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.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007, fire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES WITH ENGINE OFF WHEN A FIRE IGNITED IN THE ENGINE, ENGULFING AND DESTROYING THE ENTIRE CAR. FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001. *JB
Power train, Jan 23, 2007
MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY AND CONTINUALLY FLASHED DURING A TEN MINUTE DRIVE HOME. THE RPM NEEDLE SPIKED STRAIGHT UP A FEW TIMES DURING THE DRIVE AND IT SEEMED LIKE I "LOST POWER". DEAN SELLERS FORD DIAGNOSED AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3600. I HAVE NEVER USED A SERVICE OTHER THAN LAPEER FORD AND DEAN SELLERS. I BOUGHT THE ESCAPE (2001 XLT 4 WH) FROM LAPEER FORD WITH 16,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF THIS FAILURE PREVIOUS TO YESTERDAY. DEALERSHIPS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS ONE TRANSMISSION RECALL BUT WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN IT WAS FREE OF RECALLS. DEAN SELLERS CHARGED ME $89 TO DIAGNOSE THE CAR. I GOT ANOTHER QUOTE AT AMERICAN TRANSMISSION IN TROY. THEY TOWED MY CAR IN. FORD TEST DROVE MY CAR AND ELECTRONICALLY CHECKED IT. PREVIOUS REPAIRS ALL DONE AT LAPEER FORD AND DEAN SELLERS FORD: NEW TIRE AT 16,000 MILES; NEW IGNITION AT 25,000; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT 33,000; PLUG TIRE AT 40,000; NEW WINDSHIELD AT 43,000; 4 NEW TIRES AT 44,000 DUE TO NUMEROUS FLATS (LAPEER GAVE ME 3 FREE); FRONT BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS AT 55,000; TIRE NAIL AT 60,000; NEW BLADES AT 61,000; BELT RECALL AND TIE ROD AND MASTER CYLINDER AT 69,000; CRANK CASE OIL LEAK AND REAR BRAKES AT 74,000; FRONT BRAKES AT 76,000; WASHER PUMP AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH AND FUEL FILTER AT 78,000; REAR WIPER AT 85,000; ABS LIGHT MODULE, FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTOR PADS RIGHT FRONT ABS SENSOR AT 86,000; AIR FILTER AND BATTERY CLEANED AT 89,000; LICENSE PLATE BULB AND BOTH FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS AT 90,000; FRONT LIGHTS KEPT FLASHING, REPLACED DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS CONTROL ASSEMBLY AT 93,000 AND NOW AT 94,000 THE TRANSMISSION. NO ONE AT DEAN SELLERS TODAY TOLD ME THAT I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT HOME! BUT IMMEDIATELY UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THE TRANSMISSION STALLED ESPECIALLY DURING TURNS. *JB
Seats, Jan 16, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED HE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT HIM IN THE REAR. THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE CRASH RESULTED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINING TO A HORIZONTAL POSITION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ADJUST THE SEAT AFTER THE IMPACT. THE PASSENGER SEAT REMAINED IN POSITION. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED HE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. UPDATED 02/22/07. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 9, 2007, fire
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY STARTED TO CATCH ON FIRE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS THE ABS MODULE LIKE IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE06048. *NM
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2007
(2007) WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE ENGINE-COOLING SYSTEM-LOW COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES AND AFTER CHECKING THE COOLANT RESEVOIR WHICH WAS AT PROPER LEVELS. DELAER NOTIFIED ME THAT THE COOLANT SENSOR AS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COSTING $300. (2007) WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED, AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE WOULD BE A LOUD SQUEAK OR SCREEHING SOUND COMING FROM THE TIRE AREA. DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT THE AXLE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COSTING OVER $300. (2006) LAST YEAR THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTIONING ENGINE COIL #5 WHICH BURNED OUT MY SPARK PLUG. THAT COST WAS OVER $700. THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THEIS VEHICLE BUT TOO MANY TO NAME. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 25, 2006
THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR NO LONGER OPENS WITH THE OUTSIDE LATCH HANDLE. WHILE IT OPENS FROM THE INSIDE, THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED INEXPLICABLY. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS YET. *NM
Power train, Nov 22, 2006
VEHICLE IS 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4. FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND STALL IN OVERDRIVE ON INTERSTATE WITH NO ADVANCED WARNING. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 70,000 MILES. NO WRECK INVOLVED ONLY BY MIRACLE. COST OF TRANSMISSION IS OVER $4,000. HAPPENED TO FAST AND WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES HAS GOT TO BE A DEFECT. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 25, 2006
MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR STUCK AND COULD NOT BE OPENED AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF $350. BOTH BACK DOORS ARE STUCK CLOSED AND CAN NOT BE OPENED. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS STUCK CLOSED AND CAN NOT BE OPENED. MY SON BROKE HIS ARM AND INJURED HIS LEG AND HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. WE HAD TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE WINDOW! AS THE DOOR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT OPEN. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE REPAIR BILL IS ESTIMATED AT ANOTHER $350.00. IN ADDITION, MY REAR HATCH DOOR REFUSED TO OPEN THE OTHER DAY WHILE I WAS HAVING THE SHOCKS REPAIRED. THE MECHANICS FINALLY GOT IT OPEN. I FEAR THAT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN TO THE CAR AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR LATCHES WERE FAULTY ON BOTH FRONT DOORS. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LATCHES, AND NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 20, 2006
2001 ESCAPE HAS HAD THREE REPAIRS IN A 6 MONTH TIME FRAME DO TO PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLIES. *TS THE SPARKS PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD SUDDENLY THREE TIMES. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 20, 2006
BOTH BACK DOORS OF MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE: I DO NOT USE MY BACK DOORS VERY OFTEN SINCE THERE ARE ONLY 2 MEMBERS OF MY HOUSEHOLD. I UNLOCKED THEN TRIED TO OPEN BOTH BACK DOORS, BOTH WERE STUCK SHUT, THE HANDLES WERE LOOSE ON THE OUTSIDE. IT WAS NOT A FREEZING COLD NIGHT. I LOCKED AND UNLOCKED THE DOORS A BUNCH OF TIMES, THEN TRIED TO OPEN AGAIN. THEY FINALLY OPENED, BUT WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. THE OUTSIDE HANDLE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ATTACHED TO THE IN DOOR MECHANISM. MY HUSBAND FINALLY GOT THE DOORS TO STAY SHUT. I HAVE NOT OPENED THEM SINCE. I AM AFRAID THEY MIGHT OPEN WHILE DRIVING! *NM
Air bags, Sep 26, 2006, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WHICH RESULTED IN HER 2001 FORD ESCAPE BEING TOTALED AND AT NO TIME DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. SHE WENT ACROSS THREE LANES OF HIGHWAY HIT THE GUARD RAIL WENT BACK ACROSS THE THREE LANES AND HIT THE OTHER GUARD RAIL. SHE LIVES TO TELL HER STORY. SHE NOW HAS PAIN IN HER CERVICAL SPINE RESULTING IN HER SEEING A DOCTOR ON A REGULAR BASIS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE ALTERNATOR WAS BURNT AND WAS REPLACED. NINE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A BURNING SMELL WAS OBSERVED. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO BUILT A CASING AROUND THE ALTERNATOR TO STOP THE BURNING. TWO YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. TWO YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED AND THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2006
I NOTICED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH A BRAKE HISSING PROBLEM AT 74K I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT 40K. I'VE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THAT I AM CONSIDERING NOT TO EVER BY A FORD VEHICLE AGAIN. THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLS ON THESE SO THE CONSUMER DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES. *NM
Power train, Sep 4, 2006
THIRD TIME MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS LEAKED!!! FIRST TIME WAS IN 2003, SECOND TIME IN 2005, AND THIS TIME IN LATE 2006. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 4, 2006
2001 XLT - HISSING NOISE WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKES. IF TAPPED THE SOUND DECREASES. THIS JUST STARTED AT 75K. WILL NEED TO GET BOOSTER CHANGED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TO ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES. *NM
Power train, Aug 30, 2006
TRANSMISSION IN MY FORD ESCAPE XLT HAS HAD A VIBRATION FOR 2 YEARS OR SO AND I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS NOW BAD! I SPOKE WITH A FRIEND AT APPLE FORD IN LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDS A FLUID FLUSH FIRST AND IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM! TORQUE CONVERTER MUST BE REPLACED! IT SEEMS LIKE TO ME THAT THE FACTORY IS DEFINITELY TRYING TO PATCH THE PROBLEM BY FLUSHING THE SYSTEM AND USING A NEW TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MASK THE PROBLEM SO THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BEFORE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS AGAIN! *NM
Power train, Aug 17, 2006
ON FRIDAY 8/11/06 I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE (WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION). I WAS GOING AT AROUND 45 MPH IN A BUSY ROAD. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND MY VEHICLE CAME TO AN INSTANT TOTAL STOP. THERE WAS SCREECHING OF TIRES AND I WAS VERY FORTUNATE NOT TO CRASH AND THAT THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME. IT WAS ALSO A MATTER OF LUCK THAT THERE WERE NO PERSONS KILLED NOR INJURED. MY CAR WAS STUCK ON GEAR AND COULD NOT BE PUSHED FORWARD OR BACKWARD, SO IT HAD TO BE TOWED WITH A PLATFORM TRUCK. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2001 AND HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER. I HAVE GIVEN THIS VEHICLE ALL OF ITS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE EVERY 3,000 MILES. I INFORMED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS FAILURE AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAS TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THIS SAFETY RISK WITH 2001 FORD ESCAPES. *NM
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2006
I SEE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS OF REPLACING THE EGR VALVE ON THEIR 2001 FORD ESCAPE. I REPLACED MINE TWICE AND THE DPFE SENSOR TWICE AND JUST HAD THE COMPUTER REPLACED AT JUST UNDER 42000 MILES. THERE IS TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL YEAR AND THE WARRANTY IS UP.. THEY (FORD) MAKE SO THESE CHEAP PARTS LAST UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES, SO THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY I BOUGHT FORDS ALL MY LIFE BUT I'M HAVING SECOND THOUGHT AFTER THIS BUY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 2, 2006
THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 05/01/06 AFTER DRIVING AT LEAST 30 MIN TO 45 MIN. AT A SPEED OF AROUND 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED A LOOSE GAS CAP. ON 5/22/06 AFTER DRIVING AGAIN AT LEAST 30 MIN TO 45 MIN. AFTER RETURNING HOME AND BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY MY ESCAPE STALLED AND WOULD NOT START, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR IT STARTED AGAIN DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE THIRD INCIDENT HAPPENED MAY 30 AFTER DRIVING 30 MIN TO 45 MIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE WHICH IS STILL NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM, SO THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT REPLACING THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL, BUT AFTER FIVE YEARS I WOULD THINK I WOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Air bags, May 31, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10-20 MPH. THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE AT THE TIME. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED.
Power train, May 25, 2006
STOP RIGHT IN STREET AND NO WAY COULD MAKE IT GO IF SOMEONE WAS BEHIND ME WE WOULD OF BEEN HIT. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, May 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE PRETENSIONER IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 07/03/06.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 18, 2006
I RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT ON THE CONTROL PANEL OF THE CAR. SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE FEEDBACK EGR (DPFE) SENSOR HAD FAILED. I SEE THAT MANY OF THE 2001 & 2002 FORD ESCAPES HAVE THIS FAILURE. SOMETHING WAS CHANGED TO RESOLVE THIS AS 2003 MODEL DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE PROBLEM (SOURCE AUTOS.MSN.COM). WHY SHOULD I PAY $450 TO CORRECT A MANUFACTURER FAULT. *NM