Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. When the gear was shifted into drive, the vehicle independently accelerated in excess of 30 MPH. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into neutral and shutting off the engine. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic (ct conveyor llc located at 320 terryville rd, bristol, ct 06010; [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the cruise control cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 12V353000 and 14V165000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and structure). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving unknown speeds, smoke emerged from the hood and the vehicle spontaneously caught fire without warning. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called a local dealer (don's Ford, 5712 horatio st, utica, ny 13502) and was informed to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer at [phone] and got the automated system before the call disconnected. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle spontaneously caught fire under the hood and the check engine indicator illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no injuries. The fire department was called to the scene. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle revved and unintended accelerated, while driving at low speeds. The contact was able to engage the brake pedal, shifted the gear into neutral, engaged the emergency brake, and coasted the vehicle out of traffic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V353000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. Updated 01/05/2017 the consumer stated on January 18, 2016, the dealer replaced the pcv hose connector. On February 14, 2016 it froze up again and on February 17th they cleaned it again and replaced the vacuum coupling. On decemebr 15, 2016 while driving down the highway, the throttle stuck wide open again. The pvc area was completely frozen again. …
My 04 Ford Escape has a 4 cylinder and is a manual. It has begun to accelerate by itself. It will accelerate whether it is in gear or in neutral. I assumed there would recall for this problem, as I know other vehicles have been in serious accidents with similar problems. I can take my foot off of the pedal and it will stay at a steady speed, or accelerate, on its own. Often when I'm switching gears, put it in neutral, it will self-rev itself up to 4000+ rpms! I will have to wait and coast for about 10 to 30 seconds for it to bring itself back down to a reasonable RPM to get it into the next gear. So, it is intermittent, but happens about 50% of the time you are driving it, and at times can be very dangerous. I assumed Ford might pay for the repair as this is a dangerous situation, however my dealer says "no" because there is no recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the rpms increased. In addition, the contact stated that the head lamps and interior lighting dimmed intermittently and there was a noise coming from the steering wheel. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 12,000. Updated 11/01/16 updated 10/05/2017
I purchased a 2004 Escape a little over a year ago. My cousin had the same car. We both had to take a few thousand loss and sell these vehicles due to severe, unsafe wheel well rust .not to mention catalytic converters on both cars were bad. Two on each Escape. I was ready to do repairs, until a friend with the same Escape had just repaired the body in his for the same issue. So we all took loss. Who is responsible for this?? I had family that worked, and retired from Ford. I had several Ford's over the years. This has put me in a hole..bought it for 6,000. Just gave it away for 1,000. Help.
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 !!!
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
Engine complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Ford Escape, 10% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Escape engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.