2004 FORD Escape Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
498
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
71 complaints
WHEN PRESSIG ON THE GAS PEDAL TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE , MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCRESS IN SPEED AND WOULD NOT STOP.THE PEDAL STUCK AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE SPEED OF THIS VEHICLE. SPEED REDUCED WHEN GEAR SHIFT PLACED IN NETURAL AND THEN WHEN SLOW ENOUGH INTO REVERSE. WHEW!!!! WIFE AND I THOUGHT WE WERE A GONNER. THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. SEED REACHED COLSE TO 90 MILE AN HOUR BEFOR BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL.
Apr 12, 2017
UNABLE TO ACCELERATE CAR WHILE DRIVING FORWARD ON A CITY STREET. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION WE NOTICED THE CABLE CONNECTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD SHEARED AND COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE PEDAL. *TR
Jan 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Dec 16, 2015
THE THROTTLE WILL STAY OPEN AS IF I HAVE THE GAS PEDAL BEING APPLIED. *TR
Mar 06, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,835. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Feb 19, 2015
+ 66 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
68 complaints
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!
Mar 02, 2020
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.
Aug 09, 2019
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.
Jun 12, 2019
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.
Feb 26, 2018
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 !
Aug 20, 2017
+ 63 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
51 complaints
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.
Apr 02, 2024
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.
Mar 30, 2020
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
Feb 21, 2018
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING AWAY. SHOCK TOWER MOUNT IS IN TREMENDOUS JEOPARDY. I HAVE LOOKED AT DOZENS OF SIMILAR MODEL YEAR ESCAPES THIS WEEKEND, INCLUDING ONE I OWN, AND THEY ARE ALL FINE. A REVIEW OF THE INTERNET SHOWS I AM NOT ALONE THOUGH. THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT TO DO?
Feb 18, 2018
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.
Oct 15, 2017
+ 46 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
47 complaints
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 would require extensive metal repair on the body and frame underneath it. This absolutely could have put myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk if the rear shock and mount had unexpectedly ripped away from the body of the vehicle. It could have ripped through the rear body of the car or come in contact with the rear wheel while driving, causing a significant risk of losing control of the vehicle.
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. 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
Mar 19, 2019
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.
Mar 05, 2019
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.
Jun 07, 2018
REAR PASSENGER INNER FENDER WELL RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE SHOCK MOUNT AND SHOCK TO COME DISCONNECTED. THE SHOCK NOW HAS NOTHING TO CONNECT TO.
Oct 06, 2017
+ 42 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
28 complaints
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.
Apr 11, 2022
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.
Sep 18, 2017
IN APRIL 2016, I PURCHASED A USED 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH APPROXIMATELY 130,000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECENT STATE INSPECTION STICKER VERIFYING THAT IT PASSED ALL STATE SAFETY STANDARDS, TO INCLUDE HAVING WORKING AIRBAGS. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING THE ESCAPE FOR ONLY A FEW DAYS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND LATER STAYED ON. NOW THE AIRBAG STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. DURING THIS SAME TIME, THE VEHICLE ALSO STARTED EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM. NOT SURE IF THESE PROBLEMS ARE CONNECTED TO A LARGER ISSUE...ESPECIALLY SINCE BOTH PROBLEMS STARTED OCCURRING AT THE SAME TIME. AFTER READING VARIOUS ARTICLES ONLINE, I REALIZED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ISSUE IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG FORD ESCAPES AND EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND SOMETIMES A REOCCURRING PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY OTHER VEHICLES (NON-FORD) WITH OVER 200,000 MILES ON THEM, AND NONE OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE EVER HAD ANY NON-OPERABLE AIRBAG ISSUES. DUE TO THIS BEING A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WITH AIRBAG(S) IN THE FORD ESCAPES BECOMING PREMATURELY INOPERABLE, FORD SHOULD MAKE A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM...BEFORE SOMEONE ACCIDENTALLY GETS HURT OR KILLED, FROM HAVING AN INOPERABLE AIRBAG OR AIRBAGS IN THEIR VEHICLE.
Jul 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,400.
Dec 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEATBELT ALARM PRE-TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Dec 02, 2015
+ 23 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
18 complaints
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.
Nov 01, 2018
DRIVING DON HIGHWAY MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND STOPPED ACCELERATING. MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION SPIT OUT MY AXLES AND WOULD NOT HOLD THEM IN.
Apr 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Feb 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATED THAT IT WAS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Oct 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
May 10, 2016
+ 13 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
14 complaints
AS I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD IN THE BACKSEAT, IN PARK, WITH THE ENGINE ON, WAITING FOR MY OLDER SON, WE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE BACK WINDSHIELD HAD SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD SHOT OR THROWN SOMETHING AT THE CAR BUT ONCE I GOT OUTSIDE AND LOOKED AT IT I COULD TELL BY THE WAY THE GLASS HAD BLOWN OUTWARD (FOR THE MOST PART) THAT SOMETHING THAT I COULD NOT EXPLAIN MUST HAVE HAPPENED/MALFUNCTIONED WITH THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND, AS I WAS A HALF HOUR FROM HOME AND IT WAS RAINING, PRETTY INCONVENIENT. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO FORCEFUL THAT IT DAMAGED BOTH THE REAR WIPER SYSTEM AND THE HYDRAULIC ARM WHICH LIFTS THE REAR WINDOW. I AM GLAD MY DOG WAS NOT TRAVELING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AS PLENTY OF GLASS ENDED UP IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. ALSO, NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS TO GET FIXED? THIS IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 20, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THE ROADS WERE CLEAR, FLAT, AND SMOOTH. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS IN THE 20'S. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE WARM UP FOR 15 MINUTES, WHEN THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED FOR NO REASON ON THE EXPRESS WAY. THERE WERE NO BRIDGES OR OVERPASSES FOR ANYTHING TO FALL ON IT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. I HAD DRIVEN IT LESS THAN 200 MILES SINCE MY PURCHASE. APPROXIMATE TIME OF INCIDENT 16:36. *TR
Jan 14, 2013
2004 FORD ESCAPE - REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER REAR DEFROSTER WAS TURNED ON FOR SHORT PERIOD. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 28 DEGREES AND FROST WAS ON WINDOWS. VEHICLE WAS STARTED TO DEFROST WINDOWS BEFORE TRAVELING. *TR
Nov 04, 2010
THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EXPLODED ON OCT 4. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES BEFORE IT OCCURRED. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 50 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THERE WERE NO KNOWN CRACKS OR DAMAGE TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT AN ATM MACHINE WHEN IT SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. *TR
Oct 13, 2009
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK 7AM. IT WAS SNOWING LIGHTLY AND I BRIEFLY TURNED ON THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER TO MELT THE SNOW. APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE FROM HOME I TURNED OFF THE DEFROSTER WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD POP. I LOOKED AROUND AND DID NOT OBSERVE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. WHEN I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR I SAW THE DEFROSTER WIRES HANGING WITH PIECES OF GLASS ATTACHED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY HANGING BY A THREAD, I REALIZED THE LOUD NOISE WAS MY REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODING. I HEADED BACK HOME TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED - FINAL COST $369.15. THE REAR WIPER MOTOR WAS DAMAGED DURING THE EXPLOSION. AFTER THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED IT MADE A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE THAT WAS NOT THERE BEFORE. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT OTHER FORD ESCAPE (04, 05 & 06) OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE. THESE COMPLAINTS CAN BE VIEWED AT: WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM I CALLED FORD OWNER SERVICES AT 800-392-3673 AND FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT. THEY TOLD ME THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL ISSUED BUT I SHOULD BRING THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE DEALER WOULD DECIDE IF REPAIR EXPENSE WOULD BE COVERED. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THAT FORD MOTOR WOULD DECIDE IF REPAIR EXPENSE WOULD BE COVERED. DEALER TOLD ME THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE NEW WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WILL COST $150 FOR THE PART AND $50 TO INSTALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE DAMAGED MOTOR IS NOT REPLACED, IT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ISSUE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE TAILGATE WINDOW. THE DEALER OFFERED TO CHARGE ME ONLY FOR THE PART AND ABSORB THE LABOR TO INSTALL MOTOR. FOR OBVIOUS REASONS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS; NOT THE CONSUMER WHO UNKNOWINGLY PURCHASED A DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS PRODUCT. *TR
Feb 14, 2009
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaints
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.
Oct 08, 2021
DROVE MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE 20 MINUTES TO GET PIZZA AND COME BACK HOME PARKED IT AT 8PM BY 12:30AM NEIGHBORS BANGING ON DOOR YOUR CARS ON FIRE!!!! I'M IN BELIEVE THE ABS MODULE CAUGHT FIRE RECALL IS OUT FORD SAYS MY VEHICLE DOESN'T APPLY
Jun 16, 2016
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
Mar 23, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR STARTS TO SPIT, SPUTTER AND RUN ROUGH, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LOSS OF POWER AND MY GAUGES FIRST TOP OUT THEN THEY BOTTOM OUT THEN THEY GO BACK TO NORMAL. FORD CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT DOESN'T CODE FOR THEM. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65, THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER, CAUSING THE RADIO, SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAUGE TO DECREASE TO ZERO FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,600. THE VIN UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 17, 2012
+ 7 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
12 complaints
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.
