Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 by the previous owner years ago But it needs to be fixed as it's still doing it to me
I was leaving my parking spot where the vehicle had been parked for approximately 45 minutes when the brake pedal went to the floor and my brakes were not working properly. I discovered that brake fluid was leaking out of the brake line in the front drivers side wheel well. The rubber hose had deteriorated and had to be replaced. Yesterday I was driving when my brake pedal went to the floor again. When I parked the car I found that brake fluid is leaking from the brake line in the front passengers side wheel well. The vehicle now had approximately 137000 miles. It appears that the rubber brake line hose had deteriorated on that side as well. This is a major safety issue as both times I was driving my kids and had to worry about injuring them and potentially anyone else on the road at the times this occurred.
On 916/17, we were just getting off the entrance onto route 276, east bound, north of philly. I was starting to accelerate and merge with traffic when the accelerator pedal suddenly went to the floor on its own. I then turned off the engine with the key and was able to pull off the right hand side of the road. After we were towed a mechanic was able to lift the pedal after detangling it from the cruise control cable. There was a recall for faulty cruise control (sticking accelerator pedal) in 2015. I took my vehicle in for the recall and it was repaired by a Ford dealer on 6/1/15. The recall notice # is 12s37/NHTSA recall 12v-353 I do not have the ability to scan a repair bill, which amounted to a mechanic tying the cable up out of the way of the pedal
We own a 2004 Escape. That two weeks ago caught fire due to the ABS control module. We also have had brake lines go bad due to part failure twice. And the total of three alternators. Now we have spoken to Ford regarding the 01-03 fire issue. But they will not do anyrhing to consider the 04 even though in researching the actual recall it was the same issue. I woulf like to see this happen. We are selling our vehicle to the sealer sue to lack of reliability. But wanted to vet the word out on this issue. Our engine also idle and tries to pull the vehicle forward even with the brakes applied. This is due to a faulty idle air controll valve.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the brake and accelerator pedals would not respond to pressure. The contact was able to move the steering wheel after much effort but shortly after, crashed into a utility box. The contact was not injured. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 04/22/14 ma when the consumers daughter crashed into the electrical box, it caught on fire, and spread to the vehicle. Updated 04/24/14
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the speed accelerated independently, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V353000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving at an unknown speed over a bump in the road, the vehicle emitted a clucking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, which indicated that the front suspension bar was fractured. The front suspension bar was replaced. The contact also stated that the brake lines also failed due to corrosion. The brake lines were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 125,715. ..updated 02/01/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes malfunctioned and the vehicle would not stop. The contact also indicated that the check engine light illuminated during the incident. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
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
As my 2004 Ford Escape turned 25,000 miles, the brake light came on. I took it to my local brake shop, and they advised me that the front brake rotors were warped and had to be replaced as well as the brake pads. The brake fluid was also very low. The brake shop manager stated that it is extremely unusual for rotors to be replaced at 25,000 miles. Upon investigating other similar claims on various websites, it appears that Ford motor co. Had many complaints on various models for the identical problem. According to one complaint website, Ford motor co. Was subject to a class action by Ford consumers in 2003 regarding the replacement of warped rotors on their vehicles and other brake issues. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fire
In letters dated March 30, 2007, Ford motor company (Ford) and Mazda north American operations (Mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v-156 and 07v-157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that May result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 Ford escape and Mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject…
Engine Compartment Fire
Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns.
Engine compartment fire
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated March 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v-156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 Ford escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07V156 - a fact…
Brake complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Ford Escape, 6% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Escape brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-156 (control unit/module, Apr 10, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Escape brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.