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, Jan 11, 2001
THE SHIFT LEVER WHEN PLACED IN THE "D" DRIVE POSITION DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE. ADDITIONALLY THE SHIFT LEVEL EXTENDS 3-4" INTO THE RADIO AND CONTROL PANEL FOR OTHER INSTRUMENTS LIKE REAR DEFOGGER AND PARKING LIGHT SWITHCH. IF SHIFTER IS BUMPED WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE RADIO OR TO PLAY A CD OR CASSETTE, THE SHIFTER EASILY GETS KNOCKED OUT OF POSITION. I HAVE REPOTED THIS TO MY DEALER, THEY CHECKED OTHER ESCAPES ON THE LOT. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I EMAILED FORD DIRECTLY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY HAVE NOT AS YET RESPONDED. I BELIVE THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF NOT FIXED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 10, 2001
DISTINCT GASOLINE FUEL SMELL IN CAR UPON SHORT STOP-OVERS, VERY CONSISTENT. FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHEN RESTARTED
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 10, 2001
FUEL SMELL AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE IS WARM. FUEL ODOR VERY STRONG! THIS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE A PROBLEM ON NUMEROUS ESCAPES AND TRIBUTES, AS SEEN ON THE YAHOO FORDESCAPECLUB AND IN THE EDMUNDS.COM DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THE FORD ESCAPE. IF I TURN THE VENT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SMELL GOES AWAY. NOTE THAT MY DEALERSHIP AND SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE CLAIMED NOT TO BE ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE, BUT SEVERAL PEOPLE ON THE FORDESCAPECLUB SITE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TIGHTEN THE BOLTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD (AS FACING ENGINE) TO LIMIT THE SMELL. MY DEALER EVENTUALLY REPORTED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A "WEEPING" INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I AM CONCERNED THAT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE FUEL SEEPING FROM THE GASKET COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2001
VEHICLE LOST ELECTICAL POWER, INCLUDING IGNITION WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE PASSING LANE OR IN A TUNNEL UPCOMING IN 35 MILES, THE ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS AND VERY LIKELY CATASTROPHIC. VEHICLE WAS TOWED 100 MILES TO GIBBONS FORD. IT REMAINS THERE AS OF 9 JAN 01.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Jan 8, 2001
CABIN FILLS WITH SMELL OF RAW FUEL WHEN CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON ..ALSO SMELL OF RAW FUEL UNDER HOOD . MFG INSPECTED VEHICLE AND DOES NOT KNOW WHERE PROBLEM ORIGINATES.VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF SERVICE 36 DAYS WHILE ENGINEERING LOOKS FOR SOLUTION TO PROBLEM .VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED WITH NO RESOLUTION TO DATE .
Equipment, Jan 7, 2001
FUEL SMELL INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS
Seat belts, Jan 4, 2001
PLEASE FORCE FORD MOTOR CO. TO PROVIDE A SEAT BELT EXTENDER FOR THIS VEHICLE. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Steering, Dec 27, 2000, fire
WHILE TRAVELING AND ARRIVING AT DESTINATION SAW SMOKE COMING UNDER HOOD. OPENED HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. PUT FIRE OUT. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT POWER STEERING PUMP CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
Power train, Dec 26, 2000
GEAR SHIFTER WILL NOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY. WHEN MOVING HAND, GEARS WILL CHANGE WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE GEAR SHIFTER HANDLE GETS STUCK HALF-WAY DOWN WHEN CHANGING GEARS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. *YH
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 26, 2000
FUEL SMELL COMING FROM A/C VENTS AFTER WARM ENGINE RESTART. SUSPECT INTAKE MANIFOLD NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 25, 2000
GAS ODOR IN INTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF VEHCILE AFTER ENGINE IS SHUT DOWN. GAS SMELL IS EVIDENT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE
Wheels, Dec 19, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH ICE DEVELOPING ON FRONT WHEELS WHICH CAUSES SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Steering, Dec 14, 2000
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT AND WAS HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. NLM
Power train, Dec 10, 2000
CABLE CAME OFF CLUTCH PEDAL UNDER THE DASH. PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO FLOOR AND WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT CARE. CABLE WAS REPLACED BY VEHICLE OWNER, BUT FAILED TO STAY ON 2 MORE TIMES.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 7, 2000
