2004 Ford Escape

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 499 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Ford Escape years to avoid. Which Ford Escape years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
108,001 milesMedian miles at failure

426 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Ford Escape problems

101 of the 499 complaints (20%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension96
000
Structure › Body · body and frame84
200
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration56
1327
Air Bags · airbags35
413
Engine17
030
Electrical System16
040
Steering14
100
Service Brakes · brakes14
212
Power Train · transmission12
000
Wheels11
000

2004 Ford Escape body and frame problems

20% of all complaints

101 of the 499 complaints are about the body and frame. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks11% · 11

Share of the 101 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
123,000 mi
median of 89 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
22 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 1 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
“The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock mount tower, which is only now connected to the rear floor panel.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 30, 2021
“As with all other postings the rear passenger wheel well has completely rusted out.and the car started making very loud clunking noises. I do not know the exact moment the wheel well completely degraded. The repair shop said it is not repairable. So we are just now out a car. I just spent way too long chatting with someone from FORD who gave me a postal address to send a complaint to.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 19, 2019 at 165,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'032004: 17 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2005: 26 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'052006: 15 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2007: 20 complaints, 1 about the body and frame'072008: 14 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2009: 18 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'092010: 21 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2011: 10 complaints, 3 about the body and frame'112012: 32 complaints, 4 about the body and frame2013: 37 complaints, 10 about the body and frame'132014: 96 complaints, 22 about the body and frame2015: 84 complaints, 20 about the body and frame'152016: 42 complaints, 18 about the body and frame2017: 26 complaints, 10 about the body and frame'172018: 17 complaints, 5 about the body and frame2019: 7 complaints, 3 about the body and frame'192020: 3 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2021: 5 complaints, 2 about the body and frame'212022: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2023: 2 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'232024: 2 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frameRecall 04V574000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 04V602000 (door locks and latches)Recall 07E023000 (brakes)Recall 07V156000 (brakes)Recall 12V353000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 14V165000 (body and frame)Recall 15E045000 (suspension)Recall 15V606000 (transmission)NHTSA investigation DP12005NHTSA investigation AQ10001NHTSA investigation EA10002NHTSA investigation RQ09002NHTSA investigation DP09003
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 Escape peaked in 2014, with 96 filed that year. Owners had filed 24 complaints about the body and frame before the first recall that covers it, 14V165000 in April 2014; 77 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift15V606000
Filed Sep 29, 201557 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing15E045000
Filed Jun 3, 2015576 vehiclesTimken Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Structure › Frame and Members14V165000
Filed Apr 2, 2014348,950 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables12V353000
Filed Jul 26, 2012529,719 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module07V156000
Filed Apr 10, 2007446,460 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch04V602000
Filed Dec 20, 2004262,113 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables04V574000
Filed Dec 7, 2004470,245 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

Risk. AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 2004 Escape.

Cruise Control CableDefect petition DP12005Closed
Opened Jul 17, 2012Closed Jul 17, 2012throttle and acceleration

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned NHTSA to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certain Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles.The petitions to open investigations are denied as unnecessary and the petitions to conduct hearingsare denied.ODI IDs referenced above …

Stuck ThrottlePreliminary evaluation PE12019Closed
Opened Jul 17, 2012Closed Feb 21, 2013Led to recall 12V353000throttle and acceleration

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed (cruise) control.A redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in MY 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the …

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditAudit query AQ10001Closed
Opened Nov 18, 2010Closed Dec 28, 2015unknown or other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of …

Engine Compartment FireEngineering analysis EA10002Closed
Opened Jan 14, 2010Closed Feb 29, 2012Led to recall 12V005000brakes

Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRERecall query RQ09002Closed
Opened Apr 15, 2009Closed Jan 15, 2010brakes

In letters dated march 30, 2007, FORD motor company (FORD) and mazda north american operations (mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v-156 and 07v-157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 FORD escape and mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject components, which shall be repaired or replaced only if necessary.if the subject vehicle passes the visual inspection then the recall instructs the technician to apply electrical …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREDefect petition DP09003Closed
Opened Apr 14, 2009Closed Apr 15, 2009brakes

The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated march 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v-156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 FORD escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07v156 - a fact later corroborated by the petitioner.circumstances of the fire experienced in the petitioner's remedied vehicle indicate that the remedy was ineffective.additional review by odi …

Technical service bulletins

47 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Escape. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 9engine 8electrical system 6seat belts 4airbags 3visibility 3steering 3body and frame 2
16-0071Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2016body and frame

2001-2004 Escape vehicles Safety Recall 14S02 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm (LCA) from the subframe may occur. Separation of the LCA from the subframe may result in diminished vehicle directional control, …

042513Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 27, 2004body and frame

SERVICEABILITY OF INSTRUMENT PANEL REGISTER VENTS. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 3, 2026CA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where other recall repairs were performed; however, the contact was advised that parts for NHSTA Campaign: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); were no longer being manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

StructureCrash
Filed Apr 2, 2024217,000 milesMO

The contact owned a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact's son stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and rolled. The contact stated that her son had gone unconscious and did not remember any details. The contact arrived at the scene and saw that the vehicle had rolled into a ditch. The contact stated that the vehicle had been rolled back over onto its four wheels. The contact noted that none of the air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the police were on the scene but had not issued a report. The contact drove her son to a local hospital where he received stitches to close a cut over his left eye on his forehead. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was not aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure). The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.

