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: steering
59 reports, newest first. Show all
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
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
Steering, Sep 18, 2003, crash
MY WIFE GOT DISTRACTED AND SIDE SWIPED THE TRAILER OF AN 18 WHEELER WHILE PASSING ......A VERY BAZAAR ACCIDENT......SHE WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED AND HER 2001 FORD ESCAPE WAS DESTROYED..... MY COMPLAINT IS......HER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY BROKE...NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT END.... HER STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS AROUND .... BEING A CAR GUY I SEE THIS AS A FAILURE IN THE FORDS STEERING.....I WALKED THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND DID NOT SEE ONE THING SHE COULD HAVE HIT TO BREAK HER STEERING. HER IMPACT WITH THE TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKE HER STEERING EITHER .....PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *JB
Steering, Aug 25, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE PARTS STARTED FALLING FROM UNDER ENGINE DEPARTMENT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. *AK
Steering, Jul 24, 2003
NHTSA: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.DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL RETENTION ARMATURE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.*AK
Steering, Jul 16, 2003, crash
I WAS IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT IN MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH ON A PRIMARY ROAD IN CRESSKILL, NJ. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT AND I SAW THAT I WAS GOING TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, WHILE BREAKING, BUT THE ESCAPE DID NOT TURN. I IMPACTED THE PARKED VEHICLE, FLIPPED, SKIDDED 64 FEET ON THE ROOF OF MY ESCAPE, AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MYSELF FROM THE CAR WHEN HE CAME TO REST. I HAVE INTERESTING PICTURES OF THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND STEERING LINKAGES.*AK
Steering, Jan 30, 2003
THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. SCC
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Jan 23, 2003
VEHICLE ENGINE REVS/SEARCHES/HUNTS, WHILE DRIVING STEADY AND MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED ON A LEVEL ROAD, GOING DOWN OR UP A HILL AND THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT BEING PLAYED WITH. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE HANDLING SEEMS TO LOSE THE POWER ASSIST - TURNING ALL OF THE SUDDEN REQUIRES MORE MUSCLE EFFORT - AND HANDLING GETS VERY STIFF. SUV HAS STALLED 5 TIMES ALREADY AND DEALER STILL UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME - I LOST THE STEERING, THE BRAKES, THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. ESCAPE IS A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SUV - UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL STALL OR WHEN IT WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE (I DON'T DARE USE THE CRUISE CONTROL).
Steering, Nov 27, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER CANNOT FIX PROBLEM AND DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THE CAUSED OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Sep 6, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ONLY AT LOW SPEEDS, STEERING COLUMN WILL MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND IT COULD CAUSE FUTURE STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK THE COVER ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE SHIMMYS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED AND THE FRONT ROTOR WAS MACHINED AND THE FRONT PADS CLEANED. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A PECKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. CONSUMER STATES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS HARD TO PUSH BECAUSE THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED REPLACING. THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPS WHILE AT IDLE. ALSO, WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE HEATER IS NOT WARM. *JG
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2002
ON 02/11/2002 TRAVELING AT 35MPH GOING TO WORK MADE A LEFT TURN AND TRUCK SUDDENLY STARTED TO STALL. ACCELLERATION BEGIN TO DECREASE AND A LOUD ROARING OR GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR. PULLED OVER DUE TO DECREASE IN ACCELERATION AND STOPPED CAR. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND CAR WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 35MPH. FINALLY MADE IT TO DEALERSHIP. DEALER LOOKED AT CAR AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE STEERING ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED. ON 03/14/02 WENT OUT TO START CAR AND DROVE 35 MPH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON THE REMAINING OF DAY. TOOK TO DEALER THE NEXT DAY DUE TO LIGHT STILL ON, DEALER REPLACED PART INDICATING SWITCH CHIP BAD. ON 07/25 AND 07/ 29 CAR FAILS TO START AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF DRIVING HAS DONE THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASION AND HAVE CALLED DEALER TO BRING VEHICLE IN TO LOOK AT ON 08/01/02. VEHICLE STALLS AT 35 -40 MPH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOT HAPPY WITH VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND FEEL THESE DEFECTS CAN BE A DANGER TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. FORD SHOULD DO THERE BEST TO REPLACE PARTS AND ACCOMODATE THEIR CONSUMERS FOR TIME AND HEADACHES.*AK
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 19, 2002
WHILE DRVING STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THEN VEHICLE STALLED, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO ADVISED CONSUMET THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM.*AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 26, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. CONTACTED DEALER, WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK. NUMEROUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED REGARDING THE STALLING, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2002, THE ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE REPLACED, AND ALSO THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED.*JB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, May 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, WITH BOTH CHILDREN IN THE CAR, MY CAR STALLED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. MY BRAKES, STEERING, ACCELLERATOR, AND ELECTRICAL(RADIO AND SPEEDOMETER) WENT OUT. I WAS FORCED TO COAST DOWN THE STREET TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER. I HAVE SENT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ACTED LIKE IT WAS MY FAULT THAT IT HAPPENED AND THAT THEY HADN'T HEARD OF SUCH COMPLAINT. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT EVEN AFTER THEY SAID IT IS FIXED. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING,AFTER I DID SOME REASEARCH AND PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED IT HAPPENING AGAIN. I WOULD LIKE SOME KIND OF TRADE OR REIMBUIRSEMENT. MY REASON BEING IS FOR THE SAFTEY OF MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF. THE CAR IS ONLY 11 MONTHS OLD.*AK
