Ford Escape Complaints (2004)

499 consumer complaints on file.

#10598943June 17, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10598270June 14, 2014
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10597077June 9, 2014
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE A HOLE AND RUST FORMING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THIS IS BEGINNING TO EXPOSE THE SHOCK AREA. I LIVE IN A HIGH SALT AREA. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10596595June 6, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10596115June 4, 2014
SUSPENSION
TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN JUNE 2014, SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000(SUSPENSION). SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE; HOWEVER, FORD ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS COULD NOT PROVIDE A SOLID ANSWER ON WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE OR HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595740June 3, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING OUT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595455June 2, 2014
SUSPENSION
RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED IN THE MAIL ON SATURDAY MAY 31ST. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY MORNING JUNE 2ND AT 8 AM< TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THE EARLIEST OPENING THEY HAD WAS DECEMBER 22ND 2014- THIS IS WAY TOO FAR AWAY IF THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY VEHICLE - DEALERSHIP IS ROMANO FORD ON BURDICK STREET, FAYETTEVILLE NY 13066 - (315) 637-4668 IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET FASTER REPAIRS??? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595585June 2, 2014
SUSPENSION
ON A FAMILY VACATION, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE, BREAKING AWAY FROM THE REAR WHEEL WELL ENTIRELY. IMAGINE MY OUTRAGE WHEN I COME TO FIND OUT THAT RUSTED OUT PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE FORD ESCAPES FOR THIS YEAR. THE WELL-BEING OF MY FAMILY WAS PUT IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE FORD HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FLAWED ENGINEERING. THAT IS SHAMEFUL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE ENDED POORLY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY! PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595272May 31, 2014
SUSPENSION
WE WERE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SUBDIVISION AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE THAT CONTINUED FROM THAT POINT. WE PULLED OVER AN INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD COME LOOSE AT THE TOP MOUNT. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY A REPAIR SHOP, THE WHEEL/FENDER WELL HAS CORRODED INCLUDING THE INTEGRAL SHOCK MOUNT. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595319May 31, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595181May 30, 2014
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORTH REPAIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION FRONT) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10595045May 30, 2014
WHEELS, SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL HOUSE STRUT MOUNT WAS ENTIRELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10594148May 27, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE, SUSPENSION
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10588862May 16, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, VISIBILITY
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586856May 6, 2014
SUSPENSION, STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586490May 5, 2014
SUSPENSION
I'M DRIVING ON A NEWLY PAVED STREET WHEN I HEARD A LARGE NOISE, LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF, NEAR THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THEN I HEARD SOMETHING HITTING AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL THE WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK AND MOUNT WAS NOW DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE FORD ESCAPE IS NOT DRIVABLE. THE REAR WHEEL WELL IS SO RUSTED OUT THERE IS A HOLE INTO THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I LOOK FROM INSIDE THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT/HATCH AREA OF THE ESCAPE I CAN SEE THE OUTSIDE THROUGH THE HOLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586709May 5, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586393May 4, 2014
SUSPENSION
MY WIFE NOTICED A CLUNKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THAT THE ISSUE IS A SEPARATION IN THE WHEELHOUSE WHERE THE STRUT ATTACHES TO THE WHEEL WELL. THE FACTORY-APPLIED UNDERCOATING FAILED AND CAUSED THE METAL AREA BENEATH IT TO RUST OUT. THERE IS A VISIBLE HOLE IN THE STRUCTURE, AND WE ARE ABLE TO SEE INTO THE TRUNK AREA. OUR BODY SHOP ADVISES THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE, AND THAT FULL DETACHMENT OF THE TOP STRUT MOUNT IS IMMINENT. AFTER INVESTIGATION, HE ALSO ADVISES US THAT HE FOUND ONLINE NEARLY 100 SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON SIMILAR VEHICLES RANGING FROM 2004-2006, ALL WITH VARYING MILEAGE. IN FACT, HE HAS TWO VEHICLES ON HIS PROPERTY THAT SHARE THE SAME CONCERN: ONE LOST FULL INTEGRITY, AND THE STRUT BLEW THROUGH THE BODY INTO THE CARGO SPACE; THE OTHER SHARES A SIMILAR LEVEL OF FAILURE AS OUR CAR. IT IS ALSO HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT THIS SORT OF RUST-OUT IS NOT COMMON NOR EXPECTED OF A VEHICLE THIS AGE. AFTER EXTENSIVE LOCAL RESEARCH AND PERSONAL INVESTIGATION, I HAVE FOUND IN MY CITY ALONE A HALF DOZEN FORD ESCAPE-STYLE VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEARS-RANGE WITH SIMILAR ISSUES AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONCERN. I ALSO HAVE RECORDED OVER 200 COMPLAINTS FROM SEVERAL BULLETIN BOARDS ACROSS THE INTERNET NOTING SIMILAR CONCERNS. WE HAVE YET TO PERSONALLY CONTACT FORD, YET WE SEE FROM THE POSTINGS THAT THE RESPONSE IS THE SAME: FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS AN ISSUE. FORD, HOWEVER, HAS SLATED LATER THIS MONTH TO ISSUE A RECALL RELATED TO A SIMILAR SUSPENSION-RUST ISSUE IN THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT WHEELHOUSE. AS THE LOSS OF AN EFFECTIVE STRUT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HANDLING, BRAKING AND SUSPENSION SAFETY ISSUES AT ANY CORNER OF THE AUTOMOBILE, THIS CONCERN FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586313May 3, 2014
SUSPENSION
RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT DETACHED AND PUSHED THROUGH BODY OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOW IS UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10586108May 2, 2014
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
A RATTLING FROM REAR PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. UPON INVESTIGATION TO SEE WHAT IT WAS I FOUND THAT THE UPPER CONNECTION POINT OF THE SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS BARELY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE BODY. WITHIN A DAY OR TWO AFTERWARDS THE UPPER PART HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND THE SHOCK WAS BOUNCING AROUND FREELY. I REMOVED THE SHOCK YESTERDAY (5/1/2014) AS IT HAD PUSHED UP (SINCE IT HAS NO RESISTANCE OR MEANS TO HOLD IT COMPRESSED) AND PUNCHED A HOLE THROUGH THE PLASTIC INTERIOR SIDE WALL LINER IN THE TAILGATE AREA. THERE IS NOW AN APPROXIMATELY 10" SQUARE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHERE I CAN SEE THE TIRE AND ROAD. I WILL NEED TO SEAL THE OPENING TO KEEP ROAD WATER FROM ENTERING. PHOTOS CAN BE PROVIDED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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