Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
There seems to be a wiring grounding problem. I have had to replace multiple alternators over the length of time that I've had this vehicle. Whenever I have to use my windshield wipers during mid to heavy rain, along with lights, and heat/ac. The next day my alternator doesn't respond properly and generally will not run. After checking batteries, replacing batteries, blown fuses, I still end up having to get a new alternator. Which last until I back in the same situation. This car has completely shutoff while driving on the interstate and in traffic. The cigarette lighters do not work properly either; therefore I'm not able to charge my phone or use navigation systems.
The vehicle was a 2004 Ford Escape. It was parked on the street, everything was turned off and the vehicle was not running. I was in work when I was informed that my vehicle was on fire. Nothing was on to start this fire, it happened spontaneously. The fire seems to have started in the vicinity of the drivers side engine bay. Previous to this incident, there were no mechanical or electrical issues with the vehicle.
Drove my 2004 Ford Escape 20 minutes to get pizza and come back home parked it at 8 pm by 12:30 am neighbors banging on door your cars on fire!!!! I'm in believe the ABS module caught fire recall is out Ford says my vehicle doesn't apply
Complaint received via e-mail."my wife and I purchased a 2004 Escape last year, and we have just lost the vehicle to a fire. Unfortunately, my entire 5,000 sq. Ft. Barn is totally destroyed as well, and I nearly lost my home. She parks her Escape in an opening in our detached barn to keep it out of the weather. On the morning of 3/5/05 (4:45 am), I woke to a glow in the window, finding that my barn was totally engulfed in flames. When I first discovered the fire, the flames were contained to the area of the barn where her Escape was parked. The fire spread quickly, and we lost the structure and the Escape. Local fire investigators are looking at the Escape as the cause of fire. They believe the wiring May have ignited while sitting idle (not running). …
Original owner, for almost 3 years now the airbag light would come on periodically, sometimes for 1 drive, sometimes for days at a time then go away. The light coming on and going off would happen for no apparent reason. It doesnt matter if someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not, ive checked the connector under the seat and it is firmly seated. In the past year I have also had the battery, brake and now ABS light come on. In January of 2014 my alternator died and I had it replaced, in January of 2015 I had to replace my battery. Battery light has since gone away, but other lights come on randomly. Based on the type of work I do, im convinced there is a short or bad ground somewhere but I have no idea where to begin. Ford wants $160/ hr to diagnose this. My vehicle is not abused and has about 110K miles. …
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. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle accelerated abruptly and the rpms increased. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact examined underneath the hood and noticed there was an electrical component that was burned on the driver side of the engine compartment. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal while the vehicle was in the park position, it shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure only occurred once. The failure mileage was 160,000.
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 !!!
Driving down the road about fourty five miles per hour I pushed the gas to go up a hill and lost all power to the engine. I removed my foot from the engine and it picked up enough speed to get to the side of the road. After being towed home it would crank but if you moved shifter knob or pressed gas it woukd die out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Electrical complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Escape, 6% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Escape electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Ford Escape, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Escape electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.