Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Complete transmission failure at freeway speed. No accident, injuries, or property damage was involved. The vehicle a '04, Ford, Escape, 2wd, auto, had 5,104 miles and was less than 90 days old. Vehicle was towed to dealership, which promptly replaced defective transmission with a new one. Total time required was (6) working days. Most of the required time was waiting for the delivery of a new transmission. Dealership reported the transmission failure was due to the "planetary bearing". The "needle bearings" in the "planetary bearing" had failed. They disintegrated. Small metal fragments worked through out the transmission, resulting in excessive internal damage. Transmission was repaired under warranty. All costs for towing, repair, and loaner were paid by Ford motor co. Repair work was performed by dick masheter - Ford and they did a good job. …
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. …
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. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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…
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.
Transmission complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Escape, 5% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Escape transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-606 (floor shift, Sep 29, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.