2001-2005 Ford Escape recall: latch

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on December 20, 2004. It covers about 262,113 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 262,113
reported: Dec 20, 2004
owners notified: Mar 31, 2005
related complaints: 67

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 04V602000

Affected vehicles

Ford Escape 2001-2005 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 67 complaints about locks problems.

2002 Ford Escape 2003 Ford Escape 2004 Ford Escape 2005 Ford Escape

Questions about recall 04V602000

Is there a recall on the 2001-2005 Ford Escape latch?

Yes. Recall 04V602000, reported on December 20, 2004, covers about 262,113 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 04V602000?

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.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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