2001 Ford Escape

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,027 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,027

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

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

What owners report most often

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

Recalls and investigations

  1. Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

    If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.

    Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015

    The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

    Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

    Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Structure, frame and membersApr 2, 2014

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.

    A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.

    Campaign 14V165000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Engine and engine coolingJul 26, 2012

    Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

    A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 12V353000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleJan 9, 2012

    FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002, EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE CAP, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.

    CORROSION CAN DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING TO MELTING, SMOKE OR A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP AND THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL BE MODIFIED. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON JANUARY 20, 2012. DUE TO A PARTS DELAY, HOWEVER, THE REMEDY MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE CURRENTLY. IF PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO 07V-156.

    Campaign 12V005000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

    AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 07V156000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007

    CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

    LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

    Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004

    CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

    IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 6, 2004

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.

    SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

    DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 04V165000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyDec 5, 2003

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.

    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

    DEALERS WILL HAVE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVER REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SERVICE BUCKLE COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 03V507000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, linkagesNov 27, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.

    THIS CONDITION WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION, OR OF THE WIPER FUNCTION ON THE DRIVER SIDE ONLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE.

    Campaign 00V387002 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 18, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CONNECTION.

    FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V277001 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Wheels, hubcap/coverSep 12, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR HUBS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 25, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V260001 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Vehicle speed controlAug 9, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD ENTER THOSE UNITS THAT CONTAIN A CRACKED OR MISSING SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTION OF THE SPEED CONTROL.

    IF EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS OCCURS AND THE SPEED CONTROL IS USED, THE SPEED CONTROL COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE, RESULTING IN A STUCK THROTTLE. A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLES. VEHICLES WITH SPEED CONTROL CABLES FROM CAVITIES 3 AND 4 WILL HAVE THE CABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO REPLACED.

    Campaign 00V210001 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Steering, steering wheel/handle barAug 8, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHEN THE NUT IS TIGHTENED. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DURING MANUFACTURE RESULTING IN THE NUT FRACTURING WHEN IT IS TIGHTENED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

    EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMING LOOSE OR SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL RETENTION ARMATURE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.

    Campaign 00V223001 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

1,027 reports, newest first.

  1. Equipment, Mar 30, 2002

    FOUL ODOR COMING FROM AIRCONDITIONING VENTS. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THE FIRST TIME, AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A MOISTURE BUILD UP IN THE AIRCONDITIONING VENTS AND ALL THEY COULD DO WAS DISENFECT THE AIRCONDITIONING VENTS WITH A SPRAY. I TOOK IT BACK A SECOND TIME AND THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM.*AK

  2. Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 28, 2002

    I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A FORD REP. FOR A NEW CAR, TOO MANY THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP HAVE THE WINDOW AND ABS BRAKES FIXED. EVERY TIME IT'S SOMEHTING NEW! NLM

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND ALL INTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT BEGIN TO FLASH, THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NLM

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2002

    ESCAPE WAS IN 4 TIMES FOR GAS SMELL-COULD NOT DUPLICATE. FINALLY REPAIRED BUT SMELL IS COMING BACK. TRUCK HAS NOT STARTED REPEATEDLY-BEEN IN TO DEALER-CAN NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. ENGINE STALLED.*AK

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 22, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASS TURNPIKE I TRIED TO APPLY MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, I BROUGHT THE M/V TO THE LOCAL DEALER BECAUSE WHERE I BOUGHT IT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART AND SAID IT WOULD TAKE THREE TO SIX DAYS JUST TO GET THE PART. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH FORD AND THE FACT THE SAY THE BUILD TO LAST. IT HAS NOT. *AK

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2002

    CAR WOULD NOT START IN OCTOBER 2001. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 50 MPH. LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITIES.*AK

  7. Power train, Mar 19, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF GEAR IN A DOWNWARD POSITION, AND BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING. IF SHIFTING VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE THERE IS A NOISE UNDERNEATH THE PEDAL. *AK

  8. Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 19, 2002

    WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER NOTED THAT THE REASON WAS FUEL PUMP BEING LOCATED IN REAR OF VEHICLE. *AK

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2002

    ISSUE OF ENGINE STALLING HAS HAPPENED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. INDICATIONS ARE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, GAS, AND BREAKS. NO SOUNDS TO INDICATE FAILER. CHECK ENGINE, OIL, AND BATTERY LIGHTS COME ON. WHEN VEHICLE HOOD IS LIFTED ONE CAN HEAR AN AUDIBLE SOUND OF ELECTRIC CURRENT. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN VEHICLE STARTS PROMPTLY. SITUATION OCCURS WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATLY 35 - 45 MPH. FOR ME THEY HAVE ALL BEEN DAMP OR RAINY DAYS.*AK

  10. Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2002

    MY ESCAPE STALLED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. MY SPEED WAS 40 MPH OR LESS. THERE IS THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND ALL POWER IS LOST.IT STARTS UP WITH NO PROBLEM.*AK

  11. Interior lighting, Mar 15, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL GO OFF WITHOUT APRIOR WARNING, HAD CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

  12. Tires, Mar 15, 2002

    WHILE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER GENERAL TIRE ,SIZE#P22575R15, SUDDENLY BLEWOUT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, DEALER REPLACED TIRE AT NO COST. *AK *YD