Service Brakes2 injured
Filed Jan 22, 2024IL

A few times I have pressed the brakes when coming to a red light and stop signs But instead of my vehicle stopping it propelled me forward as it excellerated out of no where and pushed me into oncoming traffic, I almost was hit by other cars and I almost hit other cars and even have had to swerve onto the side walk to prevent myself from getting g hit by another car. If there were people walking, I would have definitely hit them! When I press the brake, I’m not expecting to accelerate instead Also apparently this recall of this issue was already done back in 2005 but i just purchased this vehicle in the fall of 2023 And the dealer says there is no recall since it’s already been fixed by the previous owner years ago But it needs to be fixed as it’s still doing it to me

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2023IA

Brake master cylinder is leaking brake fluid I read about a previous recall not sure if it pertains to my model but it leaks everytime I push my brake pedal

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 22, 2023SC

UNKNOWN

Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2022FL

I have a 2004 Ford Escape which I absolutely love knocking on the door of almost 300,000 miles. Go Ford. But lately my airbag light blinks and my escape beeps 5 times every 8 seconds or so and then it repeats itself with a total of 20 beeps. After the beeping is finished my airbag light stays illuminated. When I checked online what it means it says a defective airbag. It is intermittent or when I am on long trips.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 4, 2022160,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and started to smell fuel in the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and noticed the fuel tank straps were corroded and had caused the fuel tank to detach from the vehicle. The contact stated he manually taped the fuel tank straps and drove to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA ID Number: 10183774, however his year, make and model were not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 30, 2021IA

The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock mount tower, which is only now connected to the rear floor panel. Without the support of the rest of the body panel, the metal is slowing ripping away where it is connected to the floor if it is driven. The vehicle is completely unsafe to drive now as the rear shock could rip away from the vehicle at any moment. There have been many complaints of this happening on the rear passenger side, which I also had on this vehicle. Roughly 5 years ago, I had an independent auto body shop repair rust on the passenger side shock mount/body panel where it had rusted through. I noticed a hole in the body panel when changing the rear shocks, but it was not large enough or bad enough at that point to create a safety issue. So, I had time to safety get it to an auto body shop for repair before it got bad. This same issue has now happened on the driver side and I am left with a car that is unsafe to drive. When the other side was repaired, there was no sign of rust or concern on the other side. So, it has completely rusted through in that 5-year time frame. I inquired about repairing this with an auto body shop, and I was told that the rust is too significant to repair safely and cost effectively. It

Electrical System
Filed Oct 8, 2021GA

There seems to be a wiring grounding problem. I have had to replace multiple alternators over the length of time that I've had this vehicle. Whenever I have to use my windshield wipers during mid to heavy rain, along with lights, and heat/ac. The next day my alternator doesn't respond properly and generally will not run. After checking batteries, replacing batteries, blown fuses, I still end up having to get a new alternator. Which last until I back in the same situation. This car has completely shutoff while driving on the interstate and in traffic. The cigarette lighters do not work properly either; therefore I'm not able to charge my phone or use navigation systems.

Steering
Filed Jun 28, 2021OH

After experiencing steering issues with this vehicle I had it inspected by a mechanic and was told the sub frame was rusted out. my research indicated repairs may be covered under a recall for this issue but found no recalls for this vin. the problem is exactly as described on the Ford web site yet this vehicle is not covered. was curious as to whether there is something that could be done.

Steering
Filed May 28, 2021CO

In an attempt t improve the safety and drivability of m 2004 ford escape I went to have my shocks, struts, control arms, sway bar end links and ball joints and steering arms replaced. upon the installation I was informed that the rust on the sub frame is at a critical level and in danger of catastrophic failure. I did some research and found that the recall on the sub frame existed. however my local dealership denied that this recall existed for my vehicle. I was able to get the majority of the parts installed but there is issues with the threads inside the subframe that the hardware attaching the suspension components to the vehicle. I am reading that the "fix" for this recall is installing a support brace but do not fee that is an acceptable repair as the wheels may literally fall off of the car taking the front suspension with them as they go.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 29, 2021FL

