2004 Ford Escape Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 4%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Ford Escape, 4% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The #5 spark plug blew out of cylinder head on my 2004 Ford Escape while I was driving approx 30 MPH in august 2010. This was the second time this happened to me in a year (it happened 1st time in aug 2009). It happened again 12/5/10 and I am awaiting report on which spark plug it happened to this time. The first two were the original factory installed spark plugs, not replacement parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10369286, filed 2010-12, 118,500 miles“I want to bring to your immediate attention a serious safety concern I have with my 2004 Ford Escape. We have owned the car since 2007 (mileage 102,000) and have recently experienced intermittent stalling while the car is in motion. I have had 4 experiences where the car would stall while in motion. It appears to occur when outside temperatures are above 80 degrees and I have traveled in the car for >30 minutes and have made a short stop (for gas or shopping). …”
NHTSA complaint #10521472, filed 2013-06, 102,000 miles“The #5 spark plug blew out of cylinder head on my 2004 Ford Escape while I was driving approx 30 MPH. This was the second time this happened to me in a year (it happened 1st time in aug 2009). These were both the original factory installed spark plugs, not replacement parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10369287, filed 2010-12, 114,500 miles“All three of the catalytic converters failed to operate in the car. We were initially told that the converters were under warranty both for mileage and time (8 year/80,000 mile warranty). Dealership requested car be bought, which we did. After the car arrived, we were told that the car was manufactured in january 2004 and that the warranty expired in january 2012. Additionally, they want to charge us over $3,000 for the repairs. I also advised them that we purchased an extended warranty in november 2007 when the car was purchased from carmax. …”
NHTSA complaint #10474182, filed 2012-09, 58,000 miles“Engine would remain at full throttle after highway driving and would not return to idle. Found that there were ping pong size yellowish ice chunks stuck in throttle body keeping it held open. Also found that throttle body was severely iced. Removed throttle body and removed ice and cleaned throttle body. Concern has happened 4 times within 9 days.”
NHTSA complaint #10182928, filed 2007-02, 56,910 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The 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…
- 10020173Jan 1, 2006Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 | 94 | 16% |
| 2018 | 345 | 19% |
| 2017 | 509 | 19% |
| 2016 | 57 | 5% |
| 2015 | 44 | 4% |
| 2014 | 187 | 9% |
| 2013 | 175 | 6% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 17 | 1% |
| 2010 | 35 | 2% |
| 2009 | 37 | 2% |
| 2008 | 38 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 90 | 6% |
| 2004 | 18 | 4% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 294 | 29% |
| 2001 | 282 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Escape
154 complaintsBody and structure
138 complaintsVehicle speed control
98 complaintsAir bags
45 complaintsWheels
34 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology