FordEscape2004Overview/ford/escape/2004/base/

2004 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2004 Ford Escape is an SUV that entered the market with a 5.5‑quart oil capacity and a 5W‑20 API viscosity rating, features that define its mechanical baseline. Its debut year recorded only five complaints, positioning it near the low end of the model's complaint history, while a total of 499 owner complaints and eight recalls mark its early reliability record. The vehicle's most frequent issue, noted in the reliability headline, centered on vehicle speed control, underscoring a specific area of concern for researchers.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 40R · 590 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 40R · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-70R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length172.8 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height69.3 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb weight3347 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8–11.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2013 Titanium EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW9.50 sec17.40 sec155 hpAWD
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW9.60 sec17.10 sec155 hpFWD
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW9.90 sec17.70 sec155 hpAWD
2005XLT Sport V6 3.0L V610.60 sec17.40 sec200 hpAWD
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW10.80 sec18.20 sec155 hpAWD
2002XLT Premium V6 3.0L V68.50 sec16.30 sec200 hpAWD
2002XLS Sport 2.0L I-411.00 sec17.90 sec130 hpFWD
2006XLT V6 3.0L V68.50 sec16.40 sec200 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0-10.0
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantUSE FORD PREMIUM GOLD COOLANT
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity5.1

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs10-12 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts12 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug12.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug10.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub214 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub214 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 850, AT: 740 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 50, AT: 10 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.051 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.042-0.046 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.88 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number40R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Standard BCI Group Number96R

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194-201 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-65
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms
Engine Oil Pressure54-80 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM4000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket33 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle129 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.968 in / 0.88 in / 0.456 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.944 in / 0.86 in / 0.433 in
Drum Discard at-or-over9.05

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
126 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9026 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117 ft. lbs., Step 2: 3217 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
137 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
2Loosen bolts 1 turn.
322 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
490 degrees.90 degrees
590 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
230 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
390
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
159 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6559 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miTiming Belt (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2004 Ford Escape recorded 499 complaints and 8 recalls, a noticeable decline from the 1079 complaints in 2002 and the 598 complaints in 2003, indicating a relative improvement in that year. Its recall count of 8 sits near the mid‑range of the decade, lower than the peak of 15 in 2001 but higher than the 5 recalls of 2005. The trend of complaints for the Escape generation shows a sharp spike in 2008 (2415 complaints) and a subsequent gradual decline, with 2004 falling on the downward slope after the 2003 high. Vehicle‑speed control, suspension, and structural issues dominated the 2004 complaint list, while crash and fire complaints remained modest at 29 and 14, respectively. Given its position on the improving trend line and moderate recall activity, the 2004 Escape represents a more reliable choice within its generation, though buyers should still scrutinize suspension and speed‑control components.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
47
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
6
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
499
Owner complaints
29 involved a crash · 14 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 499 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Vehicle Speed Control71
Suspension68
Structure51
Suspension,Structure47
Air Bags28
Power Train18
Visibility14
Electrical System12

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V606000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor ShiftReported 29/09/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will…

14V165000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 02/04/2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 47 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 460852016-09-21Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing…
TSB1600712016-04-21SuspensionSafety recall 14S02 - Corrosion at forward attachment of lower control arm - requests for…
16-00712016-04-21Structure2001-2004 Escape vehicles Safety Recall 14S02 has been issued for vehicles that are…
TSB-14-01432014-08-11SuspensionFORD: THE LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) FORWARD ATTACHMENT WILL SEPARATE FROM SUBFRAME, CAUSING…
06452006-01-01Power TrainNEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Escape take?

5.5 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.