Jan 24, 2018
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.
Jan 12, 2018
VEHICLE AT IDLE, MISFIRED. PULLED OFF AND WENT TO DRIVE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND IT GOT WORSE. A SMELL CAME FROM THE FRONT AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASH. HAD THE DRIVER, TWO TODDLERS, AND I (PASSENGER) IN THE VEHICLE. DRIVER AND I WERE COUGHING FROM THE SMELL AND THE SMOKE. HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS IN THE FRONT AND PARTLY ROLL THEM DOWN IN THE REAR DURING THE RAIN. MADE IT 2-3 MILES BEFORE WE TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK HOME.
May 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Jul 26, 2016
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.
Mar 25, 2015
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
11 complaints
STRUCTURAL EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION REAR WHEELS
Aug 22, 2016
REAR STRUCTURAL BODY, JOINTS, MASSIVE RUST AND CORROSION.
Aug 22, 2016
I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT (12 YEARS OLD, 45,000'WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH). IT HAD UNDERCOATING TO PROTECT FROM RUST WHEN IT WAS NEW. VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF, LIKE NEW INSIDE! SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE AFTER DRIVING IT 2 MONTHS WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STARTED FALLING APART (WASN'T LIKE THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT). WITHIN A 3 WEEK SPAN IT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AGAIN IT WAS PROTECTED WITH UNDERCOATING AND STILL RUSTED OUT ALL THOSE YEARS IN A GARAGE BEING BARELY DRIVEN!!! I ASKED ABOUT GETTING BOTH SIDES DONE WHILE IT'S IN THE SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WELL WAS FINE AND IN GOOD SHAPE, ALMOST NO RUST AT ALL. FORD STOCKS ONLY THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL, NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN MANUFACTURING FAILURE/SUBSTANDARD PART THAT FORD DOESN'T WANT TO OWN BEYOND SELLING YOU THE REPLACEMENT PART. I'M LOSING APPRECIATION FOR "AMERICAN MADE" VALUES. THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY UPSETTING BECAUSE IT'S A BRAND I PREVIOUSLY HELD IN HIGH REGARD. THIS EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON MY TRIPS.
Feb 03, 2016
WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH TO INTERIOR OF CAR, SHOCK DISLOCATED FROM WHEEL WELL. WE JUST MOVED TO RALEIGH FROM MICHIGAN. SEE RELATED NEWS ARTICLES: HTTP://WWW.USATODAY.COM/STORY/MONEY/CARS/2014/04/07/FORD-RECALL-FUSION-ESCAPE/7427299/ HTTP://TRUCKYEAH.JALOPNIK.COM/ALMOST-400-000-OLD-FORD-ESCAPE-SUVS-RECALLED-1560352974 HTTP://WWW.RIPOFFREPORT.COM/R/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY/DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY-FACTORY-DEFECT-TO-ESCAPE-VECHICLES-DEARBORN-MICHIGAN-904056 HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/FORD/ESCAPE/SUSPENSION/PROBLEM.ASPX
Aug 12, 2015
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
Jun 10, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT ALL OF THE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Dec 29, 2011
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
May 25, 2011
2004 FORD ESCAPE - A B S RINGS ON AXEL CRACKED AND ALLOWED THEM TO MOVE .RESULT IN BRAKE FAILING -HAVE TO LET OFF THE BRAKE SO IT CAN GRAB AGAIN AND A SENSOR MAKE IT PULSE THE BRAKES. USING GASKET REPAIR TO HOLD THE RINGS IN PLACE...BOTH SIDES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WE KNOW OF THREE ESCAPES DIFFERENT YEARS THAT HAVE NOW THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Sep 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AND NOW THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT TO REPAIR IT AGAIN THE COST WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 200.00, AND THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING IT ONE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Jun 29, 2010
THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE, WHICH ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT, STARTED SQUEALING, AND I WAS HAVING TO PUSH A LITTLE HARDER THAN USUAL. ON DECEMBER 26, 2008 MY HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED, INSTEAD OF NEW BRAKE PADS, WHICH WERE CURIOUSLY IN GOOD CONDITION, WE ARE GOING TO NEED NEW FRONT DISCS, FRONT AND BACK CALIPERS, AS WELL AS BRAKE PADS. WE WERE ABLE TO AFFORD THE BRAKE PADS AS WELL AS THE RIGHT FRONT DISC AT COST OF 400 DOLLARS BUT WE ARE GOING TO NEED TO SHELL OUT ANOTHER 400.00 PLUS TO REPAIR THE REST. THE WAIT WOULDN'T BE SO BAD IF I DIDN'T NEED THE ESCAPE TO TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY. *TR
Jan 07, 2009
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
9 complaints
I WANT TO BRING TO YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE WITH MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE 2007 (MILEAGE 102,000) AND HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. I HAVE HAD 4 EXPERIENCES WHERE THE CAR WOULD STALL WHILE IN MOTION. IT APPEARS TO OCCUR WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 80 DEGREES AND I HAVE TRAVELED IN THE CAR FOR >30 MINUTES AND HAVE MADE A SHORT STOP (FOR GAS OR SHOPPING). AFTER CONTINUING MY DRIVE AFTER A SHORT STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF AT SOME POINT ON THE WAY HOME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSING ALL POWER TO THE STEERING AND BREAKING SYSTEM. THE CAR WILL START UP AGAIN (WHILE COASTING) WITH NO ISSUE BUT STALL AGAIN AFTER A SHORT WHILE. THESE HAVE BEEN VERY HARROWING EXPERIENCES ON BUSY ROADS AND FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS ME AND NOT MY PREGNANT WIFE, AS I DON'T BELIEVE SHE WOULD HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO EXECUTE THESE EMERGENCY ACTIONS WITH NO POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR >1 WEEK BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR REMAINS AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP UNTIL THE CAUSE CAN BE DETERMINED. *TR
Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY HIS PERSONAL MECHANIC. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
May 25, 2012
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH IN AUGUST 2010. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). IT HAPPENED AGAIN 12/5/10 AND I AM AWAITING REPORT ON WHICH SPARK PLUG IT HAPPENED TO THIS TIME. THE FIRST TWO WERE THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Dec 06, 2010
THE #5 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30 MPH. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN A YEAR (IT HAPPENED 1ST TIME IN AUG 2009). THESE WERE BOTH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS, NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Dec 06, 2010
ENGINE WOULD REMAIN AT FULL THROTTLE AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. FOUND THAT THERE WERE PING PONG SIZE YELLOWISH ICE CHUNKS STUCK IN THROTTLE BODY KEEPING IT HELD OPEN. ALSO FOUND THAT THROTTLE BODY WAS SEVERELY ICED. REMOVED THROTTLE BODY AND REMOVED ICE AND CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. CONCERN HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WITHIN 9 DAYS. *JB
Feb 19, 2007
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
7 complaints
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.
Feb 04, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START HOWEVER, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE WORKING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECENTLY REPAIRED FOR THE SIMILAR FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,659.
Mar 07, 2012
WHILE BODY WORK WAS BEING CONDUCED AT A DEALER FOR A SCRAPED FENDER, DEALER EMPLOYEE STARTED VEHICLE AFTER PAINT OPERATIONS. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTANTLY AND VIOLENTLY EXPLODED INTO SEVERAL PIECES. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILE, WAS DRIVEN INTO THE DEALER FOR THE BODY WORK, AND HAS HAD NO SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE STILL STARTS AND WILL HOLD AN ROUGH IDLE. THE TIMING BELT IS INTACT. THIS VEHICLE USES DIRECT FUEL INJECTION AND A DRY INTAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL PROCEDURES INCLUDING PAINTING PROCESS WERE PROPERLY FOLLOWED LEADING UP TO THE EXPLOSION. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE BODY SHOP FINISHING BODY WORK. NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN REACHED CONCERNING THE MECHANICAL FAILURE. *TR
Jun 15, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER WERE REPLACED. THREE DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE BEING DRIVEN 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Apr 07, 2006
IN NOVEMBER OF '03 I BOUGHT THE ESCAPE. NO PROBLEMS ALL WINTER. LAST WINTER OF '04-'05 I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START UP RIGHT AWAY. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS THE WINTER GAS AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER BRINGING IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, THEY FINALLY GOT IT TO DUPLICATE. THEY REPLACED THE OXYGEN CELLINODE. UNFORTUNETLY THE PROBLEM JUST CAME BACK
May 21, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING
7 complaints
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.
Jun 28, 2021
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.
Jan 28, 2019
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.
Aug 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE MANUAL STEERING WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO ACTIVATE THE POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Aug 02, 2016
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.
Aug 22, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
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.
