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: hydraulic
120 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 29, 2007
BRAKE PROBLEM INVOVING ABS SENSOR RING ON FRONT WHEELS. THIS WHEEL RING LITERALLY CRACKED CAUSING THE ABS LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR TO OPERATE THE BRAKES. THE RING WAS "EPOXYED" BACK TOGETHER BY MY MECHANIC, BUT NOW THE BRAKES ON OCCASION MAKE A "CLUNKING" NOISE AND YOU CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jun 27, 2007
WE NOTICED A HISSING NOISE,TOOK IT TO DEALER,WAS TOLD BRAKE BOOSTER,MASTER CYLINDER,LEFT STABILIZER LINK ASSY,AND PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS ON AIR BAG ALL NEED REPLACED. CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS. SEEMS UNUSUAL TO ME THAT ALL WOULD GO OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN,ESPECIALLY BOTH THE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER. TO MY KNOWLEDGE WE DID NOTHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBS. I MAY BE HARD TO REACH,AS I AM STAYING WITH MY FATHER IN HERMANN WHILE HE UNDERGOES CANCER TREATMENTS,BUT,MY WIFE CAN BE REACHED AT THE EVENING PHONE # LISTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, May 3, 2007, crash
FORD ESCAPE 2001 MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT WHEN I TOTALLY LOST MY BRAKES. 1 DAY AFTER FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. FORD HAS FAULTY MASTER BRAKE PARTS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 27, 2007
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE FOR RECALL #07S51. WHILE A PARTIAL REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR TOTALLY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST. WHILE FORD STATES THE VEHICLE IS OK TO DRIVE THEY INFORMED ME NOT TO PARK NEAR STRUCTURES OR INSIDE GARAGES UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETED IN AUGUST, THEY CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE IF I DO SO. THAT STATEMENT MAKES ME BELIEVE THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY FAMILY IN, YET FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION OR EXPEDITE THE REPAIR OR OFFER ME A SAFE VEHICLE ON LOAN UNTIL MINE CAN BE 100% REPAIRED. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS AND EMAILS TO FORD TO GET ACTION ON THIS REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN TREATED RUDELY AND DISMISSED TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR ME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 22, 2007
ON APRIL 15, 2007, I WENT TO VALUE BRAKES TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED. THEY WERE FINE, BUT MY MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. I PAID $284.83 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR
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
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 21, 2007
THE MORNING OF 2/20/07 I WENT OUT TO START MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO GO TO WORK AND AS I WAS WALKING OUT TO THE GARAGE I SAW SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF MY HOOD. I RAN OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM. I PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF MY GARAGE FEARING A HOUSE FIRE AND A FRIEND UNHOOKED MY BATTERY . WHEN THE SMOKING AND SPARKING SUBSIDED THE ABS CONTROL BOX WAS MELTED AND ALL THE WIRES WERE BURNED AND MELTED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AT THIS TIME AND THEY TOLD ME NO. I GOOGLED CONSUMER REPORTS AND SAW AN ARTICLE THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THAT YOU WERE INVESTIGATING 8 OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS IT HAS JUST HAPPENED AND HONESTLY IS SEEMS TO BE QUITE EXPENSIVE TO REMEDY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND HOPEFULLY YOUR INVESTIGATION WILL RESULT IN SOME SORT OF RECALL. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 9, 2007, fire
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY STARTED TO CATCH ON FIRE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS THE ABS MODULE LIKE IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE06048. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 4, 2006
2001 XLT - HISSING NOISE WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKES. IF TAPPED THE SOUND DECREASES. THIS JUST STARTED AT 75K. WILL NEED TO GET BOOSTER CHANGED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TO ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 5, 2005
BRAKE FLUID FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED ON A WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSED MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURES INCLUDING THE ABS SYSTEM, THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE DISPLAY ON THE RADIO. THE SERVICE TECH INDICATED THAT I WAS LUCKY I AVOIDED A FIRE. THIS SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECALL ON THE FORD F-150S THAT IS CAUSING MULTIPLE FIRES. *NM PER DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE VERIFICATION OF THE AIRBAG LAMP, THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO THE POWER FUSE OF THE MODULE/OPEN CIRCUIT FROM ABS INTERNAL CIRCUIT DAMAGE. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 13, 2005
A HISSING NOISE IS COMING FROM MY BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKE IT GOES AWAY BUT WHEN I LET UP ON THE BRAKE IT STARTS MAKING THE HISSING NOISE AGAIN. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 12, 2005
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT V6, 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY TRUCK CURRENTLY HAS 75000 MILES OF USE. I FEEL THE INCIDENT I CHOSE TO WRITE ABOUT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS IT INVOLVES A MALFUNCTION OF THE ANIT-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES BRAKING ACTION (ON DRY PAVEMENT!) WHEN IT OCCURS. I AM ALSO AWARE OF AT LEAST TWO OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE ABS TO ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHEN ABSOLUTELY NO SLIPPAGE IS OCCURRING AT ANY WHEEL. THE ACTIVITY OF THE ABS SYSTEM ACTUALLY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES BRAKING CAPACITY AND CAUSES THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO DOWN NOTICEABLY FURTHER THAN NORMAL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. ONLY A QUICK AVOIDANCE MANEUVER ALLOWED ME TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. PUMPING THE BRAKES DOES NOT HELP SINCE THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL MODULE IS MODULATING THE BRAKES AT SUCH A RATE, PUMPING THE BRAKE DOES NOT PRODUCE A FIRMER PEDAL. I HAVE TRACED THE PROBLEM TO A FAULTY ABS SYSTEM ROTATION TRANSDUCER DESIGN ON THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE ESCAPE. THE TRANSDUCER IS BASICALLY A SPLINED RING ABOUT 8MM WIDE. THE RING IS APPARENTLY FRICTION FIT ONTO THE HALF-SHAFT NEAR THE FRONT CV JOINTS JUST INSIDE OF THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY. A SENSOR APPARENTLY PICKS UP THE PEAKS OR VALLEYS IN THE SPLINED RING AS IT ROTATES PAST THE SENSOR TO DETERMINE WHEEL ROTATION SPEED. IT IS THE SPLINED RING THAT FAILS, MINE ACTUALLY SPLIT ACROSS ITS WIDTH CAUSING IT TO LOOSEN AND MOVE AWAY FROM THE SENSOR. THIS APPARENTLY CAUSES THE ABS SYSTEM TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY AND ACTUALLY CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN BRAKING CAPACITY ON DRY PAVEMENT! THIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WILL OCCUR 5-10 TIMES BEFORE THE ABS CONTROLLER DETERMINES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG AND SWITCHES OFF THE ABS SYSTEM. THIS ILLUMINATES THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DOES RESTORE NORMAL BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THIS CYCLE WILL REPEAT ITSELF EACH TIME THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED!!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2005
HISSING NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES. STOPS WHEN I DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND RETURNS UPON TAKING MY FOOT OFF BRAKES. THIS CANNOT BE GOOD. MECHANICS PRETENDED THAT THEY DID NOT HEAR THIS. MUST BE AN EXPENSIVE FIX BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN STONE WALLED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2005
THE BRAKES IN MY CAR COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, LUCKILY, BECAUSE I WAS ON RARELY USED DIRT ROADS. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARARNTY, SO I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER, WHO FIXED OR REPLACED A MAJOR HYDRAULIC COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2005
A STRANGE AIR-LEAKING NOISE HAS BEEN COMING OUT OF THE BRAKE AREA OF MY FORD ESCAPE. THE NOISE STARTED OUT SOMEWHAT QUIET, BUT IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND LOUDER. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE SOUND GETS MUCH QUIETER, ALMOST SILENT, BUT THE HISSING RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE AS SOON AS I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS STARTED AROUND 46,500 MILES, AND NOW I AM AT 48,000. A REPUTABLE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER WAS LEAKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR A CAR THAT IS A 2001 MODEL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I IMAGINE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO WILL BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS VACUUM BOOSTER PROBLEM. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2005
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. HAD CAR INSPECTED, DETERMINED BACK HALF OF MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LEVEL TO DROP AND WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. MASTER CYLINDER TO BE REPLACED, REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AND ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2005, fire
THE PLASTIC CAP ON THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER LEAKED BREAK FLUID ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. THE INSULATION ON THE HARNESS FAILED AND THE WIRING SHORTED, CAUSING A FIRE. THE BREAK FLUID ACTED AS FUEL FOR THE FIRE. THE BREAKING SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, WAS SERIOUSLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES AT 38000 MILES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT, SO WERE THE ROTORS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO FIND OUT WHY SO MUCH BLACK AN SILVER DUST WAS ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AN TEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE DUST WAS ON THE FRONT TIRES WITHIN 200 MILES AFTER CLEANING. FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2004, fire
ABS HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE ON MY WAY BACK FROM L.A. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2004
I'VE NOTICED AN AIR-LEAKING/HISSING NOISE THAT HAS GRADUALLY, OVER A FEW WEEKS, GOTTEN LOUDER. THE NOISE GETS QUIETER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, BUT RETURNS AS SOON AS YOU LET UP ON THE BRAKES. I'VE HAD THE NOISE CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER WAS LEAKING. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 51,000 MILES ON IT. THE INTERESTING THING IS, MY MOTHER HAS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE, AND SHE JUST HAD THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH HER CAR. HER MILEAGE, TOO, IS AROUND 50,000. WE FIND IT ODD THAT THE VEHICLES ARE MADE BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER AND BOTH HAVE RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. HAVE OTHER DRIVERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES DECREASED IN BRAKING POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM WAS LEAKING, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB THE CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND NO BRAKES. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Air, May 12, 2004
BRAKE PEDAL HISSES AND SQUEAKS WHEN RELEASED. TO STOP HIGH-PITCHED HISSING SOUND, THE PEDAL MUST BE LIGHTLY TAPPED. RESULTS IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM. BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND POWER BRAKE BOOSTER NEED REPLACING. POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE!