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.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2005, crash
I WAS IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, LOOKING FOR A PARKING PLACE,WENT DOWN ONE AISLE, TURNED LEFT TO AND STARTED UP THE NEXT AISLE. RIGHT AFTER I MADE THE TURN I PULLED INTO THE AISLES SECOND PARKING SPOT ON MY LEFT SIDE. I NEVER PICKED UP SPEED AFTER TURNING INTO THE AISLE. JUST AFTER I STARTED INTO THE PARKING SPOT MY CAR LITERALLY LUNGED FORWARD AND "TOOK OFF" ALL ON ITS OWN. (I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL)....I RUSHED TO PUSH DOWN ON THE BRAKE BUT BY THAT TIME MY CAR HAD ALREADY RUN UP ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR FACING ME FROM THE OTHER AISLE. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. I WAS TO STUNNED AT THE TIME TO KNOW NOW IF MY BRAKE STOPPED THE CAR OR IF THE CAR'S ACCELERATION STOPPED ON IT'S OWN ONCE IT WAS ON THE HOOD OF THE OTHER CAR. I AM SO THANKFUL NO ONE WAS INJURED AND HOW BAD THIS COULD HAVE BEEN IF I WAS STOPPING TO LET A PEDESTRIAN CROSS AND THIS HAPPENED AT THAT TIME. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 6, 2005
WITHIN 2 HOURS OF BUYING A NEW 2004 FORD ESCAPE AND AT 180 MILES THE THROTTLE STUCK ON THE HIGHWAY ACCELERATING ME TO NEARLY 90 MPH BEFORE I COULD SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL, GET IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. HAD THERE BEEN ANY CARS NEXT TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER TO BE FIXED, BUT I READ ON THE FORD MOTOR CO. WEB PAGE THERE IS A RECALL FOR ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. HOW/WHY CAN A DEALER SELL A CAR WITH A KNOWN DEFECT? I VERY EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2005
THE ENGINE STALLED AT 55 MPH, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECKUP FOUR TIMES, BUT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED 3 ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO PRESS A BUTTON WHENEVER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER INSTALLED A SPECIAL COMPUTER. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V574000/ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE OWNER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER ON 13 JAN 2005 REGARDING THIS RECALL. THE OWNER IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPOINTMENT. UPON ARRIVAL AND AFTER WAITING MOST OF THE DAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED THE OWNER THAT PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 13, 2005
ON FIVE (5) OCCASIONS OF FILLING UP MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE GAS TANK THERE HAS BEEN GAS SPILLAGE. GAS WILL COME FLYING BACK OUT OF THE TANK AFTER THE PUMP CUTS OFF. I TOOK THE ESCAPE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS CLOGGING OR IMPEDING THE FLOW OF GAS. I WAS TOLD NOT TO USE THE AUTOMATIC PUMP BECAUSE THE FLOW OF GAS MIGHT BE TOO FAST. I DO NOT USE THE AUTOMATIC PUMP ANYMORE AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. WHEN THE PUMP SITS IN THE OPENING FOR THE TANK THE PUMP IS AT AN UNEVEN LEVEL AND EVEN WHEN I PUMP SLOWLY SPILLAGE STILL OCCURS. (IT TAKES 5 MINUTES FOR ME TO GET 8 GALLONS OF GAS. I'VE TIMED IT.) THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS. I HAVE ALSO TALKED WITH ANOTHER OWNER OF A FORD ESCAPE AND HE/SHE DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE TO KEEP A FULL BOTTLE OF WATER IN MY CAR TO RINSE OFF THE SPILLED GAS BEFORE IT DRIES ON THE SIDE OF MY CAR. THIS IS AN ANNOYING PROBLEM AND I'M TIRED OF DEALING WITH IT. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 31, 2004
WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK, THE AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF WHEN THE TANK IS FULL DOES NOT FUNCTION. THIS LEADS TO EXCESS GAS SPILLING OUT. THIS HAS OCCURED AT NUMEROUS SELF-SERVE AND FULL SERVE GAS STATIONS INDICATING THAT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE PUMP BUT A PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN OF THE GAS TANK/INTAKE MECHANISM.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT INTERMITTENT STALLING AT LOW SPEED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED FROM A STOP POSITION OR COMING TO A STOP. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON EIGHT OCCASIONS, AND DEALER UNABLE TO RESOLVED / DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, Dec 4, 2004
