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.
Power train, Aug 22, 2007
CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS USING EXCESSIVE FUEL AND WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR PROPERLY. AT ONE TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE, EVEN WITH UP TO DATE SERVICE RECORDS, AND NOTED THAT PROBLEM FIRST STARTED AT 49,000 MILES, MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIR. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE WEATHER IS WET OR WHEN SAND HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE GROUND DUE TO SNOW, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. HE STATED THAT WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE, THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATES AS IT SHOULD. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ONE YEAR. HE CURRENTLY HAS AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 07V56000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) DOES NOT APPLY TO HIS VIN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,175 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2007
SERVICE BULLETIN 042612 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10014302 AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED US $50.00 TO FIX..WAS IT A SAFETY PROBLEM IN THAT WE DID NOT KNOW IF AIRBAG WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY? SHOULD THEY HAVE CHARGED US A FEE? *TR
Structure, May 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHERE THE TOW HOOK IS LOCATED IS DAMAGED. HE IS ATTEMPTING TO TRADE IN THE VEHICLE AND GOT IT INSPECTED. THE INSPECTOR DISCOVERED THE DAMAGE AND STATED THAT THE TOW HOLE HOOK IS TOO LARGE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 84,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Air bags, May 23, 2007
ON 5/21/2007 WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE INTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO FLASH. AFTER A FEW SEQUENCES OF FLASHING THE LIGHT CAME ON STEADY. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK I CALLED AND ARRANGED A TIME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. ON 5/23/2007 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHI,P AND THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS A BAD AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $390.00. ALSO, THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO, I CAN GET DETAILS WHEN I GET THE VEHICLE BACK. I GOT THE SAME INDICATIONS , AND A DEALER MADE THE REPAIR AND THE EXPLANATION WAS A SHORTED OUT TWIRE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. THAT REPAIR COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $300.00. I AS WONDERING IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND IF THIS WAS A SAFETY RELATED FAILURE AM I RESPONSIBE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.*AK
Air bags, May 1, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT HE MAY HAVE PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING. HE DID NOT REMEMBER CROSSING THE INTERSECTION AND CRASHING INTO A FOUR FOOT PIPE FILLED WITH CONCRETE, AND THEN FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A RUPTURED LEFT LUNG. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 87,000. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL # 07V156000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, BUT WAS UNACKNOWLEDGED BY THE DEALER. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND FEARED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLEWAS NOT BEING DRIVEN , AND THE CONTACT HAD AN APPOINTMENT ON MAY 2, 2007 TO GET THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK UPDATED 05/23/07. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2007
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH (DEACTIVATION SWITCH) HAS GONE BAD ON TWO (2) OCCASIONS SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER REPLACED IT AND I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED IT THE SECOND TIME. IS THIS COMMON AND IS THEIR A PROBLEM WITH THESE SWITCHES? *JB
Air bags, Apr 11, 2007
AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE 2004 FORD ESCAPE FLASHES OR STAYS ON. MY SUV HAS 71,000 MILES. *AK
Air bags, Apr 1, 2007
FOR THE 5TH TIME WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED AND REMAINED ON CONSTANTLY. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO SAME DEALER THAT HAS WORKED ON VEHICLE REPEATEDLY FOR SAME AIRBAG PROBLEM. PER DEALER, PERFORM SELF TEST ON RCM MODULE KOEO B1994. PINPOINT TEST FOUND AND REPLACED BOTH SIDE AIR BAG CONNECTOR ON HARNESS SIDE. CLEARED CODE AND RETEST OK AFTER REPAIR. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2007
AS I PULLED OFF I88 INTO A GAS STATION IN CHENANGO FORKS, NY, I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE. THE CAR FELT AS IF IT DID NOT WANT TO BRAKE AND WANTED TO SPEED UP. THE CAR "PULLED" ME AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE ENGINE STARTED TO "REV" AS IF SOMEONE HAD THEIR FOOT DOWN ON THE GAS. THE BRAKE GAVE AND I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS "STUCK", CREATING THE "REV". IT WAS NOT. I STARTED IT 3 MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME I DID IT WOULD "REV" LOUD . I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I WAS TOWED BY AAA TO COREYS NORTHGATE FORD/MAZDA IN BINGHAMTON , NY. THEY CHECKED IT OUT, DROVE IT, SAID IT WAS FINE. WAS THERE FROM 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. LEFT AT 12:00 PM VIA I-88.10 MINUTES PRIOR TO EXIT 23 (THE EXIT FOR ROUTE 30), I FELT THE CAR ACCELERATING W/O MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS ON CRUISE, AND CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE. I COULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND IT WOULD ACCELERATE. I HAD TO BRAKE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM GOING OVER 80 DOWN A HILL. BRAKING DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. I FELT VERY OUT OF CONTROL. I REACHED EXIT (ROUTE 30), PULLED OFF , TRIED TO BRAKE AND PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE CAR DID NOT WANT TO BRAKE AND WAS ACCELERATING. VERY SCARY. THE BRAKE "GAVE" ,THE CAR SLOWED DOWN. I PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL, PARK, AND TURNED IT OFF. VERY SCARY. I CALLED AAA (AGAIN) THEY TOWED ME TO AERO-FORD MERCURY - COBLESKILL, NY. GOT THERE AT 2:30 PM. WAS TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY WAS RUSTED, WATER WAS LEAKING IN. THIS MADE THE SEPARATOR NOT "SEAL" WELL, WHICH LEFT IT OPEN. WHEN IT IS OPEN, THE CAR ACCELERATES OUT OF CONTROL. THEY FOUND A CHUNK OF ICE WEDGED INTO THE SEPARATOR KEEPING IT OPEN. THEY SAID THIS IS UNUSUAL. ON 3-18-05 I BROUGHT MY CAR IN DUE TO THE RECALL & WAS GIVEN A NEW ACCELERATOR CABLE. WHAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS WHAT THE RECALL DESCRIBED WOULD HAPPEN WITH THE OLD CABLE. SCARY. THE 1ST SERVICE TEAM SHOULD NOT HAVE LET ME GO. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER THEY FIX IT TOMORROW I WILL STILL BE NERVOUS TO DRIVE. THE FIRST SERVICE TEAM LET ME GO AND SAID THE CAR WAS FINE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2007