  13. Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2002

    WHILE TRAVELING UP AN INCLINE AT 55MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. CONSUMER PRESSED GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRUCK. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

  14. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2002

    CAR ELECTRICAL, STEERING AND BRAKES CUT OFF DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH ON CURVY ROAD. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR USED 2 DAYS AGO. FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. NOW THAT IVE LOOKED AT THIS SITE, SEEMS MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. GOING TO DEALER TOMMOROW. WE LIKE THE CAR, BUT WE'RE AFRAID WE HAVE OURSELVES A LEMON. I HOPE THE DEALER/FORD WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2002

    ENGINE STALLED ON JULY3, 2001 WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WITHOUT WARNING AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 10 TIMES UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. RETURNED VEHICLE 6 TIMES FOR SERVICE BUT NO FIX IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. MOST RECENT ENGINE FAILURE ON 2/27/02. CONTACTED FORD MOTER COMPANY AND FILED A GRIEVANCE. TRYING TO GET MONEY BACK BUT THE PROCESS IS LONG AND DIFICULT. FORD NOT BEING VERY COOPERATIVE. *AK

  16. Tires, Mar 5, 2002

    FRONT TIRES WEAR IS EXCESSIVE CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. TIRES ARE DOWN TO 5/32 OF INCH AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH ONLY ONE OWNER. I HAVE DONE ALL OF THE TIRE ROTATIONS AS DIRECTED BY THE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R15)

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2002

    WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR, IT DID NOT GET GAS AND VEHICLE STALLED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO REPLACED RELAY SWITCH AND IAC MOTOR. *AK THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AFTER THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OR MONEY BACK EQUIVALENT TO THE PURCHASE PRICE. *YH

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2002

    AUTOMOBILE STALLS, AND ALL POWER IS LOST, CONSUMER HAS TO PUT AUTOMOBILE IN PARK AND RESTART IT BEFORE IT GOES. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER TWICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*JB

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2002

    WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE STALLS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. ALL STEERING AND BRAKING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. AFTER CAR WAS PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD, AN ATTEMPT TO START WAS MADE AND IT SEEMED NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 450 MILES AFTER PURCHASE. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND HAD NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAS JUST HAPPENED AT ABOUT 11500 MILES (ABOUT 11 MONTHS OLD). THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE THE SAME - 35MPH, ALL STERRING AND BRAKING IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AGAIN AND SERVICE IS SCHEDULED. BOTH OCCURRENCES HAVE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE STALL. THE SITUATION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *AK

  20. Electrical system, Feb 26, 2002

    THIS CAR WILL START BY ITSELF. WITH THE KEY IN IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION, AND NO ONE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, STARTS ITSELF.*AK

  21. Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 25, 2002

    I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH, AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, I HAD NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, ALMOST WRECKED MY TRUCK WITH MY SMALLCHILD IN THE CAR, HAD TO PULL EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET TRUCK STOPPED, I FEAR FOR MY LIFE NOW, DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD RELAY SYSTEM

  22. Electrical system, Interior lighting, Feb 16, 2002

    THE OVERHEAD MAP LIGHTS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR IS OPENED. THE CENTER AND BACK DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND THEN FADE, HOWEVER, THERE ISN'T ENOUGH LIGHT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO SEE TO PUT THE KEY IN WITHOUT MANUALLY TURNING ON THE MAP LIGHT. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAVE THE SAME YEAR MODEL, AND THEIR MAP LIGHTS COME UP. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER, HE SAID A CHANGE IN WIRING WAS MADE TO THEIR VEHICLES AND WOULD GLADLY CHARGE ME $300 TO FIX MINE. I LIVE IN ALASKA WHERE 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR IT'S DARK AND I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HARZARD IN GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HAVING ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO SEE TO PUT THE KEY IN. WE'VE TALKED TO THE SEVICE MANAGER AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING FOR US. THEY HAVE APOLOGIZED FOR WASTING MY TIME, AND LEAVING ME SIT IN THEIR WAITING AREA FOR 8 HOURS AND THEN ANNOUNCING THEY "FORGOT" ABOUT ME. WHEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE AN ADDTIONAL 3 1/2 HOURS TO FIX, AND COST ME $300, THERE WASN'T ENOUGH TIME LEFT IN THE DAY TO COMPLETE THE JOB IF I CHOSE TO SPEND THE MONEY AND WOULD HAVE HAD TO COME BACK AT ANOTHER TIME. I FEEL THIS IS A TRUE SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I CAN'T SEE TO PUT THE KEY IN AND START THE VEHICLE UP.*AK

  23. Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN IT RELEASES VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 2 DEALERSHIPS, BOTH DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK *YD

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Feb 15, 2002, crash

    WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO CONSUMERS VEHICLE FROM RIGHT FRONT. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ABS ALSO FAILED. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED, CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP, THE DASHBOARD PULLED AWAY FROM THE WINDSHIELD. *SLC

  25. Electrical system, Feb 11, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING 35MPH ACCELERATOR STARTED DECELERATING WITHOUT WARNING. LOST ALL POWER DUE TO MEMORY IN COMPUTER GOING OUT.DEALER REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER.*AK