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, Sep 13, 2006
I NOTICED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH A BRAKE HISSING PROBLEM AT 74K I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 40K. I'VE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THAT I AM CONSIDERING NOT TO EVER BY A FORD VEHICLE AGAIN. THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLS ON THESE SO THE CONSUMER DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PCM BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THE WIRING UNDER THE DASH NEEDED REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL 04V165000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE PCM AND A NHTSA TSB ITEM #617976, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING UNDER DASH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 9 HOURS AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL STATED THE DAMAGE WAS TOO EXTENSIVE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. MOST OF THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2005
I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO LOCKED. I HAD TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME TO START IT. THE LOCKSMITH SAID THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ALL FORD IGNITIONS. I HAD THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO IGNITIONS IN THE ESCAPE. I LEARNED FROM A FOCUS OWNER THAT THE FOCUS CARS HAD BEEN RECALLED IN LATE 2000/EARLY 2001 FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I LATER LEARNED BY CALLING ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE SAME PART IS USED FOR BOTH THE FOCUS AND THE ESCAPE. WHY HAVEN'T THE ESCAPES BEEN RECALLED? *NM
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2005
THE SUV SAT PARKED FOR A 3 DAY PERIOD. HEAVY RAIN STORMS MOVED THROUGH AREA FOR 1 AND 1/2 DAYS OF THAT TIME HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN. AFTER THE 3RD DAY, THE SUV WAS STARTED AT WHICH TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED FOR POWER, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A 'BAD COIL PACK". IT WAS REPLACED AND GIVEN BACK. AFTER 3 DAYS OF DRIVING, THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE "COIL PACK" AND THE WIRING HARNESS. JUST OVER 6 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME SITUATION OCCURED WITH THE VEHICLE. IT SAT FOR 4 DAYS IN WHICH TIME A SEVERE RAIN STORM CAME THROUGH HOWEVER VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN NOR STANDING IN WATER. STARTED THE VEHICLE ON THE 4TH DAY WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULT. VEHICLE IS IN FORD GARAGE AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE COIL PACK WAS DAMAGED DUE TO MOISTURE. THESE FAILURES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND SHOULD BE HAPPENING.
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2005, fire
CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE 3 HOURS AFTER BEING DRIVEN. I BELIEVE FORD IS TRYING TO COVER-UP WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BY FEEDING ME LINES OF BS. INCIDENTALLY, FORD COVERED 90% OF THE COSTS FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2005, fire
2001 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER MODEL HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AT MY DEALER LOT ON AUGUST 21 2004. I HAVE JUST INFORMED BY FRIENDS THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE VEHICLES. I DO HAVE A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA THAT HAS RECORDED THE ENTIRE EVENT EARLY IN THE MORNING. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Feb 7, 2005
FORD ESCAPE 2001, WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVEN'T KEPT WINDOWS CLEAR ENOUGH TO SEE DURING RAIN OR SNOW. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS ONLY GETTING 10-12 MILES PER GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO DRIVE WHEN IT WAS WINDY OUTSIDE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT COME BACK UP FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE BRAKES MUST HAVE FROZEN UP. THE BATTERY LOW LIGHT WAS ON. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2005
VEHICLE HAD A RECALL TO REPROGRAM POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WHICH WAS CORRECTED (?) ON 6/9/04. ON 7/2/04 VEHICLE WOULD NOT IDLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY WOULD QUIT RUNNING. TAKEN TO DEALER AND DEALER REPLACED IGNITION CONTROL VALVE. DEALER STATES IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAM. CAR WAS OUT OF MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, WITH 36,568 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN ON THIS VEHICLE INCLUDE THE LEFT HEADLIGHT AS DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY AND ALLOWS MOISTURE BUILDUP. DEALER AGAIN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A DEFECT AND REFUSES TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST (ESTIMATE COST APPX. $200 TO REPAIR THEIR DEFECT). OTHER ISSUES INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF A COOLANT SENSOR, AND REPLACED A DPFE (ENVIRONMENT PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY). *NM
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2004