SMELL OF GAS ENTERS CABIN THROUGH VENTS ON WARM RESTARTS AND IN IDLING FOR LENGTHY PERIODS AS WELL AS STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 6, 2000
FUEL SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE WHEN STARTING ENGINE. *AK
Visibility, Dec 6, 2000
SINCE DRIVING VEHICLE OFF LOT, I'VE NOTICE A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE UNDERHOOD AREA INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN THROUGH THE HEATING/COOLING VENTS. THIS REGULARLY OCCURS DURING WARM RESTARTS AND WHEN IDLING IN TRAFFIC WITH A WARM ENGINE. ODOR IS MORE NOTICABLE WITH DASH VENTS BLOWING. FUEL LINE RECALL WAS ACTED UPON BUT DIDN'T PROVIDE SOLUTION.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 6, 2000
LIGHT GAS OR OIL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WITH HOT ENGINE (NOT ON COLD START)
Visibility, Dec 4, 2000
THERE IS A GASOLINE ODOR THAT COMES THROUGH THE HVAC SYSTEM DURING A WARM RE-START; NEVER ON COLD START. OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A BEARING ON THE ODOR. THE GASOLINE ODOR IS NOT APPARENT WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES. THE ODOR SEEMS STRONGEST ON THE RIGHT HAND (PASSENGER) SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*AK
Visibility, Dec 3, 2000
WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NAMED IN THIS COMPLAINT IN OCT. 2000 AND WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE PURCHASE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE WE EXPERIENCED GASOLINE FUMES (NOT EXHAUST) COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS WITH EITHER HEAT/AIR OR A/C ON. THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK AND SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT, THOUGH SERVICE PEOPLE SMELLED THE GAS FUME SMELL. WE RETURNED THE CAR A SECOND TIME AS THE SMELL WAS GETTING STRONGER. IT OCCURS ON WARM STARTS, NEVER WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED UP COLD. THE FUME SMELL IS APPARENT FOR 5-10 MINUTES, AND THINS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND AIR IS COMING IN. THE SECOND TIME THE DEALER HAD THE CAR THEY KEPT IT A WEEK AND COULD NOT FIX IT. THEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER. TEN DAYS LATER WE TOOK OWNERSHIP OF ANOTHER VEHICLE EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE. FORTY-EIGHT HOURS INTO DRIVING IT THE GAS SMELL WAS NOTICEABLE AGAIN. WE NOTIFIED THE DEALER WHO SAID THAT FORD HAS NO FIX FOR IT. THE DEALER HAD NO COMMENT OR IDEA ON WHEN/IF/HOW THIS WOULD BE RESOLVED. WE WENT OUT TO THE INTERNET AND IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS, EDMUNDS.COM AND YAHOO ESCAPE CLUB AMONG OTHERS, WE FOUND TESTIMONIAL AFTER TESTIMONIAL OF CUSTOMERS OWNING THE V-6 ESCAPE, AND THE MIRROR CAR, THE MAZDA TRIBUTE, HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT AN ISOLATED EXCEPTION WITH OUR VEHICLE. ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED HIS CAR BURNING TO THE GROUND WITH 800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WE WANT TO ALERT YOU TO THIS PROBLEM AND THE FACT THAT FORD/MAZDA ARE BEING TOTALLY UNCOMMUNICATIVE TO THE CUSTOMER ABOUT THIS SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR IS EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE. OUR DEALER HAS NO INFORMATION ON A FIX AND HAS NOT OFFERED TO TAKE THIS CAR BACK. WE INTEND TO MEET WITH THEM AGAIN, BUT IF THEY FOLLOW THE SAME SUIT AS MOST OF THE DEALERS THAT OTHER TROUBLED ESCAPE CUSTOMERS HAVE APPROACHED, IT WILL BE A PROBLEM. *AK
Steering, Dec 2, 2000
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD GET STUCK IN RIGHT TURNS WHEN TURNING RIGHT. WHEN TURNING LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT FULLY TURN UNLESS FORCED INTO THE NEEDED RANGE. FINALLY STEERING WHEEL GOT STUCK IN A RIGHT TURN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. LESS THAN 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP AND LESS THAN ME DRIVING 15 MILES.*AK
Visibility, Nov 30, 2000
FUEL VAPORS ENTERING PASSENGER COMPARTMENT VIA VENTILATION DUCTS. *AK
Wheels, Nov 28, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Tires, Nov 7, 2000
TIRES HAD LESS THAN 3,000 MILES ON THEM AND TREAD ALREADY 1/2 GONE. (TIRESIZE: 16 INCH)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 16 INCH )
Tires, Oct 24, 2000
WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT THIS VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS/AT TIRES, P23575R16, SIDEWALL BLEWOUT UNEXPECTEDLY. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK