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, Mar 30, 2002

    THE SHIFTER ON THE STEERING COLUMN JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THEY LOOKED AT IT THE LINKAGE CABLE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT & STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE. OTHER TIMES THEY STATE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER, AS OF THIS DAY THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST 2-3 A DAY. I HAVE A 16 YR OLD SON WHO JUST STARTED DRIVING AND USES MY CAR FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR ANY VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SHIFTER JUMP OUT OF GEAR. A FIELD ENGINEER TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR ON 3-18-2002. HE STATED THAT THE CONDITION DESCRIBED IS OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS VEHICLE AND IS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE SERVICE & PARTS MANAGER STATED THAT NO MATTER WHAT WE DO TO THE CAR NOTHING WILL MAKE IT ANY BETTER. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE HANDS ARE TIED AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS COULD CAUSE A REAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT FOR ME, MY 16 YR OLD AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. ALSO THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN ENGAGING THE GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND DRIVE TO PARK ETC, WHICH THEY ALSO STATE IS COMPLETELY NORMAL.

  2. Power train, Mar 19, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF GEAR IN A DOWNWARD POSITION, AND BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING. IF SHIFTING VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE THERE IS A NOISE UNDERNEATH THE PEDAL. *AK

  3. Power train, Nov 25, 2001

    I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. I NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT ON FIRST AND MANAGED TO PULL OVER. ALL THE DASH LIGHTS WERE THEN ON, THE CAR HAD DIED WHILE I WAS MOVING. I WAS ABLE TO START IT BACK UP. IN REVIEWING EDMUNDS AUTO SITE I THEN DISCOVERED THAT OTHERS HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND TRIBUTE. I PRINTED OFF SOME OF THE RESPONSES, TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO LONG FORD IN EUREKA, MO ON 9-11-01. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEM AND ALSO TALKED WITH THE FORD ENGINEERS. THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS STATING THAT FORD WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE IT UNLESS THEY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I THEN CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY SO THERE WOULD BE A RECORD, BUT WAS NOT ADVISED OF ANY "FIX" FOR THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING THE NUMBER OF MILES I DRIVE EACH DAY ON VERY BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. I AM NERVOUS EVEN MOVING OUT OF THE RIGHT LANE BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I NEED TO BE CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER IN THE EVENT THIS OCCURS AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU CAN SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART AND HOPEFULLY IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN I WILL BE ABLE TO DO THAT BEFORE THE VEHICLE SLOWS AND I HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I AM ESPECIALLY CONCERNED WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS AS WELL. SURELY WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS HAVE COMPLAINED, THEY MUST HAVE SOME IDEA OF WHAT IS WRONG AND HOW TO FIX IT. *AK

  4. Power train, Nov 13, 2001

    CONSUMER IS CALLING TO REPORT A FAILURE IN GEAR SHIFT. VEHICLE WILL JUMP FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD WITHOUT GOING INTO NEUTRAL. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTATCED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

  5. Power train, Nov 6, 2001

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  6. Power train, Oct 24, 2001

    THE LEFT FRONT AXLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE TURNED. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE AXLE WITH AN AXLE FROM THE ORIGINAL DESIGN. THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THAT THIS AXLE MAY CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE FORD HAS NOT REDESIGNED THIS PART. I'M ALSO A BIT SUPRISED THAT MY DEALER HAD REPLACED THE SAME AXLE ON ANOTHER ESCAPE AND FORD STILL HAS NO TSB OR RECALL.*AK

  7. Power train, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2001

    1.) COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. VEHICLE REFUSED TO RESTART; AND 2.) GEAR STICK SHAKES OR SHIMMERS VIGOROUSLY WHEN ENGAGED IN THIRD (3RD) GEAR.

  8. Power train, Visibility, Sep 12, 2001

    SLUGGISH DRIVING AFTER A OIL CHANGE, COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, NEXT WEEK, SHIFT WENT OUT. AFTER GETTING VEHICLE BACK BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS LOOSE AND THE STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. WIPER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, REPLACED.

  9. Power train, Tires, Equipment, Sep 12, 2001

    BRIEFLY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT UPON ACCELERATION ABOVE 50 MPH, THIS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR COLLISIONS ON I-95, TIRE SPLIT OPEN & ROOF RACK BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING*AK (DOT NUMBER: A3083JJ390 TIRESIZE: A3083JJ390)

  10. Power train, Aug 24, 2001

    CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, DEALER REPLACED A BROKEN CABLE. DEALER DID NOT EXPLAIN REPAIRS. *AK

  11. Power train, Aug 24, 2001

    ENGINE STALLS WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. ENGINE HAS STALLED WHEN COASTING IN TRAFFIC. DEALER CANNOT FIND/REPAIR PROBLEM. *AK

  12. Power train, Aug 22, 2001

    TRANSMISSION LOST REVERSE GEAR. PROBLEM NOT FOUND UNTIL TRYING TO BACK FROM PARKING SPACE. VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PUSHED OUT OF LOT. NO PREVIOUS INDICATION OF PROBLEM UNTIL IT OCCURRED.*AK

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Aug 20, 2001

    GEAR SHIFT LEVER STICKS IN FRONT OF RADIO. WHEN CHANGING RADIO STATIONS HANDS KNOCKS GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE PRODUCES SO MUCH BRAKE DUST THAT THE WHEELS TURN BLACK ONLY AFTER THREE OR FOUR DAYS OF DRIVING, FORD STATES NOTHING CAN BE DONE. *SLC

  14. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2001

    HAD SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND IT STARTED TO BACKUP. THEN, IT HESITATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, SOUNDED FUNNY. RPMS REVVED UP, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE STILL IN REVERSE.*AK

  15. Power train, Aug 19, 2001

    HOSE CLAMPS ON BOTH TRANS COOLER HOSES IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WERE NOT FIXED ONTO HOSE. TOP HOSE BLEW FROM TRANSMISSION COOLER AND RESULTED IN LOSE OF MOST ALL TRANS FLUID. TRANS STOPED WORKING. FLUID WAS ALL OVER FRONT LOWER PART OF VEHICLE INCLUDING BOTH INSIDES OF DISK BRAKES. WE WERE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. WARRANTY REPAIR IS IN PROGRESS. TOW TRUCK OPERATOR STATED THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAD ENCOUNTERED THIS SITUATION WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE.*AK

  16. Power train, Jul 10, 2001, crash

    THE FRONT AXLE AND CV JOINTS COMPLETELY FELL OFF. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THE SAFTEY CONNECTOR BOLT BEING INSTALLED AT FACTORY. I HAVE PHOTOS. MIGHT BE CALLED A LOWER BALL JOINT.*AK

  17. Power train, Jun 20, 2001

    TRANSMISSION WOULD LEAK FLUID WHILE PARKED. FUMES WOULD ENTER VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER 5 TIMES FOR PROBLEM, AND HAD PLUGS AND CASING SEALS REPLACED. PROBLEM OF LEAKAGE WOULD ALWAYS REAPPEAR. *AK

  18. Power train, Jun 19, 2001

    WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR AND GOES INTO NETURAL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES IT RETURNS TO NORMAL CONDITIONS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

  19. Power train, May 31, 2001

    TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SLC

  20. Power train, May 23, 2001

    INTERMITTENTLY GEAR SHIFTER DOES NOT LOCK INTO GEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK *SLC

  21. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Seat belts, May 12, 2001

    LEFT REAR PASSENGER RESTRAINT WAS JAMMED AFTER THE FIRST USE. THIS PART WAS REPLACED AND IT WAS JAMMED AFTER THE FIRST USE. IT WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME AND IS CURRENTLY FUCTIONAL BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN 4 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE DATE THAT IT HAS BEEN FUNCTIONAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD A BROKEN SEAL AND WAS LEAKING. THIS PART WAS REPLACED AND IS NOW FUNCTIONAL. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CRACKED AND REPLACED. THIS PART IS NOW FUNCTIONAL. THE POWER STEERING WAS EFFECTED WHEN PART OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FELL OUT OF THE CAR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK. THE PARTS (INCLUDING ALTERNATOR, BELTS AND SPRING) LITERALLY FELL OFF THE CAR. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MANY FATALITIES AS THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ONLY MINUTES PRIOR WITH A CAR FULL OF PASSANGERS. THE RESULTS OF THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. FORD HAS NOT BEEN RESPONSIVE TO MY NEEDS AS A CONSUMER AND HAS MINIMIZED THE SAFETY HAZARD POSED BY THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.

  22. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Equipment, May 3, 2001

    TIRES MAKE A HUMMING NOISE. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THEY MAY BE LEAVING GROUND LIKE HYDROPLANING, AND AT 65 MPH VEHICLE WOBBLES, VEHICLE IS NOT STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH WINDOW DOWN. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN A/C UNIT IS IN OPERATION AND A/C MAKE A LOUD CYCLIC CLICKING SOUND. TRANSMISSION MAKES SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE AT 65 MPH WITH A SLIGHT WIND AND FRONT END MAKES TUMBLING SOUNDS ON ROUGH ROADS. THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALY BY ITSELF. THE FRONT BRAKE HAS EXCESSIVE DUST. THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS INTERIOR SYSTEM FAILURES AND MALFUNCTIONING. *YH

  23. Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Equipment, May 2, 2001

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  24. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 20, 2001

    WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS IT GETS STUCK. WHEN THE GEAR IS IN REVERSE IF YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE ENGINE JUST REVVS. YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE GEAR SHIFTER UP AND DOWN TO GET IT INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. *AK

  25. Power train, Jan 23, 2001

    WHEN TRANSMISSION GEAR IS SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL INTO REVERSE NOTHING HAPPENS, ENGINE REVVS, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH UNTIL VEHICLE IS FINALLY IN GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT GOES OFF TOO. *YH