Steering, Apr 9, 2002
THERE IS A BOLT THAT HOLDS STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE. WHILE DRIVING THAT BOLT BROKE OFF, AND CONSUMER COULD NO LONGER CONTROL VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 28, 2002
I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A FORD REP. FOR A NEW CAR, TOO MANY THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP HAVE THE WINDOW AND ABS BRAKES FIXED. EVERY TIME IT'S SOMEHTING NEW! NLM
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2002
MY ESCAPE STALLED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. MY SPEED WAS 40 MPH OR LESS. THERE IS THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND ALL POWER IS LOST.IT STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2002
CAR ELECTRICAL, STEERING AND BRAKES CUT OFF DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH ON CURVY ROAD. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR USED 2 DAYS AGO. FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. NOW THAT IVE LOOKED AT THIS SITE, SEEMS MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. GOING TO DEALER TOMMOROW. WE LIKE THE CAR, BUT WE'RE AFRAID WE HAVE OURSELVES A LEMON. I HOPE THE DEALER/FORD WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 30, 2001
ENGINE STALLED WHILE GOING DOWNHILL, POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WENT OUT SO VERY HARD TO CONTROL ON AN INCLINE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE EXACT SAME SITUATIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Steering, Oct 17, 2001
I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING DOWNHILL. I LOST POWER TO THE CAR WHICH APPARENTLY, CAUSED COMPLETE SYSTEM FAILURE. THE BATTERY, ENGINE, AND OIL LIGHTS CAME ON. I LOST 90% OF MY BRAKES AND LOST ALL STEERING ABILITY. I HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CAR RESTARTED AFTERWARDS. THE COMPANY TOLD ME IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RELAY. BUT I STILL HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE FACT THAT I LOST STEERING CAPABILITIES AND PROBABLY COULD HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2001
DRIVING AROUND 40MPH, AND CAR HAS STALLED THREE TIMES ON ME NOW WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES, MOST RECENTLY ON 10/11/2001. FORD SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG.*AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2001
THE SUV WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MID-DECEMBER 2000. ON 9/7/07, I WAS SLOWING DOWN, ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE, TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE SUV SHUT ITSELF OFF AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. IT HAD 1/3 TANK OF GAS. I SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC INTO PARK, TURNED THE KEY, THE CAR STARTED AND I EXTRICATED MY 7 YEAR OLD SON AND MYSELF FROM THE BUSY INTERSECTION AND FROM THE MOUTH OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC (WE LANDED IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, MUCH TO A JEEP'S DISMAY). I DROVE SLOWLY TO MY SON'S SCHOOL (3 BLOCKS DOWN), THEN TO WORK WHERE I NOTIFIED FORD VIA IT'S 800 NUMBER. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THAT AFTERNOON WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED. I LEFT THE CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP. ON 9/8/01, I CALLED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CAR WAS READY. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO REVIEW THE REPAIRS WITH ME & MY HUSBAND AND TO EXPLAIN WHY THE REPAIR "FIXED" THE PROBLEM. HE SAID THEY REPLACED A VALVE WHICH CONTROLS AIR FLOW. HE SAID THIS WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF, ESPECIALLY IF I HAD BEEN ENGAGING THE BRAKES WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. I WAS ENGAGING THE BRAKES WHEN IT SHUT OFF, SO I ACCEPTED THIS EXPLANATION. I PACKED MY 7 YEAR OLD INTO THE SUV AND LEFT. WITHIN 7-10 MILES, THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF, AGAIN (ONLY 26 HOURS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THE SUPPOSED "FIX")! THIS TIME I WAS ACCELERATING UP A SEMI-STEEP INCLINE. MY EYES WERE FORWARD. I NOTICED OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY FIELD OF VISION A RED GLOW. I LOOKED DOWN AND THE OIL LAMP WAS GLOWING. I JUST HAD THE OIL CHANGED WITHIN 1,000 MILES AND THE CAR WAS JUST AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT MORNING, SO THAT COULDN'T BE A PROBLEM. I THEN NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE OTHER DASHBOARD LIGHTS (MOST IN WHITE LIGHT) ALSO WERE LIT UP. AT THAT POINT, THE STEERING BEGAN TO LOCKED UP AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE SUV TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER'S DRIVEWAY ON THE RIGHT. WE NARROWLY MISSED BEING MOWED DOWN BY A VAN WHICH HAD GAINED SIGNFICANT MOMENTUM HAVING JUST SWOOPED DOWN THE DOWNGRADE AND WAS RACING UP THE INCLINE. 1/4 TANK GAS.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Aug 27, 2001
WHILE THE ESCAPE IS DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL TUGS A LITTLE THEN IT LOCKS COMPLETELY UP, THEN THE BRAKES FAIL, THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CAR TO STOP IS TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. MY ESCAPE HAS DONE THIS THREE TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. TWO OF THE INCIDENTS ALMOST RESULTED IN CAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE THE CAR CAN NOT BE STEERED. THE CAR TOTALLY FREEZES UP WITH ALL ENGINES LIGHTS COMING ON. THE SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. ALL THREE OCCASSIONS MY CD PLAYER HAS BEEN ON, THE AIR HAS BEEN ON LOW AND MY LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON. AFTER THE CAR FINALLY STOPS BY USING THE EMERGENGY BRAKE, I SHUT EVERYTHING OFF AND IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AGAIN.
Steering, Equipment, Aug 20, 2001
WAS TRAVELING 40MPH ON HIGHWAY WENT TO CHANGE LANES AND POWER STEERING DIDN'T RESPOND. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER CLEANED GROUND CONNECTIONS UNDER THE BATTERY. SUB WOOFER INOPERABLE, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC