33 of the
715 complaints about the 2004 Ford Escape are about the
braking system — 5% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
97,000 miles.
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 another car. If there were people walking, I would have definitely hit them! When I press the brake, I’m not expecting to accelerate instead Also apparently this recall of this issue was already done back in 2005 but i just purchased this vehicle in the fall of 2023 And the dealer says there is no recall since it’s already been fixed by the previous owner years ago But it needs to be fixed as it’s still doing it to me
NHTSA complaint #11566969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, IA
SERVICE 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 complaint #11516988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11503053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSaginaw, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE WAS U ABLE TO CONTROL,CONSTANT ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION AND IDLE KEPT GETTING STUCK,SPEED UP ON ITS OWN AND WAS UNABLE STOP WITHOUT THROWING CAR IN PARK WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11173313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,639 milesOrrville, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 916/17, WE WERE JUST GETTING OFF THE ENTRANCE ONTO ROUTE 276, EAST BOUND, NORTH OF PHILLY. I WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE AND MERGE WITH TRAFFIC WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN. I THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WITH THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER WE WERE TOWED A MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO LIFT THE PEDAL AFTER DETANGLING IT FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL (STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL) IN 2015. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL AND IT WAS REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER ON 6/1/15. THE RECALL NOTICE # IS 12S37/NHTSA RECALL 12V-353 I DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO SCAN A REPAIR BILL, WHICH AMOUNTED TO A MECHANIC TYING THE CABLE UP OUT OF THE WAY OF THE PEDAL
NHTSA complaint #11033071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesGranby, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10892351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apollo Beach, FLCrashFire1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10871313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSanta FE, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10846079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, KSFire
SERVICE BRAKES
WE OWN A 2004 ESCAPE. THAT TWO WEEKS AGO CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. WE ALSO HAVE HAD BRAKE LINES GO BAD DUE TO PART FAILURE TWICE. AND THE TOTAL OF THREE ALTERNATORS. NOW WE HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD REGARDING THE 01-03 FIRE ISSUE. BUT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYRHING TO CONSIDER THE 04 EVEN THOUGH IN RESEARCHING THE ACTUAL RECALL IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULF LIKE TO SEE THIS HAPPEN. WE ARE SELLING OUR VEHICLE TO THE SEALER SUE TO LACK OF RELIABILITY. BUT WANTED TO VET THE WORD OUT ON THIS ISSUE. OUR ENGINE ALSO IDLE AND TRIES TO PULL THE VEHICLE FORWARD EVEN WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY IDLE AIR CONTROLL VALVE.
NHTSA complaint #10794538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,715 milesSears, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A CLUCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES ALSO FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,715. ..UPDATED 02/01/16 *BF
NHTSA complaint #10787642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE SPEED ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10783269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesTaylor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING SPOT WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE BRAKE LINE IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE RUBBER HOSE HAD DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR I FOUND THAT BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE NOW HAD APPROXIMATELY 137000 MILES. IT APPEARS THAT THE RUBBER BRAKE LINE HOSE HAD DETERIORATED ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS BOTH TIMES I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS AND HAD TO WORRY ABOUT INJURING THEM AND POTENTIALLY ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIMES THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10724465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesRochester, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR STALLS AFTER PUTTING IT IN GEAR /
NHTSA complaint #10705155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crown Point, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
