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: engine and engine cooling
288 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2002
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING 35-45MPH UNDER SLIGHT DECELERATION ENGINE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING OR HESTITATION OF ANY KIND. VEHICLE IMMDEDIATELY RESTARTS, BUT PROBLEM IS SPORADIC. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 28, 2002
I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A FORD REP. FOR A NEW CAR, TOO MANY THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP HAVE THE WINDOW AND ABS BRAKES FIXED. EVERY TIME IT'S SOMEHTING NEW! NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND ALL INTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT BEGIN TO FLASH, THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2002
ESCAPE WAS IN 4 TIMES FOR GAS SMELL-COULD NOT DUPLICATE. FINALLY REPAIRED BUT SMELL IS COMING BACK. TRUCK HAS NOT STARTED REPEATEDLY-BEEN IN TO DEALER-CAN NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. ENGINE STALLED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2002
CAR WOULD NOT START IN OCTOBER 2001. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 50 MPH. LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITIES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2002
ISSUE OF ENGINE STALLING HAS HAPPENED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. INDICATIONS ARE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, GAS, AND BREAKS. NO SOUNDS TO INDICATE FAILER. CHECK ENGINE, OIL, AND BATTERY LIGHTS COME ON. WHEN VEHICLE HOOD IS LIFTED ONE CAN HEAR AN AUDIBLE SOUND OF ELECTRIC CURRENT. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN VEHICLE STARTS PROMPTLY. SITUATION OCCURS WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATLY 35 - 45 MPH. FOR ME THEY HAVE ALL BEEN DAMP OR RAINY DAYS.*AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2002
MY ESCAPE STALLED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. MY SPEED WAS 40 MPH OR LESS. THERE IS THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND ALL POWER IS LOST.IT STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2002
ENGINE STALLED ON JULY3, 2001 WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WITHOUT WARNING AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 10 TIMES UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. RETURNED VEHICLE 6 TIMES FOR SERVICE BUT NO FIX IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. MOST RECENT ENGINE FAILURE ON 2/27/02. CONTACTED FORD MOTER COMPANY AND FILED A GRIEVANCE. TRYING TO GET MONEY BACK BUT THE PROCESS IS LONG AND DIFICULT. FORD NOT BEING VERY COOPERATIVE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2002
WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR, IT DID NOT GET GAS AND VEHICLE STALLED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO REPLACED RELAY SWITCH AND IAC MOTOR. *AK THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AFTER THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OR MONEY BACK EQUIVALENT TO THE PURCHASE PRICE. *YH
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2002
AUTOMOBILE STALLS, AND ALL POWER IS LOST, CONSUMER HAS TO PUT AUTOMOBILE IN PARK AND RESTART IT BEFORE IT GOES. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER TWICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2002
WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE STALLS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. ALL STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. AFTER CAR WAS PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD, AN ATTEMPT TO START WAS MADE AND IT SEEMED NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 450 MILES AFTER PURCHASE. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND HAD NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAS JUST HAPPENED AT ABOUT 11500 MILES (ABOUT 11 MONTHS OLD). THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE THE SAME - 35MPH, ALL STERRING AND BRAKING IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AGAIN AND SERVICE IS SCHEDULED. BOTH OCCURRENCES HAVE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE STALL. THE SITUATION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2002
SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING: 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN ROUNDING A BEND AND GOING DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE, WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ROAD AND RESTART VEHICLE; 2ND OCCURRENCE WHEN DRIVING DOWN SLIGHT GRADE, WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OFF ROAD AND HAD TO SLIP CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART ENGINE WHILE STILL CONTROLLING VEHICLE ON ROAD, 3RD OCCURRENCE HAPPENED TWICE ON TRIP HOME FROM WORK, BOTH INSTANCES GOING DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PULL OFF ROAD HAVING TO SLIP CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART ENGINE WHILE STILL DRIVING. AFTER FIRST INCIDENT ON DEC. 2, 2001 TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE POWER RELAY. STATED IT WAS REPAIRED. THE 2ND INCIDENT ON DECEMBER 6, 2001 THE DEALER CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE AND A VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE 3RD INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JANUARY 29, 2002 AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE DEALER FOR 3 DAYS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH GRAVE CONSEQUENCES AWAITING FORD MOTOR CO. I CAN'T BELIEVE AFTER THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD EXPLORER/FIRESTONE THAT THEY WON'T TAKE THIS MORE SERIOUSLY WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'VE ALREADY SEEN ON THIS WEBSITE ALONE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2002
ON WED. EVENING JAN. 30, 2002 AT 6:30 PM I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HOME FROM THE HICKSVILLE RAILROAD STATION. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON ROUTE 106 THE VEHICLE TURNED ITSELF OFF WITH NO WARNING OF ANY KIND. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COAST TO A STOP. THIS WAS TREMENDOUSLY DIFFICULT TO DO SINCE THERE WERE NO BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY KIND THE ENGINE JUST TURNED ITSELF OFF. AFTER COMING TO A STOP I TURNED THE KEY BACK TO THE OFF POSITION, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR. IT STARTED RIGHT UP JUST LIKE NOTHING HAD OCCURRED. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED. IF THERE HAD BEEN A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. ALSO, IF THE ROAD HAPPENED TO BE A CURVE OR TURN WHEN THE STALL OCCURRED I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALER SALES AND SERVICE PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2002
STALLING OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING. HAS OCCURRED ON A BRIDGE. I MUST COAST ACROSS BRIDGE, PULL OVER, AND RESTART THE CAR. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2002
CAR WILL NOT START APPROXIMATLRY 8 TIMES AND STALLED WHILE DRIVING ONE TIME, BRAKES LOCKED TOW TIMES, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS EVERY TIME, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH COMES ON. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2002
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT IS UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. *AK.*MJ
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2002
ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 40 MPH ON 27-NOV-2001 AND 27-JAN-2002. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR FIRST INCIDENT, AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR SECOND INCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2002
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT ENGINE QUIT CONDITION (STALLS) WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE RESTARTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER EACH INCIDENT. FOUR SUCH INSTANCES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 7 MONTHS AGO. VEHICLE TAKEN TO FORD AFTER EACH OCCURRENCE. FORD STILL UNABLE TO FIX. PROBLEM APPEARS WIDESPREAD AS FORD HAS INTERNALLY ISSUED A MESSAGE ON ITS INTERNAL SITE DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDING A SOLUTION TO SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. THIS SITE (OASIS) IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. QUOTE FROM SITE AS FOLLOWS: "SOME 2001/2002 3.0L ESCAPES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT ENGINE QUIT CONDITION. THIS WILL BE TYPICALLY A 1 TIME EVENT, USUALLY DURING A DECEL, WITH NO DTC'S AND NO MIL. THE ENGINE WILL RESTART IMMEDIATELY." THE SITE THEN RECOMMENDS HOW TO FIX. THE FIX WAS TRIED TO NO AVAIL BY LITHIA FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IN SUMMARY, FORD IS AWARE THAT A SIGNIFICANT LIFE THREATENING DEFECT EXISTS. THEY ALSO DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT, YET THEY KEEP RELEASING THE VEHICLES BACK TO OWNERS SAYING THEY ARE OK TO DRIVE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2002
AFTER GETTING INTO VEHICLE THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD CLANKING SOUND, AND THEN A PART OF ENGINE FELL OUT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER NOTED THAT IDLE PULLY FELL OFF. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2002
THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2001. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH WHEN IT STALLED AND HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WENT SIDEWAYS AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND BARELY AVOIDED HITTING ME. THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I THEN CONTACTED FORDS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE REPORTED AND THAT IF THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT HIT EITHER TIME. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2002
MY OBSERVATION OF WHEN IT OCCURS IS USUALLY WHEN GOING 50 MPH FOR A NUMBER OF MILES, MAKE A TURN THEN GO DOWNHILL WITH THE HEATER ON FULL-SPEED. ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN THE HILL THE IGNITION NOCKS OUT AND I MUST PULL OVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT MY 2001 ESCAPE IN APRIL 2001. I'VE NEVER TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 24, 2001
VERY DANGEROUS STALLING AT HIGH SPEED. LOSS OF CONTROL, FORD UNABLE TO FIX. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DOING 30MPH ON A DOWNHILL GRADE. WILL BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. MANY SIMILAR STALL EVENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY ESCAPE OWNERS ON INTERNET SITES SUCH AS HTTP://WWW.ESCAPE-CENTRAL.COM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE ORDER A RECALL TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 11, 2001, crash
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED/LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. CONSUMER USED PARK BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. ALSO, ON DECEMBER 7, 2001 AT 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, CONSUMER UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE DUE TO NO BRAKING ABILITY AND REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. NO INJURIES.*AK *SLC
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2001
I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE NEW OOON 08/18/01 AS A DEMO W/ 5600 MILES. ON 10/22/01 MY VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO REASON ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WAS GOING SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL (NOT THAT STEEP OF A HILL) AT APPROX 35MPH. I LOST POWER & MY CHECK ENGINE, OIL & BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. LUCKILY I COULD PULL OVER QUICKLY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF & WAITED ABOUT 30 SEC. IT STARTED NO PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THAT MORNING & WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT BUT TO CALL BACK SHOULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN. ON 10/24/01 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AT THE SAME POINT IN MY COMMUTE UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. ONCE AGAIN I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEMS AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN & TOOK IT IN. OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG W/ IT & THE CALLED THE FORD HOTLINE FOR ANY RECOMMENDATIONS. I BROUGHT IT BACK THE FOLLOWING WEEK SO THEY COULD REPLACE THE IDLE MOTOR & A FEW OTHER THINGS. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NO RECALL & IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY DON'T EVEN REALLY KNOW WHAT IT IS OR HOW TO FIX IT, THE HOTLINE JUST RECOMMENDED SOME THINGS TO DO HOPING IT WOULD FIX IT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT I NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID (11/15/01) ABOUT A WEEK AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE OIL CHANGE PLACE & THEY SAID IT WASN'T OIL BUT I HAD A PRETTY BIG LEAK OF WHAT LOOKED LIKE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. IT ENDED UP BEING DIFFERENTIAL FLUID & THEY REPLACED THE POWER TRANSFER CASE. SO FAR MY VEHICLE HASN'T STALLED OR LEAKED ANY OTHER FLUIDS. MY BIGGEST CONCERN HOWEVER, IS THE STALLING PROBLEM WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY BE VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS LUCKY IN THAT I WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY & IT WAS VERY EARLY & I HAD A PLACE TO PULL OVER SO I DIDN'T GET HIT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *AK