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: power train
129 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 25, 2019
I'VE RECENTLY GOT A NEW BATTERY, O2 SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN DRIVE.
Suspension, Power train, Aug 7, 2017
VEHICLE STEERS TO RIGHT AND VIBRATES. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS FAILURE OF SUB FRAME AND RIGHT AXLE. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 14S02 AT 89372 MI ON 9/23/2014 AND HAD CROSSBRACE INSTALLED PER RECALL. VEHICLE STORED IN HEATED GARAGE, ON 7/20/2017 WITH 105199 MI BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE SHAKING BADLY, GRINDING NOISE. FLAT BED TO DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED FAILED SUB FRAME AND BROKEN RIGHT AXLE. REQUESTED FORD REPAIR UNDER ORIGINAL RECALL WHICH ALLOWED FOR REPLACING SUB FRAME AND WAS DENIED FOR ELAPSED TIME. SAFETY ISSUE, COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT SPEED.
Power train, Dec 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND EXIT THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Dec 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY SWITCHED TO REVERSE AND DROVE BACKWARDS. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE IN REVERSE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, STALLED, AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V175000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jun 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING DIFFERENT SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND CONTINUE NORMAL DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD BUBBLES AND APPEARED AS THOUGH IT WOULD EXPLODE. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE WHEN THE GEAR STICK WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IT WAS DETECTED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 267,000.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Oct 8, 2015
BACKING OUT INTO EMPTY ROAD, STOPPING AND TURNING VEHICLE WITH STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT APPLYING PRESSURE TO TURN, STRAIGHTEN WHEELS. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP, THE CAR SHAKES AND THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE APPLIED TO BRAKES IS ENORMOUSLY DIFFICULT TO MAKE CAR STOP. WITH NORMAL DRIVING THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND IN THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE (DRIVE TRAIN?). ALL THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WITH NO APPARENT HELP!
Power train, Mar 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED INTO SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK OR ANY OTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Feb 24, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Power train, Jan 9, 2014
WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE APPROACHED 50 MILES AN HOUR WHEN IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER TALKING WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE AND DOING RESEARCH, THEY CALL THIS SHUDDER. IT FILLS LIKE WHEN YOU DRIVE OFF THE EDGE OF THE INTERSTATE WHITE LINE AND HIT THE ROUGH PAVEMENT. IT WOULD STOP IF I LET UP OFF THE GAS. I HAVE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD. NO ERROR CODES WHEN THE CODE READER WAS HOOKED UP ON THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD ALL OF THE GASKETS AND VACUUM HOSES REPLACED COST WAS OVER 1400 DOLLARS. THE SECOND TIME WE HAD THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP OVER 700 DOLLARS ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS STILL NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN THAT CAME OUT A WHILE BACK ON THE CD4E SHUDDER PROBLEM AND APPEARS THAT NHTSA SHOULD FORCE FORD TO DO A RECALL ON FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SHUDDER PROBLEM THEY HAVE SINCE THE TECH BULLETIN HAS COME OUT AND NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN DONE. ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE SEEMS TO POINT TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH IS NOT AN EASY FIX AND IS COSTLY. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2013
FIFTH TIME VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. DAUGHTER TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY THOUGHT THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. SHE WAS ON HER WAY BACK TO COLLEGE...4 MILES FROM THE HOUSE AT A RED LIGHT. SHE CALLED AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING WHAT IT WAS DOING BEFORE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Aug 9, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVE WAY. THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,050.
Power train, Jul 8, 2013
MY PCM HAS FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE FOR OVER 5 YEARS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY ADJUSTMENT OR RECALL FOR THIS AS I KNOW OF MANY FAILURES. I ENTER MY COMPLAINT TO SEE IF IT WILL HELP OTHERS, AND PERHAPS INITIAL A RECALL AND A CREDIT FOR THIS VERY EXPENSE REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2013
WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED AT EITHER A RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, OR TRAFFIC, THE CAR JERKS TO MOVE FORWARD. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED AN ABS RING THAT WAS CRACKED. THEY SAID, THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE THE ABS IS TRYING TO ENGAGE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, May 11, 2013
DEAR SIRS, AS YOU ARE AWARE, THIS PAST WEEKEND ON THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE IN HAYWARD CA, A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT/FIRE OCCURRED WITH A LIMOUSINE, WHERE FIVE INDIVIDUALS WERE TRAPPED AND KILLED DUE TO A VEHICLE FIRE. UPON SEEING AND HEARING ABOUT THIS HORRIFIC TRAGEDY, MY WIFE INSISTED THAT WE HAVE ALL OF THE RECALLS PERFORMED ON OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, WHEN I TOOK OUR ESCAPE INTO FREMONT FORD ON MAY 7TH, [XXX], THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, TOLD ME THAT HE WAS REFUSING TO PERFORM ALL OF THE RECALLS ON OUR TRUCK, BECAUSE THEY HAVE EXPIRED. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW RECALLS INVOLVING SAFETY ISSUES EXPIRE? IS THIS A FORD COMPANY POLICY OR A FREMONT FORD DEALERSHIP/SERVICE POLICY? WHEN I PICKED UP OUR ESCAPE ON MAY 8TH FROM THE DEALERSHIP, I DOCUMENTED ON THE PAPERWORK THAT THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM THESE VERY IMPORTANT RECALLS. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN LIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY THAT OCCURRED THIS PAST WEEKEND. PLEASE ADVISE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD CONCERNING THIS VERY IMPORTANT MATTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Equipment, Engine, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED THE RECALL REPAIR AND DID NOT PROVIDE A REASON WHY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE INCIDENT AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ UPDATED 09/14/2012 *JS
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2012
MY "STICK SHIFT" 2001 FORD ESCAPE TENDS TO STALL WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PUSHED IN, CLEAR TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WOULD DIE AND LEAVE ME STRANDED EVERYWHERE. EVEN IF YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH OR HIGHER, ONCE YOU PUSH IN THE CLUTCH TO CHANGE TO THE LAST GEAR, IT WILL STILL STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY CUTS OFF, BUT ONLY WHEN YOU PUSH IN THE CLUTCH. ONCE THIS HAPPENS, IT WILL NOT STAY RUNNING. IT WILL RESTART FOR JUST A FEW SECONDS, (NOT THE BATTERY OR STARTER) THEN IT WILL DIE AGAIN, REPEATEDLY. IT WOULD GET TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WITH NO LUCK. THEY COULD NOT "DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". ONCE, THE CAR COOLS OFF, THEN THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARS. THERE IS A VALVE THE HEATS UP AND GETS STUCK OPEN. IF THE VALVE COOLS DOWN, IT CAN CLOSE AND THEN IT IS FINE. NOW, IF I MAKE ALOT OF SHORT STOPS (ERRANDS) WHERE THE CAR DOESN'T GET A CHANCE TO COOL OFF, SAY TEN MINUTES OR LESS, THEN IT WON'T STAY STARTED. IF YOU TURN OVER THE IGNITION, IT WILL START, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIES. HOWEVER, IF I LET THE CAR SIT FOR SAY A COUPLE OF HOURS, SAY 4-6 HOURS. IT WILL START BACK UP JUST FINE AND STAY RUNNING LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THE KEY TIP IS: DON'T PUT ETHANOL IN THE GAS TANK. IF I BUY THE MOST EXPENSIVE GAS, THE PROBLEM TENDS TO CLEAR UP ON IT'S OWN. IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. ONCE I CHANGED TO THE PRIMO (MOST EXPENSIVE) GAS, IT HAS NOW STOPPED WITHOUT TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP. PERSONALLY, I THINK GAS CONTAINING ETHANOL HAS TOO MUCH MOISTURE IN IT CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. EVEN THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS FORD ESCAPE CAR IS NOT DESIGNED TO RUN ON "ETHANOL" PRODUCTS. THIS ALL MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS VERY HOT AND HUMID OUTSIDE. WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IF IT WOULD QUALIFY FOR OTHERS AS A RECALL ITEM? *TR
Power train, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK OR REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,319.
Power train, Jan 27, 2011
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE V6 XLT SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. I EXITED AT THE FIRST AVAILABLE EXIT, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME IN SECOND GEAR. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG WITH IT. AT PRESENT, SECOND GEAR IS THE ONLY GEAR THAT STILL WORKS IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT NOW SITS INOPERABLE IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE $3000-$4000 REQUIRED TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER MUCH INTERNET RESEARCH, I'VE FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN THIS VEHICLE AND LATER YEARS OF THE SAME MODEL ARE QUITE COMMON, WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. A COMMON CONSENSUS, IS THAT THE FAILURES ARE DUE TO A FOUR CYLINDER TRANSMISSION BEING INSTALLED IN A HIGHER TORQUE AND HORSEPOWER V6 MODEL. FORD MUST BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ONCE AND FOR ALL. IT'S REALLY UNFAIR THAT THE CONSUMER IS REQUIRED TO PAY HUGE SUMS OF MONEY TO REPAIR SHOPS TO GET PROBLEMS FIXED THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'VE WRITTEN TO FORD, AND VISITED THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AND BOTH ARE UNSYMPATHETIC. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 2 MPH IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,248. UPDATED 07/14/2010.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 07/23/10*JB
Power train, Jun 13, 2009
GEARSHIFT CABLE BROKE. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2007
I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INSTALLING SINCE 2003. RECALL 04S13 WAS FOR THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL AND STILL TODAY 12/6/07, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR WILL STALL IN PARKING LOTS, DRIVE THRU'S, AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND IN TRAFFIC WHEN COASTING. WHEN I AM FINALLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, I WILL BE SUING FORD FOR FAILURE TO MEET MY NEEDS WITH THIS COMPLAINT. THE DEALERS SAY I HAVE TO BRING IT IN WHEN IT HAPPENS. I CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN AND IT DOESN'T HAPPEN CONSISTENT TO MEET THIS "REQUIREMENT." I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD AS A RESULT OF THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY OR LACK OF CONCERN THAT THEIR PRODUCT IS A GOOD PRODUCT. *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Sep 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AT 8 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE SHAKING CONTINUED FOR FIVE MILES UNTIL THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING RUBBER AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,308. THE CONSUMER STATED WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR