRES. NTB STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT THE TIRES, BUT RATHER WITH THE RIMS. THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE OCTOBER 10, 2005. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,800. UPDATED 6/9/08 *CN UPDATED 06/09/08
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2008
MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AFTER I HAD A 30,000 MILE CHECK UP AT THE BOB DAVIDSON FORD DEALERSHIP. I EMAIL FORD AND GOT A RESPONSE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS TEST. I TOOK THE CAR TO BOB DAVIDSON AND FOUND IT WOULD COST ME $123.00 FOR THE DIAGNOSE AND THE COST WOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO ANY REPAIRS. I DO NOT HAVE $123.00 FOR THEM TO TELL ME I HAVE A PROBLEM THE PROBLEM IS THE ENGAGE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT THE SPEED TROTTER DOES NOT ENGAGE TO KEEP THE SET SPEED. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 65K MILES. TRANS FLUID FLUSHED BY FORD @ 30K MILES. CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND ALMOST EVERY MILE IS ON A FLAT EASY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE, FORD TOLD ME TO GO FLY A KITE. I ALSO INFORMED FORD THAT THEY LOST AN ENTIRE FAMILY'S FUTURE PURCHASES OF ANY FORD PRODUCT / SERVICE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND THE RECALL IS ONLY REPAIRED ONCE; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Visibility, Mar 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED AND GLASS SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR CRASH. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE EXPLOSION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DISAGREED. THE DEALER PLACED A NEW MIRROR ON THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT PAID APPROXIMATELY $330 FOR THE REPAIR. THE PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN, AND TRANSMISSION TYPE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,406 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,366.
Parking brake, Dec 10, 2007
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BUTTON ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION HAS BROKE. THE FIRST TIME WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, THIS TIME FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX IT FOR FREE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT HAS FAILED TWICE ON A SUV THAT IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2007
2004 ESCAPE REFUSED TO OPERATE STARTER AFTER BEING OPERATED WITH LOAD AT SLOW SPEEDS, FOUND NEW BATTERY WAS DEAD AND NEW ALTERNATOR WAS INSTALLED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY 6M MILES AGO LAST YEAR. SAME PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED BEFORE AND AFTER BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REPL. PRIVATE AUTO SERVICE SHOP TESTED... SYSTEM CHARGING SUBNORMAL BELOW 900 RPM. WILL NOT KEEP BATTERY CHARGED ESPECIALLY WHILE A/C ON, DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC IN PHOENIX,. AZ. DEALER REFUSES TO LOOK AT IT OR TEST IT NOW, EVEN THOUGH THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY AND PROBLEM CONTINUED TO EXIST. SUV HAS 31,301 MILES ON IT AS OF 10/20/07. THEY HAVE STALLED EVERY TIME I TOOK IT BACK AND JUST KEEP SAYING "IT CANNOT BE." *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR 30 SECONDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BUTTERFLY CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO STICK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN JULY OF 2007 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (ACCELERATOR CABLE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. UPDATED
Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2007
LEAVING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE IDLE INCREASED TO OVER 4000 RPMS AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BUT THE IDLE DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT WAS AN UNUSUAL CASE OF THE "IDLE SPEED CONTROL" FAILURE. THIS "RACING" HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE AT 48,000 MILES BUT AFTER I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IDLE SPEED RETURNED TO NORMAL. *TR
Visibility, Sep 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. SHE LOOKED UP AND NOTICED CRACKS IN THE SUNROOF GLASS THAT RESEMBLED A SPIDER WEB. THE SUNROOF WAS TILTED AND NOT FULLY OPEN AT THE TIME THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000 THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLASS SHATTERED. UPDATED 12/12/07*LJ
Vehicle speed control, Aug 24, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. ON AUGUST 8, 2007, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THAT WAS RELATED TO A PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V574000). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY FORD AND CHEVROLET. IN MAY OF 2007, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED PAST 100 MPH AND BEGAN SHAKING AS IF IT WOULD FLIP OVER. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY PLACING IT IN PARK AND REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, NO SOUND OR WARNING LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. THE CONTACT HAS PHOTOS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.