CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 Ford Escape looks pretty good compared to other Ford Escape model years, but still has a trend of transmission problems, and engine problems from the NHTSA complaint data — so it's not a model year we can recommend.
My Escape was well cared for! All oil changes and anything that needed fixing was done on time and done well! On a highway trip the engine Totaly Failed with no warning. I was driving along at 110 Kph or 60 mph and the engine started to Knock! Drove another 1 K or 1 mile and engine Seized! No indicater Lights, Smoke or Fluid dumps! Just shut down and wouldn't start or turn over! Had it towed home and then to a Shop! The shop tore the engine down and found that #3 piston and conecting rod had collapsed for no reason??? The assemably had come apart and froze the engine! Antifreeze was still clear and engine oil was still topped up and in good shape! The water pump was operating normaly? The Heads were fine! No other problems found!? The Engine block was so badly scored by the connecting rod failure that the shop was unable to use it to rebuild the engine. Had to get a new block! Had new engine rebuilt and replaced many parts just to be safe. All said and done and after 5 weeks the truck was returned to me with a bill of over 7000.00$. It runs fine now but I find it hard to trust.
After normal highway driving the engine seized and needs to be replaced, "main rod and bearings seized." Estimates vary around $3000 - car isn't really worth it at this point, will probably trade for scrap and get a new vehicle. Too bad, I really liked this car until now.
- dharvey313,
Detroit, MI, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My Escape was well cared for! All oil changes and anything that needed fixing was done on time and done well! On a highway trip the engine Totaly Failed with no warning. I was driving along at 110 Kph or 60 mph and the engine started to Knock! Drove another 1 K or 1 mile and engine Seized! No indicater Lights, Smoke or Fluid dumps! Just shut down and wouldn't start or turn over! Had it towed home and then to a Shop! The shop tore the engine down and found that #3 piston and conecting rod had collapsed for no reason??? The assemably had come apart and froze the engine! Antifreeze was still clear and engine oil was still topped up and in good shape! The water pump was operating normaly? The Heads were fine! No other problems found!? The Engine block was so badly scored by the connecting rod failure that the shop was unable to use it to rebuild the engine. Had to get a new block! Had new engine rebuilt and replaced many parts just to be safe. All said and done and after 5 weeks the truck was returned to me with a bill of over 7000.00$. It runs fine now but I find it hard to trust.
- valois, Calgary, Alberta, Canada