2004 Ford Escape Latches & Locks Problems
4 owner-reported latches & locks complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Latches & Locks Recalls (1)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Owner Complaints (4)
You received a recall notice for your 2004 Ford Escape's door latches and locks, but when you took it to the dealer, they told you the replacement parts are no longer being manufactured. Even though Ford was notified about this issue, the recall repair hasn't been completed and you've been waiting longer than a reasonable amount of time. The repair would involve replacing the faulty door latch components with new parts.
Parts you may need:
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2004 FORD ESCAPE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THEREFORE THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. *NM
THE HOOD ON OUR 2004 FORD ESCAPE WITH 36,758 MILES ON IT UNLATCHED AND FLEW UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD ON OCT 25, 2005 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A SOCCER GAME. THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, AND THERE WAS NO RATTLING OR OTHER SIGNS THAT THE HOOD LATCH HAD BEEN POPPED FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR IS DRIVEN DAILY TO WORK. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES, JUST DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY A BODY SHOP FOR $695.02 (THE LATCH WAS ALSO REPLACED). IT TOOK TWO WEEKS TO REPAIR DUE TO THE HOOD BEING ON BACKORDER FROM FORD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR THIS TWO WEEK PERIOD. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE DAMAGED HOOD, AND THE OLD LATCH IS IN OUR POSSESSION. A LETTER IS BEING SENT TO FORD, WITH A CC. GOING TO NHTSA AS WELL. *JB
THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 04V602000/LATCH/LOCKS/DOORS. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RAN BY THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED; BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER. THE DEALER CONTACTED FORD, AND WAS TOLD NOT TO PERFORM THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *SC *JB