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, May 26, 2008
THROTTLE STICKS AT INTERMITTENT TIMES UPON ACCELERATION. INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM GAS PEDAL SPEED DOES NOT RESULT IN DECELERATION. WHEN PROBLEM DOES OCCUR THERE IS NO KNOWN WAY OF STOPPING IT. I JUST WAIT IT OUT UNTIL THROTTLE CORRECTS ITSELF. I AM UNABLE TO TELL IF GAS PEDAL REMAINS DEPRESSED WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS. HAVE TRIED PRESSING THROTTLE TO FLOOR QUICKLY AND RELEASING WITH LIMITED SUCCESS. HAVE TRIED PLACING TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THAT ONLY CAUSES ENGINE TO RACE. SEEMS TO BE OCCURRING MORE OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE ENGINE WOULD STILL ACCELERATE ONCE THE CONTACT RELEASED THE PEDAL. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2008
THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER OF 2007 BECAUSE OF RECALL. THEY SAID IN DECEMBER THAT I SHOULD HAVE NEW PARTS READY FOR INSTALL ON MY 2001 FORD VAN. THIS IS MARCH OF 2008 AND NO ONE CAN TELL WHEN THIS PART WILL BE REPLACED. I FELL LIKE I HAVE PAID FOR THE COMFORT OF CRUISE CONTROL AND DO NOT HAVE IT. I FELL LIKE I CANT SELL VAN WITH A DEFECTIVE PART OR CRUISE UNPLUGGED. HOW LONG DOES FORD HAVE TO REPAIR THIS PART. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2007, fire
2001 FORD EXPEDITION SITTING IN DRIVEWAY CATCHES FIRE. FIRE SPREAD TO HOUSE. CAR A TOTAL LOSS, HOUSE DAMAGED. YARD ALSO DAMAGED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM 0-45 MPH AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE IN THE STOPPED POSITION. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INCREASED BRAKING AND JOLTS FORWARD WHEN BRAKING IS APPLIED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK, THE ENGINE REVS ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF FOR THE ENGINE TO QUIT REVVING. THIS PROBLEM WAS INITIALLY SPORADIC, BUT IS NOW GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND OCCURS MORE OFTEN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, #00V210001, REGARDING THE: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Vehicle speed control, May 11, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR TWO DAYS WHEN IT SUDDENLY ERUPTED IN FLAMES DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND CONCLUDED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED, BUT DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE SMOKE DAMAGE TO THE HOME AND NO ONE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE ONLY PROBLEM PRESENT WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON WAS BROKEN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CRUISE STOPPED WORKING TWO YEARS AGO.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2006
MY VIN# FOR MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL RECALL. HOWEVER, I AM AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE FOR SOME TIME NOW. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL, THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS IN THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 4, 2005
APPROACHING HIWAY CONSTRUCTION WITH FLAGMAN AND ABOUT 10 CARS STOPPED, WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, THROTTLE STUCK WIDE-OPEN. I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF WITH ON/OFF BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL BUT NO RESULT,APPROACHING STOPPED LINE OF CARS AT FULL THROTTLE, TOWING CAMPING TRAILER. FINALLY, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR/TRAILER, ENGINE RACING MAX REVS AND MAKING STRANGE NOISE, FALTERING AS IT MIGHT WHEN THE FUEL MIXTURE WAS TOO RICH. I THEN TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND UPON INSPECTION UNDER THE HOOD AND LOCATING WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL, WE JIGGLED A CABLE GOING INTO IT AND HEARD A CLUNK WITHIN. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AND IT RAN NORMALLY. CONTINUED TRIP, JUST DIDN'T USE CRUISE CONTROL !! UPON RETURNING FROM TRIP, I CALLED MY FORD DEALER IN DURANGO, CO AND WAS TOLD TO CALL CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I DID SO TWICE, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY CAR. I THEN SEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2001 ESCAPE FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM (SAFETY RECALL 00S18, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 00V210001), BUT MY CAR'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED! I SUBMIT THAT THIS INCIDENT ILLUSTRATES THAT THIS VIN (AND MAYBE MANY OTHERS) SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED (I JUST DON'T USE THE CRUISE), SO I STILL HAVE THE OLD PART, PENDING RESOLUTION OF THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2005
IN MAY 2005 THE ACCELERATOR CABLE STUCK WIDE OPEN ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE (V-6 ENGINE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I PUNCHED DOWN ON THE PEDAL VERY HARD. THERE IS A PLASTIC COVER ON TOP OF THE ENGINE THAT MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SEE WHERE THE CABLES HOOK UP TO THE THROTTLE BODY. I REMOVED THIS TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY OR THE CABLE THAT WAS STUCK. AS I WAS TAKING IT OFF THE CABLE BECAME UNSTUCK ON IT'S OWN SO I WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. AT THAT POINT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY DID NOTHING. ON 8/10/05 MY WIFE PUSHED DOWN HARD ON THE GAS PEDAL WHILE MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WIDE OPEN AGAIN AND SHE FOUND HERSELF GOING ABOUT 100 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY. FINALLY SHE PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, COASTED TO THE BERM AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. SINCE THE DEALER COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME I DECIDED TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN MYSELF. AGAIN I TOOK THE PLASTIC COVER OFF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE AND ONCE AGAIN THE CABLE BECAME UNSTUCK. THIS MADE ME SUSPECT THAT THE PLASTIC COVER MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HOUSING HAD BROKEN RIGHT BEFORE THE PART THAT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE BODY. THIS CREATES A SITUATION THAT CAN CAUSE THE CRUISE CABLE TO PIVOT UP AND WEDGE AGAINST THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER DURING HARD ACCELERATION INSTEAD OF IT MOVING IN ITS HOUSING LIKE IT SHOULD THUS CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STICK WIDE OPEN. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES SO I AM CONFIDENT THIS WAS ACTUALLY THE PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO WORK ON THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK SO I WENT TO THE PARTS DEPT. ORDERED THE PART (UNDER $30) WENT HOME AND PUT IT ON MYSELF (TAKES LESS THAN 5 MINUTES). THE CAR IS FIXED NOW. *NM
Service brakes, Air, Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2005, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 8 YEAR OLD TWINS TO A PIANO RECITAL IN MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE, AND, WHILE GOING UP A STEEP HILL ON A FOUR-LANE ROAD, THE ENGINE DOWNSHIFTED AND THE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN SHE REALIZED THAT SHE THE CAR WAS SPEEDING FORWARD WHEN SHE WAS NOT PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID THE CARS, SHE TOOK AN OFF-RAMP BUT QUICKLY REALIZED THAT TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED THERE AS WELL. IN DESPERATION, MY WIFE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR THEN STOPPED, BUT THEN LOST SHE LOST EVERYTHING. MY ESCAPE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, EVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. AGAIN, THE FOOT BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND. SHE WAS HEADED BACKWARDS DOWN THE 1/2 MILE, STEEPLY GRADED HILL INTO THE CARS COMING UP THE HILL. SHE TURNED THE WHEEL TO BACK UP THE STEEP EMBANKMENT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER BOUNCING BACKWARDS THROUGH THE STEEP DITCH AND TRAVELING ABOUT 14 FEET UP THE EMBANKMENT, THE CAR PAUSED FOR A MOMENT AND THEN SLAMMED FORWARD BACK INTO THE DITCH. OUR CHILDREN WERE NOT HURT. MY WIFE HAS SUFFERED WHIPLASH WHICH IS REQUIRING MEDICATION, PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND GIVES HER CONSTANT PAIN. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS BEEN HONEST THAT A CRUISE CONTROL WIRE WAS FRAYED, AND EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS NOT USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, IT WAS MOVING IN PARALLEL TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE FRAYED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE STUCK AND CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR TO COMPRESS AND STICK. THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION FOR THE LOSS OF BRAKES AND THE FAILURE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HOWEVER, AFTER THE HONEST ASSESSMENT, POOR TREATMENT ENSUED. THE DEALERSHIP IS FIXING THE CABLE, TRANSMISSION, AND BRAKES UNDER OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY AND NOT TAKING OWNERSHIP FOR THE ACCIDENT. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 1 MONTH TODAY, AND I STILL DO NOT HAVE IT BACK. I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE $1000 DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE AUTO BODY WORK.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2005
WHEN PLACING FOOT ONTO THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE. THEN, ONCE IT MOVES IT JUMPS. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2005
THE THROTTLE ON THE CONSUMER'S 2001 FORD ESCAPE FAILED. *NM *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 11, 2005
