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: electrical system
140 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2012, fire
I WENT TO START THE CAR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A BAD SMELL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE AREA UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON FIRE. LUCKILY I HAD A SMALL CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS IS BURNED RIGHT OFF WHERE IT PLUGS INTO THE ANS MODULE. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I ALWAYS WONDERED WHY I HAD TO PUT BRAKE FLUID IN TWICE PER YEAR. I HOPE THE DEALER DOESN'T TRY TO RIP ME OFF AND SAY IT'S NOT COVERED FOR SOME REASON. THEY DO NOT LIKE TO FIX FACTORY RECALLS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2012, crash
AFTER STOPPING TO POSSIBLY TAKE A LEFT TURN, I REALIZED I NEEDED TO GO ONE MORE BLOCK SO I PRESSED THE GAS TO CONTINUE FORWARD. HOWEVER RIGHT AS I DID THAT THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW SO I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE INSTEAD. THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AT FULL THROTTLE AND THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND THE RED LIGHT. THE STREET WAS CLEAR IN FRONT OF US AND I HAD A FULL LONG BLOCK TO TRY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION. I CALMLY SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I STARTED WORRYING AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPEED UP. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND PARK (WHICH NORMALLY ISN'T POSSIBLE). ALL THE WHILE THE VEHICLE SPED UP. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE FOR ALMOST THE WHOLE BLOCK AND WASN'T SLOWING THE VEHICLE AT ALL. I DECIDED THAT SINCE THE TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING, THAT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE MY FOOT TO GET UNDER THE GAS PEDAL AND LIFT IT UP (BECAUSE IT FELT FROM THE FULL ACCELERATION LIKE IT WAS STUCK ON THE FLOOR). HOWEVER, THE PEDAL EASILY CAME OFF THE FLOOR BUT WOULD FLOP BACK DOWN AS SOON AS I MOVED MY FOOT OUT FROM UNDER IT. IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT STUCK BY A FOREIGN OBJECT OR FLOOR MAT THOUGH. HAD TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN THAT WAS CROSSING THE STREET AND THE ROAD AHEAD WAS OBSCURED BECAUSE IT WENT DOWN A STEEP HILL SO I CHOSE TO TURN RIGHT. THE CAR ENDED UP HITTING THE CURB, HITTING 2 SMALL TREES. AND FLIPPING UPSIDE DOWN BEFORE ALSO HITTING A PARKED CAR. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO "REV" AT HIGH SPEEDS, EVEN UPSIDE DOWN, FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE IT FINALLY CUT OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY LUCKY TO SURVIVE THIS INCIDENT AND TO NOT HAVE INJURED ANY OTHERS IN THE AREA. POSSIBLY PART OF : NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V210001 FOR STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 14, 2012, fire
2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER DAUGHTER OWNED THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRIVING IT THE NIGHT, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. HER DAUGHTER BURNED HER HAND, AS SHE WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2012
CANNOT REMOVE IGNITION KEY FROM IGNITION WITHOUT DISCONNECTING BATTERY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2012
ABOUT FOUR MONTHS MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS BEEN PUTTING OFF THIS STRONG ODOR, SO BAD I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. MY SAFETY BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF, EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT IN USE. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS, I HAVE PAID TO HAVE MY CAR ENGINE LOOKED AT -SPARK PLUGS, BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED, HOPING FOR POSITIVE RESULTS. SMELL STILL REMAINS. I HAVE PUT MONEY INTO GETTING THIS CAR FIXED, I DO REALIZE ITS AN OLDER CAR, BUTT IT'S ALL I HAVE AND NEED IT FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK, DUE TO THE ABS RECALL I JUST RECEIVED, I AM AFRAID IT'S GOING TO JUST BURST INTO FLAMES AT ANY TIME. *KB
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2012, fire
STARTED VEHICLE APPROX 7AM DROVE 40MILES WITH NO EVIDENT PROBLEMS TO VEHICLE. STOPPED VEHICLE FOR APPROX 15MINS, UPON STARTING VEHICLE UP AGAIN HAZARD WARNING ON CONTROL PANAL BEGAN TO FLASH. ABS,AIR BAGS,BRAKE,WERE FLASHING ON/OFF.TURNED CAR OFF,THEN ON AGAIN,WARNING LIGHTS DID COME BACK ON. DROVE APPROX 3MILES,CAR THEN STARTED TO EMIT WHITE SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IMMADITATLY PULLED OVER ,TURNED OFF ENGINE. SMOKE CONT TO BILLOW FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOR ALEAST 15-20 MINS. *TT
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2011
VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, CAUSING POWER STEERING AND BREAKS TO STOP WORKING.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION AND THE TIRES LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2010, fire
ON MARCH 2008 OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE SELF IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER BEING SHUT OFF FOR OVER 2 HOURS AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION STATES" THE FIRE IN THE VEHICLE ORIGINATED AT THE ABS MODULE AND WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION THAT RESULTED IN AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION" THE CAR HAD GONE IN FOR ALL RECALLS UP TO THAT DATE. SO EITHER THE REPAIR FAILED OR THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THEIR CAUSE OF THIS FIRE. *TR
