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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER WERE REPLACED. THREE DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE BEING DRIVEN 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Air bags, Jan 31, 2006
(1) NORMAL DRIVING TO WORK & SCHOOL. (2) WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY TO WORK APPROX 70 MPH, AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR 3RD TIME. (3) RETURNED VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER WITH FOLLOWING RESULTS: PERFORM SELF TEST ON RCM MODULE KOEO B1881. PINPOINT TEST FOUND HIGH RESISTANCE ON PASSENGER SIDE PRETENSIONER. REMOVE BOTH FROM SEAT & REPLACED PRETENSIONER CONNECTORS PER TSB 05-17-11. CLEARED CODE & RETEST OK AFTER REPAIR. *JB
Air bags, Jan 27, 2006
(1) I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER DAY. VEHICLE IS USED PRIMARILY FOR DRIVING TO WORK AND TRANSPORTING CHILDREN TO SCHOOL & ACTIVITIES. (2) ON 12/6/05, I RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR 2ND TIME DUE TO AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING. (3) PER DEALER DESCRIPTION: PERFORMED SELF TEST ON RCM MODULE KOEO B1998. PINPOINT TEST FOUND HIGH RESISTANCE IN SIDE AIR BAG HARNESS. REPLACED CONNECTOR UNDER PASSENGER SEAT PER TSB 04-26-12. CLEARED CODE & RETEST OKAY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 24, 2006
PREMATURE FAILURE, EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. VEHICLE SERVICED BY TREBOUR FORD EVERY 5,000 MILES ACCORDING TO SERVICE SCHEDULE. AT THIS VISIT, INFORMED THAT BRAKE PADS WERE CLOSE TO NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NORMAL AND UNDERSTANDABLE. HOWEVER, WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE BEYOND THE POINT OF BEING USED FURTHER. THEY WERE WORN SO BADLY THAT THEY COULD NOT BE MACHINED EVEN ONCE. MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT BRAKE ROTORS WHEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND HAS 34,917 MILES WHICH HAS BEEN PRIMARILY HIGHWAY USAGE. THE NEED FOR BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT AT THIS POINT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT TIME OF PRODUCTION.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 29, 2005
2004 FORD ESCAPE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THEREFORE THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. *NM
Back over prevention, Nov 24, 2005
1. I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT MY BACK UP ALARM SENSORS. I HAVE HAD ABOUT 5 INCIDENTS IN WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED FALSE POSITIVES WHEN NOTHING IS BEHIND ME. AT WORK WHILE BACKING OUT, THE SYSTEM WILL SOUND AND GO CRAZY. 2. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THIS MALFUNCTION TO DATE. I JUST DO NOT TRUST THE PRODUCT THAT WAS PURCHASED WITH MY CAR 3. I TOOK MY CAR TO MOSSY FORD IN SAN DIEGO ON OCTOBER 18, 2005. MADE THE COMPLAINT AND THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT GOOD. I HAVE NOTICED ONE THING IN COMMON WITH ALL FIVE OF MY INCIDENTS, I HAVE BEEN AROUND NEXTEL CELLULAR PHONE TOWERS. IN MY WORK PARKING LOT WE HAVE A NEXTEL CELL TOWER AND THIS IS WHERE THE SYSTEM SEEM TO BE UNRELIABLE. ALSO AT A PLACE OF BUSINESS THAT I FREQUENT THERE IS A CELL SITE DOWN THE STREET. I DID SEE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON YOUR WEB SITE WITH THIS TYPE OF COMPLAINT. IT IS SERVICE BULLETIN NUM : 04262 DATE OF BULLETIN: MAR 07, 2005 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10014671.*JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 11, 2005
THE HOOD ON OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH 36,758 MILES ON IT UNLATCHED AND FLEW UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD ON OCT 25, 2005 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A SOCCER GAME. THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, AND THERE WAS NO RATTLING OR OTHER SIGNS THAT THE HOOD LATCH HAD BEEN POPPED FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY TO WORK. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES, JUST DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY A BODY SHOP FOR $695.02 (THE LATCH WAS ALSO REPLACED). IT TOOK TWO WEEKS TO REPAIR DUE TO THE HOOD BEING ON BACKORDER FROM FORD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THIS TWO WEEK PERIOD. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE DAMAGED HOOD, AND THE OLD LATCH IS IN OUR POSSESSION. A LETTER IS BEING SENT TO FORD, WITH A CC. GOING TO NHTSA AS WELL. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2005