I PURCHASED USED 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH 5650 MILES IN 8/04. IN SEPT04, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR UNLATCHED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN PARKING LOT. MY 13-YR-OLD SON WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AFTER I STOPPED THE VEHICLE, HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE DOOR HANDLE, AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. HE THEN TRIED UNLOCKING THE DOOR USING THE PWR DOOR CONTROL TO NO AVAIL. I THEN USED THE DRIVER SIDE PWR DOOR CONTROL TO LOCK/UNLOCK THE DOOR, AND DOOR STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. SUDDENLY THE DOOR LOOK CONTROL ON PASSENGER SIDE BEGAN LOCKING/UNLOCKING BY ITSELF. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. FIVE DAYS LATER ON 10/5/04, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. RETURNED VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP ADVISED BLINKING CODE 37. THEY RAN SELF TEST ON RCM MODULE. FAULT CODE IS B1998 (PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HIGH RESISTANCE). CODE WAS CLEARED & SELF TEST RE-RAN. THEY ALSO FLEXED WIRES AT CONNECTORS & FAULT DID NOT RETURN. ON 11/24/04, I RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN BECAUSE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE FOUND SAME FAULT CODE. DEALER FOUND OASIS MESSAGE 18280. FORD IS WORKING ON A FIX THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE AVAILABLE 4TH QUARTER 2004. DEALER CLEANED TERMINALS PER FORD INSTRUCTIONS & RE-TESTED. I ASKED SERVICE ADVISOR IF MY AIRBAGS WILL WORK, AND HE ADVISED HE DIDN'T KNOW. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK
Fuel system, Other, Oct 26, 2004
PURCHASED 2/04. HESITATION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST MONTH- FOUND NOTHING WRONG. CHNAGED OIL AT 5000K MILES, CHECKED AGAIN, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW HAS 7000K MILES, STILL HESITATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND HAS BEGUN NOT STARTING. TOWED TO DEALER, FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO WEAK PRESSURE. TWO DAYS LATER, WOULD NOT START AND HESITATING STILL. TOWED BACK AGAIN DID START, SMELLED BAD, BUT NO CODES OR PROBLEMS FOUND.*AK
Parking brake, Oct 25, 2004
1. USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE NORMALY THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 2. ON 10/21/2004 THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE BUTTON FELL DOWN INSIDE THE E-BRAKE HAND GRIP, HAD TO USE THE END OF A PEN TO GET THE E-BRAKE TO RELEASE.*AK 3. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, THEY TOOK IT APART, AND PUT THE BUTTON BACK UP WHERE IT SHOULD BE, AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT E-BRAKE ASSEMBLY, STILL HAVE OLD ASSEMBLY, THEY WEREN'T SURE WHY IT FELL DOWN AND BECAME STUCK.
Visibility, Oct 17, 2004
WINDSHIELD OF 2004 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY CRACKED FROM LOWER SEAL UP TO ABOUT 12 INCHES IN LENGTH. NO EVIDENT SIGN OF IMPACT TO THE GLASS, VEHICLE WASN'T EVEN ON THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 10, 2004
AFTER 5000 MILE SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDE INSPECTING BRAKES AND ROTATING TIRES. I STARTED HEARING SOUND FROM THE REAR BRAKE WHILE APPLYING. THE NOISE WAS A TYPE OF THUMP WHICH SEEM TO CATCH ON THE DRUM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. MECHANIC RODE WITH ME AND DID HEAR NOISE. SAID THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE DRUM BRAKE WAS CATCHING. DEALER MACHINED DRUMS AND TAPERED ENDS OF REAR SHOES. NOISE WAS FIXED BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. *NM
Power train, Oct 8, 2004
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAD ITS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BREAK AT 40,00 MILES. IT HAD TO BE REPAIRED 3 MORE TIMES WITHIN THE YEAR,THE THIRD TIME AFTER HAVING THE RECALL FOR THE STALLING PROBLEM. THERE WAS A SEAM WELD BROKEN IN CLUTCH DRUM IN 2ND REPAIR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2004
VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY DIFFICULT TO START AFTER SITTING ALL DAY (I.E. 8 HOUR WORK DAY). IT WILL CRANK, BUT WILL NOT CATCH. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HAS TAKEN UP TO 4 TIMES TO START. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND SUGGESTED CHECKING TSBS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED EVERYTIME IT' S BEEN USED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2004
ONGOING MUSTY MILDEW ODOR FROM VENTS AND A/C UNIT. HAVE BROUGHT IT FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. AFTER DRIVING IN THE CAR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, I FEEL ILL AND HAVE SLIGHT DIFFICULTY BREATHING. *AK
Seats, Apr 6, 2004
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE CAUSES SEVERE BACK PAIN AFTER 15-20 MINUTES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BECAUSE CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE SEAT CREATES A DISTRACTION. *LA
Power train, Mar 24, 2004
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT FREEWAY SPEED. NO ACCIDENT, INJURIES, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE A '04, FORD, ESCAPE, 2WD, AUTO, HAD 5,104 MILES AND WAS LESS THAN 90 DAYS OLD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHICH PROMPTLY REPLACED DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE. TOTAL TIME REQUIRED WAS (6) WORKING DAYS. MOST OF THE REQUIRED TIME WAS WAITING FOR THE DELIVERY OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP REPORTED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE "PLANETARY BEARING". THE "NEEDLE BEARINGS" IN THE "PLANETARY BEARING" HAD FAILED. THEY DISINTEGRATED. SMALL METAL FRAGMENTS WORKED THROUGH OUT THE TRANSMISSION, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE INTERNAL DAMAGE. TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. ALL COSTS FOR TOWING, REPAIR, AND LOANER WERE PAID BY FORD MOTOR CO. REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED BY DICK MASHETER - FORD AND THEY DID A GOOD JOB. I DID REQUEST A 3YR, 36,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS DENIED. I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY OF 3 YR, 36,00 MILES; BUT I WANTED THE CLOCK RESET FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS WOULD HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION TO 41,104 MILES. A SINGLE FAILURE MAY HAPPEN, SINCE WE DON'T LIVE IN A PERFECT WORLD. I'M FILING A COMPLAINT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES, SO THE NHTSA MAY TRACK THIS TYPE OF FAILURE AND PERHAPS DETERMINE IF IT REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND/OR A RECALL. *NM
Power train, Mar 16, 2004
MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE ROLLS BACKWARD WHEN IN DRIVE ON AN INCLINE (MODERATE TO STEEP). THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Mar 3, 2004
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. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. *AK *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2004
WHILE BEING OPERATED ON AN EXPRESSWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL COULD NO LONGER BE CONTROLLED AND REMAINED IN AN OPEN AND HIGH SPEED POSITION. *PH (NAR) *CB
Tires, Jan 7, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A FLAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER PARKED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, DISCOVERED THAT REAR RIGHT TIRE COLLAPSED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THAT THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED WHICH CAUSED IT TO COLLAPSE. *AK THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS PROBABLY PUNCTURED BEFORE THE SIDEWALL COLLAPSED, BUT THE SIDEWALL SHOULD NOT HAVE EVER COLLAPSED. *SC
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 30, 2003
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT ON 12/8/03. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE VEHICLE PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT, AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. ON 12/17/03, THE LEFT REAR POWER WINDOW HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT WENT INTO SERVICE AND THE ELECTRICAL SHORT WAS REPAIRED. ON 12/19/03 WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO SERVICE FOR THE PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY TRIED AN ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT FOR 400-600 MILES TO SEE IF IT CORRECTS ITSELF. ON 12/22/03 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM; AS I DID NOT FEEL THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT WAS A PROPER SOLUTION. THE SERVICE TRIED THE ALIGNMENT AGAIN, TRIED TO ROTATE THE TIRES, CHANGING THE TIRES, BUT NOTHING CORRECTED THE VEHICLE FROM PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY CONTACTED FORD WHO ADVISED THAT THE TROUBLE MAY BE THE STEERING RACK. ON 12/26/2003 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPT, AND THEY PUT ON A NEW STEERING RACK, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE NEW 2004 WITH NOW 600 MILES ON IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY WILL HAVE A FORD ENGINEER COME OUT TO SEE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD SALESMAN THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AND THE SALES MANAGER ON MY CONCERNS ON BUYING A NEW VEHICLE WITH THESE ISSUES RIGHT FROM THE START. THEY INFORMED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNTIL THE FORD ENGINEER COMES TO CHECK THE VEHICLE OUT. OUR CONCERN NOW IS THAT THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT FOR UNKNOWN REASON THAT THE FORD SERVICE EXPERTS CANNOT FIGURE OUT, THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURING WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 42 MILES ON IT.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO ACCELERATE FROM 60 MPH TO 70 MPH. WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND REMAINED THERE UNTIL I REACHED A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 110 MPH. I ATTEMPTED TO PUMP THE PEDAL TO UNSTICK IT AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP WAS TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND DEPRESS THE BRAKE STRONGLY. EVEN AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE PEDAL REMAINED DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THIS WAS A HERTZ RENTAL CAR SO I DON'T HAVE INFORMATION ON IT OTHER THAN THE REGISTRATION. MO757KFR. *AK