Dec 10, 2018
ON DECEMBER 2, 2016 I BOUGHT A 2004 FORD ESCAPE FROM CAR HOP IN TACOMA, WA. WITH A $ 800 DOLLAR DOWN PAYMENT.AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS THE CAR STARTED OVERHEATING. HAD IT FLUSHED. SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. STARTED AGAIN IN FEB OF 2017. TOOK IT INTO A SHOP OF CAR HOPS AND THEY SAID IT WAS WATER PUMP. WENT BACK TO HAVE REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THEY NO LONGER WORKED WITH CAR HOP. I NEED MY CAR FOR WORK I AM A CAREGIVER SO MY CAR IS NEEDED. WELL I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A SHOP TOWARDS THE END OF MAY OF THIS YEAR, THE SHOP WAS A AND M AUTOMOTIVE. I PAIDED 533.69 TO GET WATER PUMP PUT IN. PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. STILL OVER HEATING THEY SAID IT WAS A HEAD GASKET AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE CAR TOWED BACK HOME SET THERE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND HALF. ON JUNE 7TH HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MEINEKE, BECAUSE CAR HOP WORKS WITH THEM. IN THE MIST OF ALL THIS FROM THE START I CALLED CAR HOP AND TOLD THEM TO COME GET THE CAR I WAS NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT RUN. THIS IT TOOK 3 OR 4 TIMES TO GET TO THEM BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT COMMUNICATE. I WAS 130 LATE FROM MY MAY 15TH PAYMENT. THY KEPT ASKING FOR THAT NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT REPAIRS. FINALLY, AFTER A WEEK THEY HAD MT TOW THE CAR TO MEINEKE ON JUNE 7TH. WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 48 HOURS TO GET AN ESTIMATE. WELL AFTER 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THEY STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ESTIMATE BUT CONTINUED ASKING FOR THE 130 AND STILL HAVE NOT APPLIED THE 533 TO MY ACCOUNT. CALLED AGAIN AFTER 2 DAYS SAME THING. ON JUNE 18TH I CALLED MEINEKE AND GOT ESTIMATE WITHIN 15 MINS. I EMAILED IT TO CAR HOP, NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY NOT APPLYING THE 533 AND DID NOT DECIDE WHAT TO DO. PLUS, THEY ARE SAYING THEY WON'T HELP BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THEY KNEW THIS FROM THE DAY I TOLD THEM TO COME GET IT. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HELP GET FIXED. I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING BUT LIE AFTER LIE, POOR POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME
Jun 25, 2018
THE BACK LATCH TO THE WIDOWS FELL OFF. NOT SAFE! WAS NOT MOVING, PARKED.
Jan 15, 2018
I BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF ODOMETER FRAUD. I PURCHASED MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT FROM FIRST CHOICE RENTAL CARS & SALES 3517 OLD PETERSBURG RD MARTINEZ GA 30907. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR $4700 IN CASH. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THROUGH CARFAX THAT I AM THE 4TH OWNER AND THE ODOMETER WAS PREVIOUSLY AT 186,475. MY CAR ODOMETER IS CURRENTLY READING AT 147,355 AND COUNTING BECAUSE I DRIVE THIS CAR DAILY. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE BILL OF SALE DID NOT HAVE THE MILEAGE ON IT, THE BILL STATED EXEMPT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK FOR THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IF I WOULD HAVE KNOW THE ODOMETER HAD BEEN ROLLED BACK.
Jul 03, 2017
DANGEROUS FAILURE OF MY CAR FRAME, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC ROAD. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED AFTER THE FRAME PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AND REMEDIED A FEW YEARS EARLIER. IT WAS A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WHERE IT MEETS THE FRAME. VERY SCARY.
Mar 13, 2017
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
7 complaints
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SHOCK AND WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO THE CORROSION OF THE BACK OF THE FRAME.
Aug 19, 2015
THE RIGHT REAR (PASSENGER REAR) WHEEL WELL HAS CORRODED SO BAD THAT THE STRUT MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO FAIL. ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS HAVE NOT CORRODED AT ALL.
Jun 28, 2015
GOING 20 MPH DOWN SIDE ROAD AND HIT POT HOLE. THE PART THAT YOU MOUNT THE REAR SHOCK TO CAME APART DO TO RUST AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN REAR WHEEL HOUSING. CAR IS UNRIVALLED AND INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER DO TO IT BEING A TIME RELATED THING. THERE WAS NO RUST IN WHEEL WELL OR HOLES BEFORE. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED. I INSURANCE SAID IT'S A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF FORD. THEY HAVE NO RECALLS IN PAST OR PRESENT.
Jun 20, 2015
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
Nov 15, 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
Sep 12, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
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
Apr 14, 2023
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
Oct 12, 2017
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.
Jun 10, 2015
RUBBER BRAKE HOSE ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT RUPTURED CAUSING ALL BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN FROM SYSTEM. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR RUBBER BRAKE HOSE WAS NEAR FAILURE. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD SEEN SEVERAL FAILURES ON FORD ESCAPES. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL COMPLETELY WITH NO BRAKE PEDAL RESPONSE. *TR
May 05, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME ELAPSED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A GRINDING SOUND WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,258.
Dec 19, 2012
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND FRAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED SPARKS TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 30, 2016
I HEARD RATTLING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR LIKE A TIN THERMOS ROLLING AROUND. I LOOKED AT THE BACK AND WAS INSPECTING MY VEHICHLE. ONCE I TOOK OUT THE SPARE TIRE COVER I DISCOVERED A HUGE HOLE IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. I CALLED MY DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE SERVICED. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR AN ISSUE LIKE THIS AND I AM FINDING THAT MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS FROM 2005-2006 ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR AS MY DEALER IS NOT COMFORTABLE LETTING USE DRIVE IT, AND THEIR BODY SHOP WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT SAYING THAT IT WAS TO COMPROMISED AND WOULD BE LIABILITY
May 01, 2016
EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN REAR WHEEL WELLS, STRAPS HOLDING GAS TANK AND UNDERSIDE OF RUNNING BOARDS. BOTH RUNNING BOARDS COMPLETELY FELL OFF, THE STRAPS HOLDING THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TANK WAS IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF. THIS CAR IS IN A COVERED GARAGE 90% OF THE TIME. *TR
Jan 07, 2015
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
Sep 25, 2014
WE JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE . W E KNEW ABOUT A PAINT ISSUE BENEATH THE HATCH WINDOW. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A VERY REPUTABLE GLASS AND BODY SHOP . THE SHOP OWNER IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AND TOLD US TO LOOK AT IT . THE AREA BEHIND THE TIRE IS VERY EATEN WITH RUST. A GOOD SIZED HOLE EXISTS EXTENDING TO THE SHOCK AND STRUT. THE SHOP OWNER SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN MANY OF THEM. ALWAYS THE SAME WHEEL WELL AND NOWHERE ELSE. ASSUREDLY THE STRUT AND SHOCK ARE COMPROMISED. HE SAID THAT HE ALMOST ALWAYS SEES THIS ON THE ESCAPES. THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS EXTREMELY METICULOUS ABOUT SERVICING AND UPKEEP WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Apr 22, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
5 complaints
ENGINE CRADLE, PART OF THE FRAME IS UNDER RECALL,IS BROKE. DEALER APPLIED "BAND-AID" MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO REPLACE BROKEN CROSS-MEMBER, EVEN THOUGH IT IS UNDER RECALL. RECALL #14V165000
Feb 18, 2016
FORD'S 14S02 RECALL WAS TO DEAL WITH EXCESSIVE RUST ON A SUBFRAME UNIT. IF THE RECALL INSPECTION OF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT RESULT IN CHARACTERISTICS WARRANTING REPLACEMENT, FORD INSTRUCTED DEALERS TO INSTALL A CROSS BRACE. APPROXIMATELY 13 MONTHS AFTER OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE HAD THE CROSS BRACE INSTALLED THE SUBFRAME UNIT FAILED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKED TO THE SIDE AND IF THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER CAR OR ANY OBSTACLE ON THAT SIDE OF OUR VEHICLE WE WOULD HAVE HIT IT. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND ON EACH OCCASION WAS TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY HAD ALREADY INSTALLED THE CROSS BRACE - WHICH WAS NOT THE PART THAT FAILED AND WAS NOT THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED. THE REPAIR COST OVER $800. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE ESCAPE HAD FEWER THAN 60,000 MILES. DURING EACH ON MY CALLS TO FORD, AND AFTER BEING TOLD FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS, I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY COULD HAVE A SUPERVISOR CALL ME 1 BUSINESS DAY LATER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME A TIME WHEN I COULD EXPECT THE CALL SO I HAD TO BE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY. TO SUMMARIZE, THE BAND-AID FORD PUT ON TO DEAL WITH THE SUBFRAME PROBLEM (THE CROSS BRACE) DID NOT FAIL. THE PART FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS INITIATED DID FAIL EVEN WITH THE CROSS BRACE. FORD IS DENYING COVERAGE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.
