2004 Ford Escape Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2004 Ford Escape has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 499 complaints with NHTSA, including 29 crashes, 14 fires, 16 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Suspension (154 reports).

6Recalls
499Owner complaints
29Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Escape?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2004 Ford Escape recalls

Shifter May Disconnect, Allowing Car to Roll Away

Recall 15V606Sep 29, 201557 vehicles affected

On certain 2001-2004 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles with a remanufactured CD4E transmission installed, the bolt securing the manual shift lever may not be properly tightened.

Structure:Frame And Members

Recall 14V165Apr 2, 2014348,950 vehicles affected

Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Recall 12V353Jul 26, 2012529,719 vehicles affected

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Recall 04V602Dec 20, 2004262,113 vehicles affected

Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Recall 04V574Dec 7, 2004470,245 vehicles affected

Most common 2004 Ford Escape problems

Problem areas named in the 499 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Suspension154
Structure139
Vehicle Speed Control98
Air Bags45
Wheels34
Electrical System32
Engine31
Power Train27
Steering26
Engine And Engine Cooling18

What owners report

2026-03-03, Latches/Locks/Linkages
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where other recall repairs were performed; however, the contact was advised that parts for NHSTA Campaign: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); were no longer being manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2024-04-02, Structure
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
2024-01-22, Service Brakes
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
2023-04-14, Service Brakes
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
2023-01-22, Service Brakes
UNKNOWN

2004 Ford Escape questions

Does the 2004 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2004 Ford Escape: Shifter May Disconnect, Allowing Car to Roll Away; Structure:Frame And Members; Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Escape?

Based on 499 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (154), Structure (139), Vehicle Speed Control (98).

How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Ford Escape has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Escape years

Other 2004 Ford models