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.
Suspension, Wheels, Nov 15, 2014
A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN A DIRT ROAD AND I STARTED TO HEAR A BUMPING NOISE TOWARDS THE BACK OF MY CAR, ONLY WHEN I WHEN OVER BUMPS. I FIGURED IT WAS JUST GEAR IN MY TRUNK MAKING THE NOISE AND I WAS GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT LATER, BUT IT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE ANYTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. YESTERDAY I FINALLY GOT ALL MY IGNITION COILS FIXED AFTER SOME TROUBLE WITH THE MECHANICS DOING IT WRONG ORIGINALLY. WHEN I LEFT HE TOLD ME I MAY HAVE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM, BUT THAT IT IS NOT LIKELY TO BE A PROBLEM ASIDE FROM THE ANNOYINGNESS OF IT. WHEN I GOT HOME I DECIDED TO HAVE A LOOK AROUND MY CAR AND AFTER DISCOVERING THAT IT DID NOT HAVE TO DO WITH MY TRUNK I LOOKED UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AND SAW THAT THE SUSPENSION MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF AND HAD BOUNCING AROUND AS I DROVE. IT WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED, AND AFTER GOODLING THIS I SAW THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS VERY UNSAFE, AND MOST LIKELY TO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR A FEW WEEKS WITH NO IDEA OF THE DANGER THAT IT COULD CAUSE. THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT BUT I FEEL THAT WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THE SEVERITY OF IT, FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 15, 2014
DRIVING AND SOUNDS LIKE A SQUARE BOWLING BALL IS ROLLING AROUND IN BACK. LOOK TO FIND A RUSTY MESS FROM SHOCK MOUNT GOING THROUGH WHEEL WELL. ASKED AROUND AND SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM. THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T FAR FROM HOME. VERY DANGEROUS, WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED YET! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 15, 2014
ON THREE PREVIOUS OCCASIONS THROTTLE STUCK ON HIGH WHEN STOPPED OR IN PARK WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. AFTER GOOGLING INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE CAUSES I FOUND A COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED WITH THIS ISSUE. FORD ACKNOWLEDGED RECALL NUMBER 12S37. WHEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SATURDAY MORNING 11/15/2014 WITH THIS NUMBER THEY WHERE UNAWARE,AND FOUND NO REFERENCE THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ASSIST. *TR
Air bags, Oct 25, 2014
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FLASHES AS IT'S SUPPOSED TO AND THEN REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THIS DEFECT WAS PRESENT AND KNOWN ABOUT LONG BEFORE THE 2013 MODEL RECALL. INCLUDE EARLIER YEAR ESCAPES IN THE AIRBAG RECALL--WE ARE STILL DRIVING THEM. *TR
Suspension, Oct 21, 2014
WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE TO GET IT LOOKED AT BECAUSE EVERY TIME WE HIT A BUMP THERE WAS A LOUD THUD SOUND IN THE BACK RIGHT. WE FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL OF OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE CORROSION HAS CAUSED A MAJOR SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND IT'S BEEN DEEMED UNDRIVABLE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT NO MECHANIC OR BODY SHOP WILL ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A LIABILITY ISSUE IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN THEY WOULD BE AT FAULT. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN PERFECT CONDITION, BUT BECAUSE OF ONE AWFUL DEFECT ALL WE CAN DO IS SELL IT FOR PARTS. *TR
Suspension, Oct 19, 2014
NOTICED A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. FOUND THAT REAR SHOCK TOWER HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND SHOCK WAS RUBBING ON TIRE. *TR
Structure, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Structure, Sep 29, 2014
RUNNING BOARD RUSTED AND FELL OFF. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Sep 25, 2014
THE RIGHTSIDE OF MY WHEELWELL WAS ROTTED OUT ALONG WITH THE FLOOR AROUND IT THAT HELD THE WHEEL WELL THE SHOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE WHEEL WELL THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS A WELL KNOWN PART TO BE REPLACED. SO I ASKED WHY WAS IT NOT A RECALL ON IT NO ANSWER COULD HE GIVE ME. I WAS GETTING A BURNING SMELL FROM MY EXHAUST (MUFFLER FUMES) AS I DROVE HOME MANY TIMES I FELT MYSELF GETTING SLEEPY AS I DROVE ON TO GET TO MY DESTINATION I PRAYED TOGET SAFELY THERE LITTLE DID I KNOW I WAS GETTING FUMES IN MY CAR THAT CAUSED THIS. I HAVE DRIVEN WITH MY YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IN THIS CAR MY QUESTION IS IF THE FORD DEALERSHIP KNEW OF THIS TO BE A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WHY DID THEY NOT RECALL IT I ONLY THANK THE LORD THAT IT DID NOT KILL ME OR MY GRANDCHILDREN. ALSO IT PAST INSPECTION A YEAR AGO HOW COULD THEY HAVE NOT SEEN WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THIS AREA. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF IT AND IT WAS EVEN WORST THEN THE PICTURES I HAVE SEEN ONLINE PROOF ONE MORE TIME THAT GOD IS ALWAYS ON YOURSIDE IF YOU BELIEVE EVERYONE ELSE PLEASE CHECK YOUR WHEEL WELL GOD BLESS! *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Sep 20, 2014
LOUD RATTLE THEN GRINDING NOISE. WHEN I PULLED OVER I HAD TO REMOVE THE SHOCK MOUNT WHICH WAS JAMMED BETWEEN THE CAR AND MY TIRE. THE SHOCK HAS NOW POPPED THROUGH THE PLASTIC. THIS IS MY ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE OTHER SIDE IS RUSTED OUT AS WELL. IN ADDITION, WHEN DAMP OUT, THE #5 PLUG IS MISSING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER. TOTAL ESTIMATED TUNE UP REPAIR CLOSE TO $400. DURING THE PAST YEAR TYROD, BRAKES & ROTORS, WHEEL BEARING, BRAKE HOSES, POWER STEERING, RADIO STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS SHUT OFF UNLESS FUSE IS PULLED. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT 70000 IN 2011. HAVE TO TAKE THE LOSS. FORD SHOULD REFUND FOR THIS DEFECT. THE MOUND IS NOT RUSTED, JUST THE WHEEL WELLS IT IS ATTACHED TO. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Sep 17, 2014
VEHICLE BROUGHT INTO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND WAS ROTTED CONSIDERABLY. A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM WAS SENT TO THE CUSTOMER AND CUSTOMER TOOK INTO BRIGHT FORD, INC FOR THE RECALL. REPAIR WAS DONE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND RETURNED TO CUSTOMER MAY 16, 2004. THREE MONTHS LATER WE AGAIN HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ROTTED OFF OF THE CRADLE AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE ONLY MOUNTED BY THE REAR BOLT. THIS CAR IS CONSIDERED A HAZARD TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOVEMENT NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY STEERING. BRIGHTON FORD ON THEIR INVOICE #19744, FOUND THE FRONT SUB FRMAE RUSTING THROUGH ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. SENT QUOTE FOR NEW SUB-FRAME AND WERE DENIED AND THEY WERE TOLD TO PUT THIS CROSS BRACE ON THE VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME AND BRIGHTON FORD SAYS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE REPAIR. THIS WAS NOT A SAFE REPAIR AND KNOWINGLY TOLD CUSTOMER THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Suspension, Sep 17, 2014
VEHICLE BROUGHT INTO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND WAS ROTTED CONSIDERABLY. A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM WAS SENT TO THE CUSTOMER AND CUSTOMER TOOK INTO BRIGHT FORD, INC FOR THE RECALL. REPAIR WAS DONE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND RETURNED TO CUSTOMER MAY 16, 2004. THREE MONTHS LATER WE AGAIN HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ROTTED OFF OF THE CRADLE AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE ONLY MOUNTED BY THE REAR BOLT. THIS CAR IS CONSIDERED A HAZARD TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOVEMENT NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY STEERING. BRIGHTON FORD ON THEIR INVOICE #19744, FOUND THE FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTING THROUGH ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. SENT QUOTE FOR NEW SUB-FRAME AND WERE DENIED AND THEY WERE TOLD TO PUT THIS CROSS BRACE ON THE VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME AND BRIGHTON FORD SAYS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE REPAIR. THIS WAS NOT A SAFE REPAIR AND KNOWINGLY TOLD CUSTOMER THAT IT WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Power train, Sep 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 12, 2014
NOTICED LOUD RATTLE, KNOCKING IN REAR OF TRUCK. STOPPED TO HAVE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. DISCOVERED SEVERE EROSION IN REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MECHANISM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON FOR 2004-05 ESCAPES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Sep 9, 2014
ON A TRIP TO UPPER PENINSULA, MICHIGAN THIS PAST WEEK WE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE, A NEAR CATASTROPHIC EVENT AS THE PIECE BROKE. WE WERE IN GRAYLING, MICHIGAN AND WERE STOPPED NEAR AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDER WHO SHOWED US THE DAMAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO FIND A USED PART. THE ONE HE FOUND HAD THE EXACT SAME RUST AND BREAK AS OURS AND THUS HE ORDERED A NEW ONE FROM FORD. IN THE MEANTIME WE WERE FORCED TO RENT A CAR AND CONTINUE ON TO OUR VACATION DESTINATION. AFTER WE RETURNED HOME I LEARNED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES FOR JUST SUCH A FAILURE. I TOOK THE CAR AND THE BROKEN CROSSBRACE TO MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD IN ALEXANDRIA, KY WHERE THE WARRANTY OFFICER INFORMED ME THAT OUR ESCAPE WAS NOT PART OF THE FACTORY RECALL. SHE WAS ABLE TO TELL ME WHY AND WAS VERY HELPFUL ALTHOUGH CLEAR THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE ARGUMENT WAS PRESENTED THAT THE FAILED PART IN THE RECALL WAS MADE BY A PARTICULAR MANUFACTURER AND USED IN CERTAIN PLANTS OR VEHICLES. I GET THE POINT BUT I HAVE A CAR THAT FAILED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND PRESENTED THE SAME RISK OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT WE NARROWLY AVOIDED BY LUCK. THE REPAIR REPLACEMENT COST OVER $1000 PLUS LABOR. I BELIEVE VEHICLES LIKE MINE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. OUR FRONT WHEEL COULD HAVE TOTALLY COLLAPSED WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Suspension, Sep 8, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTING OUT SO THAT THE SHOCK TO BREAK LOOSE. I WAS TOLD IT'S UNSAFE BY SEVERAL MECHANICS/BODY SHOPS TO DRIVE. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE TO TRANSPORT MY THREE CHILDREN AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A CHEAP FIX. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR WORSE!!! *TR