BRAKES SCREECH, SQUEAL, AND FEEL JERKY. ALSO WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD A DISTANCE OF FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES. MY BOYFRIEND, JODY, IS AN ATTORNEY. HE SAYS THAT ON OCCASION WHEN HE HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED FORWARD AFTER HE PUT IT IN PARK, AND TOUCHED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. HE ALSO REPORTED THAT MY VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES IN THE WAL-MART PARKING LOT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE FRONT END BEING BURIED UP AGAINST A HEDGE OF TALL THICKLY WOVEN (WEAVED[?] BUSHY LIMBS WHICH SCRAPED AND SCRATCHED MY FRONT END. ANYWAY, THE PAINT IS NOW SCRATCHED AND PEELING ON THE LOWER PART OF THE FRONT END, WHERE THE "CLADDING" IS PAINTED, AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE METAL HOOD.*JB
Power train, Oct 18, 2005
CAME OUT OF PARK WHILE I WAS PUMPING GAS AND ROLLED INTO THE STORE . ( ABOUT 35 FEET ). *NM
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2005
CONSUMER 2004 FORD ESCAPE STALLED AT SLOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS AWARDED A REPURCHASE OF HER 2004 FORD ESCAPE AFTER ARBITRATION DUE TO THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NM
Steering, Sep 7, 2005
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING NO MORE THAN 30 MPH ON CITY STREETS, I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 8/11/05 WHILE I WAS 207 MILES AWAY FROM HOME ON VACATION. I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST POWER STEERING. IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER, BUT I MANAGED TO EASE TO THE RIGHT HAND LANE. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. ONCE TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET, I PLACED CAR IN PARK AND STARTED TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING LEFT & RIGHT UNTIL I FELT THE POWER STEERING RETURN. I STOPPED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE TRIP HOME. DEALER ONLY LOOKED UNDER HOOD TO CHECK FLUID AND LOOK FOR ANY OBVIOUS PROBLEM. NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND, AND WE MADE IT HOME SAFELY. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS 9/6/05, SAME SITUATION. I LOST POWER STEERING AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. I MANAGED TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF STREET AGAIN, PLACED CAR IN PARK, TRIED TURNING STEERING WHEEL UNTIL I FELT POWER STEERING RETURN. DROVE TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ONCE AGAIN FOUND NO PROBLEM AFTER CHECKING WIRING, PRESSURE PUMP, POWER STEERING RACK, & MODULE. NOTHING WAS REPLACED. I VOICED MY CONCERN TO SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THIS WAS 2ND OCCASION AND FORTUNATELY I WASN'T ON FREEWAY OR NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME THESE TWO TIMES. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY THE NEXT TIME. I ALSO ASKED SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT JUST REPLACING PARTS SINCE CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM, AND HE ADVISED FORD DOESN'T ALLOW THEM TO DO THAT SINCE THEY DIDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. THIS IS THE 2ND FORD/MERCURY VEHICLE THAT HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT WE ARE SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2005
2004 FORD ESCAPE DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR STICKING.*MR PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION, THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A STICKING GAS LINKAGE CABLE. RECALL#04V5774000 *JB
Tires, Aug 12, 2005
DT: CONSUMER HAS 26,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE ORIGINAL TIRES ARE ON THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES ARE HYDRO PLANNING. HE CALLED THE TIRE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. THEY TOLD HIM THAT ONE TIRE WAS SLIGHTLY CUPPING ,AND ANOTHER WAS WEARING OUT. CONSUMER WAS NOT TOLD WHICH TIRES THESE WERE. CONSUMER ROTATED TIRES EVERY 2,500 MILES. THIS PROBLEM STARTED DURING A RAIN STORM GOING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH LAST WEEK.*AK *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING AND PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO FREE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE PLASTIC SHIELD CAUSED THE PEDAL TO STICK. . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER AS OF YET.*AK
Structure, May 29, 2005, crash, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM HAVING A FEW DRINKS WITH MY FRIENDS, A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND ALTHOUGH I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, I COULDN'T STOP QUICK ENOUGH TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER AND SMASHING IN THE GRILL OF MY NEW CAR. WHEN THE STATE PATROL ARRIVED, THEY GAVE ME A TICKET FOR SPEEDING AND AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS NOT SPEEDING WHEN I HIT THE DEER, (I HAD GOTTEN THE SPEED DOWN TO ABOUT 60MPH AT IMPACT) THEY THEN WANTED ME TO TAKE A ALCOHOL IMPAIRED TEST WHICH I NATURALLY DECLINED BECAUSE I WASN'T IMPAIRED. I ONLY HAD JUST A FEW DRINKS AND MAYBE SOME BEER & WINE AT DINNER AND MAYBE 2 DRINKS BEFORE I LEFT TO GO HOME. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO ARREST ME LIKE A COMMON CROOK AND TOOK ME TO JAIL, WHERE I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT. ANYWAYS, MY INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX MY NEW CAR AND NOW THE CAR COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX IT ALSO. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK. IF IT HAD BEEN MADE GOOD, IT WOULDN'T HAVE SUSTAINED ALL THAT DAMAGE FROM HITTING A LOUSY DEER. WHILE TRYING TO FIX THE DAMAGE MYSELF, MY FRIEND [XXX] PUT SOME GAS ON THE GRILL AND LIT IT TO SOFTEN UP THE PLASTIC JUNK THEY MADE THE GRILL OUT OF, SO WE COULD BEND IT BACK TOGETHER AND J.B. WELD IT. WELL, [XXX] GOT SOME OF THE HOT MELTED PLASTIC ON HIM AND IT BURNED LIKE [XXX] AND HE JUMPED UP AND KNOCKED OVER THE JAR WITH GAS IN IT AND THE WHOLE PLACE WENT UP IN FLAMES. MY CAR NOT ONLY BURNED, BUT MY GARAGE WENT UP IN SMOKE TOO. NOW THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS TELLING ME THAT THEY WON'T PAY THE CLAIM FOR THE GARAGE OR THE CAR CAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE ARSON FOR PROFIT. HOW IN THE [XXX] CAN I PROFIT FROM LOSING MY CAR AND GARAGE. [XXX] PISSED, AND HAS THREATENED TO SUE ME CAUSE HE GOT BURNED AND THINKS HE SHOULD GET SOME OF THE INSURANCE MONEY I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET SINCE HE'S THE ONE THAT STARTED THE FIRE. SHOULDN'T I BE SUING HIM? ANYWAY, IF THE [XXX] CAR HAD BEEN MADE GOOD, I WOULDN'T BE IN THIS FIX. NOW I HAVEN'T GOT ANYTHING TO DRIVE AND NO PLACE TO PARK IT IF I DID. THIS REALLY SUCKS. IS THERE ANYONE I CAN SUE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 21, 2005
IN NOVEMBER OF '03 I BOUGHT THE ESCAPE. NO PROBLEMS ALL WINTER. LAST WINTER OF '04-'05 I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START UP RIGHT AWAY. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS THE WINTER GAS AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER BRINGING IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, THEY FINALLY GOT IT TO DUPLICATE. THEY REPLACED THE OXYGEN CELLINODE. UNFORTUNETLY THE PROBLEM JUST CAME BACK
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2005
I WAS DRIVING IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE AND CHANGING LANES. AS I HAD MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE PEDAL STUCK. I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP I WAS ON A CROWDED EXPRESSWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A SPEED THAT EXCEEDED THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I FRANTICALLY HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK, WAS SERVICED AND STILL THE VEHICLE FAILED!