Electrical system, May 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START IT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AGAIN AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER HIM ANY ASSISTANCE AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 17, 2010, fire
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE STAYING AT A HOTEL ON VACATION IN MARFA, TX, I WAS AWAKENED BY MY CAR ALARM GOING OF AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM ON MAY 12, 2010. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE TO TURN IT OFF, I FOUND SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OUR NEIGHBOR CALLED 911, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. AS THE FIRE DEPT. WAS INSPECTING THE CAR, FLAMES DID APPEAR FROM THE ABS WIRING HARNESS AND MODULE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY AND DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE ABS HARNESS AND MODULE. I HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ABS HARNESS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, AND TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN TO HAVE THE NECESSARY WORK PERFORMED. THAT WORK WAS PERFORMED ON AUGUST 6, 2008. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD TO LET THEM KNOW THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT FIRE EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEIR RECORDS SHOWED THAT THE ABS HARNESS ON MY CAR WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF MAY 16, 2010, MY CAR IS STILL AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN FORT STOCKTON, TX AND I AM AT HOME IN AUSTIN WAITING TO HEAR FROM FORD'S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNCIL. *TR
Electrical system, May 2, 2010, fire
MY DAUGHTER HAD A 2001 FORD ESCAPE, APPROX.98,000 MILES, PURCHASED USED. SERVICED & INSPECTED IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR WITH NO PROBLEMS NOTED. SHE PARKED IT IN FRONT OF HER HOME ON APRIL 30TH AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM A TRIP TO TOWN WITH HER 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. APPROX. 10 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING HER HOME, SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM OUTSIDE AND SAW HER VEHICLE SMOKING , THEN FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. FIRE MARSHAL ATTRIBUTED TO "ELECTRICAL PROBLEM" SOME DAMAGE ALSO TO HER HOME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2010
WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL GOING APPROX 45 MPH THE ENGINE ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE SHUT DOWN. COMPLETE POWER TO MY CAR WAS LOST. THE ODOMETER EVEN LOST THE MILES DRIVEN AND WAS REPLACED BY DASHES MOMENTARILY. WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN I STEERED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. AFTER I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED KEY OFF. I WAITED APPROX 5 MINUTES AND RESTARTED THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND CAR STARTED SMOOTHLY AS USUAL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I DON'T SEEM TO BE THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 19, 2009
MAR 27 HAD 2001 FORD ESCAPE IN DEALERSHIP FOR OIL LEAK AND ENGINE HESITATION. LEAK NOT FIXED ON 1ST TIME TAKEN TO DEALER. #3 COIL, INTAKE GASKETS REPLACED & TUNEUP DONE FOR HESITATION. MAR 31 VEHICLE TAKEN BACK FOR SAME PROBLEMS, #4 COIL WAS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD NO OIL LEAK, ALSO TOLD ENGINE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE WASHED AND WATER BLEW OUT #4 COIL. ON THE WAY HOME, STILL SMELLED BURNING OIL & ENGINE HESITATION STILL FELT. CALLED DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD TO LET THE CAR SIT FOR A DAY. CAR SAT FOR 2 DAYS. CAR STILL DROVE THE SAME, OIL LEAK & HESITATION STILL THERE. TOOK VEHICLE STRAIGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, ON THE WAY THERE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER AND WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 15MPH. THEN THE EGR VALVE BLEW. AND I LIVE 2 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAD THE VEHICLE FROM APR 1 TO APR 15. NOW I WAS TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON THE MANIFOLDS ARE PLUGGED UP AND THIS IS CAUSING THE HESITATION AND THE OIL LEAK WAS FROM THE TIMING CHAIN COVER. DEALERSHIP HAD TO REMOVE THE ENGINE TO REPLACE THE GASKET. WAS TOLD THEY DON'T KNOW HOW THEY MISSED THIS LEAK THE OTHER 2 TIMES I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS LEAK. ONLY THING THE WARRANTY COVERED IS THE OIL LEAK. FEDERAL MANDATED EMISSION LAW IS 8YRS OR 80,000 MILES. VEHICLE IS IN THE 8 YEARS AND @ 75,500 MILES. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE CONVERTERS. TOOK ESCAPE TO LOCAL MECHANIC APR 17. EXHAUST INSPECTION SHOWED ONLY THE REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTER PLUGGED (REPLACED NOW). #4 & #6 COILS NOT FIRING. COILS WORK CONNECTED IN OTHER SPARKPLUG LOCATIONS. WIRING FOR COILS NOT WORKING. THESE COIL LOCATIONS WORKED PRIOR TO GOING BACK TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC SAID I SHOULD SUE THE DEALERSHIP FOR MISDIAGNOSIS AND BREAKING ADDITIONAL ITEMS WHEN ENGINE WAS REMOVED. MECHANIC ALSO RAN DIAGNOSTIC, NO CODES COMING UP, DEALERSHIP RESET PCM TO OLD PROGRAMMING, SO VEHICLE NOW HESITATES & DIES. WIFE STILL WANTS TO KEEP VEHICLE. TOLD HER NO. ALREADY SHOPPING FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. SHE ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE A HOME FIRE EXTINGUISHER; HOWEVER, THE FIRE WOULD NOT GO OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT IS AWAITING TO HEAR IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL CLASSIFY THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE IS ALSO AWAITING AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE SMELL WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 150,000.