I FIRST NOTICED A SURGING AND SQUEAL TYPE NOISE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. SPOUSE HAD REPAIRED 3 TIMES YET IT CONTINUES. DURING THIS TIME I ALSO HEARD A CLANKING NOISE FROM REAR END AS IF HATCH (WINDOW/DOOR) WAS NOT SECURELY CLOSED BUT THEN ASSUMED IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUE. I MENTIONED NOISE INCREASED, LOUD, FRIGHTENING (STEERING DIFFICULTIES). HE CONTACTED FORD BY PHONE (X3) AND EMAILED HOWEVER THEIR REPLY WAS NO FATALITIES OR INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED THEREFORE WE HAVE 2 OPTIONS. 1) TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AT OUR EXPENSE, 2) TRADE IN FOR A NEW FORD VEHICLE. BOTH SCHOOL/CITY/GOVT EMPLOYED AND CANNOT AFFORD 2000.00 TO REPAIR. YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE ENTIRE RIGHT SHOCK WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK AFTER A 12 HR DAY & TOLD HIM I FELT AS IF THE BACK END WAS GOING TO FALL OFF & CLANKING SOUND INTENSIFIED. AT 8PM HE WAS LAYING UNDER CAR ON GARAGE FLOOR AND FOUND THE SHOCK HANGING! HE WAS FORCED TO REMOVE AS I HAD TO WORK THE NEXT DAY AT 6AM. I AM DRIVING WITHOUT ONE SHOCK, NEW TIRES, RUSTED REAR FRAME AND SURGE CONTINUES. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO OTHER AVENUES FOR REPORTING. I HAVE 2 COWORKERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES, BOTH ESCAPES. THE REMOVED SHOCK IS RUSTED, NEAR CRUMBLING OF SORT BUT SAVED ALONG WITH SEVERAL PHOTOS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING MY LENGTHY EMAIL AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANY INPUT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/21/15
NHTSA complaint #10598270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,715 milesNEW Hope, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
RUBBER BRAKE HOSE ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT RUPTURED CAUSING ALL BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN FROM SYSTEM. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR RUBBER BRAKE HOSE WAS NEAR FAILURE. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT HE HAD SEEN SEVERAL FAILURES ON FORD ESCAPES. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL COMPLETELY WITH NO BRAKE PEDAL RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10586709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDEL MAR, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO PRESSURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER MUCH EFFORT BUT SHORTLY AFTER, CRASHED INTO A UTILITY BOX. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 04/22/14 MA WHEN THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER CRASHED INTO THE ELECTRICAL BOX, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND SPREAD TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/24/14
NHTSA complaint #10543887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,258 milesMurfreesboro, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME ELAPSED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A GRINDING SOUND WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,258.
NHTSA complaint #10489298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,364 milesDighton, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
I OWN THREE OF THESE VEHICLES AND AGAIN RIGHT FRONT ABS RING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON ALL THREE CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10487467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,675 milesPine Beach, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, I APPLIED BRAKES AND FELT A PULSING SENSATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STOP AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES SINCE, AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WITH NO WARNING. THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH DOES NOT COME ON AND THERE ARE NO OBD CODES. THE VEHICLE BECOMES VERY HARD TO STOP. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY MY MECHANIC THIS WEEK. HE FELT THE PROBLEM ONCE, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS OR OBD CODES, EVEN AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. AT THIS POINT I AM IN A QUANDRY; I NEED TO USE THE VEHICLE, BUT FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DO SO AND WILL PROBABLY PARK IT UNTIL SOMEONE CAN TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENING AND FIND A RESOLUTION. I HAVE READ OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE 'TONE RING' IN THE ABS SYSTEM, BUT MINE IS NOT DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10460018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesPowell, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT ALL OF THE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #10441613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAlliance, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10402691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMishawaka, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2004 FORD ESCAPE - A B S RINGS ON AXEL CRACKED AND ALLOWED THEM TO MOVE .RESULT IN BRAKE FAILING -HAVE TO LET OFF THE BRAKE SO IT CAN GRAB AGAIN AND A SENSOR MAKE IT PULSE THE BRAKES. USING GASKET REPAIR TO HOLD THE RINGS IN PLACE...BOTH SIDES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WE KNOW OF THREE ESCAPES DIFFERENT YEARS THAT HAVE NOW THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10355404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesRossville, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 COMPONENT: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AND NOW THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT TO REPAIR IT AGAIN THE COST WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 200.00, AND THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING IT ONE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10340609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesTonawanda, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
TONE RINGS ON FORD ESCAPES BREAKING. THESE RINGS ARE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. TRUCK DOESN'T STOP PROPERLY. I READ ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE TONE RINGS. FORD CHARGES $250 PER SIDE. IN MY CASE BOTH SIDES ARE BROKE . SOUNDS LIKE A FACTORY FAULTY PART.