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. HAD INSPECTED, DETERMINED THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED. CURRENT RECALL BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT INCLUDE 2001 MODELS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V210001 CONCERNING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. WHILE DRIVINGTHROTTLE CABLE BECOMES INOPERABLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE PEDAL IT WILL STICK. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL STATED. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 13, 2005
WHEN DRIVING ANY SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD TO GET THE PEDAL UNSTUCK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2004
WHEN I PRESS ON MY ACCELERATOR AT A STOP SIGN IT STICKS. THEN WHEN IT BREAKS THROUGH I ACCELERATE QUICKLY. I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND INJURE MYSELF OR OTHERS. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2004
THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THE 2002-2004 FORD ESCAPE SUV'S DUE TO ACCELERATOR CABLE PROBLEMS. WE HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 SUV AND THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IS ALSO STICKING. WHY NOT RECALL ALL THE MODEL YEARS? WHY WAIT TILL THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR MAJOR FAILURE?*AK
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2004
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE BEING DRIVEN. OWNER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CLEANING OF THE THROTTLE BODY.*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Visibility, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Dec 6, 2004
THERE WERE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE EGR SENSOR (DPFE) WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SOP DRIVER SIDE OUTER BELT MOLDING, FUEL PUMP, SWAY BAR LINKS AND IAC. *BF THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, WATER LEAKED AROUND THE TAILGATE WINDOW, THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START, THE IAC WAS STICKING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SQUEAKED AND RATTLED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED UPON STARTING, THERE WAS PLAY IN THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, THE COOLANT LIGHT STAYED ON, THERE WAS A CRACK AROUND THE OIL PAN AND THE OIL DRAIN PLUG WAS PROBLEMATIC, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STICKING. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 27, 2004
THE GAS PEDAL ON MY FORD 2001 ESCAPE KEEPS GETTING STUCK WHEN WE ARE DRIVING IT. I'M AFRAID IT MAY GET STUCK AND NOT RELEASE. WHICH COULD CAUSE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS?*AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2004, crash
WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS LATER WHILE PARKED THE SAME THING OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A STORE WINDOW. *JB THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A STORE WINDOW. *SC
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHILE THE CONSUMER SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE VEHICLES RPMS WENT UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CLEANED THE AIR IDLE CONTROL. *AK WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE RPM'S ACCELERATED BETWEEN 4000 AND 5000. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2004
TWICE IN LAST YEAR (EXCLUDING TODAY) I HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. BOTH TIMES I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND SUV HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. I STEPPED ON BRAKES - IT DID NOTHING. I TRIED TO PULL UP ON GAS PEDAL - NOTHING HAPPENED. FINALLY STOPPED WITH NEUTRAL AND EMERGENCY BRAKE...TOOK SUV TO FORD - THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ON 6/18/04. TODAY (7/23/04) WHILE ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING TO WORK (IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICE), I ACCELERATED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF A TRUCK THAT WAS GOING TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY. ACCELERATOR STUCK; BRAKES DID NOT WORK; I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL; ENGINE MADE REALLY LOUD "REVVING" TYPE NOICES; I PUT CAR BACK IN DRIVE AND BRADES STILL DID NOT WORK.. I HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. WHAT SAVED ME FROM A POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENT WAS THAT THERE WAS NO ONE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME ON FREEWAY. I CALLED FORD AND AM DROPPING VEHICLE BACK OFF.. THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE THE CABLE NOW. I AM AFR AID TO DRIVE IT. I WAS DOING ABOUT 62 MPH THIS AM AND WHEN IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN - I WENT UP TO ABOUT 78 MPH.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2004, crash
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 70 MPH. DRIVER TRIED TO BRAKE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CRASHED. *AK