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2008
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AN 40 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED IN TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ,BY MYSELF, WERE FOR NAUGHT. A NEARBY GARAGE INITIALLY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS A TIMING BELT ISSUE, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS WITH A POSSIBLE SHORT. A BIT STRANGE FOR A NON-MOVING PART. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2007
WHENEVER IT RAINS MY 2001 FORD EXPEDITIONS ELECTRICAL GOES CRAZY, I GET A LEAK FROM WHEAT I AM GUESSING IS THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE FLOOR GETS WET, THEN MY AC RUNS WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND MY LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF, THE RADIO GOES ON AND OFF AND KEEPS DRAINING THE BATTERY, TOOK IT TO FORD, BUT ALL THEY SAY IS IT NEEDS A NEW GEM MODULE BUT NEVER SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2007, fire
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT WIRES UNDER THE HOOD BURNED WHILE SITTING IN THE GARAGE OF HER HOME. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE ALARMS IN HER HOUSE WARNED HER OF THE FIRE. SHE CALLED THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY FOUND NO FIRE IN THE HOUSE. THEY THEN CHECKED THE GARAGE AND THEY SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE FIREMAN OPENED AND NOTICED THE WIRES THAT WERE BURNING UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOWN AND COUNTRY, AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT OLD BRAKE FLUID LEAKED ON THE ABS, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE WIRES BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON, AND OFF AT THE LOCAL FIRESTONE, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER . THE WIRES BURNED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE REPAIR. THE TOWN AND COUNTRY DEALERSHIP GAVE THE CONTACT A LOANER VEHICLE, AND SHE FELT THIS WAS ODD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT IT WOULD COST $2,416.12 TO REPAIR THE WIRES AND THE ABS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 67,508. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL REPAIRS DONE TO HER VEHICLE AND HAS PROVIDED ALL INVOICES FOR REPAIR AND THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPT. UPDATE 4/25/07*TR
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, HE STARTED SMELLING A BURNT ODOR AND SUDDENLY ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE 2001 FORD FOCUS STARTED FLASHING. AFTER 3 CYCLES OF FLASHING ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. HE THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD A SHORT CAUSING IT TO BURN. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE INVOICE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 63500 MILES.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 25, 2007, fire
THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN MY SISTER IN LAW SAW THE FIRE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE AREA. I TURNED THE FIRE OFF WITH WATER. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY BURNED. ALL OF THE WIRES COMING OUT OF THE FUSE BOX AS WELL AS THE ABS WIRES. THE CAR WILL TURN ON BUT I CANT SHIFT IT INTO DRIVE. THE BRAKE FUSE ALSO BURNED OUT. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2007
MY COOLANT LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ENOUGH COOLANT. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007, fire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES WITH ENGINE OFF WHEN A FIRE IGNITED IN THE ENGINE, ENGULFING AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE CAR. FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 20, 2006
2001 ESCAPE HAS HAD THREE REPAIRS IN A 6 MONTH TIME FRAME DO TO PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLIES. *TS THE SPARKS PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD SUDDENLY THREE TIMES. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE ALTERNATOR WAS BURNT AND WAS REPLACED. NINE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A BURNING SMELL WAS OBSERVED. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO BUILT A CASING AROUND THE ALTERNATOR TO STOP THE BURNING. TWO YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. TWO YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED AND THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED.