2004 Ford Escape engine problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2004 Ford Escape — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Recently purchased car, check engine light came on. Diagnostics scan shows 2nd cylinder misfire, ignition coil faulty. Went online to check common issues with this model..it is a common issue with most 04 escapes. Lots of complaints for wheel well rust..upon inspection, mine too is corroded and the…”
filed Jan 18, 2019
“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…”
filed Sep 14, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a…
SSM 46085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 21, 2016Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip. *tt
06116 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only. *tt
04208 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip. *tt
19016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006
Engine problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 5 | 24% |
| 2024 Escape | 13 | 17% |
| 2023 Escape | 28 | 30% |
| 2022 Escape | 32 | 14% |
| 2021 Escape | 40 | 12% |
| 2020 Escape | 112 | 7% |
| 2019 Escape | 299 | 52% |
| 2018 Escape | 1,116 | 64% |
| 2017 Escape | 1,543 | 58% |
| 2016 Escape | 195 | 18% |
| 2015 Escape | 236 | 22% |
| 2014 Escape | 719 | 35% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.