2004 FORD ESCAPE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

714

Owner Complaints

49 Crashes 21 Fires 1 Death

8

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

6

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

The 2004 FORD ESCAPE has received a total of 714 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (148 complaints), Structurebody (111 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (76 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE, potentially affecting up to 2,601,024 vehicles.

Recall 15V606000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

| 57 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair...

Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015....

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Recall 15V606000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

| 57 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair...

Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015....

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Recall 15E045000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

| 576 vehicles affected

Defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of...

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

Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

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Recall 14V165000 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

| 348,950 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience...

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

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.

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Recall 12V353000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

| 529,719 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists...

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will...

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Recall 12V353000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 529,719 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists...

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will...

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Recall 07V156000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 446,460 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT...

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Recall 07E023000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

| 13,128 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

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

Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

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Recall 04V602000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 262,113 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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Recall 04V574000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

| 470,245 vehicles affected

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

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

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

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Owner Complaints for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

714 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Suspension
Complaints: 148 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 111 3 Crashes 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 76 22 Crashes 4 Fires 13 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bags
Complaints: 41 5 Crashes 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 33 1 Crash
Engine
Complaints: 31 4 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 26 5 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 26 1 Crash
Service Brakes
Complaints: 18 4 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 15
Structure
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 15 1 Crash 2 Fires 4 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 13 3 Crashes
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 10 1 Injury
Seat Belts
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 6
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 4
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4
Visibility
Complaints: 4
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 4
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanical
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11580651 | STRUCTURE | | 217,000 miles Crash
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.
#11566969 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles 2 Injuries
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
#11566969 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles 2 Injuries
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
#11566969 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | N/A miles 2 Injuries
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
#11516988 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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

View all Suspension complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 FORD ESCAPE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

Ford Motor Company has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

18280 — AIR BAGS

AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON . *EH

18284 — AIR BAGS

HIGH AIRFLOW FROM DEFROSTER VENTS WHEN IN FLOOR OR FLOOR DEFROST MODES. *EH

17482 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

HARSH SHIFTS AND ENGAGEMENTS WITH ONLY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1502. *TT

03L17 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

DEMONSTRATION/DELIVERY HOLD - SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 03L17. REVISED SMOG EMISSIONS INFORMATION. *TT

17343 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT

FRONT SAFETY BELT SLOW TO RETRACT AND/OR MISSING WEB STOP BUTTON. *TT

17366 — POWER TRAIN

FINAL DRIVE WHINE MOST NOTICEABLE AT 25-45 MPH DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 FORD ESCAPE

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2004 FORD ESCAPE.

Investigation DP12005 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Closed

Opened:

Cruise Control Cable

Investigation DP09003 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Closed

Opened:

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Other Model Years of the FORD ESCAPE

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Other FORD Models

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