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: hydraulic

120 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN UNUSUAL ODOR COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FAILURE WAS ONGOING FOR ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,600.

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 20, 2010

    DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT UNLOCKING PROPERLY. CONTACTED FORD ABOUT PROBLEM AND THEY INFORMED MOE TO PUT GREASE ON IT THIS DID NOT WORK. FORD ESCAPE TRIES TO QUITE WHILE RUNNING. REPLACED HOSES AND PLUGS AND PROBLEMS STILL GOING ON. FORD ESCAPE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP PROPERLY WITH NEW BRAKES OR BRAKES THAT ARE ONLY 10 TO 20 PERCENT WORN. ALSO LEAKS BRAKE FLUID HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE LEAK ON ESCAPE. *TR

  3. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 17, 2010, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE RESIDENCE GARAGE, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND INTENSE SPARKS FROM THE ABS MODULE AS A RESULT OF THE MELTING WIRING HARNESS. THERE WERE NO FLAMES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE ABS MODULE WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THERE WAS A RECALL 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) RELATED TO THE FAILURE; THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.

  4. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 2, 2010, fire

    DURING MY RECENT TRAVEL, MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAD A SMALL FIRE BURNING THE ABS WIRING WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE ANTI-LOCK CONTROL UNIT/MODULE HAD A RECALL BACK IN 2007, 07S51, AND IN 2008 THE MODULE WAS INSPECTED. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE SAME DEALER THAT DID THE INSPECTION ONCE I REALIZED WHAT HAD RECENTLY HAPPENED TO SEE IF THE RECALL WOULD BE HONORED, REGARDLESS OF THE INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE INSPECTION, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THE DEALER COULD DO, UNLESS THEY SOLD ME A $2,000 PART. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO INFORM THEM OF MY SITUATION, AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE, "THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO TO HONOR THE RECALL". MY MAIN CONCERN IS MY SAFETY, AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR MY HOUSE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. I AM DISTURBED IN THE RESPONSE BY FORD REGARDING MY SAFETY AND LACK OF ASSISTANCE AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ITS CUSTOMERS TO INSURE SAFETY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE THAT ASSURANCE. REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE ABS WIRING, DUE TO A FAULTY PART MY SAFETY WAS AT HIGH RISK. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD ANYTHING MAJOR OCCUR WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE OF THE VEHICLE'S SUPERB PERFORMANCE. I FEEL THAT THE INSPECTION "SOLUTION" OF THE RECALL DID NOT PREVENT THE WIRING TO CATCH FIRE, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED EITHER AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL OR AFTER THE FIRE. *TR

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ABS MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS MELTED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V156000 WAS REPAIRED WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE ABS MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIRS THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE MODULES THAT BURNED AFTER THE FAULTY REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 162000.

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS REPAIRED IN 2007; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TWICE FOR THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WIRES WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

  7. 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

  8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 6, 2010

    THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLEW OUT WHICH CAUSED INSTANT LOSS OF BRAKING TO ALL 4 WHEELS *CN

  9. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 31, 2010

    DRIVING 2001 FORD ESCAPE, V-6, 3.0L. AT INTERSECTION BRAKES FAILED AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. PARKED VEHICLE AT NEAREST POSSIBLE LOCATION AND FOUND BRAKE HOSE LEADING TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER HAD CRACKED ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND RELEASE PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2009

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE "BRAKE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY A LOW POWER RESPONSE. ALSO THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. THE FAILURES PROGRESSED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2009, fire

    THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY RAN SOME TESTS. THEY SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS PROBABLY THE CAUSE BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ONE IN STOCK. THEY WOULD ORDER IT AND CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE INSTALLATION. THEY DID NOT INDICATE THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME AND TO WORK THE NEXT DAY. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER WORK A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEFT FRONT SIDE WHICH IS NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. I PUT THE FIRE OUT AND CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER THE NEXT DAY. NEITHER FORD OR FARMERS INSURANCE COULD PINPOINT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE BUT THEIR WAS DAMAGE AROUND THE ABS AND ITS WIRING. FORD HAS DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE. I REMEMBERED A SAFETY RECALL WAS DONE PREVIOUSLY HAVING TO DO WITH THE ABS. I RECHECKED AND DISCOVERED THAT SIMILAR FIRES WERE THE REASON FOR THE RECALL. FORD SAID THEY DID PERFORM THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CHECKED FURTHER ON LINE AND SAW THAT A SAFETY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BECAUSE THE REMEDY BY FORD HAS NOT ELIMINATED VEHICLE ABS WIRING FIRES. I BELIEVE MY FORD ESCAPE IS ANOTHER CASE OF THIS SAFETY DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE AND RELATED EXPENSES I HAVE INCURRED. *TR

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 16, 2009, fire

    AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE ABS TO MALFUNCTION. THIS ILLUMINATED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, WHICH CAUSED THE ABS CONTROL MODULE TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND ENGINE FIRE. THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH WAS IN THE OFF POSITION, AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL WHICH I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THE RECALLS. TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE TOLD ME THAT IF THE VIN FOR MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, THEN THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANTI- LOCK BRAKES NOW BECAUSE THE CONTROL MODULE HAS BURNED UP, AND THE FUSES HAD TO BE REMOVED. THE PRICE FOR INSTALLATION OF A NEW ABS CONTROL MODULE IS ESTIMATED AT $1500 TO $2500. *TR

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 19, 2009, fire

    WHILE ATTENDING A SCHOOL PLAY, I WAS CALLED OUTSIDE B/C MY FORD ESCAPE WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF. I HAD BEEN INSIDE & THE CAR SHUT OFF FOR 25 MIN. BEFORE BEING CALLED OUT. SMOKE & FIRE WAS BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND FIRE WAS DROPPING ON THE GROUND BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED. THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE PRIED UP ON THE SIDES AND FRONT IN ORDER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. EVERYTHING INSIDE HAD MELTED. THEY ASKED IF I HAD NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE CAR. IT HAD BEEN A LITTLE SLOW TO START FOR A COUPLE DAYS, BUT SEEMED TO RUN FINE. I THOUGHT PERHAPS I NEEDED TO CHECK THE SPARK PLUGS. THE FIRE DEPT. SUGGESTED I CONTACT FORD TO CHECK ON ANY POTENTIAL RECALLS. FORD MOTOR VERIFIED THAT CONFIRMED THAT RECALL #07S51 DID APPLY TO THE VEHICLE BASED ON MY VIN#. REMEMBERING BACK, EARLIER IN THE WEEK, MY ABS LIGHT DID COME ON, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS UNUSUAL. BUT IT DID NOT STAY ON LONG, SO I WAS NOT CONCERNED. I FILED A REPORT WITH FORD'S CRC. THEY HAVE SUBMITTED THE REPORT TO THEIR GENERAL COUNCIL. THEY SAID TO EXPECT UP TO 15 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE RECEIVING A RESPONSE ON NEXT THE STEPS. NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. I HAVE A REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPT. PICTURES, AFFIDAVITS AND A PERSONAL WRITTEN REPORT. THIS WAS MY ONLY VEHICLE. *TR THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, BUT ONCE SHE ADDED BRAKE FLUID EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. UPDATED 09/14/09.*JB

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED A FEW SECONDS LATER. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FIRST BRAKE HOSE FAILED AND THE SECOND ONE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE HOSES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

  15. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2009, fire

    MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF IN MY DRIVEWAY, UPON INVESTIGATION THERE WAS SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE OPENED THE HOOD AND USED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON THE ABS BRAKE MODULE/WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ALLSTATE INSURANCE STATES THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. I HAD COMPLETED THE RECALL FOR THIS PART IN FEBRUARY OF 2008, 10 MONTHS LATER MY VEHICLE CATCHES ON FIRE. THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AT FORD SINCE THE FIRE HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS, THE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK CONTROL UNIT/MODULE AND OTHER AFFECTED BURNT PARTS. *TR

  16. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 27, 2009

    I HAVE AS 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLS THAT ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES ARE CRACKED ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY THROUGH, MAKING IT ALMOST EMINENT THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RUPTURE WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, DAYS EVEN. I UNDERSTAND ONE BRAKE LINE GOING OUT ONCE IN A WHILE, BUT WITH ONLY 126,000 I FIND IT UNBELIEVABLE THAT ALL FOUR LINES COULD BE LIKE THIS. IT MAKES ME WONDER JUST HOW MANY FORD'S ON THE ROAD ARE JUST ABOUT READY TO LOOSE THEIR BRAKE FUNCTION. SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. I HAVEN'T REPLACED ANY OF THE LINES YET, BECAUSE NOBODY CARRIES THE PART. FORD TOLD ME TO GO TO THE LOCAL DEALER, ALREADY DID AND NO PART. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG HERE. THIS IS MY COMPLAINT. *TR

  17. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO BECOME FAULTY. HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE NEW BRAKE LINES ON THE DEFECTIVE ROTORS AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS CHILD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THREE HUNDRED MILES. THE USED CAR DEALER, FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, STATED THAT THEY WOULD PURCHASE A NEW MOTOR UNDER THE WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE NON-WORKING ENGINE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 123,800.

  18. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 29, 2008, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. HE ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER; HOWEVER, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED IT INSTEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI-LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. HE WENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER. ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2007, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED. THEREFORE, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT FORD WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 104,000.

  19. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 11, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, HE COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, BUT DID NOT SEE SMOKE. SHORTLY AFTER, THE ABS LIGHT WENT OUT, THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE OWNER'S MANUAL TO CHECK WHICH FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE IDENTIFIED THAT THE ABS AND CRUISE CONTROL SHARED THE SAME FUSE. CURRENTLY, EVERYTIME HE REPLACES A FUSE, IT FAILS. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI-LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). HE WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AT THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 02/19/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE ABS AND SPEED CONTROL WERE ON THE SAME FUSE, AND THE ABS MODULE WAS BURNED OUT. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED UNDER THE RECALL ONCE. UPDATED 02/19/10.*JB UPDATED 09/07/10

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2008, fire

    WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS A PASSERBY STARTED BANGING ON OUR FRONT DOOR AND SAID WE HAD A FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. SURE ENOUGH OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE WAS SHOOTING FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE. WE HAD NO IDEA SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN. AFTER GOING TO THIS SITE AND READING SIMILAR ACCOUNTS OF THE CAR JUST GOING ON FIRE WHILE PARKED WE CAN ONLY ASSUME SOMETHING WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE VEHICLE. THE ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN GOING OFF AND ON RECENTLY. *TR

  21. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 28, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ABS COMPUTER SYSTEM BEGAN SMOKING . AN INTENSE ELECTRICAL SMELL WAS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS, ECU MODULE, AND THE HCU MODULE WERE DAMAGED. A POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED BUT THERE WAS NO FIRE, JUST A LOT SMOKE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,005. UPDATED 06/30/08 *BF UPDATED 06/30/08

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 5, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING INTO THE BOOSTER. THE VEHICLE MADE A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS A RAPID LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. SHE ALSO STATED THAT BRAKING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR SIX MONTHS, DIMMED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT THEN ILLUMINATED AGAIN. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER (BECAUSE OF THE LEAK) ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,129 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,080.

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKED AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A MEMO TO VEHICLE OWNERS STATING TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT CAP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,190 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED BOUGHT A NEW CAP AT THE COST OF $17.61. UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 15, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND ONCE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT RE-INSPECT THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A REPAIR THAT WAS IDENTICAL TO THE PREVIOUS REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 22, 2007, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE END OF THE WEEK. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE THAT SAME NIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLAMES ROSE AT LEAST 20 FEET HIGH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FRONT END UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WAS COMPLETELY BURNT AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND FORD WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79,000.