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. Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2015

    CRASH

  2. Structure, Jan 20, 2015

    VEHICLE HAD A RECENT RECALL 14S02. FORD INSTALLED A BRACKET TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE WHOLE CAR IS CORRODED. I RECENTLY HAD AN INSPECTION DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION AS THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REAR CONTROL ARMS. SO, I TOOK IT TO A FRAME SHOP TO LEARN THAT MY CAR SHOULD BE CONDEMNED. THAT THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF REPAIR THAT WILL FIX THIS. THAT IT IS BEYOND REPAIR AT THIS POINT AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT. I WAS TOLD THAT PER THE RECENT RECALLS FOR CORROSION THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED. IT IS A DEFINITE DEFECT AND BASED ON THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THEY SUGGESTED THAT SOMETHING MORE COMPLEX IS WRONG HERE. EVEN THE WORK PERFORMED BY FORD ISN'T GOING TO HOLD UP BECAUSE IT'S TOO BADLY RUSTED AND THERE'S NOTHING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER. *TR

  3. Air bags, Jan 8, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,230.

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED OR SNOWED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STUTTER AND FAIL TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

  5. Visibility, Dec 23, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS AND FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SUN ROOF GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

  6. Exterior lighting, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Nov 19, 2014, crash

    MY SON WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN A BIG DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. HE JAMMED ON HIS BRAKES SKIDDING BUT STILL HIT THE DEER TOTALING THE CAR. NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS CAME OUT. HE WENT FORWARD HITTING HIS UPPER BODY AND FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. HE HAD HIS SEAT BELT ON. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE ACCIDENT. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY FRIENDS. HE TURNED BLACK AND BLUE AND STILL IS HURTING. THE CAR WAS JUST INSPECTED THE END OF OCTOBER. I FEEL FORD AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT WORKING CAUSING INJURY. I'M WITHOUT A CAR...UPDATED 12/04/14*BF UPDATED 06/2/2015 *JS

  7. Air bags, Nov 16, 2014, crash

    GOING DOWN ROUTE. 226 WHEN A BIG BUCK RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE FORD ESCAPE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE NYS TROOPERS CAME TO THE ACCIDENT. HAD TO TAKE MY SON TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF HITTING HIS UPPER BODY AND FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO OPEN. MY BACK AND NECK IS SORE.

  8. Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 15, 2014

    GOING APPROX. 25 MPH, SLOWING TO A STOP SIGN. APPLIED BRAKES AND PASSENGER TIRE MADE NOISE AND U JOINT BUSTED. RIM//TIRE WAS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY. RUST IS VISIBLE. I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS RELATED TO FORD RECALL OF ESCAPE SUVS DUE TO RUST THAT COULD CAUSE THE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE.THE RECALL COVERS VEHICLES SOLD IN STATES WHERE HIGH CORROSION IS LIKELY TO OCCUR. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN BRADLEY, IL. WHAT DO I DO?? *TR

  9. Service brakes, Oct 10, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

  10. Service brakes, Sep 21, 2014

    I WAS IN MY CAR WHICH IS A STICK SHIFT, SO I NATURALLY DON'T HAVE BRAKES PREVENTING ME FROM ROLLING ON A HILL. I DROVE UP MY DRIVE WAY HILL AT THE TOP I REALIZED I HAD NO BRAKES BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD I HAD NO BRAKE FLUID, NO PRESSURE ON MY BRAKES, AND MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. I BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY 9/20/2014 AND BY THE TIME I WOKE UP ON 9/21 I HAD NO BRAKES AND WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE ROAD. *TR

  11. Steering, Suspension, Sep 9, 2014

    NHTSA 14V165/ FORD 14S02- BROUGHT 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO FORD DEALER WITH STEERING FAILURE DUE TO FAILURE OF LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION AT SUB FRAME. CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. WAS TOLD THAT RECALL COVERED BRACKET TO SECURE CONTROL ARM IN CASE OF STEERING FAILURE. STEERING HAD ALREADY FAILED. WAS TOLD SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY WAS ROTTED & SEPARATED. I HAVE PHOTOS. FORD DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE SUB FRAME UNDER RECALL PROTOCOL BUT WAS PREVENTED BY FORD REPS FROM DOING SO BECAUSE THE SEPARATION WAS NOT EXCESSIVE ENOUGH TO MEET CRITERIA. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS OFF ON SEPARATION, THE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMING OFF, BUT THAT WASN'T ENOUGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRACKET PLACEMENT UNDER RECALL WAS THE REMEDY TO PREVENT STEERING FAILURE. BUT THIS IS AFTER THE FACT, THE STEERING AND CONTROL ARM HAD ALREADY FAILED AND WERE UNSUSTAINABLE BECAUSE THE BRACKET AT THIS TIME COULDN'T HELP. THE RECALL I WAS TOLD WAS TO PREVENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING IF PARTS FAILED AND NOT TO REPLACE SUB FRAME. SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS(LEFT & RIGHT) WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE SO THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO JUNK CAR. CAR WAS AT DEALERSHIP TEN DAYS, NO LOANER CAR OR RENTAL WAS REQUESTED, BUT NOT OFFERED EITHER. MULTIPLE CALLS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY YIELDED NO RESULTS, THEY APPROVED THE DEALERSHIP TO APPEAL THE DECISION TO NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL DEPARTMENT BUT I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE THEY DENY A REPAIR , THEY NEVER RESCIND A DECISION. MY ISSUE IS, WHAT ARE WE DOING? BLOGS ON SAME ISSUE SHOW NUMEROUS REFUSALS TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THESE ARE SPECIFIC VEHICLES IN SPECIFIC AREAS THAT THEY KNEW OF THE SITUATIONS AND FAILURES, IT IS NOT ISOLATED. I'D LIKE TO GET SOME COMPENSATION TOWARDS THE COST OF THIS VERY PRICEY REPAIR. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS FOR OTHERS WITH SAME CRITICAL SITUATION. *TR

  12. Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 2, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V602000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR LATCHES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND FILED CASE NUMBER: CAS-5153286. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

  13. Suspension, Aug 27, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V165000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2014, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND FAILED TO SLOW DOWN, EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS REAR END CRASHED INTO A TREE. A FOUR YEAR OLD PASSENGER SEATED IN THE REAR WAS FATALLY INJURED DUE TO THE MASSIVE IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND SUFFERED A MINOR CONCUSSION. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A SPINAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A POLICE FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THREE RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALLS AND EXPERIENCED THE CONSEQUENCES MENTIONED IN EACH RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  15. Electrical system, Aug 6, 2014, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS LATER THE DRIVER CAME OUTSIDE TO DISCOVER FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE FIRE MARSHAL EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

  16. Visibility, Jul 31, 2014

    SITTING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND REAR GLASS SHATTERED INTO CAR. *TR

  17. Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 24, 2014

    HERE RECENTLY I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCURRENCES OF MY 2001 ESCAPE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. ON 2 OCCASIONS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, SLIGHTLY UPHILL AND WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF LOSING ALL POWER AND STEERING AND I HAD TO "STAND" ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. A FEW OTHER TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TURNING A CORNER AS WELL AS GOING THROUGH A STOP LIGHT TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT, NOT GOING FAST AT ALL. PRETTY SCARY STUFF. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM STARTING IT BACK UP AFTER THE OCCURRENCES, HOWEVER IT KEEPS HAPPENING. *TR

  18. Steering, Structure, Wheels, Jul 11, 2014

    WHILE DRIVING, MAINLY ON THE INTERSTATE MAINTAINED SPEED OF 70MPH I FEEL THE STEERING GO VERY LIMP. IT'S BEEN MUCH LIKE HYDROPLANING. LIKE THERE IS AIR BETWEEN MY TIRES AND THE ROAD. IT LASTS JUST A FEW SECONDS. I NOTICE THE STEERING COLUMN IS RUSTED. THE TRUCK SWERVES IN THE LANE AND OFTEN GOING OVER LINE. THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR

  19. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jul 6, 2014

    ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE MY DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR I PUT CHILD SAFETY ON WORKED FINE NEXT DAY WENT TO OPEN DOOR AND WOULD NOT OPEN SO WE TOOK DOOR PANEL OFF TRIED DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE EVEN SPRAYED WITH WD40 DID NOT WORK WE THINK IT THE LOCK MECHANISM IN BETWEEN DOOR AND BODY.MY NAME IS [XXX] HOW DO I GO ABOUT FIXING THIS I HAVE 2 YOUNG CHILDREN I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USES ALL THE DOORS MY CONTACT NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