Sep 19, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD I NOTICED A RATTLING IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT THAT I HAD NEVER HEARD BEFORE. WHEN I INVESTIGATED I FOUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED FROM RUST DAMAGE AND THE SHOCK IS NOW FLOATING BASICALLY FREELY WHICH IS CAUSING THE NOISE. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH ESCAPES AND ALWAYS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. WHY HAS FORD NOT ISSUED A RECALL? THIS IS CLEARLY A SYSTEMATIC FAILURE. *TR
Mar 19, 2015
JULY 26,2014 IN OCTOBER 2013, I COULD NOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED ( FORD ESCAPE 2004 ) BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THE STEERING RODS WAS FALLING OFF AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS WAS BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE. 14502/NHTSA RECALL 14V-165, SO I HAD A NEW SUBFRAME INSTALLED. REFERENCE # 10547199. [XXX] AT CLARION FORD WOULD DO NOTHING BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THE TIME. I HAVE SENT ALL THE INFORMATION, AND COST, TO FORD IN JUNE 2014 AND HAVE NOT HEARD NOTHING FROM FORD. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD DO THAT WOULD HAVE FORD CONTACT ME? THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 26, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A POTHOLE, AFTER HITTING THE POTHOLE THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. AFTER INSPECTION THE ENTIRE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY AND BECAME SEPARATED. IT WAS FREE TO JOLT AROUND AND CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE. NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NOW. *TR
May 06, 2014
WHEELS
5 complaints
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.
Jun 03, 2015
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. PULLED INTO REST AREA, AND LET CAR SIT A FEW MINUTES. STARTED IT UP AGAIN, AND NO NOISE. STARTED BACK ON THE INTERSTATE, AND NOISE STARTED AGAIN. PULLED OFF AGAIN, AND NOTICED RIGHT WHEEL WAS WOBBLING. LOOKED AT WHEEL AND LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE, AND WHEEL WAS NOW DEFORMED. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY AND HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW WHEEL. FACILITY INSTALLED IT AND TIGHTENED ALL LUG NUTS. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED, WITH THE LUG NUTS REQUIRING TIGHTENING MONTHLY. ACCOMPANYING RUST IN THE WHEEL WELL IS A PROBLEM. HUB IS NOT HOLDING WHEEL CORRECTLY. *TR
Jun 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR WHEEL WELD BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 110,000.
Apr 17, 2014
TWO AXLES ON THE CAR HAVE BROKEN. BOTH TIMES, THE CAR WAS USED FOR REGULAR USE (NO "OFF-ROADING", NO ACCIDENTS). THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE, THEN SUDDENLY, WHEN BRAKING, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO BE REPAIRED, THEY FOUND A CRACKED BOOT, CRACKED ABS RING, AND CRACKED AXEL. FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN 2007 (REAR AXEL), AND NOW IN 2010 (FRONT AXEL). *TR
Jul 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO PUT AIR IN HER TIRES EACH WEEK BECAUSE THEY WOULD CONSTANTLY DEFLATE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO CALL NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY (NTB) AND HAVE THEM INSPECT THE TIRES. NTB STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT THE TIRES, BUT RATHER WITH THE RIMS. THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE OCTOBER 10, 2005. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,800. UPDATED 6/9/08 *CN UPDATED 06/09/08
May 15, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BLINKING-THE CODE SAID THAT THE SEATBELT CONNECTOR HAD FAILED-THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE SEATBELT CONNECTORS COSTING US 493.13, AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD COVER UNDER A WARRANTY OR SAFETY RECALL. I AM OUT 493.13 PLUS THE 100.00 DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND NEED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THIS. I HAVE ATTACHED THE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE REPAIR SHOP. FORD SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR ANY RECALL. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS
Jun 08, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 3/14/13 *CN
Feb 01, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES AND THEN STAYS ON. WARNING CODE IS 46. TOOK VEHICLE INTO FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO. NOT SURE WHAT SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE ISSUE WAS NEVER FIXED. LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN A YEAR LATER AND HAS GONE ON AND OFF FOR YEARS. DUE TO TIME AND COST , COULD NOT BRING VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR A SECOND TIME. WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY FORD SERVICE REP THAT I WOULD PROBABLY PAY $400 TO FIX. MAY BE SEATBELT PRETENSIONER. WAS INFORMED THAT AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF THIS WAS NOT FIXED.THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE WAS A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN)REGARDING THIS ISSUE. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. DUE TO THE HIGH COST TO REPAIR, AND WITH SO MANY PEOPLE OUT OF WORK, MANY CONSUMERS MAY NOT HAVE THIS WORK DONE, WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD. TO DATE, I AM NOT ABLE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. DUE TO SAFETY ISSUE THIS POSES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. *JS
Apr 18, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AUTO SHOP REPLACED THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS AT THE COST OF $480.48. THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER FAILURES SINCE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,731. UPDATED 02/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 02/26/09. *JB
Jan 23, 2009
STEERING,SUSPENSION
3 complaints
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.
May 28, 2021
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
Feb 24, 2020
HAD A RECALL FROM FORD SHORTLY AFTER BUYINY CAR IN 2014 ABOUT SUBFRAME RUST.FORD SAID THEY FIXED PROBLEM.ABOUT A YEAR LATER THE SUBFRAME BROKE COMPLEXLY MAKING FRONE WHEEL WOBBLE AND PULL TO RIGHT I WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO SOME BRUSH BEFORE I GOT CONTROL OF CAR!!I MADE IT HOME AND SAW THE (FIX)A PIECE OF FLAT STEEL HOLDING LEFT FRAME TO RIGHT NOT A REPAIR AT NEED TO REPLACE COMPLETE SUB FRAME.FORD BLAMED IT ON DEALER.DEALER WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME ABOUT IT.I ALSO HAD PROMLEM WITH RIGHT REAR SHOCK COMING UP THROUGH FLOOR NO RECALL ON THAT.LUCKY NO INJURY OR DEATH.
Jul 14, 2016
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
3 complaints
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.
Jan 18, 2019
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
Sep 17, 2014
I HAVE A 2004 FORD ESCAPE (6 CYL., FRONT WHEEL DRIVE) THAT NOW HAS OVER 110,000 MILES. AT 108,465 MILES, THE #2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER BLEW AND WAS REPLACED (ALONG WITH ALL 6 IGNITION COILS). A SECOND MECHANIC FOUND DEBRIS IN THE #3 CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CLEANED IT AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. (THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR PASSING THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND WOULD BARELY MAKE IT UP A HILL.) THEN HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT POSING A SEVERE THREAT THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WILL PUNCH THROUGH INTO THE BODY OF THE CAR MAKING THE ESCAPE TOTALLY INOPERABLE. A RECALL IS ALREADY OUT FOR FORD MINIVANS FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT APPARENTLY NOT FOR THE ESCAPES. WHY NOT? THIS CAN BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF NEARLY $2,000. WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION COILS, I'VE ALREADY SPENT OVER $2500 AND DON'T HAVE THE $2,000 FOR THIS NECESSARY REPAIR DUE TO POOR MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE. *TR
May 27, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
MY 04 FORD ESCAPE HAS A 4 CYLINDER AND IS A MANUAL. IT HAS BEGUN TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF. IT WILL ACCELERATE WHETHER IT IS IN GEAR OR IN NEUTRAL. I ASSUMED THERE WOULD RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, AS I KNOW OTHER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I CAN TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE PEDAL AND IT WILL STAY AT A STEADY SPEED, OR ACCELERATE, ON ITS OWN. OFTEN WHEN I'M SWITCHING GEARS, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, IT WILL SELF-REV ITSELF UP TO 4000+ RPMS! I WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND COAST FOR ABOUT 10 TO 30 SECONDS FOR IT TO BRING ITSELF BACK DOWN TO A REASONABLE RPM TO GET IT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. SO, IT IS INTERMITTENT, BUT HAPPENS ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME YOU ARE DRIVING IT, AND AT TIMES CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I ASSUMED FORD MIGHT PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, HOWEVER MY DEALER SAYS "NO" BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL.
Jun 12, 2017
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE ACCELERATION PROBLEMS OF THE 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPES WHICH MY 2004 HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW SITUATIONS OVER THE LAST 2-3 YEARS WHERE MY CARS ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY START RACING WHILE PARKED AT IDLE. WHEN THE ISSUE FIRST BEGAN I WAS ABLE TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY FOOT AND THE CAR WOULD RETURN TO A STANDARD IDLE. THE MORE RECENT INSTANCES NOW REQUIRE TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT WOULD IDLE NORMAL AGAIN AFTER BEING RESTARTED. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS CONNECTED TO A CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND THE LETTER DATED 7/10/12 WRITTEN TO FORD FROM THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY. THIS MAY ALSO BE CONNECTED TO A PRIOR RECALL 04V-574 THAT I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE OF. PLEASE KEEP ME ADVISED OF YOUR EFFORTS OR ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP. THANK YOU *TR
Jul 18, 2012
AS I WAS ACCELERATING TO PASS A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE, I PRESSED ON THE GAS PETAL AND AFTER I WAS BACK IN MY PROPER LANE, MY VEHICLE KEPT SPEEDING AND NOT BACKING OFF ON THE GAS. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN NEURAL AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO KEEP RACING. I TRIED TO STOMP LIGHTLY ON THE GAS PETAL TO SEE IF IT WOULD COME BACK UP BUT IT DIDN'T. I THEN SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND CALLED THE TOW TRUCK COMPANY. *TR
Jul 18, 2012
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
TAKATA RECALL
May 28, 2016
TAKATA RECALL
Mar 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE SPEED ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Oct 19, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REVVED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATED, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND COASTED THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT THE CONSUMER STATED ON JANUARY 18, 2016, THE DEALER REPLACED THE PCV HOSE CONNECTOR. ON FEBRUARY 14, 2016 IT FROZE UP AGAIN AND ON FEBRUARY 17TH THEY CLEANED IT AGAIN AND REPLACED THE VACUUM COUPLING. ON DECEMEBR 15, 2016 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN AGAIN. THE PVC AREA WAS COMPLETELY FROZEN AGAIN. THE CONSUMER CLEANED IT, ONLY TO FREEZE AGAIN. UPDATED 02/14/17.*JB
Jan 13, 2016
2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SHE BELIEVED THE ACCIDENT, WAS DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALL.
