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.
I already knew that this vehicle was made from very cheap parts. Recently the exhaust system became clogged and had so much backpressure that it blew a hole in the EGR valve up at the intake. It took the mechanic a bit to discover this issue however what he had found is that one of the catalytic converters had fallen apart inside of itself, and the pieces had travelled back to the second catalytic converter behind it and caused a major blockage. So, not only did we have to replace the catalytic converter that fell apart, but also the one behind it that was completely clogged full of pieces. What a horrible design, again by Ford. To top it all off, the catalytic converters are between $400-500 EACH. Unfortunately the repair bill for this one was getting close to exceeding the entire value of this vehicle, but we needed the vehicle back so we had to move forward with the repair. Several weeks after we had this problem, a friend of ours had the exact same problem on a similar year Taurus. I am guessing based on this that exhaust systems deteriorating is a Ford problem and therefore is why I am making this post. I have owned a variety of makes and models of vehicles, and never had I experienced this problem. This is horrible.
I have a 2004 Ford Escape with V6 engine XLT model. The engine would not run after about a mile down the road of back firing, would not rev above 1500 rpm. Then a loud hissing noise. Got to my local shop and found the EGR valve had exploded and a big chunk of it was gone. After replacing the valve, found that the catalytic converters were needing replaced. Replaced, and last hit was the cost of a tuneup.
Bragged about this SUV being a workhorse- v. little problems. Then, 1 morning bucked like a bronco, check engine lite flashing. Put hi-test Shell gas in plus additive- no luck. Had to replace 3 ignition coils, spark plugs and 3 catalytic converters- $2450! Hear from mechanic this is a common problem- did 8 so far on Escapes in January! He said Ford should do a recall (and be ashamed). Has shaken my confidence in the vehicle. Have to get it fixed- should I sell it after? What's next?
- Shirley H.,
Cincinnati, OH, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I already knew that this vehicle was made from very cheap parts. Recently the exhaust system became clogged and had so much backpressure that it blew a hole in the EGR valve up at the intake. It took the mechanic a bit to discover this issue however what he had found is that one of the catalytic converters had fallen apart inside of itself, and the pieces had travelled back to the second catalytic converter behind it and caused a major blockage. So, not only did we have to replace the catalytic converter that fell apart, but also the one behind it that was completely clogged full of pieces. What a horrible design, again by Ford. To top it all off, the catalytic converters are between $400-500 EACH. Unfortunately the repair bill for this one was getting close to exceeding the entire value of this vehicle, but we needed the vehicle back so we had to move forward with the repair. Several weeks after we had this problem, a friend of ours had the exact same problem on a similar year Taurus. I am guessing based on this that exhaust systems deteriorating is a Ford problem and therefore is why I am making this post. I have owned a variety of makes and models of vehicles, and never had I experienced this problem. This is horrible.
- C J., Howell, US