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.
Power train, Apr 29, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILURE RESULTING IN UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE DEVELOPED INTERMITTENT SHUDDER DURING ACCELERATIONS ALONG WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS AND SLIPPING OF FORWARD GEARS. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WHEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC OR UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS SINCE CONDITION WAS UNPREDICTABLE AND VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER'S INPUT. APPEARED TO HAPPEN MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. FAILURE ALSO RESULTED IN NON COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS REGULATIONS SINCE SHIFT LEVER DID NOT CORRESPOND ACCURATELY TO OPERATOR'S INTENDED VEHICLE DRIVING MODE (I.E NO FORWARD MOTION WHEN SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN DRIVE POSITION). MULTIPLE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS EXIST FOR THIS CD4E AUTO TRANSAXLE RELATING TO THIS FAILURE MODE IN FORD SYSTEM AND ALSO ON NHTSA WEBSITE, SO CONDITION IS KNOWN AND IS WIDESPREAD ON MANY VEHICLES. CREATED VERY HAZARDOUS DRIVING SITUATIONS BEFORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE.*AK
Air bags, Apr 25, 2005, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS TURNING IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO SWERVED AROUND THE VEHICLE TRYING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. IN THE PROCESS, IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2005
HISSING NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES. STOPS WHEN I DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND RETURNS UPON TAKING MY FOOT OFF BRAKES. THIS CANNOT BE GOOD. MECHANICS PRETENDED THAT THEY DID NOT HEAR THIS. MUST BE AN EXPENSIVE FIX BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN STONE WALLED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2005
2001 ESCAPE STALLS REPEATEDLY WHEN STARTING AND WHEN IDLING AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT SO FORD DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX. USUALLY ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT YET. THIS IS A 4 CYLINDER MANUAL TRANSMISSION SO IT DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALL.*AK
Tires, Apr 18, 2005
NEW FIRESTONE TIRE IN REGULAR PASSENGER VEHICLE USAGE. FOUR DESTINATION LE TIRES P23570R16 PURCHASED AS REPLACEMENTS OF OEM TIRES. WITHIN 10,000 MILES THE SIDEWALL BUBBLES FORMING TWO LARGE BLISTERS ON ONE TIRE. NO EXTERNAL DAMAGE CAUSED THIS CONDITION. FIRESTONE REPLACED THE TIRE. DEFECT WAS LEFT AT THE FIRESTONE OUTLET.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2005
WHEN PLACING FOOT ONTO THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE. THEN, ONCE IT MOVES IT JUMPS. *AK
Air bags, Apr 6, 2005
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. PROBLEM BEGAN AFTER COMPLETION OF FORD RECALL 04S13.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2005
THE SUV SAT PARKED FOR A 3 DAY PERIOD. HEAVY RAIN STORMS MOVED THROUGH AREA FOR 1 AND 1/2 DAYS OF THAT TIME HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN. AFTER THE 3RD DAY, THE SUV WAS STARTED AT WHICH TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED FOR POWER, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A 'BAD COIL PACK". IT WAS REPLACED AND GIVEN BACK. AFTER 3 DAYS OF DRIVING, THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE "COIL PACK" AND THE WIRING HARNESS. JUST OVER 6 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME SITUATION OCCURED WITH THE VEHICLE. IT SAT FOR 4 DAYS IN WHICH TIME A SEVERE RAIN STORM CAME THROUGH HOWEVER VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN NOR STANDING IN WATER. STARTED THE VEHICLE ON THE 4TH DAY WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULT. VEHICLE IS IN FORD GARAGE AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE COIL PACK WAS DAMAGED DUE TO MOISTURE. THESE FAILURES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND SHOULD BE HAPPENING.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2005
THE BRAKES IN MY CAR COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, LUCKILY, BECAUSE I WAS ON RARELY USED DIRT ROADS. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARARNTY, SO I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER, WHO FIXED OR REPLACED A MAJOR HYDRAULIC COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2005, fire
CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE 3 HOURS AFTER BEING DRIVEN. I BELIEVE FORD IS TRYING TO COVER-UP WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BY FEEDING ME LINES OF BS. INCIDENTALLY, FORD COVERED 90% OF THE COSTS FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Seat belts, Mar 14, 2005
(1) CONDITION WAS PRESENT AT TIME OF PURCHASE (2) PASSENGER SEAT BELT OCCASIONALLY UNLATCHES; BACK SEAT- MIDDLE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DO NOT LATCH. SEAT BELT COVER IS DOWN AND PROHIBITS MECHANISM FROM WORKING.*AK (3) SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2005
(1) THERE WERE NO EVENTS TO LEAD TO FAILURE; (2) THE ENGINE CAM SHAFT SENSOR CONTINUES TO FAIL. THIS WILL BE OUR 5TH TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME SENSOR. EACH TIME, WITHIN 24 HOURS OF IT BEING FIXED THE ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON AGAIN. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $350 ON THE SAME SENSOR. WE HAVE RECEIVED NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE SENSOR CONTINUES TO FAIL. *AK