Nov 13, 2013
FORD 2004 ESCAPE - SLOWLY MAKING ASCENT UP A DRIVEWAY - SUDDENLY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS, ENGINE RACING, CAR BEGINS RAPID ACCELERATION - DRIVER ABLE TO SLAM ON BRAKES WITH EXTREME PRESSURE TO STOP CAR - ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE - DRIVER ABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK WITH ENGINE STILL RACING - TURNS OFF CAR. HE THEN TURNS CAR BACK ON, ONLY TO HAVE ENGINE STILL RACING - IMMEDIATELY TURNS OFF AGAIN. DEALERSHIP CALLED TO COME PICK UP CAR. *TR
Jan 31, 2010
TIRES
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH GOODRICH TIRES, TIRE LINE: LONG TRAIL, TIRE SIZE: P235/70/R16, AND DOT NUMBER: UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT TIRES SLIPPED ACROSS THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE OBSERVED THAT THE TREADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
Mar 03, 2015
DT: CONSUMER HAS 26,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE ORIGINAL TIRES ARE ON THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES ARE HYDRO PLANNING. HE CALLED THE TIRE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. THEY TOLD HIM THAT ONE TIRE WAS SLIGHTLY CUPPING ,AND ANOTHER WAS WEARING OUT. CONSUMER WAS NOT TOLD WHICH TIRES THESE WERE. CONSUMER ROTATED TIRES EVERY 2,500 MILES. THIS PROBLEM STARTED DURING A RAIN STORM GOING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH LAST WEEK.*AK *JB
Aug 12, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A FLAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER PARKED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, DISCOVERED THAT REAR RIGHT TIRE COLLAPSED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THAT THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED WHICH CAUSED IT TO COLLAPSE. *AK THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS PROBABLY PUNCTURED BEFORE THE SIDEWALL COLLAPSED, BUT THE SIDEWALL SHOULD NOT HAVE EVER COLLAPSED. *SC
Jan 07, 2004
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
3 complaints
HAD SPEED CONTROL ON, WHEN TO SLOW DOWN, STEPPED ON BRAKES CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT CAME OFF BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW DOWN IT SPEED UP! I DID HAVE A RECALL CALL DONE ON THE CAR FOR THIS. BUT THE FIX DIDN'T WORK. THE CAR SPEED UP TO 90 MPH. I HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I DID EVERYTHING I COULD THINK OF TO STOP THE CAR FROM SPEEDING UP. STOMPED ON THE BRAKES, PUSH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON ON AND OFF. TOWED THE CAR AND THE REPAIR GUY SAID THERE WAS SNOW IN THE CRUISE CONTROL CASING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT. HE DISCONNECTED IT. *TR
Jun 06, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ALTHOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 18, 2013
I MADE A LEFT TURN FROM EASTBOUND STEWART ROAD ONTO THE INSIDE LANE OF NORTHBOUND M125 (N. MONROE STREET), MONROE, MI AT APPROXIMATELY 09:00. WHEN APPROACHING FRENCHTOWN MALL AREA ON THE LEFT, CARS AHEAD WERE STOPPED FOR OTHERS MAKING LEFT TURNS INTO THE MALL. I TOOK MY RIGHT FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL TO COAST SO AS NOT TO HAVE TO BRAKE. SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED (SPED UP); MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STILL OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND ON THE FLOOR. I HIT THE BRAKE HARD WITH MY RIGHT FOOT AND THE VEHICLE DID STOP. (I NEVER USE MY LEFT FOOT TO BRAKE. I ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT FOOT TO DRIVE AND TO BRAKE.) I THOUGHT OF ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION; NOW KNEW HOW IT FELT. RESEARCHED, FOUND INFO AS TO RECALL ISSUED . WE NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. PUT VIN # IN FORD SITE. OUR VEHICLE, 2004 ESCAPE 3.0L V6 NOT RECALLED. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING MAY, 2011. WE HAD THE ESCAPE IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE RECENTLY AND WE TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR, WHO IS ALSO THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER, THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER WORKED. HE SAID IT COULD BE CHECKED BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. WE CHOSE NOT TO INCUR ADDITIONAL EXPENSE GIVEN THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS CONSISTENTLY HAD ALL SERVICE, OIL CHANGES, REPAIRS DONE AT THE FORD DEALER. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL, NOR OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED TO ALL DEALERS BY FORD. INTERESTING NOTE: WE OWN AND DRIVE A 1989 FORD F150 AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS FINE! *TR
Jul 31, 2012
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
2004 FORD ESCAPE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THEREFORE THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. *NM
Nov 29, 2005
THE HOOD ON OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH 36,758 MILES ON IT UNLATCHED AND FLEW UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD ON OCT 25, 2005 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A SOCCER GAME. THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, AND THERE WAS NO RATTLING OR OTHER SIGNS THAT THE HOOD LATCH HAD BEEN POPPED FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY TO WORK. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES, JUST DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY A BODY SHOP FOR $695.02 (THE LATCH WAS ALSO REPLACED). IT TOOK TWO WEEKS TO REPAIR DUE TO THE HOOD BEING ON BACKORDER FROM FORD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THIS TWO WEEK PERIOD. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE DAMAGED HOOD, AND THE OLD LATCH IS IN OUR POSSESSION. A LETTER IS BEING SENT TO FORD, WITH A CC. GOING TO NHTSA AS WELL. *JB
Nov 11, 2005
THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 04V602000/LATCH/LOCKS/DOORS. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RAN BY THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED; BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER. THE DEALER CONTACTED FORD, AND WAS TOLD NOT TO PERFORM THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 06, 2005
STEERING,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
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.
Nov 20, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FOR THE STEERING WAS DETERIORATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Jun 24, 2016
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
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.
Aug 03, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE START UP,AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON A SEPERATE OCCASSION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A PRIVATE MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE BOTH FAILURES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP FAILED AND THE PRIVATE MECHANIC REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE FOR THE DETACHED ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,116.
Apr 19, 2012
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
2 complaints
MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE SUBFRAME RUSTING THROUGH WHERE IT MEETS THE CONTROL ARM RESULTING IN STEERING FAILURE. MY VEHICLE HAD THIS PROBLEM UNDER WAY AND WAS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT OF SEPARATION. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE RECALL AND INSTALLED A "BRACE" ON THE SUBFRAME BUT ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE SEPARATION, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURE/SEPARATION HAD ALREADY BEGUN THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT AND GAVE ME THE VEHICLE BACK IN A CONDITION WHICH IS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE", ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF THE DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS THAT MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAFETY ISSUE FOR WHICH THE RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RESOLVE THE RECALL ISSUE.
Sep 13, 2016
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
Sep 09, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
AT INTERMITTENT TIMES VEHICLE WILL STALL AND DIE. AFTER DRIVING AT 45MPH AND STOP CAR WILL DIE IN THE INTERSECTION. DRIVING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE WILL STALL WOTH CRUISE CONTROL ON. WHEN IT STALLS AT HIGHWAU SPEED IT JERKS SO VIOLENTLY THAT KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT GET BOUNCED AROUND. IT DOESNT STALL WHEN IDLING. ONLY IN DRIVE WHEN START TO TAKE OFF FROM A STOP OR IF YOUR MAINTANING A STEADY SPEED. THEN TRY TO SPEED UP OR SPEED DOWN.
Oct 14, 2015
TRANSMISSION BROKE IN THE YEAR2008 AND THEN AGAIN IN LESS THEN 18 MONTHS LATER. THE CAR WE AS NOT EVEN 5YEARS OLD. TWO TRANSMISSION JOB. FORD NEED TO DO RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. SPOKE TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY HAD PROBLEMS TOO. I WILL LET THEMKNOW WHERE TO FILE COMPLAINT. FORD KNOWS THEIR IS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT WON'T ADMIT TO IT BECAUSE IT IS A SO COSTLY FOR THEM TO FIX IT. *TR
Apr 01, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Sep 03, 2015
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FLASHES AS IT'S SUPPOSED TO AND THEN REMAINS ILLUMINATED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR INTO THE SHOP THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE CIRCUIT AND WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $100 JUST TO MOVE FORWARD AND MAY COST MORE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES AND IT FAILS AFTER BEING FIXED REPEATEDLY. *JB
Jul 10, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
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.
