2001 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,027 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 77 involved a crash and 60 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 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 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
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 be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersApr 2, 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, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Campaign 14V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 26, 2012
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleJan 9, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002, EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE CAP, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
CORROSION CAN DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING TO MELTING, SMOKE OR A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP AND THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL BE MODIFIED. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON JANUARY 20, 2012. DUE TO A PARTS DELAY, HOWEVER, THE REMEDY MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE CURRENTLY. IF PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO 07V-156.
Campaign 12V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V156000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
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.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyDec 5, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVER REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SERVICE BUCKLE COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V507000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, linkagesNov 27, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.
THIS CONDITION WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION, OR OF THE WIPER FUNCTION ON THE DRIVER SIDE ONLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE.
Campaign 00V387002 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CONNECTION.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 00V277001 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubcap/coverSep 12, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR HUBS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 25, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 00V260001 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD ENTER THOSE UNITS THAT CONTAIN A CRACKED OR MISSING SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTION OF THE SPEED CONTROL.
IF EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS OCCURS AND THE SPEED CONTROL IS USED, THE SPEED CONTROL COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE, RESULTING IN A STUCK THROTTLE. A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLES. VEHICLES WITH SPEED CONTROL CABLES FROM CAVITIES 3 AND 4 WILL HAVE THE CABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO REPLACED.
Campaign 00V210001 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, steering wheel/handle barAug 8, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHEN THE NUT IS TIGHTENED. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DURING MANUFACTURE RESULTING IN THE NUT FRACTURING WHEN IT IS TIGHTENED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMING LOOSE OR SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL RETENTION ARMATURE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.
Campaign 00V223001 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
63 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Seat belts, May 25, 2026
I put money down on the vehicle the next day when I drove it I noticed that the seat belt doesn’t work. I told him about it and he told me to se if it stays clicked on the passenger side. It does but I couldn’t drive that way it was choking me. He said he would put a new one in it but never did. I have gone there several times a week and several times in a day for a couple of weeks. It has airbags or they don’t work. Because the light will flash a bunch of times and then stay on. I can’t drive it because there are no safety devices to keep me from being killed in the event of an accident. I would like help getting my down payment back so I can get a road worthy vehicle. I have spent all if this time trying to find away to get my money back. I have lost almost all of my clients due to not having reliable transportation to get to my the homes to clean them.
Power train, Air bags, Jun 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING DIFFERENT SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND CONTINUE NORMAL DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD BUBBLES AND APPEARED AS THOUGH IT WOULD EXPLODE. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Steering, Air bags, Mar 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V597000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,345.
Air bags, Structure, Feb 23, 2015, crash
WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD 60 MILES AN HOUR AT NIGHT TIME A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE CAR. MY SON JAMMED ON THE BRAKES SKIDDING A DISTANCE HITTING THE DEER. BECAUSE OF JAMMING ON THE BRAKES MY SON HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HIS FACE CAUSING INJURY TO HIS NECK, FACE AND HEAD. HIS SEAT BELT WAS ON AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF. HE SKIDDING A DISTANCE SWERVING RIGHT TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD HITTING A METAL BAR AT THE EDGE OF A DRIVEWAY. I SENT A COMPLAINT INTO THE NHTSA AND WAS TOLD THE AIR BAGS WOULDN'T OF GONE OFF. I ALSO HAVE A PICTURE OF A FRIENDS FORD TRUCK GOING OFF THE ROAD AT 60 HITTING A HOUSE AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF. SO THE EXCUSE THE AIRBAGS WOULDN'T GO OFF HITTING A DEER IS COMPLETELY WRONG. FIGURE OUT THE FORCE OF JAMMING ON THE BRAKES AT 60 MILES AN HOUR SKIDDING A DISTANCE. FORD HAS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES. YOU HAVE LOST A FEW CUSTOMERS BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF STANDING BY YOUR PRODUCT. I AM SENDING COMPLAINTS TO WHOMEVER I CAN BECAUSE I KNOW THE NHTSA WOULD DO ANYTHING. *TR
Air bags, Jan 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,230.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Nov 19, 2014, crash
MY SON WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN A BIG DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. HE JAMMED ON HIS BRAKES SKIDDING BUT STILL HIT THE DEER TOTALING THE CAR. NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS CAME OUT. HE WENT FORWARD HITTING HIS UPPER BODY AND FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. HE HAD HIS SEAT BELT ON. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE ACCIDENT. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY FRIENDS. HE TURNED BLACK AND BLUE AND STILL IS HURTING. THE CAR WAS JUST INSPECTED THE END OF OCTOBER. I FEEL FORD AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT WORKING CAUSING INJURY. I'M WITHOUT A CAR...UPDATED 12/04/14*BF UPDATED 06/2/2015 *JS
Air bags, Nov 16, 2014, crash
GOING DOWN ROUTE. 226 WHEN A BIG BUCK RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE FORD ESCAPE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE NYS TROOPERS CAME TO THE ACCIDENT. HAD TO TAKE MY SON TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF HITTING HIS UPPER BODY AND FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO OPEN. MY BACK AND NECK IS SORE.
Air bags, Mar 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. THE WARNING LIGHT HAD BEEN FLASHING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,700. *TR
Air bags, Nov 21, 2013
ON NOVEMBER 11, 2013, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2001 FORD ESCAPE AT NIGHT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 5 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, THE FRONT SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (BUILT INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACKREST) SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED, FRIGHTENING AND NEARLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD NOT HIT A POT HOLE OR ANY OTHER OBJECT THAT MIGHT EXPLAIN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG HIT THE DRIVERS ARM, CAUSING RED MARKS THAT LASTED A DAY, BUT FORTUNATELY NO LASTING INJURY. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OVER AND FINDING NO OTHER DAMAGE (BESIDES THE RIPPED-OUT SIDE OF THE BACKREST WITH THE DEFLATED AIRBAG) THAT WOULD AFFECT OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DRIVEN HOME APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. THE INCIDENT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND, ON 11/14, WAS DRIVEN TO JIM WILSON FORD IN YREKA, CA TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND COST OF REPAIR. THE DEALER SAID THAT TWO OR THREE MALFUNCTIONS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, BUT THEY COULDN'T PIN DOWN THE CAUSE. COST OF REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO BE $2,043. AS OF TODAY (11/21/13), THE AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, THINKING THAT MORE INVESTIGATION MIGHT BE PROPOSED FOR THE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS AND EVEN DEADLY DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Aug 9, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVE WAY. THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,050.
Air bags, Mar 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER . THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TR UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 3, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING WOULD SEIZE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO EXTEND THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ UPDATED 11/15/12
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jun 6, 2012, fire
SUBMISSION FROM RE FORD ESCAPE 2001 SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S24 *TGW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JAN 2012. THE NOTICE INDICATED SHE WOULD BE INFORMED WHEN THE PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE SAFETY RECALL WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE, WHICH WOULDN'T BE UNTIL THE SECOND QUARTER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, WHICH WAS PRIOR TO THE RECALL, BUT WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED. SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS PARTLY COMPENSATED BY FORD IN THE FORM OF A CHECK FOR $1900 ACCOMPANIED BY A DOCUMENT WHICH STATED BY ACCEPTING THE COMPENSATION, SHE WOULD ALSO BE SIGNING OFF ON ANY OTHER CLAIMS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, MASTER CYLINDER, WIRING HARNESS, ABS, BRAKE LINE BOOSTER, POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, INTAKE MANIFOLD AS WELL AS THE AIR BAG WERE ALL REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FREEZE, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF, RENDERING THE DOOR UNSTABLE, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE REAR SHOCK WERE LEAKING. *JB
Air bags, May 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AROUND A CURVE, SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED DUE TO HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 06/05/12*LJ UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGNAL AND WHEN DRIVING FROM THE COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED UP TO 58 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER THE CONTACT DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 137,000.
