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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,027

Of the 2001 reports, 77 involved a crash and 60 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 3 people died.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling288 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints1,027Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling288
  2. Service brakes160
  3. Electrical system140
  4. Power train129
  5. Hydraulic120
  6. Vehicle speed control111
  7. Air bags63
  8. Steering59

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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: electrical system

140 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 2, 2021

    The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact pulls the vehicle over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

  2. Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 21, 2019, fire

    ABS SYSTEM BURNED UP, HARD TO STOP BRAKES, LICKAGE UNDER THE HOOD

  3. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 25, 2019

    I'VE RECENTLY GOT A NEW BATTERY, O2 SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN DRIVE.

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2017, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTAL PARKING SPACE, A SECURITY GUARD NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER MAKING A SECOND ROUND, THE GUARD INFORMED THE VEHICLE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT TOOK PICTURES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW-UP IN WRITING, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

  5. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 14, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, STALLED, AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V175000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *TR

  6. Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE KEY WAS OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

  7. Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DECELERATED AND THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MORE MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

  8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ

  9. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 19, 2015, fire

    WHILE PARKED IN EMPLOYEE'S PARKING LOT THE FORD ESCAPE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE THEN CAUGHT FIRE . *TR

  10. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 19, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND LOCK THE HATCH DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

  11. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED OR SNOWED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STUTTER AND FAIL TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

  12. Electrical system, Aug 6, 2014, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS LATER THE DRIVER CAME OUTSIDE TO DISCOVER FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE FIRE MARSHAL EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

  13. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jul 6, 2014

    ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE MY DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR I PUT CHILD SAFETY ON WORKED FINE NEXT DAY WENT TO OPEN DOOR AND WOULD NOT OPEN SO WE TOOK DOOR PANEL OFF TRIED DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE EVEN SPRAYED WITH WD40 DID NOT WORK WE THINK IT THE LOCK MECHANISM IN BETWEEN DOOR AND BODY.MY NAME IS [XXX] HOW DO I GO ABOUT FIXING THIS I HAVE 2 YOUNG CHILDREN I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USES ALL THE DOORS MY CONTACT NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

  14. Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014

    THIS MODEL HAS CHRONIC ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS NOT WORKING. FREQUENT COMPLAINTS OF DOME LIGHT, DOOR LOCKS, AND RADIO NOT WORKING, ALTERNATOR/BATTERY REPLACEMENTS. IT SEEMS TO DRAIN FREQUENTLY AND EITHER NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER, AND/OR BLOW FUSES. THIS IS A VERY FREQUENT OCCURRENCE AND WOULD SEEM FIT FOR A RECALL. *TR

  15. Electrical system, Structure, Feb 27, 2014

    I BOUGHT MY FORD ESCAPE ON AUGUST 16TH OF 2009, ALL THE DOORS WORKED FINE. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. ABOUT A YEAR AFTER BUYING MY CAR THE BACK DRIVER DOOR STOPPED OPENING, FOR NO REASON. THEN THE WINDOW IN THE SAME DOOR STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS, EVEN THOUGH I HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK. THEN SHORTLY AFTER, THE OTHER BACK DOOR SEIZED TO OPEN. THIS HAPPENED IN THE SUMMER WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. WHEN I PUSH UNLOCK I HEAR CLICKING FROM THE DOORS. THEN NOT TO LONG AGO MY FIANCE AND I WENT OUT TO DINNER AND LOCKED THE CAR DOORS, AFTER LEAVING THE RESTAURANT HE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND THEY WOULDN'T OPEN. HE HAD TO CRAWL THROUGH THE WINDOW THAT IS BROKEN TO GET THE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN FOR ME. THE DRIVER DOOR NOW DON'T OPEN. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WORKS NOW IS THE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE BACK HATCH. I ALSO HAVE OTHER RECALLS I NEED TO GET REPAIRED AND HAVE NOT BROUGHT IT IN CAUSE OF THE DRIVER DOOR NOT OPENING. I KNOW I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM AND WHEN I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE I FOUND THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH MY CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEREFORE I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AND IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO ESCAPE MY FORD ESCAPE. IN ADDITION I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, STILL RUNS GOOD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, SINCERE CONSUMER. *TR