Aug 13, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
Jul 27, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AROUND A TURN ABOUT CIRCLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE NOR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Jun 17, 2014
CAR'S ENGINE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND COMPLETELY STALLED GOING 45 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY, ACCIDENT AVOIDED AS CAR BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHO FOND TWO ENGINE COILS DEFECTIVE AND ALL SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS REPEATED ISSUES WITH DEFECTIVE COILS AND DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL ON A HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPS. THIS IS POOR ENGINEERING ON FORD'S PART AND DEMAND THE US GOVERNMENT FORCE A RECALL! *TR
Feb 11, 2013
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
OPENED REAR WINDOW WHEN BOLT CONNECTING WINDOW TO HINGE BROKE. WINDOW SHIFTED DOWNWARDS AND HAD IT NOT BEEN CAUGHT COULD'VE SHATTERED AND INFLICTED LACERATIONS TO HANDS, ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST. INSPECTION OF BLOT SHOW CORROSION DUE TO BEING IMPROPERLY SEALED FROM WATER AND OTHER ELEMENTS. *TR
May 31, 2014
THE REAR HATCH GLASS HINGE BOLTS SHEARED ON BOTH HINGES DURING HATCH CLOSURE. THE REAR HATCH GLASS IS ONLY HELD ON BY REAR SHOCKS. THE INSIDE BOLTS BOTH HAVE SOME CORROSION. THE REAR GLASS IS NOT DAMAGED. *TR
May 16, 2014
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I OWN A 2004 FORD ESCAPE AND HAVE HAD THE SEATBELT HARNESSES FIXED 3 TIMES. ONE WAS JUST FIXED 18 DAYS AGO AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED YET AGAIN. THERE IS A WIRING PROBLEM WITH THE SEATBELT HARNESS. IT HAS BEEN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT EACH TIME. *TR
Jul 26, 2011
1. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS NOT RETRACTING THE WAY IT SHOULD WHEN MY SON WOULD UNBUCKLE FROM HIS BOOSTER SEAT. I WOULD HAVE TO FEED THE BELT THROUGH TO HAVE IT RETRACT. 2. IT HAPPENED EVERY TIME WE UNBUCKLED HIS SEAT. 3. WE SWITCHED HIS SEAT WITH MY DAUGHTER'S, AS SHE IS STILL IN A CAR SEAT AND IS LATCHED TO THE CAR ITSELF, AND WAS NOT USING HER SEAT BELT. WE CALLED FORD AND IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE GET THE PART FIXED THROUGH THEM BECAUSE IF IT FAILS AGAIN, IT WILL BE UNDER WARRANTY. IT COST US $223 TO HAVE HIS SEAT BELT REPLACED. I ASKED FORD TO CHECK THE OTHER SEAT BELT, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (BACK SEAT) AND THEY AGREED THAT ONE HAS TO BE REPLACED TOO, BECAUSE IT TOO RETRACTS SLOWLY AND CATCHES WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE IT. WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT IT WASN'T RIGHT, UNTIL WE MOVED OUR SON TO THAT SIDE. AGAIN, WE DON'T USE THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE OF THE LATCH SYSTEM ON OUR DAUGHTER'S CAR SEAT. IT WILL COST US ANOTHER $223 TO HAVE THAT ONE FIXED TOO. WE ARE GOING TO WAIT UNTIL WE HAVE TO MOVE OUR DAUGHTER TO A BOOSTER BEFORE HAVING IT FIXED. BUT WE FIND IT INTERESTING THAT BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND WHEN FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME WE'VE OWNED THE CAR, THE 2 CAR SEATS WERE LATCHED IN AND WE DIDN'T USE THE SEAT BELTS. *TR
Feb 28, 2010
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BUTTON ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION HAS BROKE. THE FIRST TIME WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, THIS TIME FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX IT FOR FREE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT HAS FAILED TWICE ON A SUV THAT IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. *TR
Dec 10, 2007
1. USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE NORMALY THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 2. ON 10/21/2004 THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE BUTTON FELL DOWN INSIDE THE E-BRAKE HAND GRIP, HAD TO USE THE END OF A PEN TO GET THE E-BRAKE TO RELEASE.*AK 3. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, THEY TOOK IT APART, AND PUT THE BUTTON BACK UP WHERE IT SHOULD BE, AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT E-BRAKE ASSEMBLY, STILL HAVE OLD ASSEMBLY, THEY WEREN'T SURE WHY IT FELL DOWN AND BECAME STUCK.
Oct 25, 2004
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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
Jan 22, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
UNKNOWN
Jan 22, 2023
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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!
Mar 29, 2021
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
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
Jan 31, 2019
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
Sep 24, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Sep 14, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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??
Apr 02, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
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.
Aug 28, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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.
Aug 12, 2017
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (CT CONVEYOR LLC LOCATED AT 320 TERRYVILLE RD, BRISTOL, CT 06010; (860) 637-2926) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 AND 14V165000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND STRUCTURE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,400. ..UPDATED 08/31/17 *BF *CN
Jun 28, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
ABS LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. TOWED TO SHOP TO HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY BAD. SINCE THEN 3- ALTERNATORS, 2- BATTERIES, 3- O2 SENSORS, AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT BLINKS ON AND OFF AND ILLUMINATES WHEN YOU HONK THE HORN ON THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO WHEN TURNING ON HEADLIGHTS, ALL DASH LIGHTS AND STEREO CONSOLE LIGHTS DIM TO ALMOST INVISIBLE. TOOK TO 4 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM!!!! THIS COMPANY SHOULD REALIZE THIS CAR IS A LEMON, AND BACK THEIR WORKMANSHIP. AND BLOW THIS CAR UP !!! *TR
Nov 02, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Aug 02, 2016
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS OR CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ON...ALSO REAR PASSENGER SHOCK HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM WHEEL WELL CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. I JUST HAD THIS VEHICLE FINANCED BACK IN FEBRUARY 2016.
Jun 12, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WE OWN A 2004 ESCAPE. THAT TWO WEEKS AGO CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. WE ALSO HAVE HAD BRAKE LINES GO BAD DUE TO PART FAILURE TWICE. AND THE TOTAL OF THREE ALTERNATORS. NOW WE HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD REGARDING THE 01-03 FIRE ISSUE. BUT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYRHING TO CONSIDER THE 04 EVEN THOUGH IN RESEARCHING THE ACTUAL RECALL IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULF LIKE TO SEE THIS HAPPEN. WE ARE SELLING OUR VEHICLE TO THE SEALER SUE TO LACK OF RELIABILITY. BUT WANTED TO VET THE WORD OUT ON THIS ISSUE. OUR ENGINE ALSO IDLE AND TRIES TO PULL THE VEHICLE FORWARD EVEN WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY IDLE AIR CONTROLL VALVE.
Nov 17, 2015
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A CLUCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES ALSO FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,715. ..UPDATED 02/01/16 *BF *JS
Nov 02, 2015
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
I AM SHOCKED AT HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY ESCAPE IN REGARDS TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTING OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. I INITIALLY NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. I THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE REAR SHOCKS SO I TOOK IT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A FRAME ISSUE AND I NEEDED TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX AND SOME BODY SHOPS WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO FIX IT. HE ALSO STATED THAT I SHOULD DRIVE SLOW BECAUSE THE SHOCK MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. AT THIS POINT, I AM FURIOUS! I WENT TO A BODY SHOP TODAY ON MY LUNCH BREAK AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST UPWARDS OF $2,000 TO REPAIR. THE GUY AT THE BODY SHOP ALSO TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE ON SEVERAL 2004-2006 FORD ESCAPES AND WAS WELL AWARE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. I AM SO FRUSTRATED AND AGITATED BECAUSE I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD I AM SO FED UP WITH HOW IRRESPONSIBLE THESE HUGE MILLION/BILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES ARE. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN JUST IN MY LITTLE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE TODAY, FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, YET THEY REFUSE TO ESTABLISH A RECALL.
Jun 29, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Jun 13, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
May 29, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CAR STALLS AFTER PUTTING IT IN GEAR / *TR
Apr 12, 2015
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Apr 10, 2015
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
PASSENGER (RIGHT) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE STRUT TO DETACH. *TR
Apr 07, 2015
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Mar 30, 2015
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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.
