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Engine & cooling

2004 Ford Escape Engine problems

Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 2004 Ford Escape's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on January 18, 2019. They describe 3 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
49
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2004 Ford Escape

Engine and engine cooling

12V353000529,719 vehicles affected

The problem
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
The risk
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Engine complaints

SuspensionBody, doors & structureEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Suspension · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11170739
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11129616
Engine & coolingFire

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11064727
Engine & coolingFire

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11062499
Engine & coolingBody, doors & structureAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

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...

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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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Structure · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11001912
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingFuel system

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10994399
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10981760
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10923846
BrakesEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10892351
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10888799
Engine & coolingAcceleration & cruise control

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...

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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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10820055
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10781880
SteeringLightsEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Steering · Exterior lighting · Interior lighting · EngineNHTSA 10705017
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10701715
Engine & cooling

I purchased this vehicle 11 months ago, on feb 13,2015 as I was driving my car began to make a very loud noise as well as causing the vehicle to drive unstable. The mechanic report stated that 3 separate spark plugs had blown out and ejected causing extensive damage to multiple mechanical mechanisms to my vehicle. My vehicle is currently un drivable, also the check engine light did not come on the dash board or the machine. Also prior to this incident my vehicle would accelerate while driving and also in park. *Js

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10690626
Engine & coolingBody, doors & structure

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · StructureNHTSA 10689707
SuspensionBody, doors & structureEngine & cooling

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...

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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

Filed Incident Suspension · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10636915
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10598943
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10596595
SuspensionBody, doors & structureEngine & cooling

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...

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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

Filed Incident Suspension · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10594148
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10576500
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford escape. The contact stated that while driving 55mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed, which located a failure at the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10565233
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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...

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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

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10561550
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10556474
Engine & coolingAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10551318

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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