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: vehicle speed control
111 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2012
I HAVE BEEN CALLING MY LOCAL DEALER TO GET MY RECALLED CAR FIXED. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS HAVE TOLD ME THEY ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE DEALER HAS THE NECESSARY PART IN STOCK. I CALLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP ME AT THAT TIME AND TO CALL BACK LATER. OBVIOUSLY, I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR ANY MORE THAN NECESSARY AND THE NEAREST DEALER TO ME ISN'T THAT CLOSE. I AM AT MY WITS END. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jul 28, 2012, crash
VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING INTERSECTION W/ STOP SIGN. VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW. DRIVER REPORTED 'NO BRAKES'. BRAKES, DISKS, WERE REPLACED 5 WEEKS PRIOR AND WERE APPARENTLY IN WORKING ORDER. SUSPICION THAT THROTTLE MAY HAVE STUCK OPEN, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO SLOW WITH BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS IN FRONTAL, T-BONE CRASH, TWO VEHICLES TOTAL LOSS WITH INJURIES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION UNTIL A POP NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 236,995.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT REMOVED FOOT FROM PEDAL HOWEVER THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED AND REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL VEHICLE WAS UNDER CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2012
DRIVING THE CAR AND THE RPM WENT UP VERY QUICKLY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. EVEN WITH FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL IT CONTINUED TO INCREASE SPEED. PUT THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD RPM STAYED HIGH EVEN IN NEUTRAL. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 18, 2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE ESCAPE DOWN RESIDENTIAL ROADS AROUND 24MPH AND AS SHE LET OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR IT STILL WAS ACCELERATING. SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE STILL WANTED TO ACCELERATE BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE A TURN. AS SOON AS SHE LET OFF THE BRAKE IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN WITHOUT HER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. SHE PULLED INTO OUR PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE THROTTLE WAS STILL ON. SHE JUST DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AS MUCH AND SHE COULD AND IMMEDIATE TURNED THE CAR OFF. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE APPEAR OUT OF PLACE. I TOOK THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE OFF OF THE THROTTLE CABLE AND TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK AND IT APPEARED TO BE WORKING FINE. THEN I DROVE IT LATER THAT DAY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAME OFF THE THROTTLE CABLE SO THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK. I CAN SEE HOW IF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAME OFF THE THROTTLE CABLE IT COULD CATCH THE THROTTLE CABLE AND KEEP THE THROTTLE OPEN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2012, crash
TO: FORD MOTOR COMPANY FROM: OWNERS DATE: 6/8/2012 PURPOSE: 2001 FORD ESCAPE ACCIDENT SUMMARY (ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTION) DEAR FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS LETTER IS TO FORMALLY DOCUMENT AND NOTIFY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTION ON A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. ACCIDENT SUMMARY: ON FRIDAY JUNE 8, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:35 PM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT MALFUNCTIONED WHEN IT AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED, STUCK, AND ACCELERATED BEYOND DRIVERS DESIRED SPEED. THE DRIVER REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. THE DRIVER THEN FULLY APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET WITH NO EFFECT. THE DRIVER THEN FULLY ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PROVIDING SOME SPEED REDUCTION, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO FORCE THE VEHICLE FORWARD. THE DRIVER STEERED THE VEHICLE ONTO CURBS AND OBJECTS TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO SLOWDOWN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER, HAVING TO MAKE A QUICK AND TIMELY DECISION TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PROTECT HERSELF AND PASSENGERS FROM HARM, SERVED INTO A CONCRETE OVERPASS EMBANKMENT IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP AND AVOID A POTENTIALLY MORE SEVERE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE PARTIES IN A HIGHLY POPULATED LOCATION. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED (PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT) AND BOTH AIRBAGS WERE FULLY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS, WHILE ALL WEARING SEATBELTS, SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE ACCIDENT AND WERE EVALUATED AND TREATED AT AN EMERGENCY ROOM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2012, crash
AFTER STOPPING TO POSSIBLY TAKE A LEFT TURN, I REALIZED I NEEDED TO GO ONE MORE BLOCK SO I PRESSED THE GAS TO CONTINUE FORWARD. HOWEVER RIGHT AS I DID THAT THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW SO I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE INSTEAD. THE CAR SHOT FORWARD AT FULL THROTTLE AND THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND THE RED LIGHT. THE STREET WAS CLEAR IN FRONT OF US AND I HAD A FULL LONG BLOCK TO TRY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION. I CALMLY SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I STARTED WORRYING AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPEED UP. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND PARK (WHICH NORMALLY ISN'T POSSIBLE). ALL THE WHILE THE VEHICLE SPED UP. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE FOR ALMOST THE WHOLE BLOCK AND WASN'T SLOWING THE VEHICLE AT ALL. I DECIDED THAT SINCE THE TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING, THAT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE MY FOOT TO GET UNDER THE GAS PEDAL AND LIFT IT UP (BECAUSE IT FELT FROM THE FULL ACCELERATION LIKE IT WAS STUCK ON THE FLOOR). HOWEVER, THE PEDAL EASILY CAME OFF THE FLOOR BUT WOULD FLOP BACK DOWN AS SOON AS I MOVED MY FOOT OUT FROM UNDER IT. IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT STUCK BY A FOREIGN OBJECT OR FLOOR MAT THOUGH. HAD TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN THAT WAS CROSSING THE STREET AND THE ROAD AHEAD WAS OBSCURED BECAUSE IT WENT DOWN A STEEP HILL SO I CHOSE TO TURN RIGHT. THE CAR ENDED UP HITTING THE CURB, HITTING 2 SMALL TREES. AND FLIPPING UPSIDE DOWN BEFORE ALSO HITTING A PARKED CAR. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO "REV" AT HIGH SPEEDS, EVEN UPSIDE DOWN, FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE IT FINALLY CUT OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY LUCKY TO SURVIVE THIS INCIDENT AND TO NOT HAVE INJURED ANY OTHERS IN THE AREA. POSSIBLY PART OF : NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V210001 FOR STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AFTER HER FOOT WAS REMOVED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGNAL AND WHEN DRIVING FROM THE COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED UP TO 58 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER THE CONTACT DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 137,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2011
IGNITION COILS DEFECT- CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL AND GAS PEDAL SOMETIMES GETS HARD TO ACCELERATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO MOVE. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TURNING INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT 5MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED YET THE CONTACT DID NOT ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS UNKNOWN.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH UP A HILL THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SET SPEED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL FUSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO INCREASE; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT SUDDEN ACCELERATION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,405.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER; HOWEVER THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY YET THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 30,422. THE CONSUMER STATED HE NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/26/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 7, 2010
ACCELERATOR CABLE GETS STUCK UNDER PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2010
HAVE AT DIFFERENT TIMES THE MOTOR REEVES. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CRUISE IS SET, AND SOMETIMES WHEN IT'S IN PARK. NEVER KNOW WHAT MAKES IT HAPPEN OR WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. DO HAVE WITNESSES AT THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED. HAPPENED TO BE AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT, PULLED UP AND STOPPED, ONLY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN. WHICH THE PARAMEDICS HAPPENED TO HEAR IT AND GOT VERY CONCERNED. ALTHOUGH IT'S HAPPENED BEFORE SEVERAL TIMES, THE EMT'S STRONGLY URGED US TO REPORT THIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2001. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, HE SAW BLACK SMOKE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. UPDATED 06/02/10. *LJ ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPDATED 09/28/10
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH. SHE PUT BOTH OF HER FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. SHE TRIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH ALSO DID NOT RESPONSE. AFTER A LONG WHILE, SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE TO 40 MPH. SHE THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND WAS THEN ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HER THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 13, 2009, fire
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE INTERSTATE AFTER BEING ON CRUISE CONTROL FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR. AS I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN, THEN I GOT OUT TO REALIZE THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AS WELL AS ALL OF THE THINGS INSIDE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED GREATER FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) DUE TO MODIFICATIONS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2008
ON JULY 4TH, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. SUDDENLY, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND MY HUSBAND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN WITH THE BRAKES. HE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA FORD FOR REPAIR. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS "CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FAILED". THE RECEIPT STATED THAT "CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FAILED 1.00 VERIFIED, CRUISE CONTROL CABLE SHEATH BROKEN AND CABLE END FLIPS OVER CAUSE THROTTLE TO BE HELD OPEN". THE FORD SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN SEVERAL ESCAPE'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT HIS MANAGER SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL AND FORD WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK OR IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO RESET THE THROTTLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD OPEN INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS, THE REAR HATCH DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 04V602000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE HOUSING FOR THE SPEED CONTROL COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER TO UNHOOK THE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT THAT MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 88,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL # 04V574000 SINCE THE BUILD DATE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 6-11-2001 WHICH WAS CLOSE TO 2002. UPDATED 07/31/08. *JB