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, Jan 23, 2007
MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY AND CONTINUALLY FLASHED DURING A TEN MINUTE DRIVE HOME. THE RPM NEEDLE SPIKED STRAIGHT UP A FEW TIMES DURING THE DRIVE AND IT SEEMED LIKE I "LOST POWER". DEAN SELLERS FORD DIAGNOSED AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3600. I HAVE NEVER USED A SERVICE OTHER THAN LAPEER FORD AND DEAN SELLERS. I BOUGHT THE ESCAPE (2001 XLT 4 WH) FROM LAPEER FORD WITH 16,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF THIS FAILURE PREVIOUS TO YESTERDAY. DEALERSHIPS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS ONE TRANSMISSION RECALL BUT WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN IT WAS FREE OF RECALLS. DEAN SELLERS CHARGED ME $89 TO DIAGNOSE THE CAR. I GOT ANOTHER QUOTE AT AMERICAN TRANSMISSION IN TROY. THEY TOWED MY CAR IN. FORD TEST DROVE MY CAR AND ELECTRONICALLY CHECKED IT. PREVIOUS REPAIRS ALL DONE AT LAPEER FORD AND DEAN SELLERS FORD: NEW TIRE AT 16,000 MILES; NEW IGNITION AT 25,000; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT 33,000; PLUG TIRE AT 40,000; NEW WINDSHIELD AT 43,000; 4 NEW TIRES AT 44,000 DUE TO NUMEROUS FLATS (LAPEER GAVE ME 3 FREE); FRONT BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS AT 55,000; TIRE NAIL AT 60,000; NEW BLADES AT 61,000; BELT RECALL AND TIE ROD AND MASTER CYLINDER AT 69,000; CRANK CASE OIL LEAK AND REAR BRAKES AT 74,000; FRONT BRAKES AT 76,000; WASHER PUMP AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH AND FUEL FILTER AT 78,000; REAR WIPER AT 85,000; ABS LIGHT MODULE, FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTOR PADS RIGHT FRONT ABS SENSOR AT 86,000; AIR FILTER AND BATTERY CLEANED AT 89,000; LICENSE PLATE BULB AND BOTH FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS AT 90,000; FRONT LIGHTS KEPT FLASHING, REPLACED DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS CONTROL ASSEMBLY AT 93,000 AND NOW AT 94,000 THE TRANSMISSION. NO ONE AT DEAN SELLERS TODAY TOLD ME THAT I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT HOME! BUT IMMEDIATELY UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THE TRANSMISSION STALLED ESPECIALLY DURING TURNS. *JB
Power train, Nov 22, 2006
VEHICLE IS 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4. FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND STALL IN OVERDRIVE ON INTERSTATE WITH NO ADVANCED WARNING. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 70,000 MILES. NO WRECK INVOLVED ONLY BY MIRACLE. COST OF TRANSMISSION IS OVER $4,000. HAPPENED TO FAST AND WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES HAS GOT TO BE A DEFECT. *JB
Power train, Sep 4, 2006
THIRD TIME MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS LEAKED!!! FIRST TIME WAS IN 2003, SECOND TIME IN 2005, AND THIS TIME IN LATE 2006. *NM
Power train, Aug 30, 2006
TRANSMISSION IN MY FORD ESCAPE XLT HAS HAD A VIBRATION FOR 2 YEARS OR SO AND I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS NOW BAD! I SPOKE WITH A FRIEND AT APPLE FORD IN LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDS A FLUID FLUSH FIRST AND IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM! TORQUE CONVERTER MUST BE REPLACED! IT SEEMS LIKE TO ME THAT THE FACTORY IS DEFINITELY TRYING TO PATCH THE PROBLEM BY FLUSHING THE SYSTEM AND USING A NEW TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MASK THE PROBLEM SO THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BEFORE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS AGAIN! *NM
Power train, Aug 17, 2006
ON FRIDAY 8/11/06 I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE (WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION). I WAS GOING AT AROUND 45 MPH IN A BUSY ROAD. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND MY VEHICLE CAME TO AN INSTANT TOTAL STOP. THERE WAS SCREECHING OF TIRES AND I WAS VERY FORTUNATE NOT TO CRASH AND THAT THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME. IT WAS ALSO A MATTER OF LUCK THAT THERE WERE NO PERSONS KILLED NOR INJURED. MY CAR WAS STUCK ON GEAR AND COULD NOT BE PUSHED FORWARD OR BACKWARD, SO IT HAD TO BE TOWED WITH A PLATFORM TRUCK. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2001 AND HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER. I HAVE GIVEN THIS VEHICLE ALL OF ITS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE EVERY 3,000 MILES. I INFORMED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS FAILURE AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAS TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THIS SAFETY RISK WITH 2001 FORD ESCAPES. *NM
Power train, May 25, 2006
STOP RIGHT IN STREET AND NO WAY COULD MAKE IT GO IF SOMEONE WAS BEHIND ME WE WOULD OF BEEN HIT. *JB
Power train, Mar 12, 2006
FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, MY 2001 V6 AUTOMATIC FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD A PROBLEM TRYING TO SHIFT INTO THE LAST GEAR AT 45-50 MPH. THE VEHICLE'S RPM'S WILL BE NEAR 3000 FOR A GOOD 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT FINALLY ENGAGES INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE PROBLEM IS DEFINITELY WORSE ON COLDER DAYS, BUT IT IS STILL CERTAINLY NOTICEABLE ON WARMER DAYS TOO. THERE IS NO SMELL EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FLUSH AT ABOUT 40K. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 65K ON IT. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY SIMILAR REPORTS FILED AND IF SO, COULD YOU PLEASE NOTIFY ME? THANK YOU. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PCM BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THE WIRING UNDER THE DASH NEEDED REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL 04V165000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE PCM AND A NHTSA TSB ITEM #617976, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING UNDER DASH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
Power train, Feb 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V165000 WHICH RELATES TO THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Power train, Oct 19, 2005
DRIVING ALONG AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE JUST CAME ON AND I DIDN'T TOUCH ANYTHING. THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY HAD LOCKED UP AND WERE SCREECHING ON THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE BLACK MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY FROM THE TIRES. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, THEY CHECKED IT AND TOLD ME THE SHIFT MOTOR AND GEM MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB ON THE PROBLEM. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANT. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM. THE FORD MOTOR CO. HAS SAID THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE 99-2001 EXPEDITIONS AND F250 LD AND F-150 AND LINCOLN 99-2001 NAVIGATOR. THEY ALSO HAVE SAID WHAT THE NEW PART NUMBER THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH. I WOULD THINK IF I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND THE 4X4L COMES ON I COULD GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT, SINCE YOU ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO GO 30 MPH OR LESS IN 4X4L. I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST ME OVER $800. I HAVE PAID FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEES OF $68.00. *NM
Power train, Oct 17, 2005
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE BROKE. CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLL DOWN DRIVEWAY. 3RD INCIDENT OF SAME PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. *NM
Power train, Oct 12, 2005
DT: AFTER THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT FROM A HIGHWAY ON OCTOBER 11, 2005 THE VEHICLE ACTED LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER. IT WOULD SLOW DOWN, AND THEN IT WOULD ONLY GO LESS THAN 10 MPH. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHED. THREE OF THE CHILDREN IN THE CAR SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVEN MONTHS BEFORE SHE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THE COMPUTER SHOWED THE CODE P0733, THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *AK.
Power train, Oct 6, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE THAT EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE VEHICLE REVVED, BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE SECOND GEAR AND DRIVE 10 MILES HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING OR LURCHING BACK AND FORTH ON THE DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WAS PERFORMED AND SUGGESTED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN IT MAY BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS HAPPENED AT 71,000 MILES. THIS WAS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION. THE EXACT SAME THING HAD HAPPENED AT 49, 000 MILES. THE CONSUMER SPLIT THE COST WITH FORD WITH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS NEGOTIATING WITH FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Sep 6, 2005
THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE AND REVERSE WENT OUT WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION. I WAS ABLE TO START GOING IN 2ND GEAR AND THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE TO GO UNTIL I GOT HOME. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. BOB TOMES FORD SAID THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS A LITTLE BIT RIDICULOUS SINCE MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN A FORD AND HAVE DRIVEN OTHER ONES WELL INTO THE 100,000 MILE RANGE WITH NEVER A PROBLEM. IT IS NOW SITTING UP AT FORD GETTING REPAIRED. IT HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
Power train, Aug 30, 2005
(1) [2ND FAILURE] NO WARNING. (2) TRANSMISSION FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRASH. (3) TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. *JB
Power train, Aug 30, 2005
2001 FORD ESCAPE 33063 MILES VIN [XXX] COULD HAVE RESULTED IN CRASH. (1) NO WARNING (2) TRANSMISSION FAILURE (3) TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 22, 2005
WE ARE A LEASING COMPANY AND HAVE HAD THREE (3) 2001 FORD ESCAPES TO DATE THAT HAVE HAD FAILED TRANSMISSIONS. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR ATTEMPTS TO GET REIMBURSEMENT.
Power train, Jul 5, 2005
2001 FORD ESCAPE, 61,000 MILES, CLUTCH FAILURE, CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. WAS ON ENTRANCE RAMP TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, IN SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC, OTHERWISE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. INVESTIGATED ON INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED IN FORD TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 1-24-1, SO IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN ISSUE. ONE OF RELATIVELY FEW TSBS THAT COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURRED AT SPEED. MOST OF THE TSBS ARE FOR THINGS LIKE "WHINING/BUZZING IN AUDIO SYSTEM," "ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS/APPLICATIONS," "INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS--FUEL SMELL TO THE INTERIOR." WHILE SOME OF THESE MAY BE SIGNIFICANT, FEW OF THEM WOULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC PROBLEM IF THEY OCCURED AT SPEED. THE "GENERAL RECALL" AND "SAFETY RECALLS" CATEGORIES, WHICH INCLUDE THINGS LIKE "SPEED CONTROL CABLE DEFECT" AND "REAR DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT DIFFERENTIAL LEAK" SEEM TO ME MUCH MORE APPROPRIATE PLACES FOR THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM TO BE REPORTED. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALER. CONVERSATION WITH THEM THIS MORNING. CONFIRMED THAT PROBLEM WAS WITH MASTER AND SLAVE CYLINDER WHICH THEY SAID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DENIED KNOWLEDGE OF A KNOWN PROBLEM OF THIS TYPE. SAID THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD AND REPLACE THE CYLINDERS.
Power train, Jun 27, 2005
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO FAIL. THE GEAR SHIFTING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE JERKY. GRINDING SOUNDS ARE NOW AUDIBLE DURING GEAR SHIFTS.
Power train, May 7, 2005
THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING .I DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 5 MILES TO MY DRIVEWAY.WHEN I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR IT WOULDN'T GO IN REVERSE. CONTACTED DEALER WITH NO RESULTS. SENT CAR TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND HAD A REBUILT TRANSMISSION PUT IN.
Power train, May 1, 2005, crash
WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR END BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, EVIDENTLY, AFTER THAT THE TWO FRONT HUB BEARINGS WENT BAD. DEALERSHIP STATED IT WAS NOT DUE TO ACCIDENT.*AK
Power train, Apr 29, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILURE RESULTING IN UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE DEVELOPED INTERMITTENT SHUDDER DURING ACCELERATIONS ALONG WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS AND SLIPPING OF FORWARD GEARS. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WHEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC OR UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS SINCE CONDITION WAS UNPREDICTABLE AND VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER'S INPUT. APPEARED TO HAPPEN MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. FAILURE ALSO RESULTED IN NON COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS REGULATIONS SINCE SHIFT LEVER DID NOT CORRESPOND ACCURATELY TO OPERATOR'S INTENDED VEHICLE DRIVING MODE (I.E NO FORWARD MOTION WHEN SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN DRIVE POSITION). MULTIPLE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS EXIST FOR THIS CD4E AUTO TRANSAXLE RELATING TO THIS FAILURE MODE IN FORD SYSTEM AND ALSO ON NHTSA WEBSITE, SO CONDITION IS KNOWN AND IS WIDESPREAD ON MANY VEHICLES. CREATED VERY HAZARDOUS DRIVING SITUATIONS BEFORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, Mar 1, 2005
MYSELF AND A FRIEND, DEANE GRIGGS, HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FAIL IN OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. *JB
Power train, Feb 24, 2005
THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING IN REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM
Power train, Jan 28, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 83,000 WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT SPEED OF 60MPH. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS WAS A LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $3,800 TO FIX. TOOK TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED TRANS. FOR $3,000. WHILE TAKING APART OLD TRANS FOUND THAT AN INTERNAL COMPONENT FELL APART CAUSING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. SAID THIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT FAULT OF 'LACK OF MAINTENANCE'. HAVE CONTACTED FORD SINCE AND THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE FOR EXPENSES.*AK