Mar 30, 2015
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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
Mar 20, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. MY COUSIN HAD THE SAME CAR. WE BOTH HAD TO TAKE A FEW THOUSAND LOSS AND SELL THESE VEHICLES DUE TO SEVERE, UNSAFE WHEEL WELL RUST .NOT TO MENTION CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON BOTH CARS WERE BAD. TWO ON EACH ESCAPE. I WAS READY TO DO REPAIRS, UNTIL A FRIEND WITH THE SAME ESCAPE HAD JUST REPAIRED THE BODY IN HIS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. SO WE ALL TOOK LOSS. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?? I HAD FAMILY THAT WORKED, AND RETIRED FROM FORD. I HAD SEVERAL FORD'S OVER THE YEARS. THIS HAS PUT ME IN A HOLE..BOUGHT IT FOR 6,000. JUST GAVE IT AWAY FOR 1,000. HELP. *TR
Feb 20, 2015
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Sep 20, 2014
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SEATS
1 complaint
THE SHOCK TOWER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HAS BROKEN, DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION, AND PUNCTURED THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND THE BACK SEAT. THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR BODY HAS SEPARATED FROM THE EXTERIOR BODY SO THAT THE WHEEL AND ROAD CAN BE SEEN FROM INSIDE THE BACK SEAT THROUGH A LARGE (INCH OR MORE WIDE) GAP. THERE IS NO CORROSION OR DAMAGE IN ANY OTHER WHEEL WELL. THERE IS A CORROSION RELATED RECALL ON THIS CAR WHICH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IS UNRELATED TO THIS PARTICULAR AREA OF THE CAR (SAFETY RECALL 14S02). FORD'S CUSTOMER "CARE" CENTER ACKNOWLEDGED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS YET HAS NO INVESTIGATION OR ACTIVITY AIMED AT A REMEDY FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. DUE TO FORD'S APPARENT NEGLIGENCE WHICH HAS CAUSED HUNDREDS OF FORD OWNERS IDENTICAL DAMAGE, MY CAR IS UNSAFE AND FORD IS UNWILLING TO ACT. *TR
Jul 09, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2004 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOWER CONTROL ARM RUST RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE PULLED OVER, AND DISCOVERED THE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN. HE WAS UNABLE TO PULL IT OF. SO HE DROVE BACK HOME, AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO FENDER LEFT ON THE SHOCK. ALSO, THE TRUNK LID WAS RUSTING. *JB THE CONSUMER HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND PLACED THE KEYS IN THE CONSOLE. HE EXITED THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE BACK SEAT. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB
Jun 23, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I FIRST NOTICED A SURGING AND SQUEAL TYPE NOISE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. SPOUSE HAD REPAIRED 3 TIMES YET IT CONTINUES. DURING THIS TIME I ALSO HEARD A CLANKING NOISE FROM REAR END AS IF HATCH (WINDOW/DOOR) WAS NOT SECURELY CLOSED BUT THEN ASSUMED IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUE. I MENTIONED NOISE INCREASED, LOUD, FRIGHTENING (STEERING DIFFICULTIES). HE CONTACTED FORD BY PHONE (X3) AND EMAILED HOWEVER THEIR REPLY WAS NO FATALITIES OR INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED THEREFORE WE HAVE 2 OPTIONS. 1) TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AT OUR EXPENSE, 2) TRADE IN FOR A NEW FORD VEHICLE. BOTH SCHOOL/CITY/GOVT EMPLOYED AND CANNOT AFFORD 2000.00 TO REPAIR. YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE ENTIRE RIGHT SHOCK WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK AFTER A 12 HR DAY & TOLD HIM I FELT AS IF THE BACK END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF & CLANKING SOUND INTENSIFIED. AT 8PM HE WAS LAYING UNDER CAR ON GARAGE FLOOR AND FOUND THE SHOCK HANGING! HE WAS FORCED TO REMOVE AS I HAD TO WORK THE NEXT DAY AT 6AM. I AM DRIVING WITHOUT ONE SHOCK, NEW TIRES, RUSTED REAR FRAME AND SURGE CONTINUES. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO OTHER AVENUES FOR REPORTING. I HAVE 2 COWORKERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES, BOTH ESCAPES. THE REMOVED SHOCK IS RUSTED, NEAR CRUMBLING OF SORT BUT SAVED ALONG WITH SEVERAL PHOTOS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING MY LENGTHY EMAIL AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANY INPUT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/21/15 *JS
Jun 14, 2014
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK AND MOUNT HAVE RUSTED OFF OF FRAME. *TR
Mar 20, 2014
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WELL, MY FORD ESCAPE 2004 LTD EDITION HAD ISSUES SLOWING DOWN. I HAD USED THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED AS IF CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON EVEN AFTER I BRAKED HARD AND CANCELLED THE CRUISE CONTROL. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TURNING IT BACK ON. WHEN IT STARTED BACK UP, THE VEHICLE REVVED TO 5,000 RPM IN UNDER 5 SECONDS. I DID THIS TWICE WITH THE SAME EFFECT. I BROUGHT IT IN TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL (ALTHOUGH NOW I SEE THEM ALL OVER THE INTERNET). I GOT A CALL BACK AFTER THIS WHOLE ORDEAL THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT THE SHOCK WAS NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON TREND WITH THESE VEHICLES, BUT THERE ARE NO RECALLS. MY DEALERSHIP IS BRINGING IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP TODAY. I AM EXPECTING A $3,000 REPAIR NOW. *TR
Feb 10, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, THE THROTTLE STUCK. APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW AND TACHOMETER INDICATED HIGH ENGINE SPEED. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RPMS PUT THE NEEDLE IN THE RED BEYOND THE GAUGE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE, AND OPENING THE HOOD THE PROBLEM DID NOT PERSIST, BUT RETURNED AFTER DRIVING AGAIN. *TR
Feb 10, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND THE RPMS ON MY 2004 ESCAPE JUMP UP. SO I TRY TO SLOW DOWN AND CAR KEEPS ACCELERATING. THROW CAR INTO PARK BECAUSE BRAKES WOULDN'T SLOW IT DOWN. EVER SITE I READ SAYS IT IS THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. SUPPOSEDLY THIS WAS REPLACED BY DEALER WHILE IN FOR AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REPAIR IN DECEMBER 2012. UNDER RECALL. NOW WHEN I START VEHICLE RPMS JUMP, AND GET BURNING SMELL FROM MOTOR. CARS RPMS JUMP WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ALSO. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED IN MAY 2013 BUT SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT IS DIMLY LITE UPON ACCELERATING. I HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE ON THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND IT NEEDS MORE WORK. I ALSO AFTER GETTING BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REPLACED HAD TO PUT A NEW THROTTLE BODY COMPONENT IN BECAUSE MOTOR WAS RACING TO 3000 RPMS WHILE IN PARK OR WHILE FOOT WAS ON BREAK. PLEASE HELP. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE LIKE IT IS. CAN NOT AFFORD TO PUT ANYMORE MONEY INTO IT EITHER. *TR
Jan 26, 2014
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER MUCH EFFORT BUT SHORTLY AFTER, CRASHED INTO A UTILITY BOX. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 04/22/14 MA WHEN THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER CRASHED INTO THE ELECTRICAL BOX, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND SPREAD TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/24/14
Sep 16, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS STRUGGLING AND THEN SHUTS OFF. IT WOULD TAKE A SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FOR THE CAR TO RESTART BUT EVENTUALLY IT WOULD. NOW THE CARS JUST IDLES AND RUNS REALLY ROUGH AND SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID ALL IT NEEDED WAS A NEW CAT-CONVERTER MANIFOLD, NOT STATING WHY. WE REPLACED IT ($1500) BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REPEATED. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO REPLACE 6 IGNITION COILS AND PLUGS AND POSSIBLY THE PCM. THEY ALSO SAID THE IGNITION COILS CAUSED THE CAT-CONVERTOR MANIFOLD TO MALFUNCTION IN THE FIRST PLACE. SO WE REPLACED ALL COILS AND PLUGS FOR $1600 BUT THEY SAID THE PCM WAS FINE FOR NOW BUT IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME FOR THE PCM TO FAIL. I'M NOT SURE IF FORD DELIBERATELY NEGLECTED THIS IGNITION COIL ISSUE BUT IT IS SUSPICIOUS. MY COMMUTE IS MAINLY INTERSTATE HWY AND I'M AFRAID THIS PROBLEM IS MIGHT CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHILE ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE HWY. *TR
Apr 14, 2013
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I OWN THREE OF THESE VEHICLES AND AGAIN RIGHT FRONT ABS RING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON ALL THREE CARS. *TR
Dec 05, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ALL THREE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED TO OPERATE IN THE CAR. WE WERE INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE CONVERTERS WERE UNDER WARRANTY BOTH FOR MILEAGE AND TIME (8 YEAR/80,000 MILE WARRANTY). DEALERSHIP REQUESTED CAR BE BOUGHT, WHICH WE DID. AFTER THE CAR ARRIVED, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN JANUARY 2004 AND THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JANUARY 2012. ADDITIONALLY, THEY WANT TO CHARGE US OVER $3,000 FOR THE REPAIRS. I ALSO ADVISED THEM THAT WE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN NOVEMBER 2007 WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM CARMAX. WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER EITHER. MY CAR REMAINS AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPAIR IT, HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL MAKING THE CAR PAYMENTS ON IT. I CONTACTED FORD MOTORS, FILED A REPORT AND WAS LATER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. *TR
Sep 07, 2012
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AT FIRST, MY ESCAPE ONLY STARTED HESITATING ON RAINY DAYS WHEN I GOT TO ABOUT 45-55 MPH. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD BAD GAS SO I STOPPED AT AUTO ZONE TO GET DRY GAS FOR IT. THIS SEEM TO WORK LIKE A CHARM AND I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN; SPUDERING, NOT ACCELERATING, CAR SHAKING, AND ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ONCE I REACHED 45MPH. THIS HAD BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A FEW MONTHS ON AND OFF, THEN ONE SUNNY DAY ITS BEGAN HESITATING AND MISFIRING VERY BADLY NOW NOT ONLY IN 5TH GEAR BUT AT IDLE AND 1ST GEAR. IT MISFIRED AND HESITATED EVERY TIME I DROVE IT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THE MECHANIC COULD GET IT INTO THE SHOP. I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE TWO CODES THAT THE ENGINE WAS PULLING P0305 AND P0316 PENDING. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME WHEN THEIR ESCAPES REACH 90,000 MILES OR HIGHER, SOME EVEN WORSE. PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT THE ISSUES BEING CAUSED ARE A RESULT OF FORD PUTTING IN THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WHICH IS CAUSING THE COMPUTER CHIP TO BURN OUT LEADING TO MISFIRES IN THE COIL PACKS. MY MECHANIC JUST INFORMED ME THAT IT WILL COST $400 TO FIX TWO OF THE COILS AND THERE IS ONLY A 50/50 CHANCE THAT IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM (FOR NOW). HE SAID IT WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THERE IS NO TELLING HOW LONG THAT MIGHT BE, IT MIGHT BE RIGHT AWAY, A WEEK FROM NOW, OR A YEAR. WILL ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO WAY TO TELL IF IT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A WARNING TO OWNERS SAYING WHAT MAY HAPPEN ONCE THE CAR GETS OVER 100,000 MILES. *TT
May 21, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ON THE WAY BACK, IT AGAIN CAME ON AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES - IT FLASHED A FEW TIMES AND THEN STAYED ON. THE FORD DEALER TESTED THE CAR AND SAID THE WARNING LIGHT WAS CAUSED BY BOTH FRONT PRETENSIONER CONNECTORS COSTING $397.99. I LOOKED UP PRETENSIONER ON THE INTERNET AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS SPECIFIC TO 2004 FORD ESCAPES. THERE WERE ALSO SOLUTIONS SUCH AS DISCONNECTING THE LIGHT, IGNORING THE LIGHT, AND RIGGING THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD DEFECT THAT MAY LEAD TO LACK OF SAFETY AND HIGHWAY DEATH. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT CONSUMERS MAY IGNORE.
Dec 18, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
TONE RINGS ON FORD ESCAPES BREAKING. THESE RINGS ARE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. TRUCK DOESN'T STOP PROPERLY. I READ ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE TONE RINGS. FORD CHARGES $250 PER SIDE. IN MY CASE BOTH SIDES ARE BROKE . SOUNDS LIKE A FACTORY FAULTY PART. *TR
Jul 25, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
FORD ESCAPE 2004 IDLING PROBLEMS WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES ENGINE STARTS TO MISFIRE WHILE RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 40 MILES AN HOUR. WHILE IDLING IT ALSO MISFIRE KEEPING THE ENGINE UNSTABLE. HAVE TAKING IT TO THE MECHANICS FOR ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS AND SOME TELL ME IT IS THE ENGINE GASKET THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED. HELP *TR
Jul 20, 2008
SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH GEAR SELECTOR AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ISSUES. CONSUMER STATES THAT MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT BELTS. HE GAVE THE OK TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. *KB THE GEAR SELECTION AT THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN DID NOT LIGHT UP AT NIGHT. *JB
Jul 07, 2008
TIRES,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
VALUE STEM FAILURE. I TWO FAIL ON ME IN TWO DAYS THE TIRES WHERE BROUGHT FROM GOODYEAR TIRE ON WILLIAMSBURG ROAD IN RICHMOND VA THE FIRST WAS SAT MAY 24 2008 HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE THE OTHER MAY 26 ONLY REPLACE STEM. *TR
Jun 18, 2008
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A 2004 ESCAPE ON MAY 13, 2004 WITH THE STANDARD 3-YEAR/ 36,000 MILES COVERAGE. ON THE JUNE 11, 2006 THE CD PLAYER STARTED GRINDING. IT GAVE ME A NON-DESCRIPT ERROR MESSAGE AND WHEN I TRIED TO EJECT THE CD IT WOULD NOT COMPLY. I WOULD ESTIMATE MY MILEAGE AT ABOUT 42,000 MILES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO STATED THAT SINCE MY MILEAGE WAS OVER 36,000 MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME, UNLESS I CHOSE TO PURCHASE A NEW CD PLAYER. IT NO LONGER WORKS. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE BBB AND MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER. SIMILAR PROBLEMS EXIST IN 2005 MODELS AND THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS INDICATES TO REPLACE IT ONLY IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, TELLING ME FORD HAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND IS HEDGING ITS BET THAT SOME PEOPLE WON'T FIGURE IT OUT BEFORE THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *NM
Aug 18, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2004 FORD ESCAPE, CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *KB FRONT AND REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS PLUGGED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH. THE EGR VALVE HAD A HOLE IN IT. *NM
Jul 14, 2006
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
1. I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT MY BACK UP ALARM SENSORS. I HAVE HAD ABOUT 5 INCIDENTS IN WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED FALSE POSITIVES WHEN NOTHING IS BEHIND ME. AT WORK WHILE BACKING OUT, THE SYSTEM WILL SOUND AND GO CRAZY. 2. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THIS MALFUNCTION TO DATE. I JUST DO NOT TRUST THE PRODUCT THAT WAS PURCHASED WITH MY CAR 3. I TOOK MY CAR TO MOSSY FORD IN SAN DIEGO ON OCTOBER 18, 2005. MADE THE COMPLAINT AND THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT GOOD. I HAVE NOTICED ONE THING IN COMMON WITH ALL FIVE OF MY INCIDENTS, I HAVE BEEN AROUND NEXTEL CELLULAR PHONE TOWERS. IN MY WORK PARKING LOT WE HAVE A NEXTEL CELL TOWER AND THIS IS WHERE THE SYSTEM SEEM TO BE UNRELIABLE. ALSO AT A PLACE OF BUSINESS THAT I FREQUENT THERE IS A CELL SITE DOWN THE STREET. I DID SEE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON YOUR WEB SITE WITH THIS TYPE OF COMPLAINT. IT IS SERVICE BULLETIN NUM : 04262 DATE OF BULLETIN: MAR 07, 2005 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10014671.*JB
Nov 24, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AT TIMES, THE HEADLIGHTS CUT ON AND OFF. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. *NM
Feb 25, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
PURCHASED 2/04. HESITATION PROBLEMS SINCE FIRST MONTH- FOUND NOTHING WRONG. CHNAGED OIL AT 5000K MILES, CHECKED AGAIN, FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW HAS 7000K MILES, STILL HESITATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND HAS BEGUN NOT STARTING. TOWED TO DEALER, FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO WEAK PRESSURE. TWO DAYS LATER, WOULD NOT START AND HESITATING STILL. TOWED BACK AGAIN DID START, SMELLED BAD, BUT NO CODES OR PROBLEMS FOUND.*AK
Oct 26, 2004
SEATS
1 complaint
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE CAUSES SEVERE BACK PAIN AFTER 15-20 MINUTES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BECAUSE CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE SEAT CREATES A DISTRACTION. *LA
Apr 06, 2004
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD ESCAPE XLT ON 12/8/03. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE VEHICLE PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT, AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. ON 12/17/03, THE LEFT REAR POWER WINDOW HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT WENT INTO SERVICE AND THE ELECTRICAL SHORT WAS REPAIRED. ON 12/19/03 WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO SERVICE FOR THE PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY TRIED AN ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT FOR 400-600 MILES TO SEE IF IT CORRECTS ITSELF. ON 12/22/03 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM; AS I DID NOT FEEL THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT WAS A PROPER SOLUTION. THE SERVICE TRIED THE ALIGNMENT AGAIN, TRIED TO ROTATE THE TIRES, CHANGING THE TIRES, BUT NOTHING CORRECTED THE VEHICLE FROM PULLING TO THE LEFT. THEY CONTACTED FORD WHO ADVISED THAT THE TROUBLE MAY BE THE STEERING RACK. ON 12/26/2003 I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPT, AND THEY PUT ON A NEW STEERING RACK, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE NEW 2004 WITH NOW 600 MILES ON IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE INFORMED THAT THEY WILL HAVE A FORD ENGINEER COME OUT TO SEE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD SALESMAN THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AND THE SALES MANAGER ON MY CONCERNS ON BUYING A NEW VEHICLE WITH THESE ISSUES RIGHT FROM THE START. THEY INFORMED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNTIL THE FORD ENGINEER COMES TO CHECK THE VEHICLE OUT. OUR CONCERN NOW IS THAT THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT FOR UNKNOWN REASON THAT THE FORD SERVICE EXPERTS CANNOT FIGURE OUT, THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURING WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 42 MILES ON IT.
Dec 30, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 FORD Escape have?
The 2004 FORD Escape currently has 498 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 FORD Escape?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 FORD Escape are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 FORD Escape problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 FORD Escape comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - FORD Escape
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