2004 Ford Escape
WF0CU93Z55KA85395
Vehicle record for the 2004 Ford Escape (VIN WF0CU93Z55KA85395). Black, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Sumy. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WF0CU93Z55KA85395
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Ford Escape data →
What's a 2004 Ford Escape worth?
What comparable 2004 Ford Escape vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Ford Escape.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Ford Escape 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Ford Escape costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,726) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,839), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Ford Escape — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
Stuck Throttle Closed
In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition. The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engi…
NHTSA #PE12019 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jul 2012 · closed Feb 2013Cruise Control Cable Closed
On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned NHTSA to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables. The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certai…
NHTSA #DP12005 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jul 2012 · closed Jul 2012Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit Closed
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns. It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways. RMD queried thre…
NHTSA #AQ10001 · opened Nov 2010 · closed Dec 2015Engine Compartment Fire Closed
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. The campaigns addressed potentiall…
NHTSA #EA10002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 2010 · closed Feb 2012ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE Closed
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…
NHTSA #RQ09002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Apr 2009 · closed Jan 2010ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE Closed
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 LAT…
NHTSA #DP09003 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Apr 2009 · closed Apr 2009An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 47
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 47.
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 limited refresh rate when reading these P…
Bulletin SSM 46085 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine · Sep 2016Safety recall 14S02 - Corrosion at forward attachment of lower control arm - requests for recall service action
Bulletin TSB160071 · Suspension · Apr 20162001-2004 Escape vehicles Safety Recall 14S02 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm (LCA) from the subframe may occ…
Bulletin 16-0071 · Structure, Suspension · Apr 2016FORD: THE LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) FORWARD ATTACHMENT WILL SEPARATE FROM SUBFRAME, CAUSING DIMINISHING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, DUE TO OPERATING IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. MODEL 2001-2004 ESCAPE. *PE
Bulletin TSB-14-0143 · Suspension · Aug 2014NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT
Bulletin 0645 · Power Train · Jan 2006REPLACE TIMING BELT IDLER PULLEY DURING 2.0L ZETEC ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
Bulletin 19016 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
Bulletin 06116 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006CAMSHAFT TICK NOISE - 3.0L 4V ENGINE ONLY. *TT
Bulletin 04208 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006PCM FAILURE - ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES INTERMITTENT - INOPERATIVE. *TT
Bulletin 0693 · Electrical System · Jan 2006NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT
Bulletin 05252 · Trailer Hitches · Jan 2006Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ESCAPE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford Escape. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Powertrain
A safety defect may exist in vehicles in which remanufactured automatic transmissions were installed as service replacement parts. The shift lever bolt may not have been torqued to the proper torque specification. If the improperly torqued shift level bolt loosens and backs out, the shift lever may disengage from the transmission without warning, and the transmission may not re…
Transport Canada #2015438 · Sep 2015Suspension
On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), the forward attachment point for the lower control arm may separate from the vehicle's subframe. This could affect vehicle handling and increase…
Transport Canada #2014110 · Apr 2014Other
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine and speed control, inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle if the transmission is n…
Transport Canada #2012235 · Jul 2012Brakes
On certain vehicles, the electrical wiring connector to the ABS module may have been manufactured incorrectly. Over time, contaminants can enter the ABS electrical connector interface and corrode the terminals. This could cause the ABS warning indicator to illuminate, an open fuse, and in some instances, smoking, melting or burning of the electrical connector, with the potentia…
Transport Canada #2007107 · Apr 2007Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 206 - Door Locks and Door Retention Components. The rear liftgate latching system does not meet the Technical Standards Document 206 Inertia Load requirement. If the liftgate is left unlocked, it may open during a severe collision. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod and attachment cl…
Transport Canada #2004441 · Dec 2004Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines, the accelerator cable's inner liner may, over time, migrate out of the conduit at the dash panel fitting during vehicle operation. The liner may migrate to the point that it contacts the accelerator pedal arm. Under these conditions the liner may prevent the pedal from fully returning, which may not allow the throttle body to f…
Transport Canada #2004426 · Dec 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company from the 2001 to the 2026 model years across four generations, as Ford's first SUV derived from a car platform.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 8
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 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions…
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. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7
NHTSA Campaign #15V606000 · manufacturer #15S28 · 29/09/2015SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 7…
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
NHTSA Campaign #15E045000 · 03/06/2015STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsi…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
NHTSA Campaign #14V165000 · manufacturer #14S02 · 02/04/2014VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardle…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remed
NHTSA Campaign #12V353000 · manufacturer #12S37 · 26/07/2012SERVICE 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. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON
NHTSA Campaign #07V156000 · manufacturer #07S51 · 10/04/2007SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
NHTSA Campaign #07E023000 · 29/03/2007LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA Campaign #04V602000 · manufacturer #04C09 · 20/12/2004VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA Campaign #04V574000 · manufacturer #04S25 · 07/12/2004Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 499 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Escape, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 29 involved a crash 🔥 14 involved a fire 🚑 16 reported injuries
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 499
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Ford Escape.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where other recall repairs were performed; however, the contact was advised that parts for NHSTA …
NHTSA ODI #11721781STRUCTURE
The contact owned a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact's son stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and rolled. The contact stated that her son had gone unconscious and did not remember any details. The contact arrived at the scene and saw that the vehicle had rolled into a ditch. The contact stated that the vehicle had been …
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11580651VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
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 ano…
2 injured · NHTSA ODI #11566969SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA ODI #11516988VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
UNKNOWN
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11503053AIR BAGS
I have a 2004 Ford Escape which I absolutely love knocking on the door of almost 300,000 miles. Go Ford. But lately my airbag light blinks and my escape beeps 5 times every 8 seconds or so and then it repeats itself with a total of 20 beeps. After the beeping is finished my airbag light stays illuminated. When I checked online what it means it says a defecti…
NHTSA ODI #11460368FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and started to smell fuel in the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and noticed the fuel tank straps were corroded and had caused the fuel …
NHTSA ODI #11450444SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock mount tower, which is only now connected to the rear floor pa…
NHTSA ODI #11445535+ 491 more complaints on record.
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