NHTSA complaint #10278292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,200 milesAlbuquerque, NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE, WHICH ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT, STARTED SQUEALING, AND I WAS HAVING TO PUSH A LITTLE HARDER THAN USUAL. ON DECEMBER 26, 2008 MY HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED, INSTEAD OF NEW BRAKE PADS, WHICH WERE CURIOUSLY IN GOOD CONDITION, WE ARE GOING TO NEED NEW FRONT DISCS, FRONT AND BACK CALIPERS, AS WELL AS BRAKE PADS. WE WERE ABLE TO AFFORD THE BRAKE PADS AS WELL AS THE RIGHT FRONT DISC AT COST OF 400 DOLLARS BUT WE ARE GOING TO NEED TO SHELL OUT ANOTHER 400.00 PLUS TO REPAIR THE REST. THE WAIT WOULDN'T BE SO BAD IF I DIDN'T NEED THE ESCAPE TO TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10254173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesPort Orchard, WA
PARKING BRAKE
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BUTTON ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION HAS BROKE. THE FIRST TIME WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, THIS TIME FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX IT FOR FREE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT HAS FAILED TWICE ON A SUV THAT IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #10211328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lajunta, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL # 07V156000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, BUT WAS UNACKNOWLEDGED BY THE DEALER. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND FEARED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLEWAS NOT BEING DRIVEN , AND THE CONTACT HAD AN APPOINTMENT ON MAY 2, 2007 TO GET THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK UPDATED 05/23/07.
NHTSA complaint #10189240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,917 milesWharton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
PREMATURE FAILURE, EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. VEHICLE SERVICED BY TREBOUR FORD EVERY 5,000 MILES ACCORDING TO SERVICE SCHEDULE. AT THIS VISIT, INFORMED THAT BRAKE PADS WERE CLOSE TO NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NORMAL AND UNDERSTANDABLE. HOWEVER, WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE BEYOND THE POINT OF BEING USED FURTHER. THEY WERE WORN SO BADLY THAT THEY COULD NOT BE MACHINED EVEN ONCE. MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT BRAKE ROTORS WHEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND HAS 34,917 MILES WHICH HAS BEEN PRIMARILY HIGHWAY USAGE. THE NEED FOR BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENT AT THIS POINT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT TIME OF PRODUCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10148442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesPrattville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES SCREECH, SQUEAL, AND FEEL JERKY. ALSO WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD A DISTANCE OF FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES. MY BOYFRIEND, JODY, IS AN ATTORNEY. HE SAYS THAT ON OCCASION WHEN HE HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED FORWARD AFTER HE PUT IT IN PARK, AND TOUCHED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. HE ALSO REPORTED THAT MY VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) INCHES IN THE WAL-MART PARKING LOT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE FRONT END BEING BURIED UP AGAINST A HEDGE OF TALL THICKLY WOVEN (WEAVED[?] BUSHY LIMBS WHICH SCRAPED AND SCRATCHED MY FRONT END. ANYWAY, THE PAINT IS NOW SCRATCHED AND PEELING ON THE LOWER PART OF THE FRONT END, WHERE THE "CLADDING" IS PAINTED, AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE METAL HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10140340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
AS MY 2004 FORD ESCAPE TURNED 25,000 MILES, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BRAKE PADS. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS ALSO VERY LOW. THE BRAKE SHOP MANAGER STATED THAT IT IS EXTREMELY UNUSUAL FOR ROTORS TO BE REPLACED AT 25,000 MILES. UPON INVESTIGATING OTHER SIMILAR CLAIMS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES, IT APPEARS THAT FORD MOTOR CO. HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS MODELS FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO ONE COMPLAINT WEBSITE, FORD MOTOR CO. WAS SUBJECT TO A CLASS ACTION BY FORD CONSUMERS IN 2003 REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF WARPED ROTORS ON THEIR VEHICLES AND OTHER BRAKE ISSUES. I'D CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP, AND THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IF THE BRAKE PROBLEM OCCURED WITHIN THE 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE PERIOD, IT WOULD BE COVERED; OTHERWISE, IT WAS MY FINANCIAL PROBLEM. SINCE FORD MOTOR CO.HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE INFERIOR BRAKE PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO INSTALL THE INFERIOR ROTORS ON THEIR NEW VEHICLES, WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER CONTINUE TO HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS EVERY YEAR OR 25,000 MILES? ACCORDING TO THE BRAKE SPECIALISTS, ROTORS GENERALLY ARE REPLACED BETWEEN 60,000 - 85,000 MILES, AND NOT 25,000, UNLESS THERE IS A DEFECT IN PRODUCT.
NHTSA complaint #10112653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.