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: power train

129 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Jan 10, 2005

    THE VEHICLE JERKS AND RAPIDLY ACCELERATES WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL IN REVERSE. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

  2. Power train, Jan 8, 2005

    SUDDEN FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT WITH COMPLETE NEW TRANSMISSION AND COOLER. *AK

  3. Power train, Dec 14, 2004

    ENGINE SURGE - FORD ESCAPE 2001 - TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54,000MILES. IN RELATION TO INTERMIT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, THE VEHICLES (OFTEN WHEN PLACED IN PARK SETTING) ENGINE WOULD SURGE CAUSING THAT TACHOMETER TO RACE TO ABOUT 5 TO 6 THOUSAND REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE. ON DECEMBER, 8, 2004 WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION SET IN D, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SURGED IS THE SAME MANOR AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HOLD THE BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM HITTING A PARKED CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FREEDOM FORD, HAMPTON VA) WHEN THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ENGINE SURGE.*AK

  4. Power train, Dec 12, 2004

    PURCHASED ESCAPE NEW IN 2001. IN 2002, WITH 30,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION HAD A SEVERE SHUDDER, SO I TOOK INTO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGES OVER $100 FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. SHUDDER CAME BACK ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER, WENT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT ANOTHER $100 TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS NEEDED. I DID NOT AGREE AND LEFT. IN JUNE OF 2004, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, TRANSMISSION STARTED WHINNING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AT SLOW SPEEDS. MANAGED TO GET IT HOME(20 MILES IN ABOUT AN HOUR!) AND PARKED IT. AFTER THAT, IT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. HAD IT TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP(DEALER WANTED $120 JUST TO RUN A CHECK ON IT) AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2600. DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY, SO IT HAS BEEN PARKED NOW FOR ALMOST SIX MONTHS. TRANSMISSION IS THE CD4E, A PROBLEM CHILD FOR FORD. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ACTED AS IF THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM, AND SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. NOW, STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT AND WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES ON IT, I HAVE NO RECOURSE BUT TO LET IT SIT UNTIL I CAN SAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED. *JB

  5. Power train, Nov 28, 2004

    2001 FORD ESCAPE BEGAN HAVING TRANSMISSION SHUDDER DURING SHIFTING AT APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES. AT 30,000 MILES, DEALER PERFORMED TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH WHICH RESULTED IN THE SHUDDER GOING AWAY. RECENTLY THE SHUDDER HAS RETURNED. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE RPMS SUDDENLY JUMPED UP TO BETWEEN 5000 AND 6000. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE. *AK

  6. Power train, Nov 17, 2004

    CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V165000 CONCERNING ENGINE STALLING. VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, AND DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALER WAS S CHARGING THE CONSUMER FOR DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WHEN TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, CONCERNING THIS RECALL.*AK

  7. Power train, Oct 25, 2004

    JUST DRIVING, CAME TO A SLOW ARE AND WHEN ACCELERATING IT FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT GEARS OR IT WOULD STALL IN THE GEAR. TOOK IT TO THE DON KOTT FORD FOR SERVICE AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR A TRANSMISSION SERVICE.*AK I TOOK IT BACK AND AFTER ONE DAY IT HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCURRING SEVERAL TIMES. I'M JUST WAITING FOR IT TO FULLY BREAK DOWN BECAUSE I NEED THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION AND I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED. I FEEL LIKE I GOT RIPPED OFF FOR A USELESS TRANSMISSION SERVICE. TO THIS DAY THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO FEEL LIKE IT HAS A PROBLEM. WHAT I'M DOING TO GET IT TO WORK IS STARTING THE ENGINE AND PUTTING IT IN DRIVE. I PRESS ON THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON THAT IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE GEAR SHIFTER. THIS WILL GET ME GOING AS I START TO ACCELERATE. HOWEVER, IF I DIDN'T PRESS ON THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON TO GET GOING, THE ACCELERATION WOULD BE POOR AND SOMETIME NOT GO. THERE WERE SEVERAL SITUATIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE TO BACK UP AND IF IT NEED SOME ACCELERATION TO GET GOING NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL. YOU COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REVING UP BUT NO ACCELERATION. ANOTHER TIME WAS WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND UPON ACCELERATION THE GEARS DIDNT' SEEM TO KICK IN. THE VEHICLE MADE THE ONCOMING CARS EITHER STOP OR SLOW DOWN OR SWERVE. LUCKILY I'M USE TO KNOWING HOW THE VEHICLE OPERATES AND I MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE TURNING. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FLAW IN DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP AND THAT FORD SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO THIS AND EVEN COMPENSATING THOSE WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT AND A LAWSUIT ENSUES.

  8. Power train, Oct 6, 2004

    EARLY FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. FORD ESCAPE 2001 CD4E TRANSMISSION FAILED SHORTLY AFTER FORD RECALLED IT AND REPROGAMMED PCM. THIS HAD BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND THE PRODUCT FAILED EARLY. FORD SHOULD BEAR THE BURDEN TO REPAIR THIS AND THEY REFUSED.*AK POOR PRODUCT AND NUMEROUS DESIGN FLAWS ARE DOCUMENTED ON LINE.

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Sep 8, 2004

    THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE, WENT OUT I HAD 58,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW 4 MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE ENGINE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL. ALL OF THE LIGHTERS/SUN ROOF HAVE NO POWER TO THEM THEY ALL QUIT. I HAVE REPLACED ALL FUSES, WITH NO LUCK. NOW THE ALL LIGHTS ON THE RADIO ARE GONE, BUT THE RADIO STILL WORKS. *AK

  10. Power train, Sep 4, 2004

    TRANSMISSIONS SHIFTS ROUGHLY (JERKS) WHEN GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. ASKED SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT PROBLEM HE SAID THEY WERE UNAWARE OF PROBLEM.-*AK

  11. Power train, Aug 25, 2004

    OVERDRIVE ON/OFF LIGHT FLASHING COINCIDENTALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH FOR 5 TO 10 MILES. WHILE OFF THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. DRIVER TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD AN INTERNAL BUSHING ON THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST $3,000. VEHICLE IS 3.5 YEARS OLD WITH 63,000 MILES.*AK

  12. Power train, Jul 26, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED, AND VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

  13. Power train, Jul 15, 2004

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE- WHILE DRIVING MY OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WHEN I STARTED CAR AFTER 8 HOURS, COULD DRIVE APPROX. 100 YARDS. TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP FAILED WITHOUT EXPLANATION, CAUSING TROQUE CONVERTER TO FAIL, CAUSING BURNOUT OF LOW GEAR. VEHICILE IS INOPERATIVE. NEEDS TRANS. REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT $3,000. - $3,500. SERVICE DEPT AT DEALER CAN'T OFFER AN EXPLANATION FOR PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS 60000 MILES. TO SOON FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM! *LA

  14. Power train, Jun 5, 2004

    STALLS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY. PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FOUND, TAKE CAR HOME STILL STALLS! *AK

  15. Power train, May 17, 2004

    THE VEHICLE IS STALLING MORE SINCE THE DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE POWER CONTROL MODULE AS STATED IN THE ENGINE STALLING RECALL 04V165000. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE 3 MORE TIMES, BUT IT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK

  16. Power train, May 12, 2004

    VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN ENGINE STALLING RECALL 04V165000. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

  17. Power train, May 3, 2004

    VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN IT IS IN A INCLINED POSITION THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACKWARDS. *AK

  18. Power train, Apr 23, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING THE ODOMETER LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF. DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. THEN, ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. TRANSMISSION WOULD WORK ONLY WHEN COLD, ONCE THE SYSTEM WARMED UP ALL GEAR SELECTIONS WERE LOST. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHO EXPLAINED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT. CONSUMER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS NOT BURNING, CLUTCHES WERE OKAY, BUT A COUPLE OF THE BUSHINGS WERE SEIZED TO THE DRUMS. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH TWO DAYS OF SLOW CITY DRIVING. *AK

  19. Power train, Apr 14, 2004

    2001 FORD ESCAPE PROPERLY MAINTAINED, SECOND TIME REPORTING DRIVE TRAIN NOISE. FIRST TIME DEALER REPLACED STABALIZER BAR, NOW @ 41000 MILES BOTH TIE ROD ENDS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I BOUGHT A RELIABLE CAR TO SAVE MONEY, AND NOW PUTTING MONEY INTO A 3 YEAR OLD CAR. PART ON BACK ORDER, WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

  20. Power train, Mar 27, 2004

    PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FLUID FAILURE CAUSING A SHUDDDER IN THE TRANSMISSION AS THE GEARS SHIFT FROM 3RD TO OVERDRIVE.*AK

  21. Power train, Mar 3, 2004

    AT 50,000, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHUDDER. I FOUND OUT WHY ON ESCAPE-CENTRAL, AND THEN PROCEEDED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE MACHINE TO PERFORM THE FLUSHING, AND TO TRY SOMEWHERE ELSE. WASTED DAY ONE. I WENT TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP, AND WASTED A MORNING THERE BEFORE THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ONE EITHER, AND THAT I SHOULD TRY A LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER. I FINALLY GOT FED UP AND CONTACTED THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALER, WHO HAD THE MACHINE AND WAS MORE THAN WILL TO TAKE MY $150.00. HE DID NOT PERFORM THE OASIS CHANGE THOUGH. ALL WAS GOOD, AND THE ESCAPE RAN GREAT. AT 58000, THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDER REAPPEARS. I TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER ONE, WHO INFORMS ME THEY CANT SEE ANY PROBLEM. ONE WEEK LATER, I BRING IT BACK IN SAYING THAT IT IS MOST CERTAINLY THERE. I GET TO TAKE OUT THE TRANSMISSION EXPERT FOR A TEST DRIVE, AND RECREATE THE PROBLEM. HE SAYS YUP, THATS THE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. ALL THE CARS WE MAKE WITH THAT TRANSMISSION HAVE THAT PROBLEM AT SOME POINT OR ANOTHER. AS HE EXPLAINED IT BASICALLY WATER IS ATTRACTED TO THE PLATE IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND ANY MOISTURE IN THE SYSTEM CAUSES IT TO SHUDDER. I ASK THE LOGICAL QUESTION OF WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT. HIS RESPONSE IS THAT HE WOULD RATHER CUT OFF HIS TWO ARMS THAN REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. 12 HOURS OF LABOR ON TOP OF THE ~$300 PART. HE SUGGESTS I GET IT FLUSHED AGAIN AND SEE IF THAT HELPS. BACK TO MAZDA&. I HAVE THE FLUSH DONE AT MAZDA LAST WEEK AND THEY ASK ABOUT THE TSB OASIS UPDATE. I SAID THAT IT WASNT DONE, AND THEY PERFORM THE UPDATE AND FLUSH THE ESCAPE. MY ESCAPE NOW RUNS WORSE THAN IT DID BEFORE, AND THE SHUDDER HAPPENS WHEN BOTH LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT ACTUALLY SHAKES THE CHANGE IN MY CUPHOLDERS.*AK

  22. Power train, Feb 5, 2004

    I OWN A 2001 ESCAPE XLS WITH V6, AUTO AND 4 WD. HAVE 29K MILES ON IT. MY TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY RUINED BECAUSE OF AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH BURNT OFF ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THIS TRANSMISSION (CD-4E) SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS IN VARIOUS FORD AND MAZDA VEHICLES. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY. I WOULD LIKE SOMEBODY TO LOOK INTO THIS TRANSMISSION AND THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS IT HAS CREATED. *JB

  23. Power train, Feb 5, 2004

    MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS A CD4E TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS A LONG HISTORY OF PROBLEMS. IT BURNED UP AT 60,000 MILES WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN WITH REGARDS TO THAT MODEL. ONE WEB SITE REGISTERS 25,000 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THAT TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE CONSISTENT ACROSS THE BOARD, THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOT KEPT COOL ENOUGH AND THE MAIN SHAFT RUPTURES. THE TIME TABLE IS ALSO CONSISTENT. FORD TALKS TO ME AS IF THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE. HOW CAN THEY REPLACE 25,000 OF THE SAME THING AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT UNTIL I MENTION IT TO THEM? THE COST TO ME IS $3,031.00. THIS IS FAR LESS THAN THE IMPLIED LIFE OF THE PART, IN MY OPINION, AND THOSE OF EVERY TRANSMISSION PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO. *JB

  24. Power train, Feb 2, 2004

    O/D LIGHT FLASHES, TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE IN D, SOMETIMES IN 2 OR 1. REVERSE WORKS FINE. IF CAR MOVES STARTING IN 2ND GEAR, THEN IT CAN BE SHIFTED TO D AND ALL GEARS WORK NORMALLY, EVEN IF RESTARTING FROM A FULL STOP. *JB

  25. Power train, Dec 24, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE ENGAGED IN NEUTRAL. DRIVER BEHIND HIM HELPED PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE OF $2400. THERE ARE TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS CONTAINING INFORMATION ON HOW TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION. *AK *PH *NM