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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A TOWN STREET, WE HEARD A POP ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN SECONDS STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, A STRONG VIBRATION AND LOUD REVING SOUND PERSISTED. THINKING WE HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT SAT FOR THREE DAYS. THEY INSISTED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND INSISTED THEY LOOK HARDER AND THEY FOUND THE MOTOR MOUNT HAD BROKEN. WHILE IT IS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, IT IS OUR THIRD DEFECT IN A VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED FOR A SHORT TIME.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2003
2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS REPEATEDLY STALLED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 33,000 MILES; HOWEVER, I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS EARLY ON. CAR HAS STRANDED ME SEVERAL TIMES. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN SEVERAL TIMES AND DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG IT. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION, FUEL HOSES, SENSOR, COMPUTER, ETC. AND CAR STILL STALLS. THIS WEEK IT HAD TO BE TOWED FROM MY GARAGE TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. DEALERSHIP AGAIN COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AS WHEN IT STALLS EVERYTHING LOCKS UP AND I HAVE HAD A COUPLE NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS TRYING TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE AN INFANT AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Mar 26, 2003
I PURCHASED 2001 USED VEHICLE FROM HERTZ CAR SALES WITH 27,000+ MILES. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED SECOND WEEK WE HAD VEHICLE. ALSO REALIZED THAT AC/HEATING SYSTEM HAD "WHISTLE" WHICH COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. MAJOR PROBLEM HAS VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, LOSING ALL POWER, BRAKES, ETC. FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. FORD DEALER HAS WORKED ON PROBLEM, REPLACING TRANSMISSION, FIXING AC/HEAT SYSTEM AND ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE "STALLING" PROBLEM. THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN REPAIRED, HOWEVER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY. CAR AT FORD DEALER ONCE AGAIN. IT IS STRANGE TO ME THAT THEY DO NOT COMMENT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED NOT ONCE BUT MANY HUNDRED TIMES! I DEFINITELY FEEL THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE STALLING AND BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL. AS WE DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN ROADS, THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FORD HAS CERTAINLY LOST MY FUTURE BUSINESS BY NOT FACING THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MUST THERE BE FATALITIES BEFORE THEY ACT? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2003
2001 ESCAPE STALLING - I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ESCAPE JUST STOPS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC OR WHEN I AM TURNING. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND I HAVE BEEN LUCKY SINCE IT HAPPENED ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE IN 4 FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT FORD ABOUT IT TO SEE IF THEY HAD A RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN AND THEY LEFT A VOICE MAIL WITH NO TELEPHONE NUMBER. NOW THEY HAVE UNANSWERED 3 ADDITIONAL EMAILS. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAYS HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT ESCAPE STALLING EVEN THOUGH IT IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WHERE THEY SAY THE DEALERS CAN NOT FIX IT. MY DEALER IS JUST MAKING GUESSES. THIS IS WHY I WANTED AT LEAST A SERVICE BULLETIN SO I DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH A GUESSING GAME WITH MY DEALER. I AM VERY SCARED OF MY ESCAPE NOW ESPECIALLY IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2003
THIRD TIME IN 2 YEARS SUV HAS LOST POWER DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES NEARLY CAUSED MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS OF I-95. CALLED DEALER, WAS TOLD OTHER COMPLAINTS EXIST, FORD IS AWARE OF COMPLAINT, BUT UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *JB
Seat belts, Mar 14, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO SUFFER INJURIES TO THE FACE.*JB
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2003
2001 FORD ESCAPE STALLED WHILE COASTING DOWN HILL AT 35 MPH. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT, I WAS ABLE TO STEER A "DEAD" CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY FORD ESCAPE OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM SINCE 2000, BUT TOOK 18 MONTHS TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ON BOARD COMPUTER. FORD HAS NOT RECALLED NOR DO THEY COVER THIS REPAIR UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2003
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TODAY. WENT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED. WAS SET AT 65 MPH, SPEEDOMETER SHOWED RAPID DECELERATION EVEN THOUGH CRUISE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ENGAGED. HAD TO DISENGAGE AND MANUALLY CONTROL SPEED. FOUND 5 OTHER POSTS ON YAHOO INTERNET SITE FOR ESCAPE OWNERS. SAME PROBLEM. LIGHT ON, NO CRUISE. *JB
Air bags, Mar 12, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*JB
Power train, Mar 12, 2003
THE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY BENT AT 20,000 MILES AND WAS REPAIRED. THE BRACKET FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER INITIAL FAILURE. AS A RESULT THE BRAKE PEDAL TO LOCK UP, THE CLUTCH SLIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BROKE AND THE CLUTCH BLEW OUT. *JB *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2003
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS STALLED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF WHEN DECELERATING TO A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. ENGINE CUTS OUT AND POWER STEERING IS LOST.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2003
CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING. HAS HAPPENED SIX TIMES.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH APPROX. 54,000 MILES. NEAR THE END OF MY 45 MINUTE MORNING COMMUTE, AS I WAS SLOWING TO GO THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITIES. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED - THE FIRST WAS SHORTLY AFTER I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR (IN EARLY 2002). I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED, BUT I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS 'FALSE' WARNING LIGHTS THAT THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPRODUCE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO ABRUPTLY PULL OVER.*JB
Power train, Feb 3, 2003
I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2001 FORD ESCAPE V6 ON DEC 13TH 2002. ON 1 FEB 2003, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL, THE CAR'S ENGINE STALLED COMPLETELY. WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY, DUE TO LOSS OF ALL POWER, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE IT ENTERED THE INTERSECTION ON A RED LIGHT. I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT DID START UP AGAIN. I CALLED THE WESTLAND FORD SERVICE DEPT. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING. I ASKED IF THEY COULD PUT IT THROUGH A DIAGNOSTICS CHECK AND FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG. THEY SAID UNLESS IT'S HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR IS THERE THEY PROBABLY WOULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING. THEY AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD SUBMIT MY COMPLAINT TO ENGINEERING... SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT THEY SOLD THIS CAR TO ME KNOWING THAT IT HAD A PROBLEM. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE? HELP!
Steering, Jan 30, 2003
THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. SCC
Tires, Jan 24, 2003
SINCE PURCHASE, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE TIRES TRACTION ISN'T RELIABLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE FIELD ENGINEER BOTH AGREE THAT THIS IS MERELY A "HANDLING CHARACTERISTIC". *JG
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Jan 23, 2003
VEHICLE ENGINE REVS/SEARCHES/HUNTS, WHILE DRIVING STEADY AND MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED ON A LEVEL ROAD, GOING DOWN OR UP A HILL AND THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT BEING PLAYED WITH. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE HANDLING SEEMS TO LOSE THE POWER ASSIST - TURNING ALL OF THE SUDDEN REQUIRES MORE MUSCLE EFFORT - AND HANDLING GETS VERY STIFF. SUV HAS STALLED 5 TIMES ALREADY AND DEALER STILL UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME - I LOST THE STEERING, THE BRAKES, THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. ESCAPE IS A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SUV - UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL STALL OR WHEN IT WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE (I DON'T DARE USE THE CRUISE CONTROL).
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2003
NAR 02/13/2003. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT TO DRIVE FROM OVER DRIVE, THE VENTS AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED TO FROST. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE RELAY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GAS MILEAGE WAS POOR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2003
IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS - GOING DOWNHILL AT 35MPH VEHICLE STALLED, LOSS OF PS/PB, HEADLIGHTS/RADIO REMAINED ON, ENGINE/OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED - VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM, INDICATED THAT VEHICLE "STARTED RIGHT UP" - 1 WK LATER, VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, SAME AS BEFORE, THIS TIME SHUT OFF VEHICLE COMPLETELY AND VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN - TODAY SEATBELT LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND BELLS WERE RINGING THOUGH DRIVER WAS SEATBELTED. VEHICLE DID NOT STALL DURING THIS EPISODE. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WILL PUT VEHICLE UP FOR SALE.
Parking brake, Jan 17, 2003
PREMATURE FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON 2001, 2002 FORD ESCAPE/MAZDA TRIBUTE SUV'S. EVIDENTLY THE ROTORS ARE INSUFFICIENTLY HARDENED AND WEAR VERY RAPIDLY, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AT 35,000 MILE INTERVALS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE PADS WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ROTORS. ROTOR FAILURE COULD RESULT BECAUSE OF TOO MUCH ROTOR MATERIAL BEING WORN AWAY. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 10, 2003
NAR 1/29/2003. THE CONSUMER HAD A HITCH ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHICH HAS STALLED 3 TIMES. *JB