Air bags, Mar 24, 2011
THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND FLASH 3 TIMES AND THEN A FRLEW MORE TIMES. IT WILL STAY ON, FLASH AND GO OFF AND REPETE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 8, 2010, crash
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT-END COLLISION AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH IN DEC 2002. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FORD DEALER REPAIRED DAMAGE. AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD FLASH AND STAY ON AT INTERMITTENT TIMES. DEALER CHECKED AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. RECENTLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THEN STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS STARTED. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, HOWEVER WE RECEIVE A SERIES OF 5 BEEPS, 5 TIMES, EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED, AND EVERY 30 MINUTES IF VEHICLE IS RUNNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WERE TOLD THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS. TOTAL COST = OVER $1100. DEALER WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS WE ARE NOT THE ONLY CONSUMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO REPAIR ALL ESCAPES SINCE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Oct 21, 2007
THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN 3 TIMES. THE FIRST DATE WAS 11-12-2003. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS IS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE WHEN THE BAG WILL DEPLOY OR NOT. DEALER TRACED AND FOUND OPEN CIRCUIT, CONNECTOR NOT SEATED. RESECURED AND SYSTEM PASSED. THIS WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THIS DEALERSHIP UP TO FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Sep 17, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH. AS OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND BECAUSE THEY DID NOT, DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE A FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 12, 2007, crash
I WAS WRITING THIS FOR MY SISTER WHO IS NO LONGER HERE. SHE DROVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE GOING 60 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE PEOPLE IN FRONT OF HER STOPPED AND SHE REAR ENDED THEM. HER CAR FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND SHE WAS EJECTED. ALTHOUGH THE STATE TROOPERS SAID SHE WASN'T WEARING HER SEAT BELT SHE CLEARLY HAD A 2" BY 4" ABRASION ON HER LEFT SHOULDER EXACTLY THE SIZE AND LOCATION THAT HER SEAT BELT WOULD HAVE BEEN. THE SUV WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, NOT A PANEL ON IT WASN'T SMASHED - AND YET THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. IT WAS SO BAD THAT I WENT BY THE ACCIDENT AND DIDN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE THE CAR UNTIL A POLICE OFFICER CALLED OUR HOUSE AND TOLD US ABOUT THE ACCIDENT AND LOCATION. MY SISTER WAS 22 YEARS OLD WITH A HUSBAND AND A DAUGHTER AND NOW SHE IS NO LONGER HERE. I REALIZE THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE SEAT BELT, WE GOT A LETTER 2 MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS 2 YEARS BEFORE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE AIRBAGS THOUGH. R.I.P. AMANDA WHITMORE.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jun 27, 2007
WE NOTICED A HISSING NOISE,TOOK IT TO DEALER,WAS TOLD BRAKE BOOSTER,MASTER CYLINDER,LEFT STABILIZER LINK ASSY,AND PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS ON AIR BAG ALL NEED REPLACED. CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS. SEEMS UNUSUAL TO ME THAT ALL WOULD GO OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN,ESPECIALLY BOTH THE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER. TO MY KNOWLEDGE WE DID NOTHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBS. I MAY BE HARD TO REACH,AS I AM STAYING WITH MY FATHER IN HERMANN WHILE HE UNDERGOES CANCER TREATMENTS,BUT,MY WIFE CAN BE REACHED AT THE EVENING PHONE # LISTED.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 13, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. THE SUN BLINDED THE CONTACT, AND SHE REAR ENDED THE OTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS BADLY DAMAGED. THE FRAME WAS BENT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER THE CONTACT'S HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER WAS BELTED. THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84000. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK
Air bags, Sep 26, 2006, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WHICH RESULTED IN HER 2001 FORD ESCAPE BEING TOTALED AND AT NO TIME DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. SHE WENT ACROSS THREE LANES OF HIGHWAY HIT THE GUARD RAIL WENT BACK ACROSS THE THREE LANES AND HIT THE OTHER GUARD RAIL. SHE LIVES TO TELL HER STORY. SHE NOW HAS PAIN IN HER CERVICAL SPINE RESULTING IN HER SEEING A DOCTOR ON A REGULAR BASIS. *JB
Air bags, May 31, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10-20 MPH. THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE AT THE TIME. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE PRETENSIONER IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 07/03/06.*JB