Power train, Mar 1, 2005
MYSELF AND A FRIEND, DEANE GRIGGS, HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FAIL IN OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. *JB
Power train, Feb 24, 2005
THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING IN REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2005
A STRANGE AIR-LEAKING NOISE HAS BEEN COMING OUT OF THE BRAKE AREA OF MY FORD ESCAPE. THE NOISE STARTED OUT SOMEWHAT QUIET, BUT IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND LOUDER. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE SOUND GETS MUCH QUIETER, ALMOST SILENT, BUT THE HISSING RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE AS SOON AS I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS STARTED AROUND 46,500 MILES, AND NOW I AM AT 48,000. A REPUTABLE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER WAS LEAKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR A CAR THAT IS A 2001 MODEL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I IMAGINE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO WILL BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS VACUUM BOOSTER PROBLEM. *NM
Visibility, Feb 23, 2005
WHILE PARKED, THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED OUT OF THE FRAME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2005
THE THROTTLE ON THE CONSUMER'S 2001 FORD ESCAPE FAILED. *NM *SC *JB
Steering, Feb 11, 2005
THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOOSE. *JB
Visibility, Feb 11, 2005
CONTROL KNOB FOR HEATING/AIR CONDITIONG SWITCH BROKE OFF. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 11, 2005
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. HAD INSPECTED, DETERMINED THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED. CURRENT RECALL BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT INCLUDE 2001 MODELS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2005
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. HAD CAR INSPECTED, DETERMINED BACK HALF OF MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LEVEL TO DROP AND WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. MASTER CYLINDER TO BE REPLACED, REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AND ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2005
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. I PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION AND MY HUSBAND CHECKED TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. WE COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS WRONG AND DROVE HOME. AGAIN THE CAR WAS SHAKING THEN IT STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THEN WE HEARD SOMETHING SNAP AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED IT TURNED OUT THAT WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE VALVE SHEERED FROM THE VALVE STEM AND THE VALVE SHATTERED THE PISTON AND ENDED DENTING THE OIL PAN AND WAS FOUND IN THE OIL PAN. THIS ENDED UP COSTING US $5000. WE CALLED THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2004 AND HE SAID THAT HE WAS WILLING TO HELP US, BUT DECIDED NOT TO STATING IT WOULD BE "BAD BUSINESS" TO REPLACE TO CAR EVEN THOUGH WE HAD PURCHASED IT 8 MONTHS PREVIOUS TO THE INCIDENT. WE THEN HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE A NEW ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE SPEAKING TO A FORD MECHANIC HE STATED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE TO THE ESCAPE. THE DEALER THAT FINALLY ENDED UP WORKING ON THE ESCAPE CALLED FORD AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM BUT FORD STATED THAT THEY HAD HEARD ABOUT THIS BUT THERE WASN'T ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO WARRANT A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT. THE CAR WAS OUT OF COMMISSION FOR 10 DAYS DUE TO THE DEALER MAKING PROMISES AND THEN TAKING THEM BACK. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2005, fire
2001 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER MODEL HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AT MY DEALER LOT ON AUGUST 21 2004. I HAVE JUST INFORMED BY FRIENDS THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE VEHICLES. I DO HAVE A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA THAT HAS RECORDED THE ENTIRE EVENT EARLY IN THE MORNING. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Feb 7, 2005
FORD ESCAPE 2001, WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVEN'T KEPT WINDOWS CLEAR ENOUGH TO SEE DURING RAIN OR SNOW. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS ONLY GETTING 10-12 MILES PER GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO DRIVE WHEN IT WAS WINDY OUTSIDE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT COME BACK UP FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE BRAKES MUST HAVE FROZEN UP. THE BATTERY LOW LIGHT WAS ON. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2005, fire
THE PLASTIC CAP ON THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER LEAKED BREAK FLUID ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. THE INSULATION ON THE HARNESS FAILED AND THE WIRING SHORTED, CAUSING A FIRE. THE BREAK FLUID ACTED AS FUEL FOR THE FIRE. THE BREAKING SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, WAS SERIOUSLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED. *JB