  20. Engine, Jun 17, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  21. Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 16, 2014

    WE WERE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AND ONTO A STRAIGHT PART OF THE ROAD ABOUT 40-43 MPH AND THE ENGINE JUST CUT OFF. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. THE STEERING AND BRAKES HAD NO POWER. WE TRIED STARTING THE ENGINE AND IT CRANKED BUT ACTED LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ANY FUEL (THERE WAS HALF A TANK). WE LEFT TO GET A RIDE AND WHEN WE RETURNED TO TOW THE CAR IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND HAS BEEN DRIVING FINE SINCE. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW BECAUSE IF WE HAD BEEN IN TRAFFIC WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

  22. Structure, Jun 6, 2014

    I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD ESCAPE FROM COMMONWEALTH MOTORS IN RICHMOND, VA. AFTER PURCHASE THE DEALERSHIP WAS TO INSPECT AN ISSUE WITH THE REVERSE LIGHTS AS THEY WOULDN'T GO OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK I NOTICED A PIECE OF RUSTED METAL FELL FROM AROUND THE DOOR PANEL. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH & DISCOVERED MASSIVE CORROSION & RUSTED CROSSBARS, FRAMES, GAS TANK, SHOCKS, ETC. EVERYTHING UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. SO, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE RUNS SO I SHOULD BE HAPPY. WELL, I FELT MY SAFETY WAS IN QUESTION SO I BEGAN SOME RESEARCH. WHAT I LEARNED WAS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED FROM "CARMAX" AS THE OWNER STATED, BUT THAT IT WAS PURCHASED FROM "CARMAX AUCTION". SO I CONTACTED THEM AND LUCKILY GOT A COPY OF THE BILL OF SALE. TO MY DISBELIEF THE BILL OF SALE STATES THIS VEHICLE HAS FRAME DAMAGE. SO I EQUIPPED WITH THIS BILL OF SALE, MET WITH THE OWNER AGAIN. HE SAID THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE A FRAME, THUS THIS WAS AN ERROR. HE WOULD NOT AGREE TO REASON AND TOLD ME I PURCHASED IT "AS IS". AS THE DAYS WENT ON MORE AND MORE BEGAN TO FALL APART. LESS THAN 60 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED BECAUSE THE BRACE WAS RUSTED AWAY CAUSING THE COMPONENTS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION TO CRACK SO I HAD TO GET IT REPLACED/REBUILT. MECHANIC SAYS THE TRANSMISSION WAS HANGING DOWN & AMAZED IT HADN'T FALLEN OUT. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD HE HAD TO WELD A NEW BRACE TO HOLD THE NEW TRANSMISSION BUT IT IS WELDED TO THE FRONT BUMPER BAR BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE WILL SUPPORT ITS WEIGHT. THE SUBFRAME CRADLE CRACKED 2 DAYS BEFORE RECALL 14S02. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE SO I HAD TO GET IT FIXED. IS IT POSSIBLE OTHER PARTS ARE BUILT WITH THE SAME MATERIAL AS THE SUBFRAME? MY CAR IS LIKE A CAVITY THAT WAS LEFT UNTREATED. IT WAS PURCHASED IN OHIO WHERE IT RESIDED FOR YEARS. I FEEL LOST. I HAVE BEFORE AND AFTER PICS. *TR

  23. Steering, May 28, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. AFTER THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  24. Steering, Suspension, Structure, May 7, 2014

    AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE STREET I BEGAN LOOSING CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FACING A 90 DEGREE RIGHT ANGLE AS I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT AND EVERY TIME I WOULD HIT A BUMP THE CAR WOULD JUMP TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD A LOT OF PLAY WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR STRAIGHT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE OR SAFE DUE TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME WHICH HAS TO DUE WITH RECALL # 14S02. IS THE SUBFRAME BEING REPLACED AT SOME POINT? THEY PUT A CROSSBRACE ON THE VEHICLE BUT IT IS STILL BEING DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

  25. Engine, May 5, 2014

    STUTTERING AND STALLING. *TR