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: service brakes

159 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Service brakes, Feb 18, 2018

    CAR WAS STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT, I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SWITCH INTO DRIVE. BRAKES WORKED FINE EARLIER,BUT WHEN PRESSING THE PEDAL, IT DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. NO RESISTANCE LEFT WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME VERY SLOWLY. THE BRAKES STILL WORKED, BUT ONLY WHEN THE PEDAL WAS AGAINST THE FLOOR. LATE AT NIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENED, NEED TO CHECK FOR ANY LEAKS OR DAMAGE IN THE MORNING.

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2017, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTAL PARKING SPACE, A SECURITY GUARD NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER MAKING A SECOND ROUND, THE GUARD INFORMED THE VEHICLE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT TOOK PICTURES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW-UP IN WRITING, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

  3. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Mar 28, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE RUST ON THE SUBFRAME, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) IN WHICH A CROSS BAR WAS INSTALLED UNDER THE SUBFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

  4. Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Dec 5, 2016

    1. DIFFICULTY APPLYING THE BRAKES AND WHEN THEIR APPLIED THE WHOLE BACK OF AUTO SHAKES TERRIBLY 2. THE BACK DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT LOCK AND THE BACK HATCH DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AND STAYS LOCKED.

  5. Service brakes, Aug 8, 2016

    WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT A NATIONAL CHAIN, BEING STATIONARY, ENGINE OFF, AND AT THE SERVICE BAY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE HOSE EXPLODED . THE ON SITE MANAGER'S PROFESSIONAL OPINION IS THAT THE CAUSE WAS BY CUSTOMER HAVING A PRIOR BRAKE LEAK, AND/OR, OPENING BRAKE FLUID LID AND/OR ADDING BRAKE FLUID CAUSING A BURST.AND THE BRAKE LINE POURING BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE BAY PLATFORM. CUSTOMER INDICATES OTHERWISE.

  6. Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE KEY WAS OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

  7. 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!

  8. Service brakes, Aug 31, 2015, fire

    2001 FORD ESCAPE WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY WITH ENGINE OFF. STARTED SMOKING, POPPED HOOD TO FIND FIRE ON ABS MODULE. PULLED OFF BATTERY TERMINAL AND PATTED FIRE OFF. CAR WAS BEING SENT IN THE NEXT WEEK FOR RECALL. WELLSVILLE NY FORD ONLY REPLACED THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAP AND ABS FUSE BOX. NEVER FIXED THE MODULE, FAULTY SEALS OR BURNT HARNESS, AS PER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER :PE06048.

  9. Service brakes, Aug 3, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITHOUT WARNING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE ABS. AFTER THE FUSES WERE REPLACED, THE MODULE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND MELT. THE VEHICLE ONLY RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE OVERRIDE BUTTON WAS ENGAGED TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 297,578.

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ

  11. Suspension, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Jun 24, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LATCH ACTIVATOR FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 8/28/15*CN

  12. Service brakes, Oct 10, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

  13. Service brakes, Sep 21, 2014

    I WAS IN MY CAR WHICH IS A STICK SHIFT, SO I NATURALLY DON'T HAVE BRAKES PREVENTING ME FROM ROLLING ON A HILL. I DROVE UP MY DRIVE WAY HILL AT THE TOP I REALIZED I HAD NO BRAKES BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD I HAD NO BRAKE FLUID, NO PRESSURE ON MY BRAKES, AND MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY 9/20/2014 AND BY THE TIME I WOKE UP ON 9/21 I HAD NO BRAKES AND WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE ROAD. *TR

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2014, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND FAILED TO SLOW DOWN, EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS REAR END CRASHED INTO A TREE. A FOUR YEAR OLD PASSENGER SEATED IN THE REAR WAS FATALLY INJURED DUE TO THE MASSIVE IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND SUFFERED A MINOR CONCUSSION. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A SPINAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A POLICE FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THREE RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALLS AND EXPERIENCED THE CONSEQUENCES MENTIONED IN EACH RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  15. Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 24, 2014

    HERE RECENTLY I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCURRENCES OF MY 2001 ESCAPE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. ON 2 OCCASIONS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, SLIGHTLY UPHILL AND WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF LOSING ALL POWER AND STEERING AND I HAD TO "STAND" ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. A FEW OTHER TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TURNING A CORNER AS WELL AS GOING THROUGH A STOP LIGHT TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT, NOT GOING FAST AT ALL. PRETTY SCARY STUFF. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM STARTING IT BACK UP AFTER THE OCCURRENCES, HOWEVER IT KEEPS HAPPENING. *TR

  16. 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

  17. Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 9, 2013, crash

    ON FRIDAY AUG 31.2013 I WAS COMING UP A HILL ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 92 WHEN I ACCELERATED AND THERE WAS A DEER SO I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND MY BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK I AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND ACCELERATED I HIT THE DITCH NO BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS STILL SPEEDING OUT OF CONTROL LIKE IT WAS DRIVING ITSELF. BRAKES *TR

  18. Service brakes, Aug 28, 2013

    2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT 3.0L V6 AWD - [XXX] DAUGHTER SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE TRIES TO MOVE FORWARD. SHE EXPLAINED IT AS JERKING FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH HER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN STRAIGHT TO SHEEHY FORD OF WARRENTON, VA DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND A CRACK ABS RING THAT THEY SAID WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE JERKING WHILE THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. REPLACED THE PART. EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING ON THE WAY HOME. RETURNED IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE NOT ABLE RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A TOTAL OF 13 RECALLS ACCORDING TO AUTOMD.COM. ACCORDING TO FORD.COM WEBSITE, THIS VEHICLE HAS NO RECALLS LISTED. THEY HAVE A COUPLE LISTED THAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO MY DAUGHTERS VEHICLE: 2001 FORD ESCAPE POWER TRAIN RECALL 04V165000: CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V165000: DATE MANUFACTURED: APR 14, 2004, VEHICLES AFFECTED: 321903: COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN STATUS: NOT DONE 2001 FOR ESCAPE SERVICE BRAKE, HYDRAULIC RECALL 12V005000 - NOT DONE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WHEN ITS A TEENAGER DRIVING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. Service brakes, Feb 16, 2013

    BRAKE HYDRAULIC FLUID RESERVOIR CAP LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. REPLACED WITH NEW CAP FROM DEALER, 100% FIXED PROBLEM. RETAINED OLD CAP IF INSPECTION NEEDED. *TR

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 5, 2012

    2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ABS MODULE REPLACEMENT.*SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WROTE TO FORD THREE TIMES, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE AND RECALLED ABS MODULE. RECALL #12V005000. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED FORD SENT HER A REIMBURSEMENT CHECK. THE DISPUTE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 11/21/12

  23. Service brakes, Sep 18, 2012, crash

    I OWN 3 FORD ESCAPES AND ALL 3 HAVE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. I LEARNED ON GOOGLE THAT I AM NOT ALONE. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I AM TALKING ABOUT ABS TONE RING WHICH CRACKS AND CAUSES ABS TO MALFUNCTION. IT BECOMES A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. INITIAL MALFUNCTION CAUSES ON-BOARD COMPUTER TO "BE CONFUSED" AND BRAKES DON'T PERFORM AS THEY SHOULD, CAUSING EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. ONCE ON-BOARD COMPUTER "RECOGNIZES" THE PROBLEM ABS DASHBOARD LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE DRIVER IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. BROKEN ABS TONE RING WILL CAUSE ABS BRAKES TO ENGAGE ON DRY SURFACE EVEN AT THE LOWEST SPEEDS. THIS FAILURE BECOMES SERIOUS ISSUE AT THE MOMENT OF INITIAL MALFUNCTION BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS CAUGHT BY SURPRISE. PLEASE VIEW COMMENTS BY OTHERS AT THE LINK BELOW. ALL COMMENTS ARE SCREEN CAPTURES WITH ORIGINAL URL VISIBLE AT THE TOP OF EACH COMMENT. HTTP://EAGLEHORIZON.COM/TONE-RING/ IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM SURPRISED THIS IS NOT A RECALL YET. I HOPE YOU CAN TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. IT APPLIES TO MANY FORD VEHICLES DATING FROM 2001- PRESENT. *TR

  24. Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH, REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS HOWEVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 227,691 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000.

  25. Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2012, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 09/19/12*LJ UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS