2004 Ford Escape

Introduction The 2004 Ford Escape is a compact SUV available with four engine options: a 2.0L inline-four with 130 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, a 2.3L inline-four with 154 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L V6 with 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L Duratec V6 with 210 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a CVT. The Escape is known for its reliability, affordability, and versatility, but it also has some common issues.

Engine

• 2.0L Inline-Four
  • Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold runner control valve fails, causing the engine to run poorly. Symptoms include rough idling, stalling, and decreased performance.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold runner control valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.3L Inline-Four
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The water pump fails, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a high coolant temperature gauge reading and steam coming from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.0L V6
  • Exhaust Manifold Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The exhaust manifold develops a leak, causing a loud exhaust noise. Symptoms include a roaring or hissing sound coming from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.0L Duratec V6
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise coming from the engine and decreased performance.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual
  • Reverse Gear Grinding
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission grinds when shifted into reverse gear. Symptoms include a loud grinding noise and difficulty shifting into reverse.
    • Solution: Replace the reverse gear synchronizer.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips when shifting gears. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a delayed response when shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• CVT
  • Belt Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The CVT belt slips, causing the transmission to lose power. Symptoms include a sudden loss of acceleration and a high-pitched whining noise.
    • Solution: Replace the CVT belt.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Electrical System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electrical system fails, causing multiple electrical components to stop working. Symptoms include a loss of power to the headlights, taillights, and other electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the electrical system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Release Cable Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The hood release cable breaks, making it impossible to open the hood. Symptoms include a loose or broken hood release lever.
  • Solution: Replace the hood release cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuator fails, causing the door to lock or unlock erratically. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors and a loud buzzing noise coming from the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater core fails, causing the heater to blow cold air. Symptoms include a lack of heat coming from the vents and a sweet smell coming from the dash.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2004 Ford Escape is a generally reliable SUV, but it does have some common issues. The most severe issues include transmission slipping, timing chain tensioner failure, and electrical system failure. The cost of repairs for these issues can be high, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 or more. However, many of the other issues are relatively minor and can be fixed for a few hundred dollars. Overall, the 2004 Ford Escape is a good choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile SUV, but it’s important to be aware of the potential issues it may have.