THE WHOLE UNDERBODY IS RUSTING AWAY ESPECIALLY THE FRAME, COULDN'T EVEN GET REGULAR MAINTENCE DONE SINCE THE RUST SO BAD. WE ALWAYS WASHED THE UNDERBODY AFTER IT SNOWED AND THAT DIDN'T STOP THE RUST FROM EATING AWAY THE SUV. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY YEAR BUT WHEN I DO A VIN CHECK IT SAYS NO RECALL OPEN FOR MY VEHICLE. I HAD TO GET A WINDOW PUT IN HAD 4 DIFFERENT COMPANIES COME OUT TILL I COULD GET SOME ONE WILLING TO PUT IT IN SINCE THEY WHERE SCARED OF THE PINCH WHEEL FROM BEING SO RUSTY. THE FRAME IS SO BAD YOU CAN SEE THROUGH IT, I SCARED IT GOING TO BREAK AND LEAVE ME STRANDED OR WORSE IN A CAR ACCIDENT!

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 2020180,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ASHEVILLE FORD LOCATED AT (611 BREVARD RD ASHEVILLE NC 28806 828 253 2731) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2020109,000 milesRI

COLLEGE AGE DAUGHTER RECEIVED A CAR FROM GRANDPARENTS, 2004 FOR ESCAPE GARAGED ITS ENTIRE LIFE. RECEIVED AT 88,000 MILES. OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, NOTICED A BANGING IN TRUNK AREA. REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER MOUNTING AREA HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK IS "FLOATING" IN PLACE. CAR CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 109,000 MILES ON IT! IF THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM AS WE HAVE SEEN, THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AND SOMETHING THIS DETRIMENTAL SHOULD BE ISSUED A RECALL!!! CURRENTLY TRYING TO WEIGH OPTIONS AS THE REST OF THE VEHICLE RUNS GREAT, ENGINE IS STRONG, BUT THE COST TO REPAIR (IF WE CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL) ALMOST EQUALS THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR! NOW I HAVE A COMMUTING COLLEGE STUDENT WITH ONLY A PART TIME JOB WHO WILL NEED A CAR! SHAME ON YOU FORD FOR NOT STEPPING UP TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT! WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT POTENTIAL LAWSUITS BECAUSE AS MENTIONED THIS CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY ENCLOSED AND STORED IN A GARAGE ALL ITS LIFE AND WAS ONLY DRIVEN BY HER GRANDMOTHER TO RUN OUT TO LOCAL STORES, ETC. SHAME!

Steering
Filed Feb 24, 2020140,200 milesIL

JUST BOUGHT MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE K FRAME FRONT PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT RUSTED OUT EXACTLY THE WAY IT IS DESCRIBED IN RECALL CODE 14S02 AND MY CAR VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR LOWER CONTROL ARM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Aug 9, 201985,500 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HOUSING WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,500.

Suspension
Filed Jun 12, 2019133,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT A USED SUBFRAME WOULD BE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JACK MADDEN FORD (825 BOSTON-PROVIDENCE TURNPIKE, NORWOOD, MA 02062, (781) 762-4200) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND ADVISED HER TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 19, 2019165,000 milesMN

AS WITH ALL OTHER POSTINGS THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISES. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT MOMENT THE WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY DEGRADED. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. SO WE ARE JUST NOW OUT A CAR. I JUST SPENT WAY TOO LONG CHATTING WITH SOMEONE FROM FORD WHO GAVE ME A POSTAL ADDRESS TO SEND A COMPLAINT TO. I THINK EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD THE ISSUE SHOULD SEND A COMPLAINT. MAIL: FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER, P.O. BOX 6248, DEARBORN, MI 48126, I AM ALSO CONSIDERING HIRING A LAWYER. I THINK THIS IS JUST WRONG. MY SON IS A COLLEGE STUDENT AND LEFT WITHOUT A CAR WHEN THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS THE SERVICE THAT FORD WANTS TO PROVIDE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE LAWSUIT PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. THIS IS INSANE THAT THEY HAVE ADMITTED THE ISSUE, RECALLED THE FRONT END, CAME UP WITH AN INFERIOR SOLUTION AND NOW ARE GOING TO JUST SAY THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. THEY AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD BUY PEOPLES ESCAPES FOR THE VALUE THEY WOULD BE WORTH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 5, 2019120,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE REAR DRIVE AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL TO DETACH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. A POLICE OFFICER ASSISTED WITH MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH QUICK LANE AT APPLE FORD LINCOLN (8800 STANFORD BLVD, COLUMBIA, MD 21045, (410) 290-1100) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2019140,000 milesMI

VEHICLE WAS U ABLE TO CONTROL,CONSTANT ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION AND IDLE KEPT GETTING STUCK,SPEED UP ON ITS OWN AND WAS UNABLE STOP WITHOUT THROWING CAR IN PARK WHILE DRIVING

Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2019MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED BOMMARITO FORD (675 DUNN RD, HAZELWOOD, MO 63042, (314) 895-0600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 18, 201995,000 milesWI

RECENTLY PURCHASED CAR, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSTICS SCAN SHOWS 2ND CYLINDER MISFIRE, IGNITION COIL FAULTY. WENT ONLINE TO CHECK COMMON ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL..IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MOST 04 ESCAPES. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS FOR WHEEL WELL RUST..UPON INSPECTION, MINE TOO IS CORRODED AND THE SHOCK IS COMING THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD IN THE HATCH. I HEARD NOISES WHILE DRIVING BUT HADN'T INSPECTED IT UNTIL NOW, AS I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE. THE CORRODED SPOTS WERE CONCEALED UNDER THE CARPET. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY PHOTOS ARE TOO LARGE TO UPLOAD.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Dec 10, 2018230,000 milesNY

ON THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018, I PARKED MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LTD IN A PARKING-LOT AND WENT INTO MY OFFICE. WITHIN ONE HOUR, A FIRE BEGAN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 20, 2018128,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED DUE TO SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS AND NOTICED THAT A HUGE CHUNK ON THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND CORRODED WITH A LARGE HOLE NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES OFF BALANCE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ADJUSTED WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT TO PREVENT INDEPENDENTLY INTRUSIVE STEERING DUE TO THE STEERING IMBALANCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOUNT OF THE SUBFRAME THAT HAD PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONCLUDED THAT ANY REPLACEMENT MEASURES IN RELATION TO THE FAILURE WOULD BE FAULTY. CHAMPION FORD VOLVO (2502 WEST 26TH STREET, ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 16506, (814) 878-2500) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), IN WHICH THE CROSSBRACE WAS APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE FOR PREVENTATIVE SUBFAME DAMAGE IN JULY OF 2014. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 1, 2018TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUTO FORD (A, 3301 EAST CENTRAL TEXAS EXPRESSWAY, KILLENE, TEXAS 76543 (254) 699-2629) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL IN 2015 AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEREAFTER THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER AFTER CONTINUED ATTEMPTS TO COMMUNICATE VIA TELEPHONE/VOICEMAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 24, 2018128,000 milesMI

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 14, 2018183,000 milesND

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.

Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2018167,000 milesWI

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.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 3, 2018177,000 milesKY

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 2018WA

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 ES

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 7, 2018200,000 milesFL

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.

Power Train
Filed Apr 29, 201872,000 milesMA

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.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 2, 2018143,400 milesMA

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??

Suspension
Filed Feb 26, 201895,000 milesOH

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.

Structure
Filed Feb 21, 2018VA

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

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 18, 2018148,000 milesIN

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?

EngineFire
Filed Jan 24, 201865,000 milesNY

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2018127,000 milesMI

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

EngineFire
Filed Jan 12, 201882,000 milesNY

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 15, 2017133,000 milesCO

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 12, 2017197,639 milesOH

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

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 6, 2017160,000 milesFL

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

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2017120,000 milesPA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 8, 201780,000 milesWI

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.

Power Train
Filed Aug 28, 2017173,200 milesMN

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 22, 201770,000 milesIL

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.

Suspension
Filed Aug 20, 2017150,000 milesMO

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 !

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2017206,100 milesGA

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.

Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2017CA

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.

Structure
Filed Jul 20, 2017NY

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

Complaints 1-50 of 499, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263200Routine
202526900Routine
202477801Fatalities reported
20231021130Routine
20222361940Above average
20213521990Above average
20201,6192340Above average
2019599330Above average
20181,826460Above average
20172,7044150Above average
20161,1804100Above average
20151,1369200High concern
20142,089161044Fatalities reported
20132,75318910Do not drive
2012604230Above average
20111,319370Above average
20102,071530Above average
20091,693320Above average
20081,974560High concern
2007254422Fatalities reported
2006464592Fatalities reported
20051,3945202Fatalities reported
2004 — this page4998141Fatalities reported
20035589270High concern
20021,027101042Fatalities reported
200199615583Fatalities reported
20005000Routine

Compare every Escape year →

2004 Ford Escape: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 Ford Escape a good car?

It is not among the Escape years to avoid. Owners filed 499 complaints, against about 1,082 for a typical Escape year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (20%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Escape?

The body and frame: 101 of the 499 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (11%). The typical report comes at 123,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Escape have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Sep 29, 2015. The largest, 12V353000, covered 529,719 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 Ford Escape problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 108,001 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 123,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Ford Escape?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, DP12005 ("Cruise Control Cable"), was opened Jul 17, 2012 and closed Jul 17, 2012.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Ford Escape?

The manufacturer filed 47 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (9), the engine (8) and the electrical system (6). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 29, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.