Ford Escape / 2004
2004 Ford Escape problems
Owners have filed 715 complaints about the 2004 Ford Escape with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 21.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 19.4%.
Complaints715
Crashes49
Fires21
Injuries27
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Suspension 21.5% · 154
Structure 19.4% · 139
Vehicle speed control 13.7% · 98
Air bags 6.3% · 45
Wheels 4.8% · 34
Electrical system 4.5% · 32
Engine 4.3% · 31
Power train 3.8% · 27
Severity
Of those complaints, 49 describe a crash, 21 describe a fire, 27 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 24 model years of the Ford Escape in this data, 2004 sits 18th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 111,070 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact noticed that the front passenger side subframe was separated from the lower control arm. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure); however, the vin was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Suspension · reported at 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While pulling into the driveway at a low speed, the bolt on the passenger side lower control arm rotted/rusted from the inside. The dealer stated that there were no recalls for this failure. The vehicle has a three year/36,000 mile warranty. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000. Updated 09/09/08 *bf updated 09/09/08. Suspension · reported at 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving over a bump in the road at any speed, a thumping noise emitted from the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed that the rear passenger side wheel well was rusted and the shock absorber had loosened. The contact notified the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000. Suspension · reported at 116,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…