ENGINE WOULD REMAIN AT FULL THROTTLE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. FOUND THAT THERE WERE PING PONG SIZE YELLOWISH ICE CHUNKS STUCK IN THROTTLE BODY KEEPING IT HELD OPEN. ALSO FOUND THAT THROTTLE BODY WAS SEVERELY ICED. REMOVED THROTTLE BODY AND REMOVED ICE AND CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. CONCERN HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WITHIN 9 DAYS. *JB
Suspension, Feb 5, 2007
MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A LOOSE WHEEL BEARING AT 21,500 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT I SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN ASKED WHY THIS WASN'T FOUND DURING A COMPLETE SUSPENSION CHECK 2 MONTHS PRIOR, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS DEFECT MAY NOT BE DETECTED UNTIL THERE WAS A FAILURE. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER WHEEL BEARINGS I WAS TOLD THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL EVENT. I HAVE SINCE DISCUSSED THIS WITH ENGINEERS FROM DETROIT AND WAS TOLD THESE WHEEL BEARINGS ARE A MAJOR WARRANTY PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY LOOSE CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING SHOULD OTHER BEARINGS BECOME LOOSE. SHOULD WHEEL BEARING BE REPLACED EVERY 20,000 MILES? *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 29, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT WAS ACCELERATING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH 47,000 MILES. THE CONTACT HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE REACHED 100 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OR NOISES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED AT THIS SPEED FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE. THE CONTACT KEPT APPLYING THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO 45 MPH. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE , AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AK UPDATED 01/29/07. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FORD ESCAPES JUST STALLS WHILE DRIVING, THERE ARE NO WARNINGS SIGNS. THE VEHICLE WILL JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WILL START BACK UP RIGHT AWAY. THIS STARTED HAPPENING DURING THE WEEK SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2006. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS ON 12/9/06 AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN AND THE DEALER CHANGED THE AIR CONTROL VALVE, AND THE CRANK SHAFT TIMING SENSOR. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD CONTACT THAT THEY HAD CONTAMINATED FUEL AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. THE STALLING OCCURS TWO OR THREE TIMES A DAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AGAIN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER, NO INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THIS FAILURE.
Visibility, Oct 11, 2006
2004 FORD ESCAPE REAR DEFOGGER WAS ON AND THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED THROWING GLASS EVERYWHERE. *NM
Equipment, Aug 18, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE ON MAY 13, 2004 WITH THE STANDARD 3-YEAR/ 36,000 MILES COVERAGE. ON THE JUNE 11, 2006 THE CD PLAYER STARTED GRINDING. IT GAVE ME A NON-DESCRIPT ERROR MESSAGE AND WHEN I TRIED TO EJECT THE CD IT WOULD NOT COMPLY. I WOULD ESTIMATE MY MILEAGE AT ABOUT 42,000 MILES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO STATED THAT SINCE MY MILEAGE WAS OVER 36,000 MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME, UNLESS I CHOSE TO PURCHASE A NEW CD PLAYER. IT NO LONGER WORKS. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE BBB AND MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER. SIMILAR PROBLEMS EXIST IN 2005 MODELS AND THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS INDICATES TO REPLACE IT ONLY IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, TELLING ME FORD HAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND IS HEDGING ITS BET THAT SOME PEOPLE WON'T FIGURE IT OUT BEFORE THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO DEACTIVATE WHEN PRESSURE WAS RELEASED FROM THE PEDAL, WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, BROKE TO A STOP AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A SERVICE DEALER AND INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPDATED 08/25/06. 8JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 50 MPH ON SMOOTH DRY PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRACTURED AND WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND THE HOUSING, WHICH CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THERE WAS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 04V574000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 9/15/2006 - THE CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PARTS IN HIS POSSESSION. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 14, 2006
2004 FORD ESCAPE, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *KB FRONT AND REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS PLUGGED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH. THE EGR VALVE HAD A HOLE IN IT. *NM
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 10, 2006
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FLASHES AS IT'S SUPPOSED TO AND THEN REMAINS ILLUMINATED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR INTO THE SHOP THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE CIRCUIT AND WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $100 JUST TO MOVE FORWARD AND MAY COST MORE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES AND IT FAILS AFTER BEING FIXED REPEATEDLY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE OR TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE CABLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE ORDERED PARTS ARE RECEIVED BY THE DEALER.
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS IN THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS REPLACED. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V574000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE CABLES HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2006
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE EVEN WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT STUCK AGAINST PEDAL. CAR CONTINUED TO DO SO. BROUGHT TO DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET BROKE CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STICK OPEN. *NM