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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,027

Of the 2001 reports, 77 involved a crash and 60 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 3 people died.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling288 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints1,027Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling288
  2. Service brakes160
  3. Electrical system140
  4. Power train129
  5. Hydraulic120
  6. Vehicle speed control111
  7. Air bags63
  8. Steering59

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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.

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 19, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 -35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER DUE TO FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD BE FREE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DISAGREED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,700.

  2. Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 18, 2008

    I OWN A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE LOCKS ON THE HATCH DOOR AND HATCH GLASS WINDOW DO NOT OPEN CONSISTENTLY, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE (I LIVE IN FL). THERE ARE NO OTHER WAYS TO OPEN THE DOOR OR WINDOW AS THERE ARE NO HANDLES ON THE INSIDE AND NO KEY LOCK ON THE OUTSIDE. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS. I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD BE SOME TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE. FROM BLOGS I SEE THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THE ACTUATOR MAY BE AT FAULT. *TR

  3. 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

  4. Steering, May 12, 2008, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT, BUT THE WHEEL KEPT MOVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND STRUCK A CONCRETE WALL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT IS NOT SURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45,000. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF UPDATED 06/09/08

  5. 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.

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 28, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ABS COMPUTER SYSTEM BEGAN SMOKING . AN INTENSE ELECTRICAL SMELL WAS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS, ECU MODULE, AND THE HCU MODULE WERE DAMAGED. A POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED BUT THERE WAS NO FIRE, JUST A LOT SMOKE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,005. UPDATED 06/30/08 *BF UPDATED 06/30/08

  7. Electrical system, Apr 16, 2008, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

  8. Structure, Apr 13, 2008

    PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF THE TAILGATE DOOR OF MY ESCAPE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE NO PRIMER ON IT AT ALL. IT JUST STARTED IN PAST 6 MONTHS. COMING OFF IN BIG CHUNKS. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Apr 7, 2008

    WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30 AN 40 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED IN TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ,BY MYSELF, WERE FOR NAUGHT. A NEARBY GARAGE INITIALLY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS A TIMING BELT ISSUE, BUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS WITH A POSSIBLE SHORT. A BIT STRANGE FOR A NON-MOVING PART. *TR

  10. Structure, Mar 15, 2008

    PAINT FLAKING OFF ON REAR DOOR ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES BY GLASS. *TR

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 5, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING INTO THE BOOSTER. THE VEHICLE MADE A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS A RAPID LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. SHE ALSO STATED THAT BRAKING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR SIX MONTHS, DIMMED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT THEN ILLUMINATED AGAIN. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER (BECAUSE OF THE LEAK) ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,129 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,080.

  12. 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

  13. Suspension, Seat belts, Structure, Feb 6, 2008

    IN NOV. OF 2006, I TOOK MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SEATBELT WAS TWISTING AND WAS NOT RETRACTING. MY CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT WAS HELD WITH THIS BELT AND WAS NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT DUE TO A FLAW, CONDENSATION WAS ABLE TO GET INSIDE AND THAT IT HAD CAUSED AN INTERNAL SPRING TO RUST AND BREAK. THEY TOLD ME THAT IN 2002 + MODELS, IT WAS REDESIGNED AND THAT COIL OR SPRING IS NOW PROTECTED WITH A PROTECTIVE COVERING. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CORP AND THEY COVERED THE REPAIR AND I HAD TO PAY A $75.00 DEDUCTIBLE. NOW 13 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAD RE- OCCURRED. THIS TIME FORD MOTOR CORP. SAYS THEY WILL NOT COVER IT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I AGAIN REMINDED THEM THAT THIS FAULTY SEATBELT IS BEING USED TO SECURE MY SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S BOOSTER SEAT AND IT TERRIFIES ME TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO HER IF I WAS IN A SERIOUS COLLISION. FORD DID HAVE A SAFETY SEATBELT RECALL ON A FRONT SEATBELT LATCH AND I COMPLIED AND I THINK THAT WAS IN 2004. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS THE PROPENSITY TO LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY IF IT IS NOT RESOLVED. *TR

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKED AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A MEMO TO VEHICLE OWNERS STATING TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT CAP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,190 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED BOUGHT A NEW CAP AT THE COST OF $17.61. UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 1, 2008

    I HAVE HAD BRAKE LIQUID LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE CONTAINER SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AROUND 2001. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THE CAP MALFUNCTIONED AND THEY REPLACED THE CAP, THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID I OVERFILLED THE CONTAINER BUT IT NEVER STOPPED AND TO THIS DAY THE CONTAINER LEAKS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE CAR STALL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I THOUGHT THIS TO BE JUST A FREAK ACCIDENT UNTIL I READ THESE POSTINGS AND IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD. ONE TIME IT STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 81 AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO WRECK BUT MANAGED TO PULL OVER WITH OUT AN ACCIDENT. NOW MY CAR HAS A HARD TIME STARTING FOR NO REASON. AT FIRST I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM JUST GOT WORSE. NOW I SOMETIMES SPEND 20 MIN TRYING TO START THE CAR, WHEN IT FINALLY STARTS, IT STALLS AND WHEN ITS FINISHED STALLING, IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN AND STAYS THAT WAY FOR SEVERAL MIN. UNTIL NOW I JUST THOUGHT THESE WERE RARE OCCURRENCES BUT NOW I DON'T THINK THEY ARE. I BELIEVE THEY ARE ALL SAFETY PROBLEMS AND NOT ONCE WAS I NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALL TO FIX. MY COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON OVER 8 MONTHS AGO AND IS STILL ON DESPITE HAVING IT CHECKED AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND.*CN

  16. Visibility, Dec 28, 2007

    I AM HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN EA0515. THE DEALERSHIP HAS SAID IT HAS SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LEAK HAS RUINED THE GEM MODULE ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TOTAL DAMAGE $980.00. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE BELIEF THIS IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE EITHER. *TR

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2007

    UPPER INTAKE GASKET MANIFOLD. *TR

  18. Power train, Dec 6, 2007

    I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INSTALLING SINCE 2003. RECALL 04S13 WAS FOR THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL AND STILL TODAY 12/6/07, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR WILL STALL IN PARKING LOTS, DRIVE THRU'S, AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND IN TRAFFIC WHEN COASTING. WHEN I AM FINALLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, I WILL BE SUING FORD FOR FAILURE TO MEET MY NEEDS WITH THIS COMPLAINT. THE DEALERS SAY I HAVE TO BRING IT IN WHEN IT HAPPENS. I CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN AND IT DOESN'T HAPPEN CONSISTENT TO MEET THIS "REQUIREMENT." I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD AS A RESULT OF THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY OR LACK OF CONCERN THAT THEIR PRODUCT IS A GOOD PRODUCT. *TR

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2007

    EMISSIONS LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF AND THE CAR SEEMED TO MISFIRE. DID NOT DRIVE SMOOTH. I WAS GLAD I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. I FELT THE CAR WOULD CONK OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR

  20. Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2007

    DOOR HANDLE ON OCCASION GETS STUCK. *TR

  21. Electrical system, Oct 22, 2007

    WHENEVER IT RAINS MY 2001 FORD EXPEDITIONS ELECTRICAL GOES CRAZY, I GET A LEAK FROM WHEAT I AM GUESSING IS THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE FLOOR GETS WET, THEN MY AC RUNS WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND MY LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF, THE RADIO GOES ON AND OFF AND KEEPS DRAINING THE BATTERY, TOOK IT TO FORD, BUT ALL THEY SAY IS IT NEEDS A NEW GEM MODULE BUT NEVER SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. *JB

  22. Air bags, Oct 21, 2007

    THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN 3 TIMES. THE FIRST DATE WAS 11-12-2003. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS IS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE WHEN THE BAG WILL DEPLOY OR NOT. DEALER TRACED AND FOUND OPEN CIRCUIT, CONNECTOR NOT SEATED. RESECURED AND SYSTEM PASSED. THIS WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THIS DEALERSHIP UP TO FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

  23. Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 19, 2007

    DRIVER'S SIDE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILS TO WORK. UPON DISASSEMBLY, WE FOUND THAT THE PART THAT CONNECTED THE HANDLE MECHANISM TO THE LOCK MECHANISM WAS A FLIMSY THIN METAL WASHER, WHICH HAD BROKE IN HALF. THIS COMPONENT IS DEFINITELY SUBSTANDARD FOR THE CONSTANT USE IT GETS. UPON CONFERRING WITH OTHER 2001 ESCAPE OWNERS AT ESCAPE-CENTRAL.COM (TECH. TIPS ), NOT ONLY DOES THIS PART FAIL, BUT THE SAME PART ON THE INTERIOR DOOR EVENTUALLY FAILS TOO, THUS YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM EITHER THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE.' THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ALSO HAS THIS PROBLEM AS POSTED BY OTHER OWNERS. THIS CREATES THE POSSIBLILTY OF BEING TRAPPED INSIDE DURING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, SUCH AS A FIRE, ACCIDENT, ETC. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH A MORE SUBSTANTIAL PART.

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 15, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND ONCE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT RE-INSPECT THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A REPAIR THAT WAS IDENTICAL TO THE PREVIOUS REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

  25. 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