2004 Ford Escape Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 5%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Escape, 5% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission on my 2004 Ford Escape stopped working while driving on the highway. The car went from drive to neutral at 60 MPH. It happened while I was accelerating to change lanes and almost caused a major accident as the car behind me had to slam on it's brakes and swerve to avoid other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10268362, filed 2009-05, 90,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561550, filed 2014-01, 155,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11020115, filed 2017-08, 173,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10781880, filed 2015-10, 120,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508185, filed 2013-04, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V606000Sep 29, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1…Covers: Ford Escape 2001–2008, Mercury Mariner 2001–2008
Related service bulletins
- 10019947Jan 1, 2006Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013406Nov 29, 2004Wheel speed sensor removal tip.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10011344Sep 1, 2004A final drive whine at 25-45 mph (40-72 km/h).
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 12% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 25 | 25% |
| 2022 | 31 | 13% |
| 2021 | 46 | 13% |
| 2020 | 243 | 15% |
| 2019 | 128 | 21% |
| 2018 | 276 | 15% |
| 2017 | 391 | 14% |
| 2016 | 321 | 27% |
| 2015 | 287 | 25% |
| 2014 | 481 | 23% |
| 2013 | 401 | 15% |
| 2012 | 66 | 11% |
| 2011 | 268 | 20% |
| 2010 | 508 | 25% |
| 2009 | 301 | 18% |
| 2008 | 329 | 17% |
| 2007 | 44 | 17% |
| 2006 | 80 | 17% |
| 2005 | 117 | 8% |
| 2004 | 27 | 5% |
| 2003 | 55 | 10% |
| 2002 | 105 | 10% |
| 2001 | 128 | 13% |
| 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 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsEngine cooling
18 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 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