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 6, 2005
THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 04V602000/LATCH/LOCKS/DOORS. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RAN BY THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED; BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER. THE DEALER CONTACTED FORD, AND WAS TOLD NOT TO PERFORM THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *SC *JB
Visibility, Apr 4, 2005
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THEY SHUT DOWN.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2005
WENT TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON OUR ACCELORATOR STUCK AND WE CONTINUED TO PICK UP SPEED. UNABLE TO STOP CAR. BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE BY EVENTUALLY SLOWING ENOUGH TO THROW INTO PARK. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER INDICATED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COULD NOT PROVIDE REASON FOR CABLE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS 33000 MILES.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2005, fire
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE LAST YEAR, AND WE HAVE JUST LOST THE VEHICLE TO A FIRE. UNFORTUNATELY, MY ENTIRE 5,000 SQ. FT. BARN IS TOTALLY DESTROYED AS WELL, AND I NEARLY LOST MY HOME. SHE PARKS HER ESCAPE IN AN OPENING IN OUR DETACHED BARN TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE WEATHER. ON THE MORNING OF 3/5/05 (4:45 AM), I WOKE TO A GLOW IN THE WINDOW, FINDING THAT MY BARN WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED THE FIRE, THE FLAMES WERE CONTAINED TO THE AREA OF THE BARN WHERE HER ESCAPE WAS PARKED. THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY, AND WE LOST THE STRUCTURE AND THE ESCAPE. LOCAL FIRE INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING AT THE ESCAPE AS THE CAUSE OF FIRE. THEY BELIEVE THE WIRING MAY HAVE IGNITED WHILE SITTING IDLE (NOT RUNNING). I FOUND MANY INSTANCES ON THE INTERNET WHERE SOME FORD MODELS HAVE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SITTING IDLE, BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY REFERENCE TO THE ESCAPE. CAN YOU ADVISE IF YOU HAVE HISTORY OF SUCH FIRES WITH THE ESCAPE? I APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN PROVIDE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BEGIN AN INVESTIGATION TOMORROW, AND I AM TRYING TO COLLECT AS MUCH INFORMATION ON SPONTANEOUS FIRES ON FORD PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY THE ESCAPE.*JB *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 7, 2005
AS MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE TURNED 25,000 MILES, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BRAKE PADS. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS ALSO VERY LOW. THE BRAKE SHOP MANAGER STATED THAT IT IS EXTREMELY UNUSUAL FOR ROTORS TO BE REPLACED AT 25,000 MILES. UPON INVESTIGATING OTHER SIMILAR CLAIMS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES, IT APPEARS THAT FORD MOTOR CO. HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS MODELS FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO ONE COMPLAINT WEBSITE, FORD MOTOR CO. WAS SUBJECT TO A CLASS ACTION BY FORD CONSUMERS IN 2003 REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF WARPED ROTORS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND OTHER BRAKE ISSUES. I'D CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP, AND THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IF THE BRAKE PROBLEM OCCURED WITHIN THE 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE PERIOD, IT WOULD BE COVERED; OTHERWISE, IT WAS MY FINANCIAL PROBLEM. SINCE FORD MOTOR CO.HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE INFERIOR BRAKE PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO INSTALL THE INFERIOR ROTORS ON THEIR NEW VEHICLES, WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER CONTINUE TO HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS EVERY YEAR OR 25,000 MILES? ACCORDING TO THE BRAKE SPECIALISTS, ROTORS GENERALLY ARE REPLACED BETWEEN 60,000 - 85,000 MILES, AND NOT 25,000, UNLESS THERE IS A DEFECT IN PRODUCT.*AK
Visibility, Mar 2, 2005
MY WIFE AND I WERE COMMUTING HOME WHEN THE REAR WINDSHIELD IN OUR 2004 ESCAPE SHATTERED ON ITS OWN; WE WERE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED US IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SAYING, "WELL...YOU GUYS MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING OR SOMETHING MUST HAVE HIT IT BECAUSE GLASS JUST DOESN'T SHATTER LIKE THAT." UPON FURTHER INSISTANCE THAT IT DOES, THE DEALER STILL REFUSED TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY AND WE CAN'T BELIEVE THIS REPAIR ISN'T COVERED (WE JUST PASSED THE 12,000 MILE MARK).*AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 25, 2005
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AT TIMES, THE HEADLIGHTS CUT ON AND OFF. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. *NM
Air bags, Feb 24, 2005
2004 ESCAPE WILL NOT START. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES FOR IT NOT STARTING AND THEY SAY THAT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT AND TO LET THE PROBLEM GET A "LITTLE WORSE" AND MAYBE THEY CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN WARM WEATHER AND COLD WEATHER. I CONTACTED FORD'S CONSUMER TELEPHONE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALER CANNOT FIND ANY CODES SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT. JUST BECAUSE A COMPUTER CAN'T TELL THE MECHANIC HOW TO DO THEIR JOB DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. FORD OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME A CAR RENTAL SO II COULD LEAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER AGAIN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME SO THEY CAN TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. I DO NOT HAVE EXTRA MONEY LAYING AROUND FOR A RENTAL SO THEY CAN HAVE MY CAR AGAIN FOR SERVICE AND THEN HAVE TO WAIT FOR A REIMBURSEMENT. THIS VEHICLE STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND HESITATES. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE AND I BELIEVE I HAVE A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *NM