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/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2015
DRIVING 25 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR THROTTLE STICKS AT 3 RPMS . I HAD TO RIDE BRAKE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, IDLE WENT UP TO 3 RPMS AND SLOWLY WENT TO 1 RPM I DROVE CAR HOME WITH NO PROBLEM. I STARTED CAR TODAY WITH IDLE STICKING ON 2 TO 3 RPM BEFORE GOING BACK TO 1.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jun 10, 2015
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
Service brakes, Jun 10, 2015
I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING SPOT WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE BRAKE LINE IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE RUBBER HOSE HAD DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR I FOUND THAT BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE NOW HAD APPROXIMATELY 137000 MILES. IT APPEARS THAT THE RUBBER BRAKE LINE HOSE HAD DETERIORATED ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS BOTH TIMES I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS AND HAD TO WORRY ABOUT INJURING THEM AND POTENTIALLY ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIMES THIS OCCURRED.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 6, 2015
RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK MOUNT WHICH WAS BOLTED TO IT FELL AND IS HANGING NEXT TO AND ON THE WHEEL ALONG WITH A BALL OF SHARP TWISTED METAL FROM THE WHEEL WELL. HEARD NOISES FROM BACK OF CAR PAST MONTH OR SO BUT THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. THEN WENT OVER POTHOLE AND LOUD BANG LIKE THE EXHAUST PIPE FELL AND WAS DRAGGING. THEN A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE METAL PIECE IS ABOUT TO PIERCE THE TIRE AND THE SHOCK ITSELF IS HANGING AND BANGING AGAINST TIRE. CAR IS UNDRIVABLE AND MAY BE UNFIXABLE IN THAT THE FIX WOULD BE WORTH MORE THAN THE CAR. I OF COURSE CAN NOT GET ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS SO WITHOUT A CAR NOW BECAUSE OF THIS. THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS SEEM FINE, NO RUST. THOUGH THERE IS A FEW RUST SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RUNNING BOARDS AND ONE OF THE DOORS (WHICH THERE SHOULD NOT BE IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANY RUST) TO HAVE THIS IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RUST ONLY IN ONE WELL TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OR THE PAINT JOB AT THE FACTORY. IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT IT COULD KILL SOMEONE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN AN SUV . THIS IS A DEFECT, NOT AGING. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THOUGH THE CAR IS 11 I HAVE LESS THAN 90,000 ON IT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TRASH THE CAR DUE TO BODY ROT AT 90,000. IF THIS WAS DUE TO AGING OR WEATHER ALL THE WHEEL WELLS WOULD BE LIKE THIS.
Wheels, Jun 3, 2015
FRONT TIRES NOW EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE WEAR AFTER THE LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH. RE-ENFORCED BRACE IN MAY 2014 RECALL DOES NOT HELP PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. STEERING PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN TURNING. THE CONTROL ARMS NEED REPLACED.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2015
VEHICLE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER PARKED OR DRIVING, WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER OR NOT. VEHICLE WILL "REV" IN PARK, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED SLIGHTLY, BUMPED OR MOVE. TWICE VEHICLE HAS "JUMPED" WHILE IN PARKED WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED. MAJOR ISSUE: DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN. THERE IS NO MANUAL LOCK ON THE DOORS, ONLY ELECTRONIC. NO PLACE FOR A KEY. PASSENGERS HAVE BEEN LOCKED INSIDE WITH NO WAY TO EXIT VEHICLE EXCEPT TO CLIMB OVER SEAT. WILL HAPPEN TO VARIOUS DOORS, MOST OFTEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, BUT NOT ALL DOORS AT THE SAME TIME (WE BELIEVE THIS MAY HAPPEN,) DOOR LOCK WILL CLICK 3 TIMES BUT WILL NOT UNLOCK.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, May 18, 2015
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE UPPER BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THIS PIECE BROKE LOOSE FROM THE REST OF THE BODY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND ALMOST CAUSED ME A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED JUST IN THIS DATABASE ALONE WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, RUST/CORROSION OF THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNTS TO THE BODY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO TOLD US THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY SEEN 4 OR 5 OTHER ESCAPES THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.
Suspension, May 11, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE BODY. CREATED SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL FORD PRODUCTS ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY FORD.