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION.THE DEALER EXPLAINED IT AS A" ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM" GONE BAD.SO MY IGNITION HAD TO BE RE-KEYED.(HAD TO BUY NEW KEYS). OF COURSE THAT TOOK 3 DAYS. I CALLED FORDS AND THEY SAID EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A CODE IN THERE COMPUTER FOR THIS.NO RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IN OCTOBER OF 2002, IT ONLY HAD 113 MILES ON IT FROM BEING TEST DRIVEN SO ESSENTIALLY IT WAS BRAND NEW WHEN PURCHASED THAT DAY. THIS IS MY ***3RD*** TIME OF HAVING TO HAVE IT SERVICED BY FORD BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD WAS AWARE THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE MAKE/MODELS OF THE FOCUS THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SENSORS IN THE INGITION AND THE KEYS BEING WORN DOWN SO MUCH THAT IT WON'T RECOGNIZE THE KEY/SENSOR TO START THE CAR. VERY FRUSTRATING. NOW I AM DEALING WITH IT AGAIN, FORD HAS UNFORTUNATLY NOT PUT A RECALL OUT ON THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. I AM GETTING CLOSE TO THE END OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND STILL I HAVE TO PAY A 50.00 DEDUCTIBLE EVERYTIME TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND IT'S FAULTY EQUIPMENT THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT. I HOPE THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THAT FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THIS PROBLEM AND AT THE VERY LEAST, REPLACES THIS CERTAIN IGNITION WITH ANOTHER YEAR SO US CUSTOMERS DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR ENGINEERING MISTAKES. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH 7 WK OLD TWINS AND THIS IS NOT IN MY BUDGET, LET ALONE ONCE I AM OUT OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD, IT WILL BE AROUND 300.00 A POP TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. PLEASE HELP!!!*AK
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2004
MY IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUD ZX3 ALSO HAS LOCKED UP AS SO MANY OTHERS. IT HAS DONE THIS MANY TIMES BEFORE AND THIS SATURDAY IT HAS FINALLY GAVE UP, LEAVING ME AND MY GIRL FRIEND STRANDED 25 MILES FROM HOME. I TRIED JIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL AND KEYS AND SPEND ABOUT 3 HOURS TRYING TO GET THE IGNITION UNLOCKED. THIS IS DEFINENTLY A DESIGN FLAW AND FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT. I WILL DEFINENTLY NOT BE BUYING A FORD AGAIN IF THIS IS HOW THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS AND DESIGN THEIR SHODDY CARS.*AK
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 1, 2004
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE PARKING GARAGE VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT COMPUTER SENSOR CRANK, AND IDLER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2004
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN. ITHAD TO BE REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, IT IS SAID TO BE A REOCCURING PROBLEM PER BRADY, TX FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE OCCUPANT TO BECOME STRANDED; MAKING THEM A HAZARD ON THE ROAD. PLEASE RECALL OTHERS TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE AND IT WAS RECENTLY RECALLED FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. THE DAY BEFORE I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS ROUGH IDLING. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED IGNITION COIL AND SAID THAT WAS PROBLEM FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ROUGH IDLE AND SAID THEY DID THE RECALL. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER MY CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER STOPPING FOR A FEW BRIEF MINUTES. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED BY FORD'S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WHEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER THE CAR STARTED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT MAY HAVE JUST BEEN A FLUKE. I DROVE THE CAR HOME WITHOUT IT BEING TOWED. 2 WEEKS WENT BY WITH NOTHING HAPPENING AND THEN ONE DAY AFTER ANOTHER BRIEF STOP THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THIS TIME THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND IT WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER AND WAS KEPT BY THEM FOR 2 DAYS TO NO AVAIL. THEY STILL COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO ME AND 2 DAYS LATER THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AGAIN. MY HUSBAND PUSHED ON THE CAR BACKWARDS A FEW FEET WHILE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND TO MUCH SURPRISE, THE CAR STARTED AGAIN WHEN PUT TRIED AGAIN. THIS WAS VERY GOOD NEWS AS IT WAS LATE EVENING ON A SAT AND THE FORD DEALER WAS NOT OPEN. TODAY, 3 DAYS LATER, MY HUSBAND STOPPED FOR GAS AND AFTER PAYING FOR THE GAS THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART. THE TRUCK IS ONCE AGAIN BEING TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER THIS TIME FOR GOOD UNTIL IT IS FIXED PROPERLY. LUCKILY THESE ALL HAPPENED CLOSE TO HOME, WHAT IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A TRIP OR SOMETHING ? IF THEY CANNOT FIX THIS PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE TO BE GIVEN A NEW/COMPARABLE VEHICLE. I AM ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT FROM FEAR OF IT FAILING ME AGAIN.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2004
