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.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 2014
STUCK ACCELERATOR - FORD ESCAPE MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OVER DEAD MAN'S PASS IN OREGON. A TREACHEROUS PASS EVEN ON A GOOD DAY. FORD ESCAPE 2001 ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK AT 80 MILES P/H. MY SISTER AND HER FAMILY WERE FOLLOWING BEHIND US. MY HUSBAND INSISTED THAT HE COULD DRIVE THE OUT OF CONTROL CAR INTO LAGRANDE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND DEMANDED HE TRY TO GET THE CAR TO STOP AND LET ME OUT . HE DID THIS BY PUTTING CAR IN NEUTRAL, TURNING IT OFF, AND COASTING TO A STOP (I THINK). I GOT OUT, CRAWLED INTO MY SISTER'S CAR SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. MY HUSBAND DID GET THE CAR INTO LAGRANDE. AS HE CAME INTO THE LOT, IT WAS SCREECHING SIDEWAYS, TIRES SMOKING, AND NEARLY TIPPED OVER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP FIXED IT - AT GREAT EXPENSE TO ME. I PAID THE MECHANIC'S BILL, PLUS TOOK A FLIGHT TO PENDLETON, THEN A 1 HOUR SHUTTLE TO LA GRANDE, OREGON, THEN DROVE HOME 4 HOURS. 5 YEARS LATER I STILL HAVE "ACCELERATOR ANXIETY." ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO, I GOT A RECALL FROM FORD. I TOOK IT DEALERSHIP HERE IN PORTLAND. THEY LOOKED AT THE MECHANIC'S RECEIPT AND SAID THE PROBLEM THAT WAS FIXED, WAS NOT THE SAME AS THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014
THIS MODEL HAS CHRONIC ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS NOT WORKING. FREQUENT COMPLAINTS OF DOME LIGHT, DOOR LOCKS, AND RADIO NOT WORKING, ALTERNATOR/BATTERY REPLACEMENTS. IT SEEMS TO DRAIN FREQUENTLY AND EITHER NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER, AND/OR BLOW FUSES. THIS IS A VERY FREQUENT OCCURRENCE AND WOULD SEEM FIT FOR A RECALL. *TR
Engine, Mar 31, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/24/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, A LOW POP WAS HEARD. BLACK SMOKE ROLLED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 06/25/2014 *JS
Air bags, Mar 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. THE WARNING LIGHT HAD BEEN FLASHING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,700. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2014
I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT AND JUST RECENTLY MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEEDED 20MPH WHILE DRIVING ON AN EVEN ROAD AND WOULD NOT EXCEEDED 5-10MPH ON A SMALL HILL. I HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN IN TO BE EVALUATED AND AM TOLD THAT TWO OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY 2001 ESCAPE OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAN DO TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE SINCE JUNE 17, 2011 AND TILL NOW HAVE BEEN VERY SATISFIED WITH THE VEHICLE BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO.
Electrical system, Structure, Feb 27, 2014
I BOUGHT MY FORD ESCAPE ON AUGUST 16TH OF 2009, ALL THE DOORS WORKED FINE. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. ABOUT A YEAR AFTER BUYING MY CAR THE BACK DRIVER DOOR STOPPED OPENING, FOR NO REASON. THEN THE WINDOW IN THE SAME DOOR STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS, EVEN THOUGH I HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK. THEN SHORTLY AFTER, THE OTHER BACK DOOR SEIZED TO OPEN. THIS HAPPENED IN THE SUMMER WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. WHEN I PUSH UNLOCK I HEAR CLICKING FROM THE DOORS. THEN NOT TO LONG AGO MY FIANCE AND I WENT OUT TO DINNER AND LOCKED THE CAR DOORS, AFTER LEAVING THE RESTAURANT HE TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND THEY WOULDN'T OPEN. HE HAD TO CRAWL THROUGH THE WINDOW THAT IS BROKEN TO GET THE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN FOR ME. THE DRIVER DOOR NOW DON'T OPEN. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WORKS NOW IS THE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE BACK HATCH. I ALSO HAVE OTHER RECALLS I NEED TO GET REPAIRED AND HAVE NOT BROUGHT IT IN CAUSE OF THE DRIVER DOOR NOT OPENING. I KNOW I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM AND WHEN I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE I FOUND THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH MY CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEREFORE I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AND IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO ESCAPE MY FORD ESCAPE. IN ADDITION I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, STILL RUNS GOOD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, SINCERE CONSUMER. *TR
Visibility, Feb 1, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN WI, AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE REAR DEFROST WAS ON AND THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS APPROXIMATELY 16 DEGREES F. THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND NO EVIDENCE FLYING OBJECTS TO CAUSE THE SHATTER. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2014
WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK ON REAR DRIVER SIDE QUIT OPERATING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO USE DUCT TAPE TO KEEP WINDOW IN PLACE AND DOOR CLOSED. THIS HAS NOW BEEN FIXED AT SUBSTANTIAL COST. NOW AM UNABLE TO USE EITHER DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. NO PROBLEM WITH WINDOWS AT THIS POINT, HOWEVER, AM UNABLE TO OPEN EITHER OF THE TWO DOORS. QUITE INCONVENIENT WITH OTHER PASSENGERS, PARTICULARLY WHERE THE FRONT SEAT IS INVOLVED...A LITTLE DIFFICULT CLIMBING OVER THE CONSOLE AREA FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TO GET TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND VICE VERSA...BACK SEATING AREA NOT QUITE SO BAD...STILL INCONVENIENT. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL REGARDING THIS AND/OR ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM? RIGHT NOW, THE EXPENSE TO REPAIR IS HONESTLY MORE THAN IT'S WORTH TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE...ANOTHER $400-500+. DOES MAKE IT PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO LOAD AND UNLOAD---ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN! *TR
Power train, Jan 9, 2014
WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE APPROACHED 50 MILES AN HOUR WHEN IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER TALKING WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE AND DOING RESEARCH, THEY CALL THIS SHUDDER. IT FILLS LIKE WHEN YOU DRIVE OFF THE EDGE OF THE INTERSTATE WHITE LINE AND HIT THE ROUGH PAVEMENT. IT WOULD STOP IF I LET UP OFF THE GAS. I HAVE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD. NO ERROR CODES WHEN THE CODE READER WAS HOOKED UP ON THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD ALL OF THE GASKETS AND VACUUM HOSES REPLACED COST WAS OVER 1400 DOLLARS. THE SECOND TIME WE HAD THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP OVER 700 DOLLARS ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS STILL NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN THAT CAME OUT A WHILE BACK ON THE CD4E SHUDDER PROBLEM AND APPEARS THAT NHTSA SHOULD FORCE FORD TO DO A RECALL ON FORD ESCAPES FOR THE SHUDDER PROBLEM THEY HAVE SINCE THE TECH BULLETIN HAS COME OUT AND NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN DONE. ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE SEEMS TO POINT TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH IS NOT AN EASY FIX AND IS COSTLY. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2014, fire
SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DESTROYED EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Nov 21, 2013
ON NOVEMBER 11, 2013, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2001 FORD ESCAPE AT NIGHT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 5 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, THE FRONT SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (BUILT INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACKREST) SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED, FRIGHTENING AND NEARLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD NOT HIT A POT HOLE OR ANY OTHER OBJECT THAT MIGHT EXPLAIN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG HIT THE DRIVERS ARM, CAUSING RED MARKS THAT LASTED A DAY, BUT FORTUNATELY NO LASTING INJURY. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OVER AND FINDING NO OTHER DAMAGE (BESIDES THE RIPPED-OUT SIDE OF THE BACKREST WITH THE DEFLATED AIRBAG) THAT WOULD AFFECT OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DRIVEN HOME APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. THE INCIDENT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND, ON 11/14, WAS DRIVEN TO JIM WILSON FORD IN YREKA, CA TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND COST OF REPAIR. THE DEALER SAID THAT TWO OR THREE MALFUNCTIONS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, BUT THEY COULDN'T PIN DOWN THE CAUSE. COST OF REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO BE $2,043. AS OF TODAY (11/21/13), THE AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, THINKING THAT MORE INVESTIGATION MIGHT BE PROPOSED FOR THE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS AND EVEN DEADLY DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2013
AFTER DRIVING MY CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT FOR 6 YEARS, IT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER SO MUCH THAT THE DASH LIGHTS FADE AND THE CAR ALMOST STALLS. THIS IS WORSE AT LOWER SPEEDS, COASTING, AND IDLING. THE ENGINE MISSES OUT SO BADLY THAT THE CAR JERKS FORWARD IF THE BRAKE IS NOT PRESSED FIRMLY TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN IT'S WORST AT IDLE, IT SHAKES HORRIBLY. I HAD THE PLUGS REPLACED (NOT CHEAP) BECAUSE THAT WAS THE ERROR SHOWING WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER I STARTED HAVING THIS ISSUE, AND A MECHANIC HAD ALREADY LOOKED AT IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. AFTER HAVING THE PLUGS REPLACED, I HAD A LOT FEWER PROBLEMS BUT COULD STILL TELL THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN IT WAS COLDER OUTSIDE AND/OR WHEN I FIRST STARTED MY CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. IT THEN BEGAN TO GET WORSE AGAIN AND IS JUST AS BAD NOW AS IT WAS BEFORE I HAD THE PLUGS REPLACED. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP REPLACING THEM IF IT'S JUST GOING TO KEEP HAPPENING AGAIN. WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT ON AN UPHILL INTERSECTION JUST LAST WEEK, I PRESSED THE GAS TO PULL THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND BARELY ANY POWER RESULTED. I LET OFF THE GAS AND DEPRESSED IT AGAIN, AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES, JUST TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WITHOUT IT DYING OR LAUNCHING MYSELF INTO ANOTHER CAR. IT SEEMS THIS MODEL YEAR MAY HAVE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES, BUT I'VE HAD ALL OF THE RECALL ISSUES ADDRESSED AND I'M STILL HAVING MAJOR ISSUES THAT AREN'T CHEAP TO FIX. I'VE ALSO HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT COME ON WITHOUT THE BRAKE BEING ENGAGED TWICE DURING THE TIME I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR GOES AWAY JUST AS QUICKLY AS IT APPEARED WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Oct 22, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED AFTER EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I JACKED UP THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE CAUSE AND DISCOVERED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE/SUSPENSION CRADLE WAS SUFFERED FROM ABNORMAL CORROSION THAT ALLOWED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION IS NOT PRESENT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THEREFORE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A QUALITY ISSUE WITH THE COMPONENT THAT CAUSED A PREMATURE FAILURE AND A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A FORD QUALITY ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED THAT COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY AND DEATH. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 15, 2013, fire
ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2013, MY WIFE AND I HAD MET FOR HER BIRTHDAY DINNER AT A RESTAURANT IN OUR TOWN. MY WIFE DROVE THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO THE RESTAURANT, ABOUT 5 MILES, FROM OUR HOME AND PARKED THE CAR. WE HAD BEEN AT DINNER FOR APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES WHEN THE WAITRESS ASKED US IF WE DROVE A RED SUV. WE WERE LED TO THE VEHICLE THAT WAS ON FIRE AND IN THE PROCESS OF BEING EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAID THAT IT LOOKED AS IF THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THAT NOTHING ELSE LOOKED SUSPICIOUS. HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WIRE INSULATION ON THAT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ALL MELTED AWAY TO BARE COPPER AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING WAS STILL MORE INTACT. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND RIM AND MELTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS SMOKE DAMAGED SINCE THE CAR WAS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. JUST GRATEFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER OR WIFE WEREN'T DRIVING IT AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2013
FIFTH TIME VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. DAUGHTER TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY THOUGHT THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. SHE WAS ON HER WAY BACK TO COLLEGE...4 MILES FROM THE HOUSE AT A RED LIGHT. SHE CALLED AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING WHAT IT WAS DOING BEFORE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Structure, Engine, Oct 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE HATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT HOME AND WAS NOT REPAIRED OR INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 9, 2013, crash
ON FRIDAY AUG 31.2013 I WAS COMING UP A HILL ON SOUTH BOUND HIGHWAY 92 WHEN I ACCELERATED AND THERE WAS A DEER SO I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND MY BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK I AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND ACCELERATED I HIT THE DITCH NO BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS STILL SPEEDING OUT OF CONTROL LIKE IT WAS DRIVING ITSELF. BRAKES *TR
Service brakes, Aug 28, 2013
2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT 3.0L V6 AWD - [XXX] DAUGHTER SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR IN TRAFFIC WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE TRIES TO MOVE FORWARD. SHE EXPLAINED IT AS JERKING FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH HER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN STRAIGHT TO SHEEHY FORD OF WARRENTON, VA DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND A CRACK ABS RING THAT THEY SAID WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE JERKING WHILE THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. REPLACED THE PART. EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING ON THE WAY HOME. RETURNED IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE NOT ABLE RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A TOTAL OF 13 RECALLS ACCORDING TO AUTOMD.COM. ACCORDING TO FORD.COM WEBSITE, THIS VEHICLE HAS NO RECALLS LISTED. THEY HAVE A COUPLE LISTED THAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO MY DAUGHTERS VEHICLE: 2001 FORD ESCAPE POWER TRAIN RECALL 04V165000: CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V165000: DATE MANUFACTURED: APR 14, 2004, VEHICLES AFFECTED: 321903: COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN STATUS: NOT DONE 2001 FOR ESCAPE SERVICE BRAKE, HYDRAULIC RECALL 12V005000 - NOT DONE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WHEN ITS A TEENAGER DRIVING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV RAPIDLY AS THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE UNTIL THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION AND THE DRIVER LOOSENED THE THROTTLE BODY CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMALLY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Power train, Air bags, Aug 9, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVE WAY. THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,050.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 2013. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE OR GAS PEDAL ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE OWNING IT, BUT ON MONDAY, 7/29/13, I HAD JUST DRIVEN ABOUT 18 MILES AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 50 MPH. I PULLED UP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AT 11:00 PM AND PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING TO WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE GAS PEDAL BEING FLOORED. I PUNCHED THE GAS PEDAL BUT NOTHING CHANGED. I TRIED PUNCHING THE PEDAL AGAIN WITH MY FOOT, AND STILL NO CHANGE. I EVEN REACHED DOWN TO SEE IF THE FLOOR MAT HAD INTERFERED WITH THE GAS PEDAL, BUT IT HAD NOT. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE NEXT MORNING, MY BOYFRIEND, AWARE OF THE ISSUE, TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I CALLED MY MECHANIC ON TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE MECHANIC CANNOT GET ME IN UNTIL NEXT WEEK. THE APPOINTMENT IS SET FOR WED. 8/7/13. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN IT'S UNPREDICTABLE CONDITION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2013, crash
I HAD ENTERED AN INTERSTATE FROM AN ON RAMP. I ACCELERATED TO GET VEHICLE UP TO SPEED AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. I APPROACHED A SHARP CURVED AND ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE THE SPEED CONTROL BY HITTING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CONTINUED TO STAY MOVING AT 55 MPH. I AVOIDED THE OUTSIDE LANE AND THE TRAFFIC THAT I WAS MERGING INTO BY GOING INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE HIT AN ELEVATED MAN HOLE IN THE MEDIAN AND WENT AIRBORNE AND HIT A BRIDGE OVERPASS SUPPORT HEAD ON. I SUFFERED MULTIPLE FRACTURES DUE TO THE COLLISION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ASCENDING A HILL AT 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND THE THROTTLE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,528. UPDATED 08/27/13*LJ
Power train, Jul 8, 2013
MY PCM HAS FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE FOR OVER 5 YEARS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY ADJUSTMENT OR RECALL FOR THIS AS I KNOW OF MANY FAILURES. I ENTER MY COMPLAINT TO SEE IF IT WILL HELP OTHERS, AND PERHAPS INITIAL A RECALL AND A CREDIT FOR THIS VERY EXPENSE REPAIR. *TR