2004 Ford Escape Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,758miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 Ford Escape, 1% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,758 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2004 Ford Escape hood flew open while driving at 55 MPH. ***no answer required*** the vehicle's warranty had expired two weeks prior to this incident therefore the dealer would not cover the repairs. The vehicle was taken to a local body shop for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10145340, filed 2005-11, 36,758 miles“The hood on our 2004 Ford Escape with 36,758 miles on it unlatched and flew up against the windshield on oct 25, 2005 while driving home from a soccer game. The hood had not been opened in a couple of weeks, and there was no rattling or other signs that the hood latch had been popped from the inside. The car is driven daily to work. There was no accident or injuries, just damage to the hood, which was replaced by a body shop for $695.02 (the latch was also replaced). It took two weeks to repair due to the hood being on backorder from Ford. The vehicle was not driven for this two week period. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142454, filed 2005-11, 36,758 miles“The consumer contacted Ford regarding recall number 04v602000/latch/locks/doors. However, the consumer stated that he had the vehicle identification number ran by the dealer, and the vehicle was included; but did not receive a letter. The dealer contacted Ford, and was told not to perform the recall on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10111439, filed 2005-04“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 Campaign: 04V602000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); were no longer being manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11721781, filed 2026-03Related recalls
- 04V602000Dec 20, 2004Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utiity vehicle having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components…Covers: Ford Escape 2001–2005
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 54 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 5 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 0% |
| 2015 | 29 | 3% |
| 2014 | 65 | 3% |
| 2013 | 65 | 2% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 0% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% |
| 2001 | 30 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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