Two problems related to defogger have been reported for the 2004 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2004 Escape.
I was driving on the expressway. The roads were clear, flat, and smooth. Outside temp was in the 20's. I have been driving for about 30 minutes, after letting the vehicle warm up for 15 minutes, when the rear window exploded for no reason on the express way. There were no bridges or overpasses for anything to fall on it. The rear window defogger had been on for about 15 minutes prior. I recently purchased the vehicle used from a private party. I had driven it less than 200 miles since my purchase. Approximate time of incident 16:36.
I was on my way to work 7am. It was snowing lightly and I briefly turned on the rear window defroster to melt the snow. Approximately 1 mile from home I turned off the defroster while sitting at a red light and heard an extremely loud pop. I looked around and did not observe anything unusual. When I looked in my rearview mirror I saw the defroster wires hanging with pieces of glass attached and the rear windshield wiper motor assembly hanging by a thread, I realized the loud noise was my rear windshield exploding. I headed back home to arrange to have the glass replaced - final cost $369. 15. The rear wiper motor was damaged during the explosion. After the windshield was replaced it made a loud vibrating noise that was not there before. Research on the internet indicates that other Ford Escape (04, 05 & 06) owners have experienced the same exact potentially dangerous occurrence. . Read more...