WHEN INSERTED KEY INTO IGNITION IT WOULD NOT TURN NOR START THE VEHICLE. THEREFORE, HAVING TO HAVE SUV TOWED FOR SERVICE AND HAVING THE PART REPLACED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER MENTIONED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN ALOT IN FORD CARS/TRUCKS. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2004
OCT 15, 2001- WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL IN AUSTIN, TX, MY ESCAPE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP, STEER, OR SLOW DOWN! I COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL AND LUCKILY AVOIDED ALL PARKED CARS OR PEOPLE (CO-WORKERS!) WALKING THROUGH THE LOT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MAXWELL FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR! I CONTACTED THE PRESIDENT/ CEO TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN OVER WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. HE DIDN'T SEEM TO BE MOVED. I PICKED UP MY CAR AND HOPED IT WAS JUST A FLUKE. TWO AND-A-HALF YEARS LATER AND NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM, UNTIL LAST WEEK (APRIL 9, 2004). I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH AROUND A CURVE AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL ABILITY TO STEER OR SLOW DOWN! ONCE AGAIN, I WAS UNBELIEVABLY LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T HURT ANYONE OR MYSELF. I WAS ABLE TO START IT AGAIN AND SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER COASTING TO A STOP. I'M GRATEFUL THAT I WASN'T REAR-ENDED OR HIT HEAD-ON WHEN I COASTED OVER THE MIDDLE LINE.... (NEVERMIND THE HEART-ATTACK I ALMOST HAD FROM THE SUDDENNESS OF THIS!) I HATE TO IMAGINE THE OUTCOME IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED 10 MINUTES EARLIER WHILE I WAS MOVING AT 55MPH IN BUSY TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON THE EXIT RAMP! I HAVE AN APPT TO TAKE THE CAR IN ON FRIDAY. COINCIDENTALLY, I DISCOVERED (THIS MORNING) THAT A RECALL HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM.... (2 YEARS AFTER THEY WERE MADE AWARE THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE????) WHAT A RELIEF. SO, I'LL BE BACK ON HWY 410 IN SAN ANTONIO NEXT WEEK AFTER I PICK MY CAR UP FROM THE SERVICE DEPT --- I'LL BE THE ONE IN THE FORD ESCAPE GOING ABOUT 60MPH..... I SURE HOPE I'LL BE ABLE TO STEER OR SLOW DOWN IF I NEED TO!! AT LEAST, I'LL BE BETTER PREPARED FOR THIS "SURPRISE" FROM NOW ON ( LIKE EVERYTIME I HAVE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE)! .... NOTHING LIKE PAYING $24,000 FOR A LITTLE EXTRA STRESS AND WORRY. THANKS, FORD. YOU ARE JUST SUPER.
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT A SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2004
THE VEHICLE STALLED SIX TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 45,000 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PFE SENSOR, COOLANT, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE FRONT CRANK SEAL AND THE DPFE SENSOR. AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 24, 2004, crash
AUTO STALLED WHILE GOING 30 MPH ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. AUTO LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND ELECTRICAL. IT WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS AROUND (EARLY MORNING). WE HAD TO COAST TO SIDE, AND BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE POWER STEERING I HIT THE CURB PRETTY HARD. ON THE WAY HOME IT DID THE SAME THING AT ABOUT 40 MPH. WILL TAKE THIS TO MARKEL FORD IN OMAHA, NE FOR FIX. WE HAVE 44,000 MILES, AND IF FORD CANNOT GET THIS FIXED IT WILL BE TIME TO SELL. THIS WILL BE MY FIRST AND LAST FORD, IF I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS FIX. NOW I KNOW WHY MY FATHER TOLD ME TO BUY A TOYOTA. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 18, 2003
ENGINE STALLING, INTERMITTENT, UNPREDICTABLE. DURING VARIOUS TIMES, DAYS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. SINCE 09/25/01 TILL LAST TIME WAS 12/01/03.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 8, 2003
ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED AND ENGINE LOST ALL POWERWHILE PULING INTO A DRIVEWAY. THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS INVOLVING THE FORD ESCAPE THAT IS MY COMPANY CAR. I BARELY MISSED BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 M.P.H. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCK I WAS NOT KILLED OR INJURED.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2003
CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS NO WARNING OR SYMPTOM THAT AN OCCURRENCE IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THIS SHUTDOWN OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING AND AT VARYING SPEEDS. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND PROBRABLY ASSOCIATED WITH SOME IGNITION COMPONET.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2003
ON TWO DIFFERENT OCASSIONS, FORD ESCAPE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. ONCE WHILE GOING ABOUT 25 MPH DOWN HILL. THE OTHER TIME, WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT UNDER 10 MPH. CONSUMER REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY MORE UNTIL A RESOLUTION IS FOUND. THE FORD DEALER HOOKED UP A COMPUTER BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM.*AK