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: service brakes
159 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2005
THE BRAKES IN MY CAR COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, LUCKILY, BECAUSE I WAS ON RARELY USED DIRT ROADS. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARARNTY, SO I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER, WHO FIXED OR REPLACED A MAJOR HYDRAULIC COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2005
A STRANGE AIR-LEAKING NOISE HAS BEEN COMING OUT OF THE BRAKE AREA OF MY FORD ESCAPE. THE NOISE STARTED OUT SOMEWHAT QUIET, BUT IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND LOUDER. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE SOUND GETS MUCH QUIETER, ALMOST SILENT, BUT THE HISSING RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE AS SOON AS I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS STARTED AROUND 46,500 MILES, AND NOW I AM AT 48,000. A REPUTABLE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER WAS LEAKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR A CAR THAT IS A 2001 MODEL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I IMAGINE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO WILL BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS VACUUM BOOSTER PROBLEM. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2005
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. HAD CAR INSPECTED, DETERMINED BACK HALF OF MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LEVEL TO DROP AND WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. MASTER CYLINDER TO BE REPLACED, REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AND ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Feb 7, 2005
FORD ESCAPE 2001, WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVEN'T KEPT WINDOWS CLEAR ENOUGH TO SEE DURING RAIN OR SNOW. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS ONLY GETTING 10-12 MILES PER GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO DRIVE WHEN IT WAS WINDY OUTSIDE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT COME BACK UP FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE BRAKES MUST HAVE FROZEN UP. THE BATTERY LOW LIGHT WAS ON. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2005, fire
THE PLASTIC CAP ON THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER LEAKED BREAK FLUID ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. THE INSULATION ON THE HARNESS FAILED AND THE WIRING SHORTED, CAUSING A FIRE. THE BREAK FLUID ACTED AS FUEL FOR THE FIRE. THE BREAKING SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, WAS SERIOUSLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES AT 38000 MILES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT, SO WERE THE ROTORS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO FIND OUT WHY SO MUCH BLACK AN SILVER DUST WAS ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AN TEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE DUST WAS ON THE FRONT TIRES WITHIN 200 MILES AFTER CLEANING. FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2004, fire
ABS HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE ON MY WAY BACK FROM L.A. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2004
I'VE NOTICED AN AIR-LEAKING/HISSING NOISE THAT HAS GRADUALLY, OVER A FEW WEEKS, GOTTEN LOUDER. THE NOISE GETS QUIETER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, BUT RETURNS AS SOON AS YOU LET UP ON THE BRAKES. I'VE HAD THE NOISE CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER WAS LEAKING. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 51,000 MILES ON IT. THE INTERESTING THING IS, MY MOTHER HAS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE, AND SHE JUST HAD THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH HER CAR. HER MILEAGE, TOO, IS AROUND 50,000. WE FIND IT ODD THAT THE VEHICLES ARE MADE BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER AND BOTH HAVE RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. HAVE OTHER DRIVERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES DECREASED IN BRAKING POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM WAS LEAKING, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB THE CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND NO BRAKES. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Air, May 12, 2004
BRAKE PEDAL HISSES AND SQUEAKS WHEN RELEASED. TO STOP HIGH-PITCHED HISSING SOUND, THE PEDAL MUST BE LIGHTLY TAPPED. RESULTS IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM. BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND POWER BRAKE BOOSTER NEED REPLACING. POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 1, 2004
THE ROTORS ON MY ESCAPE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 45,000 MILES. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE BRAKES HAD WORN DOWN (NO SQUEALER WARNING). UPON INSPECTION IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE ROTORS HAD BEEN WORN DOWN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW BRAKE PADS. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS SURPRISED AT THE ROTORS BEING IN SUCH BAD SHAPE ESPECIALLY SINCE IT WAS NOT DUE TO GRINDING (THE BRAKE PADS WEREN'T COMPLETELY WORN OUT). HE WAS SHOCKED AT SUCH INFERIOR PARTS BEING ON THE CAR. I HAVE KEPT THE ORIGINAL ROTORS THAT CAME ON THE CAR FROM FORD SHOULD ANYONE WANT PICTURES OR WANT TO INSPECT THEM. *AK
Service brakes, Air, Apr 15, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. ABS SENSORES GOT MUD IN THEM FAILED AND BURNT OUT. I HAVE REPLACED 4 ABS SENSORSE IN 5 MONTH PERIOD. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF MUD GETTING IN THEM. DEALER SHIP AND FORD CUSTOMOER SERVICE TELL ME TO WASH SENSORS OFF WHEN EVER I DRIVE THROUGH THE MUD. I LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD. SO I WOULD HALF TO CRAWL UNDER THE CAR AND WASH ALL SENSORSE EVERY DAY. I GET IN MY CAR IN THE MORNING TO TAKE THE KIDS TO THE SCHOOL BUS HALF WAY THERE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT GOES ON. WHEN I GET HOME IF I CRAWL UNDER THE CAR AND WASH OUT SENSORES THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF. THEN LATER IN THE DAY WHEN I GO TO PICK UP THE KIDS THE SAME THING HAPPENS. IF I WASH THE SENSORES EVERYTIME I GO THROUGH THE MUD ABS BREAKS WILL WORK UNTILL I GET MUD IN THEM. IF I DONT WASH MUD OUT OF SENSORES EVENTUALLY THEY WILL BURN OUT. THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THIS IS NORMAL MAINTANACE. I CANT BELIEVE THEY WOULD CONSIDER THAT NORMAL. I HAVE SPENT MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS SUV DRIVING IT WITH OUT ABS BREAKS. I THINK THEY SHOULD FIX THIS DESIGN PROBLEM, BEFORE I GET INTO AN ACIDENT WITH OUT THE USE OF MY ABS BRAKES. I WANT PROBLEM FIXED BEFORE I HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH NO ABS BRAKES. THEY BLAME THE PROBLEM ON ME FOR NOT KEEPING IT CLEAN. I CANT WASH IT EVERYTIME I USE IT AND I SHOULDN'T HALF TO IF THEY WOULD REDESIGN IT.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 5, 2004
PREMATURE BRAKE ROTOR WEAR. ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED TWICE; ONCE AT 30K MILES AND AGAIN AT 60K MILES. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT 60K MILES. NUMEROUS FRONT-END PROBLEMS AFTER LIGHT CONVENTIONAL "ON-ROAD" DRIVING (I.E. LOOSE END LINKS, BALL JOINTS, MISALIGNMENT), WHICH IN TURN RESULTED IN PREMATURE DESTRUCTION OF TWO SETS OF TIRES. BURNING OIL SMELL IN CABIN SUPPOSEDLY UNIDENTIFIABLE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BY DEALER. NONE OF THE ABOVE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. OVER $2500 IN REPAIRS AND VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 63K MILES! *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 19, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE ROTORS. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES GAVE OFF EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 14, 2004
THE FRONT ROTORS ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLS 4-WD HAVE WORN DOWN VERY QUICKLY. THE ROTORS MUST BE MADE OUT OF SOME SORT OF SOFT METAL BECAUSE I HAVEN'T REPLACED MY BRAKE PADS YET AND MY ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED ALREADY. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND TIE RODS EVERY 10,000 MILES. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND IT DIED TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. ONE TIME ON OCTOBER 19, 2002 AND ANOTHER TIME ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2003. THIS CAR HAS ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE SENSORS AND PCM MODULE.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 28, 2003, crash
UPON DRIVING DOWNHILL CAR DISENGAGED.LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES.ANUAL BRAKES AND STEERING ALSO FAILED.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 15, 2003
DANGEROUS SITUATION REGARDING 2001 FORD ESCAPE.*MR THE CONSUMERS BRAKE FLUID SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED TO HAVE REPAIRS MADE. *CB THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOWER TO THE FLOOR AND STOPPING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A POWER STEERING LEAK.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 27, 2003
ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2003. I HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR A MASTER CYLINDER PROBLEM IN DECEMBER OF 2002 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD FIND ANY LEAKS AND JUST TOPPED THE FLUID AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED IN MARCH AND ON MARCH 7, 2003 THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY FOUND OUT I HAD A MASTER CYLINDER LEAK AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER PROBLEM MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ROTOR PROBLEM (THE ROTORS WERE SO BAD THEY COULD NOT EVEN BE TURNED.) THE INDEPENDENT SHOP THAT REPLACED THE ROTORS ALSO SAID THE PADS WERE JUST ABOUT METAL TO METAL. I HAD NOT FORWARNING OF THIS PROBLEM. FORD WOULD NOT EVEN REFUND HAVE OF THE CHARGE FOR THE ROTOR PROBLEM OR EVEN LOOK AT THE OLD ROTORS WHICH WERE RETURNED TO ME THE THE SPECS MARKED ON THEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 5, 2003
BRAKES WORE DOWN PAST TO THE ROTORS. SAFETY ISSUE:THERE ARE NO LOW PAD WEAR (SQUEALER) INDICATORS ON THE BRAKES. ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO AUDIBLE SIGN OF PAD WEAR UNLESS INSPECTED VISUALLY. IF I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR ANY LONGER THE HEAT FROM METAL ON METAL WOULD HAVE BLOWN THE FRONT TIRES. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 3, 2003
2001 FORD ESCAPE XLTLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT WHEELS ON TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. DEALER STATES THAT ROTORS ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE ALUMINUM WHEELS WHICH WAS THE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE XLT. DEALER STATES THAT IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO FORD WILL NOT REPLACE ROTORS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 13, 2003
WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL OR WHEN STOPPING THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. MECHANIC SAYS THE ROTORS NEED REPLACING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 29, 2003
FORD ESCAPE BRAKE ROTORS WORN OUT AFTER 30K MILES OF AVERAGE COMMUTING WITH NO OFF ROAD USE. BRAKE PADS NOT DOWN TO METAL, BUT ROTORS TOO WORN TO TURN ACCORDING TO SERVICE DEALER (PRESTIGE FORD A.K.A. FORD OF BELLEVUE). *NLM