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
1,027 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS REPAIRED IN 2007; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TWICE FOR THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WIRES WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 5MPH , THE CONTACT WAS COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE AIR THROTTLE AND THE PCM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FOCUS ZX3 - 5SP THAT TENDS TO STALL WHEN THE AC IS ON. BUT IT MAY NOT STALL DURING THE "INITIAL" USE PERIOD. WITHOUT WARNING, IT WILL STALL AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. MY SERVICE SHOP CHECKED THE COMPUTER CODES FOR A PROBLEM AND NOTHING CAME UP. YESTERDAY, IT WAS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 30MINS WITH THE AC ON (OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AROUND 80+ DEGREES). THE VEHICLE RAN FINE WITH THE RPMS NORMAL WHEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 90 MINS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT WOULD STALL. TO GET STARTED I NEEDED TO KEEP FOOT ON GAS PEDAL (TO MAINTAIN A HIGH ENOUGH RPM TO PREVENT THE STALL). IF I DID NOT KEEP THE RPMS UP, VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING, I NEEDED TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL TO MAINTAIN THE RPMS. (THIS CAN BE CHALLENGING WITH A 5-SPD.) THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS. IT THEN STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM AND RAN NORMALLY. DURING THIS PERIOD I DID NOT HAVE THE AC ON. I SEE THAT THIS MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. HOWEVER, NEITHER FORD MOTOR'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE NOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP (ECHELON FORD) ON 6/8/10 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE IT. I WAS CHARGED $108 FOR THE SHOP TIME AND STILL HAVE NO TECHNICAL ANSWER TO THIS CRITICAL AND POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM... *TR
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
Electrical system, May 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START IT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AGAIN AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER HIM ANY ASSISTANCE AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 17, 2010, fire
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE STAYING AT A HOTEL ON VACATION IN MARFA, TX, I WAS AWAKENED BY MY CAR ALARM GOING OF AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM ON MAY 12, 2010. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE TO TURN IT OFF, I FOUND SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OUR NEIGHBOR CALLED 911, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. AS THE FIRE DEPT. WAS INSPECTING THE CAR, FLAMES DID APPEAR FROM THE ABS WIRING HARNESS AND MODULE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY AND DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE ABS HARNESS AND MODULE. I HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ABS HARNESS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, AND TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN TO HAVE THE NECESSARY WORK PERFORMED. THAT WORK WAS PERFORMED ON AUGUST 6, 2008. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD TO LET THEM KNOW THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT FIRE EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEIR RECORDS SHOWED THAT THE ABS HARNESS ON MY CAR WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF MAY 16, 2010, MY CAR IS STILL AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN FORT STOCKTON, TX AND I AM AT HOME IN AUSTIN WAITING TO HEAR FROM FORD'S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNCIL. *TR
Suspension, May 14, 2010
I WAS PULLING OUT THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. *TR
Electrical system, May 2, 2010, fire
MY DAUGHTER HAD A 2001 FORD ESCAPE, APPROX.98,000 MILES, PURCHASED USED. SERVICED & INSPECTED IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR WITH NO PROBLEMS NOTED. SHE PARKED IT IN FRONT OF HER HOME ON APRIL 30TH AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM A TRIP TO TOWN WITH HER 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. APPROX. 10 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING HER HOME, SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM OUTSIDE AND SAW HER VEHICLE SMOKING , THEN FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. FIRE MARSHAL ATTRIBUTED TO "ELECTRICAL PROBLEM" SOME DAMAGE ALSO TO HER HOME. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 2 MPH IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,248. UPDATED 07/14/2010.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 07/23/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2010
WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL GOING APPROX 45 MPH THE ENGINE ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE SHUT DOWN. COMPLETE POWER TO MY CAR WAS LOST. THE ODOMETER EVEN LOST THE MILES DRIVEN AND WAS REPLACED BY DASHES MOMENTARILY. WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN I STEERED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. AFTER I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED KEY OFF. I WAITED APPROX 5 MINUTES AND RESTARTED THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND CAR STARTED SMOOTHLY AS USUAL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I DON'T SEEM TO BE THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THIS ISSUE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2010, crash, fire
2005 GAS PEDAL ACCELERATION ACCIDENT IN 2001 FORD ESCAPE . UPON STARTING CAR IT ACCELERATED BY ITSELF , AND I COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP. IT SPED UP TO AT LEAST 40MPH WITH A MIND OF ITS OWN. I CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL AND IT TOOK THE JAWS OF LIFE TO TEAR OPEN THE CAR TO GET ME OUT. I AM TOTALLY DISABLED NOW WITH A SEVERELY SHATTERED FOOT AND ANKLE. I HAVE A METAL PLATE IN MY LEG NOW. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 6, 2010
THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLEW OUT WHICH CAUSED INSTANT LOSS OF BRAKING TO ALL 4 WHEELS *CN
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 31, 2010
DRIVING 2001 FORD ESCAPE, V-6, 3.0L. AT INTERSECTION BRAKES FAILED AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. PARKED VEHICLE AT NEAREST POSSIBLE LOCATION AND FOUND BRAKE HOSE LEADING TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER HAD CRACKED ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND RELEASE PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2010
2001 FORD ESCAPE - SPARK PLAG EJECTION BLOWOUT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 4, 2010
THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS PARKED IN MY ATTACHED GARAGE EXPLODED SOMETIME DURING THE NIGHT. THE WINDOW WAS NOT CRACKED AT ANY TIME. I DROVE IT AT AROUND 10:30PM LESS THAN 1/4 MILE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE. THE NEXT DAY AROUND 1:30PM, UPON ENTERING MY GARAGE, I NOTICED SOMETHING BLACK BEHIND MY CAR - TURNED OUT TO BE PIECES OF MY REAR WINDOW ON THE FLOOR AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED MANY CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON LINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR OFFERED ANY LEGITIMATE EXPLANATION. CALLED AVIS FORD IN SOUTHFIELD, MI - NO SATISFACTORY RESULT - ONLY $402 COST OF REPAIR - CLAIMS NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE DANGER OF INJURY TO PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN THE CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE "BRAKE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY A LOW POWER RESPONSE. ALSO THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. THE FAILURES PROGRESSED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Service brakes, Electric, Nov 17, 2009
JUST TO PUT A LITTLE UPDATE ON MY POSTING, WE WERE CUSSED OUT BY THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER THE DEALER TOLD US TO BRING THE TRUCK IN, WHICH WE DID ON OUR OWN EXPENSE NOT THEIRS WE HAD IT TOWED THERE, THE MECHANIC THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO INSPECT IT TOLD US TO'!@#$% OFF AND MADE US LEAVE. SO WE CONTACTED THE ACTUAL OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HE CALLED THE DEALER, DEALER CALLED US BACK AND CUSSED US OUT FOR GOING ABOVE HIS HEAD AND TOLD US IF WE WANTED SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THE TRUCK TO CONTACT A LAWYER CAUSE HE ISN'T DOING ANYTHING. LISTEN HERE FORD,GROW THE '!@#$% UP AND START TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FAULTS! USED OR NOT YOUR DEALERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY SELL ON THEIR LOT THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE LIFE THREATENING! FORD SHOULD BE THE ONES GOING UNDER, NOW WERE STUCK WITH A 5 THOUSAND DOLLAR PIECE OF '!@#$%, WE SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A CHEVY, ATLEAST THOSE ARE BUILT TO LAST, NOT A FORD, ALL THEY ARE IS A GUARANTEED PLACE TO SELL UNSAFE JUNK! I HOPE THIS ECONOMY EATS YOU ALIVE, YOU MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN MY FAMILY FOR THE MONEY, BUT IN THE END KARMA WILL GET YOU! I READ SO MANY REPORTS, WE GO TO YOU TO BUY A SAFE AND RELIABLE VEHICLE, HAHA YOUR COMPANY IS A JOKE!!!!! I CANT WAIT TO SELL OR DESTROY THIS JUNK OF A TRUCK AND GET SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY STOPS! GO CHEVY!! ATLEAST CHEVY FIXED THE ACTUAL PROBLEMS WHEN THEY GOT THE BAIL OUT. THEY FIXED THE ABS PROBLEMS. ANYONE THAT HAS A FORD BETTER KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE ABS, TONE RINGS AND THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS RECALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ON ALL OF THEM AND ITS A SHAME WE CAN ALL SEE THAT YET THEY CANT, ALL THEY ARE OUT FOR IS NUMBER ONE, ONCE THEY GET THE CASH, YOU ARE OUT A CAR. I THINK WE SHOULD ALL GET TOGETHER AND FORM A LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM. ONE PERSON IS MINUTE, HOWEVER, A CROWD IS A BIG VOICE TO BE HEARD! AND FROM WHAT I SEE, THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS COMPANY! I DRIVE 1970S TRUCKS WITH LESS PROBLEM THEN THE 2001 ESCAPE. MAKIN JUNK TO GET A QUICK DOLLAR! SHAME SHAME *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE; THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE REAR PASSENGER POWER DOOR LOCK; HOWEVER, THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. PREVIOUSLY WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR WAS AJARED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DOORS ALSO REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CLOSE THEM. THE DOOR FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT AND HAVE BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE DOOR HANDLE AND LATCH SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST FOR THE THREE DEFECTIVE HANDLES AND LOCK SYSTEM WAS $1,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service brakes, Electric, Oct 17, 2009, crash
WE WERE HEADING HOME AFTER GETTING OUR DINNER, APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES, I THEN NOTICED THE TRUCK WASN'T STOPPING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF. I HIT THE BRAKES AGAIN, STILL NOTHING, AGAIN HIT THEM AS HARD AS I COULD, STILL NOTHING, SO I SWERVED TO MISS THE VAN INFRONT OF ME AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. WE WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF BRAKING ON PAVEMENT OR BRAKING ON THE GRASSY AREA LEADING UP TO THE TELEPHONE POLE. WE HAVEN'T HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE, OUR BRAKES WOULD VIBRATE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE WHEN APPLIED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME WE'VE HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. MY FIANCE RESULTED IN BRUISES ON HER FACE AND BACK SPASMS. MY ONE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS ALSO IN THE CAR AND HAD NO INJURIES, HOWEVER, IT TOOK US MONTHS TO GET HER TO BE CALM IN THE CAR. WE ENDED UP HAVING TO BUY A NEW CARSEAT AFTER JUST PURCHASING A FEW MONTHS BEFORE AND I RECEIVED A FAILURE TO CONTROL CITATION. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY PUT MY COMPLAINT INTO FORD LEGAL GROUP. I WAS UPSET BECAUSE NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF, HAD I BEEN FIVE MORE MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A 55 MPH ZONE. I WAS FURIOUS THAT THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME THIS VEHICLE AFTER SWEARING UP AND DOWN THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE SAFEST ON THEIR LOT. WE HAVE YET TO HEAR ANYTHING FROM FORD, WE HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THEM LECTURING US ON THE USAGE OF THE AIRBAGS, HOW THEY ARE MEANT TO PREVENT FATALITIES NOT INJURIES. OUR INITIAL COMPLAINT WAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP! THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP FEELS HE'S NO LIABLE BECAUSE WE BOUGHT USED WITH NO WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THAT DOES NOT EXCUSE FROM SELLING MULTIFUNCTIONAL VEHICLE. WE HAVE FOUGHT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND LEGAL GROUP. THE DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO HAVE IT INSPECTED TO SEE WHAT CAUSED IT. BUT HE WANTS US TO PAY FOR IT AND I DON'T FEEL WE SHOULD. HAVEN'T WE PAID ENOUGH WILL ALL THE CRAP THIS VEHICLE HAS CAUSED? *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2009, fire
THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY RAN SOME TESTS. THEY SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS PROBABLY THE CAUSE BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ONE IN STOCK. THEY WOULD ORDER IT AND CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE INSTALLATION. THEY DID NOT INDICATE THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME AND TO WORK THE NEXT DAY. ON THE WAY HOME AFTER WORK A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEFT FRONT SIDE WHICH IS NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. I PUT THE FIRE OUT AND CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER THE NEXT DAY. NEITHER FORD OR FARMERS INSURANCE COULD PINPOINT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE BUT THEIR WAS DAMAGE AROUND THE ABS AND ITS WIRING. FORD HAS DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE. I REMEMBERED A SAFETY RECALL WAS DONE PREVIOUSLY HAVING TO DO WITH THE ABS. I RECHECKED AND DISCOVERED THAT SIMILAR FIRES WERE THE REASON FOR THE RECALL. FORD SAID THEY DID PERFORM THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I CHECKED FURTHER ON LINE AND SAW THAT A SAFETY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BECAUSE THE REMEDY BY FORD HAS NOT ELIMINATED VEHICLE ABS WIRING FIRES. I BELIEVE MY FORD ESCAPE IS ANOTHER CASE OF THIS SAFETY DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE AND RELATED EXPENSES I HAVE INCURRED. *TR