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.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 15, 2006
2001 FORD ESCAPE TAILGATE WILL NOT UNLOCK. TRIED 2 DIFFERENT KEY FAUBS AND TRIED UNLOCK FROM THE DRIVER DOOR. THERE IS NO PLACE TO UNLOCK WITH A KEY, THERE IS NO PLACE TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE CARGO AREA. I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR A LOCATION OF A MANUAL RELEASE AND THERE IS NONE. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THEY SEARCHED THE DATABASE FOR A MANUAL RELEASE AND COULD NOT LOCATE ANY INFORMATION. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IF YOU WERE IN AN ACCIDENT OR SITUATION THAT WARRANTED EXITING THE VEHICLE FROM THE BACK. *NM
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
Power train, Mar 12, 2006
FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, MY 2001 V6 AUTOMATIC FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD A PROBLEM TRYING TO SHIFT INTO THE LAST GEAR AT 45-50 MPH. THE VEHICLE'S RPM'S WILL BE NEAR 3000 FOR A GOOD 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT FINALLY ENGAGES INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE PROBLEM IS DEFINITELY WORSE ON COLDER DAYS, BUT IT IS STILL CERTAINLY NOTICEABLE ON WARMER DAYS TOO. THERE IS NO SMELL EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FLUSH AT ABOUT 40K. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 65K ON IT. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY SIMILAR REPORTS FILED AND IF SO, COULD YOU PLEASE NOTIFY ME? THANK YOU. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PCM BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THE WIRING UNDER THE DASH NEEDED REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL 04V165000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE PCM AND A NHTSA TSB ITEM #617976, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING UNDER DASH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
Power train, Feb 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V165000 WHICH RELATES TO THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Parking brake, Feb 27, 2006
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FAILURE ON 2001 FORD ESCAPE. *NM
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
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 9 HOURS AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL STATED THE DAMAGE WAS TOO EXTENSIVE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. MOST OF THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. *NM
Air bags, Seats, Dec 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CABLE FOR THE AIR BAG UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS CUT WHEN THE SEAT WAS ADJUSTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE PROBLEM AFTER IT WAS MISDIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. A REPAIR WAS MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2005
I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO LOCKED. I HAD TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME TO START IT. THE LOCKSMITH SAID THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ALL FORD IGNITIONS. I HAD THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO IGNITIONS IN THE ESCAPE. I LEARNED FROM A FOCUS OWNER THAT THE FOCUS CARS HAD BEEN RECALLED IN LATE 2000/EARLY 2001 FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I LATER LEARNED BY CALLING ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE SAME PART IS USED FOR BOTH THE FOCUS AND THE ESCAPE. WHY HAVEN'T THE ESCAPES BEEN RECALLED? *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL, THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS IN THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2005
IAC KEPT GOING BAD. CAR WOULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, I ALMOST HAD 2 WRECKS. I HAD TO GET THIS FIXED DUE TO THE DANGER OF DRIVING. OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 7, 2005
LIFTGATE GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT OPEN. ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL OPEN OUT OF THE BLUE, THEN I KNOW AS SOON AS I LOCK MY CAR, IT WILL BE STUCK AGAIN. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT, A DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR OTHER 2001 ESCAPES, BUT NOT MY PARTICULAR ONE. *JB
Power train, Oct 19, 2005
DRIVING ALONG AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE JUST CAME ON AND I DIDN'T TOUCH ANYTHING. THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY HAD LOCKED UP AND WERE SCREECHING ON THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE BLACK MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY FROM THE TIRES. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, THEY CHECKED IT AND TOLD ME THE SHIFT MOTOR AND GEM MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB ON THE PROBLEM. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANT. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM. THE FORD MOTOR CO. HAS SAID THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE 99-2001 EXPEDITIONS AND F250 LD AND F-150 AND LINCOLN 99-2001 NAVIGATOR. THEY ALSO HAVE SAID WHAT THE NEW PART NUMBER THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH. I WOULD THINK IF I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND THE 4X4L COMES ON I COULD GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT, SINCE YOU ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO GO 30 MPH OR LESS IN 4X4L. I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST ME OVER $800. I HAVE PAID FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEES OF $68.00. *NM
Power train, Oct 17, 2005
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE BROKE. CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLL DOWN DRIVEWAY. 3RD INCIDENT OF SAME PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. *NM
Tires, Oct 14, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION ON ALL FOUR TIRES. *TS EACH TIRE WAS REPLACED. CONTINENTAL REJECTED THE CONSUMERS CLAIM STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A REPAIRED PUNCTURE IN THE TIRE. *SC
Power train, Oct 12, 2005
DT: AFTER THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT FROM A HIGHWAY ON OCTOBER 11, 2005 THE VEHICLE ACTED LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER. IT WOULD SLOW DOWN, AND THEN IT WOULD ONLY GO LESS THAN 10 MPH. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHED. THREE OF THE CHILDREN IN THE CAR SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVEN MONTHS BEFORE SHE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THE COMPUTER SHOWED THE CODE P0733, THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *AK.