  16. Electrical system, Jan 15, 2014

    WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK ON REAR DRIVER SIDE QUIT OPERATING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO USE DUCT TAPE TO KEEP WINDOW IN PLACE AND DOOR CLOSED. THIS HAS NOW BEEN FIXED AT SUBSTANTIAL COST. NOW AM UNABLE TO USE EITHER DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. NO PROBLEM WITH WINDOWS AT THIS POINT, HOWEVER, AM UNABLE TO OPEN EITHER OF THE TWO DOORS. QUITE INCONVENIENT WITH OTHER PASSENGERS, PARTICULARLY WHERE THE FRONT SEAT IS INVOLVED...A LITTLE DIFFICULT CLIMBING OVER THE CONSOLE AREA FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TO GET TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND VICE VERSA...BACK SEATING AREA NOT QUITE SO BAD...STILL INCONVENIENT. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL REGARDING THIS AND/OR ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM? RIGHT NOW, THE EXPENSE TO REPAIR IS HONESTLY MORE THAN IT'S WORTH TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE...ANOTHER $400-500+. DOES MAKE IT PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO LOAD AND UNLOAD---ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN! *TR

  17. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2014, fire

    SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DESTROYED EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Nov 18, 2013

    AFTER DRIVING MY CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT FOR 6 YEARS, IT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER SO MUCH THAT THE DASH LIGHTS FADE AND THE CAR ALMOST STALLS. THIS IS WORSE AT LOWER SPEEDS, COASTING, AND IDLING. THE ENGINE MISSES OUT SO BADLY THAT THE CAR JERKS FORWARD IF THE BRAKE IS NOT PRESSED FIRMLY TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN IT'S WORST AT IDLE, IT SHAKES HORRIBLY. I HAD THE PLUGS REPLACED (NOT CHEAP) BECAUSE THAT WAS THE ERROR SHOWING WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER I STARTED HAVING THIS ISSUE, AND A MECHANIC HAD ALREADY LOOKED AT IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. AFTER HAVING THE PLUGS REPLACED, I HAD A LOT FEWER PROBLEMS BUT COULD STILL TELL THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN IT WAS COLDER OUTSIDE AND/OR WHEN I FIRST STARTED MY CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. IT THEN BEGAN TO GET WORSE AGAIN AND IS JUST AS BAD NOW AS IT WAS BEFORE I HAD THE PLUGS REPLACED. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP REPLACING THEM IF IT'S JUST GOING TO KEEP HAPPENING AGAIN. WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT ON AN UPHILL INTERSECTION JUST LAST WEEK, I PRESSED THE GAS TO PULL THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND BARELY ANY POWER RESULTED. I LET OFF THE GAS AND DEPRESSED IT AGAIN, AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES, JUST TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WITHOUT IT DYING OR LAUNCHING MYSELF INTO ANOTHER CAR. IT SEEMS THIS MODEL YEAR MAY HAVE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES, BUT I'VE HAD ALL OF THE RECALL ISSUES ADDRESSED AND I'M STILL HAVING MAJOR ISSUES THAT AREN'T CHEAP TO FIX. I'VE ALSO HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT COME ON WITHOUT THE BRAKE BEING ENGAGED TWICE DURING THE TIME I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR GOES AWAY JUST AS QUICKLY AS IT APPEARED WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. *TR

  19. Electrical system, Engine, Oct 15, 2013, fire

    ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2013, MY WIFE AND I HAD MET FOR HER BIRTHDAY DINNER AT A RESTAURANT IN OUR TOWN. MY WIFE DROVE THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO THE RESTAURANT, ABOUT 5 MILES, FROM OUR HOME AND PARKED THE CAR. WE HAD BEEN AT DINNER FOR APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES WHEN THE WAITRESS ASKED US IF WE DROVE A RED SUV. WE WERE LED TO THE VEHICLE THAT WAS ON FIRE AND IN THE PROCESS OF BEING EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAID THAT IT LOOKED AS IF THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THAT NOTHING ELSE LOOKED SUSPICIOUS. HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WIRE INSULATION ON THAT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ALL MELTED AWAY TO BARE COPPER AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING WAS STILL MORE INTACT. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND RIM AND MELTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS SMOKE DAMAGED SINCE THE CAR WAS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. JUST GRATEFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER OR WIFE WEREN'T DRIVING IT AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. *TR

  20. Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2013

    FIFTH TIME VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. DAUGHTER TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY THOUGHT THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. SHE WAS ON HER WAY BACK TO COLLEGE...4 MILES FROM THE HOUSE AT A RED LIGHT. SHE CALLED AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING WHAT IT WAS DOING BEFORE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR

  21. Electrical system, Sep 22, 2012

    REAR LEFT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. 5TH DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. WINDSHIELD WIPER IN REAR STOPPED WORKING. *TR

  22. 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

  23. Electrical system, Service brakes, May 21, 2012

    THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAP LEAKS BRAKE FLUID AND THE FLUID RUNS DOWN THE WIRING AND DOWN THE FIREWALL OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BRAKE FLUID HAS CORRODED THE PAINT OFF OF THE FIREWALL, AND THEN THE FLUID GETS HOT AND SMOKES. BECAUSE THE FLUID RUNS DOWN THE WIRING, THE VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FORD HAS A RECALL 11S24 FOR VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAY THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAP CLEARLY LEAKS. THEY WON'T LOOK AT THE VEHICLE UNLESS WE PAY $85 TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE ADDED TO THE RECALL.

  24. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 12, 2012

    THE TRUNK-DOOR (5TH DOOR) CANNOT BE OPENED WHEN EXPOSED TO THE SUN OR TEMPERATURE IS WARMER. IT CAN ONLY BE OPENED AFTER IT IS COOLER IN THE EVENING OR AT NIGHT. THE REAR-LEFT- PASSENGER-DOOR LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPENED AT ALL. NOW PASSENGERS HAVE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE USING ONLY ONE RIGHT-PASSENGER-DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY INCONVENIENT ONE. PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR

  25. Electrical system, Apr 1, 2012, fire

    WE BOUGHT OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE NEW. ON THE 8TH OF DECEMBER, 2011 IT WAS PARKED IN OUR DOUBLE CAR ATTACHED GARAGE. MY SON CAME HOME AROUND 11:30 P.M. GOING THROUGH THE GARAGE AND DID NOT SEE OR SMELL ANYTHING. MY HUSBAND AND I, HIS YOUNGEST SON WERE ASLEEP ALREADY FROM THE FUMES. WE HAD TO BE PULLED OUT OF OUR BEDS BY MY OLDER STEP-SON. HE SAW SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE DOOR GOING TO THE GARAGE. WE HE OPENED THE DOOR HE SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE ESCAPE. HE TRIED TO OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR BUT BY THEN IT WAS TOO LATE. I HAD TO GET MY DOG OUT FROM UNDER THE BED AND ESCAPE THROUGH MY BEDROOM WINDOW. AS A RESULT THE WHOLE HOME WAS BURNED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY CONSIDERS IT A TOTAL LOSS. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND SIMILAR INCIDENTS FROM OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS. I FORGOT TO SAY THAT WE RECEIVED OUR RECALL ON JANUARY 31ST OF 2012. ABOUT A MONTH TOO LATE TO TELL US NOT TO PARK IT IN OR NEAR A DWELLING. THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST HORRIFIC THING I HAVE EVER GONE THROUGH AND BELIEVE ME, I HAVE GONE THROUGH A WHOLE LOT IN MY LIFE. I WANT TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AS THAT SEEMS TO ME THAT IS THE ONLY RECOURSE I HAVE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I WOULD GO ABOUT DOING THIS. *TR