Suspension, Apr 30, 2015
CLUNKING NOISE AND ROUGH RIDE. FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK ESSENTIALLY DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST ASIDE FROM SMALL SURFACE RUST ON NON-PAINTED PIECES. SEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON WITH THESE ESCAPES, YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED DESPITE THE OBVIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Suspension, Apr 28, 2015
THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING WHERE THE SHOCK MOUNT IS LOCATED RUSTED AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE. LOOKING ONLINE THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THANK GOD I BROUGHT IT INTO MY MECHANIC BEFORE IT TORE MY TIRE APART. *TR
Structure, Apr 21, 2015
I WAS DRIVING AND THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS FALLING APART. WHEN I STOPPED AND LOOKED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND THE METAL PLATE THAT HOLDS THE SHOCK IN PLACE WAS HANGING AND BANGING AROUND. THE LEFT SIDE IS COMPLETELY INTACT. I TOOK IT TO CAUSEWAY COLLISION TO LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID ITS A DEFECT AND PROBABLY NOT FIXABLE. THE TRUCK HAS HIGH MILEAGE BUT RUNS GREAT. *TR
Structure, Apr 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE EMERGING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER STRAP MOUNT WAS RUSTED AND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED AND CREATED A BIG HOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE TOP STRESS MOUNT TO FALL DOWN. UPDATED 06/11/15*JB
Suspension, Apr 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AROUND THE SHOCKS AND CONTROL ARMS. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 7/7/15*CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN
Suspension, Apr 13, 2015
PROBLEM WITH RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED. WHEN DISCUSSING WITH MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL ESCAPES. JUST HAD THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AND WAS NEVER SEEN WHEN PURCHASING. WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT OF CHECKING WHEEL WELLS. SHOCK IS BARELY HANGING ON AND WAS TOLD IF DRIVEN CAN FLIP OVER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2015
THE CAR STALLS AFTER PUTTING IT IN GEAR / *TR
Structure, Apr 10, 2015
HAD BEEN NOTICING NOISES WHEN I DROVE OVER BUMPS AND ROUGH SURFACES COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HIT AN UNAVOIDABLE HOLE IN THE ROAD TODAY AND HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I PROCEEDED TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE WHERE MY BROTHER IN-LAW CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE STRUT/SHOCK HAD BROKE THROUGH THE HORRIBLY RUSTED WHEEL WELL AND WAS HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL COVER. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER HAD IT HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AGO WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO SEE IF IT CAN BE FIXED. IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE NO VEHICLE TO DRIVE AS IT IS NOT DRIVABLE. I SEE FROM NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS FORD NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ISSUE? I MAY HAVE TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT I AM NOT PREPARED TO DO. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT I FEEL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Engine, Apr 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE RPMS INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LAMPS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMED INTERMITTENTLY AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN
Structure, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2015
PASSENGER (RIGHT) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE STRUT TO DETACH. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Mar 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELTS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER INNER FENDER WELL CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CONNECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Air bags, Structure, Mar 30, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONTINUALLY ON FOR MANY YEARS - FEEL A SAFETY ISSUE I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE AIRBAGS NO CRASH REAR INNER FENDER WELLS RUST THROUGH ON 2004 FORD ESCAPE MODELS ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP- MANUFACTURER ISSUE - WOULD LIKE REPLACED - SAFETY ISSUE MY ENTIRE FAMILY OWNS FORD VEHICLES. MY FATHER RETIRED FROM FORD, CANTON, OHIO WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD TO BE FORD OWNERS. *TR
Engine, Mar 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A HESITATION WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED INDEPENDENTLY WITH A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AND THE ENTIRE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Suspension, Mar 23, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 ESCAPE WHEN I HEARD A RATTLING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE ENTIRE SHOCK TOWER HAS RUSTED OUT AND THERE IS A WHOLE IN THE WHEEL WELL. I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH FORD ON 2/23/15 AND TOLD THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. I TOLD THEM IT AMAZING THAT I CAN FIND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND YOU KNOW THING. ALSO TOLD THEM THAT THE LEFT SIDE SHOCK TOWER LOOKS GOOD. SO WHY IS THE RIGHT SIDE RUSTED OUT. SHE COULDN'T EXPLAIN IT. SHE SAYS SHE WILL TAKE THE COMPLAINT AND IT WILL ALSO GO TO NHTSA. WELL IT SEEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. YOUR COMPLAINTS SEEM TO BE VERY SIMILAR. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED. BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINES WENT IN MY VEHICLE AND THE MASTER CYLINDER COST ME $860. TO GET FIXED. WHICH I THINK WAS IN A RECALL THAT YOU HAD BUT FORD COMPANY DOESN'T HAVE THAT RECALL. SO KEEP RECEIPTS FORD SAYS TO GET REIMBURSED IF STUFF GETS RECALLED. PLEASE RECALL THE SHOCK TOWER ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR RUSTING OUT AND DRIVER SIDE IS OK. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. FORD COMPANY NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS EVEN THOUGH THE CLAIM THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 23, 2015
ORIGINAL OWNER, FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON PERIODICALLY, SOMETIMES FOR 1 DRIVE, SOMETIMES FOR DAYS AT A TIME THEN GO AWAY. THE LIGHT COMING ON AND GOING OFF WOULD HAPPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT DOESNT MATTER IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT, IVE CHECKED THE CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEAT AND IT IS FIRMLY SEATED. IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE ALSO HAD THE BATTERY, BRAKE AND NOW ABS LIGHT COME ON. IN JANUARY OF 2014 MY ALTERNATOR DIED AND I HAD IT REPLACED, IN JANUARY OF 2015 I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY. BATTERY LIGHT HAS SINCE GONE AWAY, BUT OTHER LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. BASED ON THE TYPE OF WORK I DO, IM CONVINCED THERE IS A SHORT OR BAD GROUND SOMEWHERE BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO BEGIN. FORD WANTS $160/ HR TO DIAGNOSE THIS. MY VEHICLE IS NOT ABUSED AND HAS ABOUT 110K MILES. SINCE THE WHOLE CAR IS BASED ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING FORD SHOULD LOOK AT, DIAGNOSE AND FIX. *TR
Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2015, crash
WAS DRIVING 25 MILES AN HOUR DOWN SMALL HILL, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKES AND THE CAR DIDN'T STOP IT FELT AS IF I WAS PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR LIKE WHEN PUSHING BUTTON! TO SPEED UP CRUISE CONTROL AND IT SLOWLY INCREASES SPEED. I SLAMMED BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKE AND WENT TO REACH FOR EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT NEVER MADE IT. I HIT THE OTHER CAR. LAST THING I REMEMBER IS HEARING METAL CRUNCH, THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER IS SMOKE, TOP OF MY HEAD ON LEFT SIDE HAIRLINE ACHED LOOKED IN MIRROR AND SAW BLOOD. STARTED LOOKING FOR MY PHONE ON THE DASH BUT IT WAS BROKEN.COULD HEAR SOMEONE TALKING, THEN PEOPLE WERE WALKING UP TO CAR. WHEN THE OFFICER GOT THERE HE ASKED WHAT I HIT MY HEAD ON I DIDN'T KNOW, HE ASKED IF I HAD MY SEATBELT ON I SAID YES. I TOLD HIM MY CAR WOULDN'T STOP. REALIZED WHEN E.M.T ASKED SAME QUESTION I KNEE I HAD IT ON BUT COULDN'T REMEMBER TAKING IT OFF, AND I TOLD HIM THAT. HE LOOKED AT CHEST DIDN'T SEE MARKS OR BRUISING, HE ASKED AGAIN IF I WAS SURE, I WAS SURE I PUT IT ON. AFTER CRASH, WHEN GOT TO TOW YARD NEXT DAY SAW MY SEAT BELT BROKE, I CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD WITH MY HEAD AND BROKE ALL UNDER STEERING WHEEL WITH MY KNEES...BUT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MUST HAVE BEEN AFTER I HIT EVERYTHING BECAUSE IT HIT ME IN THE ARM ONLY BASED ON THAT STINGING RED RAISED RASH THAT LATER BRUISED ON MY FOREARM, NO AIRBAG TO FACE INJURIES, JUST HIT TOP OF HEAD ON WINDSHIELD AND KNEES ON LOWER DASH UNDER STEERING WHEEL, BRUISING ON STOMACH LOWER ABDOMEN NEAR PELVIC BONE MAY HAVE BEEN STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR KEPT GOING FASTER BRAKES DIDN'T SLOW ME AT ALL WITNESS SAID AND MY SEATBELT LATCH IS IN PIECES, MY AIRBAG WENT OF LATE. MY BUMPER IS FOLDED LIKE A FLAT PIECE OF METAL ABOUT ONE INCH WIDE HIT IT PUSHING IT INTO MY RADIATOR. MY SUV WAS GOING 25 MILES AN HOUR, MY SUV BUMPER HIT A SMALL CAR BUMPER, THAT CAR WAS STOPPED. WHAT WENT WRONG? *TR