Power train, Oct 6, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE THAT EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE VEHICLE REVVED, BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE SECOND GEAR AND DRIVE 10 MILES HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING OR LURCHING BACK AND FORTH ON THE DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WAS PERFORMED AND SUGGESTED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN IT MAY BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS HAPPENED AT 71,000 MILES. THIS WAS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION. THE EXACT SAME THING HAD HAPPENED AT 49, 000 MILES. THE CONSUMER SPLIT THE COST WITH FORD WITH THE FIRST TRANSMISSION. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS NEGOTIATING WITH FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 5, 2005
BRAKE FLUID FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED ON A WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSED MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURES INCLUDING THE ABS SYSTEM, THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE DISPLAY ON THE RADIO. THE SERVICE TECH INDICATED THAT I WAS LUCKY I AVOIDED A FIRE. THIS SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECALL ON THE FORD F-150S THAT IS CAUSING MULTIPLE FIRES. *NM PER DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE VERIFICATION OF THE AIRBAG LAMP, THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO THE POWER FUSE OF THE MODULE/OPEN CIRCUIT FROM ABS INTERNAL CIRCUIT DAMAGE. *SC
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
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 4, 2005
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT LOCKING PROPERLY FOR NEARLY A YEAR. I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE UNDER "RECALLS" THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE MODEL (FORD ESCAPE 2001). I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS NOT FOUND UNDER THE FORD OASIS OF RECALLS. I'M CONCERNED AFTER READING THE INFORMATION, YOU PROVIDED ON YOUR WEBSITE, THAT THIS COULD CAUSE THE LIFTGATE TO OPEN DURING A CRASH. WHY ARE YOU CALLING THIS A "RECALL" WHEN FORD SAYS IT'S NOT A RECALL? I WANT TO GET THIS FIXED BUT BELIEVE FORD SHOULD SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 23, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V602000 I HAVE THIS ABOVE LATCH PROBLEM. FORD IS TELLING ME MY CAR IS NOT ELIGIBLE. VIN # 07/18/2012. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPEDITION XLT IN JULY 2001. WE HAVE ONLY RECEIVED 1 RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH PERTAINED TO THE PCV VALVE. WE HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY OTHER RECALLS BY FORD. WE HAVE CHECKED YAHOO.COM AND CURRENTLY THERE ARE 7 RECALLS. WE ARE WONDERING IF OUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED. THE VIN # IS [XXX]. WE ARE ALSO WONDERING IF THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE AXLES OF 2001 MAKES. A YOUNG MAN WRECKED IN OUR FRONT YARD THE OTHER NIGHT BECAUSE HIS BACK RIGHT AXLE BROKE INTO AND MADE THE BACK RIGHT TIRE COME OFF AND FLY ACROSS OUR YARD. LUCKILY, HE WAS NOT HURT. WE HAVE 3 CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE WITH US AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS OUR OWN. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 21, 2005
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED OCCASIONALLY SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW(NOV 1, 2001). SEAT BELT BUCKLE LATCH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN JAN 03. PROBLEM FIXED. NEXT OCCURRENCE NOV 03. CONNECTIONS CLEANED AND TREATED, PROBLEM FIXED. IN MAY 05 PROBLEM APPEARED AGAIN, WITH THE ADDITION OF INTERMITTENT SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATION. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER. A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED BY FORD TO REPLACE THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE PRE-TENSIONER ON BOTH SEATS. THE TSB WAS NOT COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $695. REPAIR WAS DECLINED. HOWEVER, OWNER WAS CHARGED $75 TO READ THE CODES. OWNER CLEANED AND TREATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS UNDER BOTH SEATS. LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2005
DT: 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL ON LINE, THIS RECALL DID NOT PERTAIN TO THIS VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE DIED, POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT KEEP A IDLING. . THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAVE NOT YET CONTACTED THE CONSUMER. THE PROBLEM STARTED TWO WEEKS AGO, ON AUGUST 30, 2005. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES. *AK