RoadVitals

2004 Ford Escape Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Nov 1, 2018
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 499 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2004 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FREESTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUTO FORD (A, 3301 EAST CENTRAL TEXAS EXPRESSWAY, KILLENE, TEXAS 76543 (254) 699-2629) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL IN 2015 AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEREAFTER THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER AFTER CONTINUED ATTEMPTS TO COMMUNICATE VIA TELEPHONE/VOICEMAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11144682
Incident
Jan 9, 2012
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 29, 2018

DRIVING DON HIGHWAY MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND STOPPED ACCELERATING. MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION SPIT OUT MY AXLES AND WOULD NOT HOLD THEM IN.

NHTSA ID
11090892
Incident
Apr 13, 2018
Mileage
72,000 mi
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 28, 2017

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V16500. LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOSE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING. IT MAY BE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION FOR THE LOSE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE UNDERNEATH BRACKET.

NHTSA ID
11020115
Incident
Aug 7, 2017
Mileage
173,200 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 10, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

NHTSA ID
10953819
Incident
Aug 2, 2016
Mileage
135,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 2, 2016

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

NHTSA ID
10923846
Incident
Nov 1, 2016
Mileage
72,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 25, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATED THAT IT WAS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10918785
Incident
Oct 24, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 10, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

NHTSA ID
10864268
Incident
May 2, 2016
Mileage
133,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED IDLE WHEN THE GEAR WAS PLACED IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,200.

NHTSA ID
10823156
Incident
Jan 21, 2016
Mileage
81,200 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 14, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10781880
Incident
Oct 1, 2015
Mileage
120,000 mi
BrakesElectricalFuel system+1 more
Filed Apr 12, 2015

THE CAR STALLS AFTER PUTTING IT IN GEAR / *TR

NHTSA ID
10705155
Incident
Apr 18, 2013
Mileage
52,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 16, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID
10633588
Incident
Jun 5, 2007
Mileage
45,000 mi
BrakesFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 14, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10598270
Incident
Jun 5, 2012
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 1, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10576500
Incident
Oct 15, 2008
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed Jan 26, 2014

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 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

NHTSA ID
10561550
Incident
Jan 7, 2014
Mileage
155,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 14, 2013

THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS STRUGGLING AND THEN SHUTS OFF. IT WOULD TAKE A SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FOR THE CAR TO RESTART BUT EVENTUALLY IT WOULD. NOW THE CARS JUST IDLES AND RUNS REALLY ROUGH AND SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID ALL IT NEEDED WAS A NEW CAT-CONVERTER MANIFOLD, NOT STATING WHY. WE REPLACED IT ($1500) BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REPEATED. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO REPLACE 6 IGNITION COILS AND PLUGS AND POSSIBLY THE PCM. THEY ALSO SAID THE IGNITION COILS CAUSED THE CAT-CONVERTOR MANIFOLD TO MALFUNCTION IN THE FIRST PLACE. SO WE REPLACED ALL COILS AND PLUGS FOR $1600 BUT THEY SAID THE PCM WAS FINE FOR NOW BUT IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME FOR THE PCM TO FAIL. I'M NOT SURE IF FORD DELIBERATELY NEGLECTED THIS IGNITION COIL ISSUE BUT IT IS SUSPICIOUS. MY COMMUTE IS MAINLY INTERSTATE HWY AND I'M AFRAID THIS PROBLEM IS MIGHT CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHILE ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE HWY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10508185
Incident
Nov 16, 2012
Mileage
75,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .