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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 499

Of the 2004 reports, 29 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernSuspension154 reports · 31% of complaints
Owner complaints499Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Suspension154
  2. Structure138
  3. Vehicle speed control98
  4. Air bags45
  5. Wheels34
  6. Electrical system31
  7. Engine31
  8. Service brakes30

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  1. Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2018

    WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, CAR PULLS SIDEWAVS. GOT CHECKED OUT. THEY FOUND EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON ENGINE CRADLE AND STEERING COMPONENTS WERE LOOSE AND AFFECTED BY EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON ENGINE CRADLE. STABILIZER ROD IS ALMOST READY TO FALL OFF. THEY ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL ALL COMPONENTS ARE REPAIRED. STEERING IS ERRATIC AND TIRES SQUEAL WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT.THERE IS A RECALL FOR 386,000 OF THESE VEHICLES IN ROAD SALT STATES. WE LIVE IN ONE OF THEM, MICHIGAN. WHEN FORD PUT THE CAR ON THE RACK, THEY SAID SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG: THAT THE WHEELS WERE BOWED OUT.BOUGHT CAR FROM FORD AFTER A 3-YEAR LEASE WAS OVER. NO PROBLEMS TIL NOW. THE CAR IS NOW 14 YEARS OLD, MILEAGE IS APPRX. 128,000.

  2. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 14, 2018, fire

    THE VEHICLE WAS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. IT WAS PARKED ON THE STREET, EVERYTHING WAS TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. I WAS IN WORK WHEN I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. NOTHING WAS ON TO START THIS FIRE, IT HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY. THE FIRE SEEMS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE DRIVERS SIDE ENGINE BAY. PREVIOUS TO THIS INCIDENT, THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE.

  3. Steering, Aug 22, 2018

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE I HAD NO STEERING TRUCK WAS SHIMMYING ALL OVER THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO GET IT SLOWED DOWN AND UNDER CONTROL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT SLOWLY OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WAS ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. IT HAS NO STEERING WAS LOOKING UNDERNEATH OF TRUCK AND THE FRAME IS ROTTED ALL AROUND WHERE THE RECALL PART WAS PUT IN.

  4. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2018, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE LEGS AND WAS UNCONSCIOUS. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS RECEIVED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FRONT PASSENGER AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INQUIRED ABOUT ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

  5. Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2018

    ON DECEMBER 2, 2016 I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD ESCAPE FROM CAR HOP IN TACOMA, WA. WITH A $ 800 DOLLAR DOWN PAYMENT.AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS THE CAR STARTED OVERHEATING. HAD IT FLUSHED. SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. STARTED AGAIN IN FEB OF 2017. TOOK IT INTO A SHOP OF CAR HOPS AND THEY SAID IT WAS WATER PUMP. WENT BACK TO HAVE REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THEY NO LONGER WORKED WITH CAR HOP. I NEED MY CAR FOR WORK I AM A CAREGIVER SO MY CAR IS NEEDED. WELL I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A SHOP TOWARDS THE END OF MAY OF THIS YEAR, THE SHOP WAS A AND M AUTOMOTIVE. I PAIDED 533.69 TO GET WATER PUMP PUT IN. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. STILL OVER HEATING THEY SAID IT WAS A HEAD GASKET AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE CAR TOWED BACK HOME SET THERE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND HALF. ON JUNE 7TH HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MEINEKE, BECAUSE CAR HOP WORKS WITH THEM. IN THE MIST OF ALL THIS FROM THE START I CALLED CAR HOP AND TOLD THEM TO COME GET THE CAR I WAS NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT RUN. THIS IT TOOK 3 OR 4 TIMES TO GET TO THEM BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT COMMUNICATE. I WAS 130 LATE FROM MY MAY 15TH PAYMENT. THY KEPT ASKING FOR THAT NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT REPAIRS. FINALLY, AFTER A WEEK THEY HAD MT TOW THE CAR TO MEINEKE ON JUNE 7TH. WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 48 HOURS TO GET AN ESTIMATE. WELL AFTER 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THEY STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ESTIMATE BUT CONTINUED ASKING FOR THE 130 AND STILL HAVE NOT APPLIED THE 533 TO MY ACCOUNT. CALLED AGAIN AFTER 2 DAYS SAME THING. ON JUNE 18TH I CALLED MEINEKE AND GOT ESTIMATE WITHIN 15 MINS. I EMAILED IT TO CAR HOP, NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY NOT APPLYING THE 533 AND DID NOT DECIDE WHAT TO DO. PLUS, THEY ARE SAYING THEY WON'T HELP BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THEY KNEW THIS FROM THE DAY I TOLD THEM TO COME GET IT. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HELP GET FIXED. I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING BUT LIE AFTER LIE, POOR POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME

