2004 Ford Escape suspension problems
154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 2004 Ford Escape — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock…”
filed Dec 30, 2021
“in an attempt t improve the safety and drivability of m 2004 ford escape I went to have my shocks, struts, control arms, sway bar end links and ball joints and steering arms replaced. upon the installation I was informed that the rust on the sub frame is at a critical level and in danger of…”
filed May 28, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Safety recall 14S02 - Corrosion at forward attachment of lower control arm - requests for recall service action
TSB160071 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2016Ford: the lower control arm (lca) forward attachment will separate from subframe, causing diminishing directional control, due to operating in high corrosion areas for extended period of time. Model 2001-2004 escape. *pe
TSB-14-0143 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2014
Suspension problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Escape | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 Escape | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 Escape | 8 | 1% |
| 2019 Escape | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Escape | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 Escape | 8 | 0% |
| 2016 Escape | 7 | 1% |
| 2015 Escape | 13 | 1% |
| 2014 Escape | 18 | 1% |
| 2013 Escape | 27 | 1% |
| 2012 Escape | 12 | 2% |
| 2011 Escape | 31 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.