Suspension, Sep 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. ARRIVED HOME TO INSPECT THE AREA OF CONCERN. FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL WELL DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUSTING. THIS ALLOWED THE SHOCK TO TRAVEL UPWARD STRIKING THE PLASTIC INTERIOR TRIM PANEL. THIS VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT UNTIL TWO YEARS AGO. IT ALSO PASSED STATE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS NINE MONTHS AGO. I AM NOT A MECHANICAL ENGINEER. HOWEVER, I DO NOT BELIEVE A CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENT SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO SHEET METAL THAT IS PRONE TO RUST. I HAVE TAKEN THE TIME AND MADE THE EFFORT TO INSPECT SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS AND FIND THAT THEIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS CONNECTED TO A SOLID COMPONENT OF THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS AN ENGINEERED DESIGN FLAW OF A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT THAT POSSIBLY COULD RESULT IN UNSAFE HANDLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. WITH ONLY ONE REAR SHOCK ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE AN UNCONTROLLABLE REAR SWAY COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ROLL OVER. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE, WHICH GIVEN KNOWN STATISTICS IS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF ACTUAL CASES, I DO REQUEST A RECALL TO BE MADE. *TR
Suspension, Sep 5, 2014
THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED THROUGH AND THE SHOCK HAS COME THROUGH THE PLASTIC MOULDING. THE CAR DRIVES BUT IS UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Sep 2, 2014
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE AND STARTED HEARING A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. UPON INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL OVER THE SHOCK TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED OVER THE SHOCK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD AND SEEN THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND OTHER YEARS OF ESCAPES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP IN MY AREA THEY INFORMED ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. BUT WHEN I CONTACTED 3 LOCAL FORD DEALERS THEY ALL CLAIMED TO HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE. AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME A HUNDRED DOLLARS JUST TO LOOK AT IT. I AM TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE IN THIS CONDITION. AND THAT IN MOST CASES CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. AFTER DOING MUCH RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED FORD AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL MADE ON THIS AS I CAN SEE THIS BEING A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AND IS GOING TO BE A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB IF IT IS EVEN REPAIRABLE. I HAVE PHOTOS BUT AM NOT SURE HOW TO ATTACH THEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STEERING) BUT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Aug 20, 2014
AFTER INVESTIGATING A LOUD NOISE. I FOUND OUT THAT MY RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED OUT AND MAKING THE NOISE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY FIX THAT FORDS SHOULD HAVE DO DO AS A RECALL. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS. IF THIS PART BREAKS WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT OR WORSE. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS PROBLEM AND AS A SAFETY ISSUE. RECALL THIS PROBLEM WITH FORDS. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABRUPTLY AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND NOTICED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT WAS BURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, IT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Structure, Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SHOCK AND TOWER WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND PENETRATED THE SUBFRAME AND FLOOR INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COVERED WITH RUST CAUSING THE SHOCKS TO FAIL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Suspension, Aug 6, 2014
WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE CAME FROM BACK OF THE CAR. HE STOP , PULL OVER AND TAKE A LOOK TO SEE WHAT HAPPENING AND WHEN HE LOOK IN TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL HE SEE IT WAS DAMAGED BADLY . HE MADE APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CAR TO FORD DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT . THEY CHECKED IT AND TOLD HIM THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SHOCK MOUNT AND NO LONGER ATTACH TO THE CAR, THEY TOLD HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE BAD ACCIDENT AND VERY DANGEROUS . HE ASKED THEM ABOUT THE CORROSION RECALL WHICH I GOT A LETTER FROM FORD BUT THEY SAID THE RECALL IS FOR A CORROSION WITH THE SUB FRAME WHERE IT CONNECT TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM MY CAR HAVING . THEY TOLD HIM IT WILL COST ABOUT $3000 TO HAVE IT REPAIR . I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS , THE CAR ONLY 10 YEARS OLD . I CHECK ON LINE TO SEE ANYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME ISSUE I COULD NOT BELIEVED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT ABOUT SAME ISSUE AND IT CAUGHT MY EYES THAT MOST PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM AT THE SAME PERIOD OF 10 YEARS . I WANT TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORCE FORD TO HAVE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED OR HURT . FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR QUALITY IF THEY ARE TRYING TO HIDE THIS PROBLEM THEY SHOULD BE PUNISH TO THE EXTEND OF THE LAW. *TR