  6. Suspension, Structure, Jun 7, 2018

    I AM A MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN WHOM I USE MY FORD TO DRIVE TO SCHOOL, I ALSO DEPEND ON IT TO GET ME TO WORK THREE WEEKS AGO I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK MY CHILDREN PRESENT IN CAR WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE BACK OF MY SUV I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK OUT THE VEHICLE NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG SO I RESUMED DRIVING FROM THAT DAY WHEN I DROVE THE CAR THERE WAS A CLANKING SOUND IN THE CABIN IT SOUNDED LIKE ONE OF MY DOORS WASN'T SHUT ALL THE WAY WHEN THEY WERE ALL SHUT. I HAD MY FATHER INSPECT MY FORD AND HE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. THE SUVS RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD POPPED THREW THE PLASTIC CASING IN THE REAR OF MY SUV DUE TO THE ENTIRE MOUNT AND WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I CAN'T AFORD TO GET IT FIXED AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I NEED HELP. THANK YOU.

  7. Power train, Apr 29, 2018

    DRIVING DON HIGHWAY MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND STOPPED ACCELERATING. MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION SPIT OUT MY AXLES AND WOULD NOT HOLD THEM IN.

  8. Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2018

    IT SEEMS ONE DAY I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON. IT IS USUALLY ON CONSTANTLY OR BLINKING. I AM NOT SURE WHY IT STAYS ON. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE AIRBAGS ON THIS SITE. I WISH I KNEW THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO PURCHASING THIS CAR. I ALSO JUST RECENTLY HAD THE HOOD RELEASE CABLE BREAK ON ME. CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DON'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE. GREAT! WONDERFUL! WHEN I WENT TO THE PARTS STORE THE COUNTER PERSON SAID THAT THIS WAS THE 5TH FORD HOOD RELEASE THAT THEY HAD PEOPLE LOOKING FOR IN LESS THAN A MONTH. IS THERE SOME KIND OF RECALL FOR THE HOOD RELEASE CABLE? SHOULD THERE BE??

  9. Suspension, Feb 26, 2018

    I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET,BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE STEERING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. ALMOST LIKE A FLAT TIRE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE RIGHT FRONT SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN CLOSED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. MILEAGE IS AT 95000. WROTE TO CUSTOMER CARE FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD AGAIN THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 14V-165.

  10. Structure, Feb 21, 2018

    CPSC:ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THE SHOCK CASING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND MY SHOCK MOUNT IS NO LONGER ATTATCHED TO MY VEHICLE. *DT *JS

  11. Structure, Feb 18, 2018

    PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING AWAY. SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS IN TREMENDOUS JEOPARDY. I HAVE LOOKED AT DOZENS OF SIMILAR MODEL YEAR ESCAPES THIS WEEKEND, INCLUDING ONE I OWN, AND THEY ARE ALL FINE. A REVIEW OF THE INTERNET SHOWS I AM NOT ALONE THOUGH. THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT TO DO?

  12. Engine, Jan 24, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

  13. Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2018

    THE BACK LATCH TO THE WIDOWS FELL OFF. NOT SAFE! WAS NOT MOVING, PARKED.

  14. Engine, Jan 12, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (DON'S FORD, 5712 HORATIO ST, UTICA, NY 13502) AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AT 1-800-392-3673 AND GOT THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM BEFORE THE CALL DISCONNECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

  15. Structure, Oct 15, 2017

    THE TWO HINGES HOLDING THE REAR WINDOW TO THE TAILGATE ARE BADLY CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE METAL BOLTS HAVE FAILED AND THE REAR WINDOW IS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD FALL OFF DURING NORMAL DRIVING.

  16. Service brakes, Oct 12, 2017

    ON 916/17, WE WERE JUST GETTING OFF THE ENTRANCE ONTO ROUTE 276, EAST BOUND, NORTH OF PHILLY. I WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE AND MERGE WITH TRAFFIC WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN. I THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WITH THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER WE WERE TOWED A MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO LIFT THE PEDAL AFTER DETANGLING IT FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL (STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL) IN 2015. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL AND IT WAS REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER ON 6/1/15. THE RECALL NOTICE # IS 12S37/NHTSA RECALL 12V-353 I DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO SCAN A REPAIR BILL, WHICH AMOUNTED TO A MECHANIC TYING THE CABLE UP OUT OF THE WAY OF THE PEDAL

  17. Suspension, Structure, Oct 6, 2017

    REAR PASSENGER INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT AND SHOCK TO COME DISCONNECTED. THE SHOCK NOW HAS NOTHING TO CONNECT TO.

  18. Air bags, Sep 18, 2017

    MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE JUST REACHED 120,000 MILES AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, THEY SAID IT WAS SEAT BELT PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST $400-$500 TO FIX IT. SO I DECIDED TO GET A SECOND OPINION & I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC THAT DOES ALL MY REPAIRS TO SEE WHAT HE WOULD SAY. HE PUT IT ON COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT SHOWED UP AND IT SAYS SIDE AIRBAG OPEN CIRCUIT. I CALLED DEALER TO SEE WHY THEY SAID IT WAS SEAT BELT ISSUE AND DEALER SAID THEY GET A LOT OF OLDER ESCAPES IN WITH AIRBAG LIGHTS AND ITS USUALLY JUST SEAT BELT ISSUE. I PERSONALLY DON'T TRUST THE DEALER NEAR ME BUT DON'T WANT TO DRIVE 1 HR AWAY TO ANOTHER DEALER. MY MECHANIC IS DOING RESEARCH FOR ME. I TRUST HIM BEFORE THE DEALER. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS ISSUES THE AIRBAGS IN THE 2004 FORD ESCAPE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION SO A RECALL CAN TAKE AFFECT. HOPEFULLY NO ONE GETS IN AN ACCIDENT AND GETS HURT OR KILLED BC OF THIS ISSUE.

  19. Suspension, Structure, Sep 8, 2017

    THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AND HANGS FREELY. HAD IT INSPECTED AT A LOCAL GARAGE AND WAS INFORMED THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE, AND THAT A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD'VE BEEN PUT IN PLACE DUE TO THE ROUTINE FAILURES OF THIS PART. I'M NOW FORCED TO DRIVE A DANGEROUS VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK AND RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES.

  20. Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 28, 2017

    NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V16500. LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOSE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING. IT MAY BE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION FOR THE LOSE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE UNDERNEATH BRACKET.

  21. Structure, Aug 22, 2017

    CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ENGINE CRADLE ASSEMBLY. IT COMPLETELY RUSTED APART ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO COME LOOSE. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN IT CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE ESCAPE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY THERE WAS PLENTY OF SHOULDER ON THE RURAL ROAD AND NO ONE WAS HURT. HAD THIS BEEN IN TRAFFIC, AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN INEVITABLE. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE - NO HELP, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, WELL MAINTAINED WITH ON 70K MILES. NOTHING ELSE IS RUSTED. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART. MORE DISTURBING IS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL 14S04 BACK IN 2014. ALL THAT WAS DONE WAS TO ADD REINFORCEMENT CROSS BRACE IF RUST WAS PRESENT. THIS DID NOT ADDRESS THE DEFECTIVE PART, NOR, DID THE FORD DEALER NOTIFY US OF THE RUSTING PART WHICH WAS DESTINE TO FAIL. BASED ON THIS TYPE OF PRODUCT SUPPORT AND CONCERN FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY, WE WILL BE LOOKING ELSEWHERE FOR VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE.

  22. Suspension, Aug 20, 2017

    THE REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND NOT SAFE TO PUT 2 CHILDREN IN AND DRIVE AROUND AS THE SUSPENSION MOUNT IS JUST DANGLING AROUND UNDERNEATH AND I CAN SEE THE BACK SPEAKER! WHY HAS FORD NOT INCLUDED ALL ESCAPE VEHICLES FROM 2004 IN THEIR RECALL? THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE !

  23. Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2017

    DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT FOURTY FIVE MILES PER HOUR I PUSHED THE GAS TO GO UP A HILL AND LOST ALL POWER TO THE ENGINE. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ENGINE AND IT PICKED UP ENOUGH SPEED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER BEING TOWED HOME IT WOULD CRANK BUT IF YOU MOVED SHIFTER KNOB OR PRESSED GAS IT WOUKD DIE OUT.

  24. Suspension, Aug 4, 2017

    DRIVER'S SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO COLLAPSE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. JUST AN HOUR BEFORE WE HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY. FORTUNATELY DUE TO THE LOW SPEED NO MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRED AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACE AT A LOCAL FIRESTONE STORE.

  25. Structure, Jul 20, 2017

    2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT SUB-FRAME CROSSBRACE CORROSION SEPARATION OF LOWER CONTROL ARM RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *M UPDATED 07/20/2017*JS