Skip to main content

2004 FORD Escape

8 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #15V606000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
The shift lever in your Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner connects your gear selection to your transmission. In certain models, the bolt that holds it in place might not be tightened properly, causing the lever to come loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the shift lever disengages, you could lose control of your gear shifts. When you think you're in 'PARK', the vehicle might not actually be in 'PARK', so it could roll away and increase the risk of injury to you and bystanders.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will inspect the transmission, tighten the bolt, or replace the shift lever assembly, all free of charge. This repair is a one-time fix to keep you safe on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #12V353000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The throttle control cable in your 2001-2004 Escape with a 3.0L V6 engine connects your accelerator pedal to your engine. There's a risk that the cable could get stuck, causing the engine to rev up uncontrollably.
Risk if Unfixed
If the throttle gets stuck, your vehicle could speed up rapidly and become hard to stop or slow down, which could lead to a severe crash, serious injury, or even death.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will increase the clearance between the engine cover and the throttle cable to prevent the sticking issue, free of charge. You'll get a notification when the parts are available, and in the meantime, the dealer will temporarily disconnect the throttle cable to keep you safe.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07V156000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature in your vehicle that helps prevent wheels from locking up during hard braking. The ABS module is a computer that controls the system, and it's connected to the rest of the vehicle by a special wire harness.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ABS module gets contaminated, it could fail while you're driving or even when the engine is turned off. This could cause your ABS light to come on, and in some cases, the module might overheat, producing a burning smell, smoke, or even a fire.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will inspect the ABS module's wire harness for any damage or missing seals, and repair or replace it as needed. They'll also check the ABS module itself and replace it if it's corroded or damaged – all for free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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 IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07E023000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
What Happened
The master cylinder is a critical part of your vehicle's braking system, controlling the brake fluid pressure. Some replacement master cylinders, made by Cardone, may have a faulty seal that can leak brake fluid.
Risk if Unfixed
If the master cylinder leaks brake fluid, you'll experience poor braking performance, which could lead to a loss of control and a crash.
Free Fix
Cardone will contact you and offer to replace the defective master cylinder with a new one, or repurchase it from you. This is a free service, and you should reach out to Cardone at 1-800-777-4780 for more information.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15E045000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

Manufacturer
Timken Company
What Happened
The front wheel bearing in your vehicle helps keep your wheels stable and secure. In some cases, the bearing sold for your 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, or 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner may be the wrong size, which can affect your vehicle's braking and steering.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wrong-sized bearing is in place, it could make your vehicle harder to steer and brake, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the incorrect wheel bearing with the correct one, at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and you should contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536 to schedule the replacement.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #14V165000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
The metal frame of your Escape's suspension system has a spot where water can get in and cause rust. This can weaken the structure and lead to a problem with the control arm.
Risk if Unfixed
If the control arm breaks, you could lose control of your steering, making it hard to steer the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will install a special reinforcement to prevent rust and damage to the control arm. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V602000 Plain English
Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The mechanism that keeps your rear liftgate shut is called the latch. In certain 2001-2005 Ford SUVs, this latch might not hold strong enough in an accident.
Risk if Unfixed
If the latch fails, and the liftgate is unlocked, it could swing open during a crash, potentially hitting you or others inside or outside the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the faulty latch parts for free, including the release rod, attachment clip, and door handle spring. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V574000 Plain English
Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The accelerator cable in your 3.0L V6 SUV is a long metal rod that connects the pedal under your foot to your engine. It helps control how fast your engine is running.
Risk if Unfixed
If the accelerator cable gets stuck, your engine speed could stay high even when you're not pressing the pedal. This means it could take longer to stop, and you might crash.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the faulty accelerator cable with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

Other FORD Escape Years

Related Pages