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, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2013
WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED AT EITHER A RED LIGHT, STOP SIGN, OR TRAFFIC, THE CAR JERKS TO MOVE FORWARD. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED AN ABS RING THAT WAS CRACKED. THEY SAID, THIS IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE THE ABS IS TRYING TO ENGAGE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 18, 2013
RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM NO LONGER SECURELY ATTACHED TO CAR FRAME BECAUSE CRADLE OR SUBFRAME RUSTED THRU. QUICK SEARCH ON INTERNET INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR 2001 - 2004. LEFT FRONT CRADLE THAT ATTACHES CONTROL ARM TO BODY IS GOOD. PERHAPS CONSTANT WATER DRIPPING FROM AIR CONDITIONER HAS CAUSED THAT AREA OF THE FRAME TO RUST. FORD DEALER CAN NOT FIND A SUPPLY OF SUBFRAME PART PERHAPS BECAUSE OF FREQUENCY OF RUST THRU FAILURE? *TR
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, May 11, 2013
DEAR SIRS, AS YOU ARE AWARE, THIS PAST WEEKEND ON THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE IN HAYWARD CA, A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT/FIRE OCCURRED WITH A LIMOUSINE, WHERE FIVE INDIVIDUALS WERE TRAPPED AND KILLED DUE TO A VEHICLE FIRE. UPON SEEING AND HEARING ABOUT THIS HORRIFIC TRAGEDY, MY WIFE INSISTED THAT WE HAVE ALL OF THE RECALLS PERFORMED ON OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, WHEN I TOOK OUR ESCAPE INTO FREMONT FORD ON MAY 7TH, [XXX], THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, TOLD ME THAT HE WAS REFUSING TO PERFORM ALL OF THE RECALLS ON OUR TRUCK, BECAUSE THEY HAVE EXPIRED. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW RECALLS INVOLVING SAFETY ISSUES EXPIRE? IS THIS A FORD COMPANY POLICY OR A FREMONT FORD DEALERSHIP/SERVICE POLICY? WHEN I PICKED UP OUR ESCAPE ON MAY 8TH FROM THE DEALERSHIP, I DOCUMENTED ON THE PAPERWORK THAT THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM THESE VERY IMPORTANT RECALLS. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN LIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY THAT OCCURRED THIS PAST WEEKEND. PLEASE ADVISE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD CONCERNING THIS VERY IMPORTANT MATTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Mar 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER . THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TR UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS IDLING IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2013
BRAKE HYDRAULIC FLUID RESERVOIR CAP LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. REPLACED WITH NEW CAP FROM DEALER, 100% FIXED PROBLEM. RETAINED OLD CAP IF INSPECTION NEEDED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2013, crash
MY CLIENT'S SON WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE ON CENTRAL AVENUE IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND AT NIGHTTIME WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT STUCK TO THE FLOOR. HE SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND HIS VEHICLE THEN STRUCK A BIKE RIDER THEN STRUCK THE MEDIAN CURB TOTALING THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND BIKE RIDER SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2013
SUDDEN, UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF MY VEHICLE ON 2 OCCASIONS NOW, IN LAST 2 DAYS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2012, crash
THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL ONE-CAR CRASH ON I-96 ON MARCH 4, 2008. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED AS LOSS OF CONTROL AT A HIGH SPEED, AND AT THE TIME, THERE WAS NO SUSPICION OF A MECHANICAL ISSUE. THEN IN LATE JULY 2012, THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FORD ESCAPE WITH V-6 ENGINES, MODEL YEARS 2001-2004, WAS MADE PUBLIC (RECALL NO. 12S37). WE NOW HAVE CONCERN THAT THIS ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN PRECIPITATED BY A VEHICLE MALFUNCTION. WE HAVE NO EVIDENCE TO THIS; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE THAT WAS DECLARED 'TOTALED' IS STILL ON THE ROAD AND HAS SINCE BEEN IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT. WE FEEL OBLIGATED TO BRING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NHTSA, AND ASK THAT YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. .
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR COULD BE UNLOCKED. THE REMAINING THREE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED INSIDE AND OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO KICK THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE PEDAL AND STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 5, 2012
2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ABS MODULE REPLACEMENT.*SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WROTE TO FORD THREE TIMES, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE AND RECALLED ABS MODULE. RECALL #12V005000. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED FORD SENT HER A REIMBURSEMENT CHECK. THE DISPUTE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 11/21/12
Structure, Oct 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED. THE DOOR COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 6, 2012, crash
OVER THE YEARS OF OWNING THE CAR THAT I BOUGHT NEW FOR MY DAUGHTER WE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR A STICKING THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS. I HAVE RECORDS OF 6 DIFFERENT TIMES WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THROTTLE PROBLEMS. THE LAST TIME THE THROTTLE STUCK IT CAUSED OUR VEHICLE TO HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER COMPLAINING OF THE MOTOR REVVING UP CAUSING THE ACCIDENT. WE WERE IGNORED OF THE PROBLEM THEN TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER WORTH THE COST OF THE REPAIRS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 3, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING WOULD SEIZE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO EXTEND THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/14/12*LJ UPDATED 11/15/12
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2012
REAR LEFT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. 5TH DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. WINDSHIELD WIPER IN REAR STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2012
2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. RECALL # 12V353000. *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO AVAILABLE AS OF AUGUST 5, 2012.
Service brakes, Sep 18, 2012, crash
I OWN 3 FORD ESCAPES AND ALL 3 HAVE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. I LEARNED ON GOOGLE THAT I AM NOT ALONE. IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I AM TALKING ABOUT ABS TONE RING WHICH CRACKS AND CAUSES ABS TO MALFUNCTION. IT BECOMES A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. INITIAL MALFUNCTION CAUSES ON-BOARD COMPUTER TO "BE CONFUSED" AND BRAKES DON'T PERFORM AS THEY SHOULD, CAUSING EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. ONCE ON-BOARD COMPUTER "RECOGNIZES" THE PROBLEM ABS DASHBOARD LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE DRIVER IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. BROKEN ABS TONE RING WILL CAUSE ABS BRAKES TO ENGAGE ON DRY SURFACE EVEN AT THE LOWEST SPEEDS. THIS FAILURE BECOMES SERIOUS ISSUE AT THE MOMENT OF INITIAL MALFUNCTION BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS CAUGHT BY SURPRISE. PLEASE VIEW COMMENTS BY OTHERS AT THE LINK BELOW. ALL COMMENTS ARE SCREEN CAPTURES WITH ORIGINAL URL VISIBLE AT THE TOP OF EACH COMMENT. HTTP://EAGLEHORIZON.COM/TONE-RING/ IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM SURPRISED THIS IS NOT A RECALL YET. I HOPE YOU CAN TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. IT APPLIES TO MANY FORD VEHICLES DATING FROM 2001- PRESENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DRIVING STRAIGHTFORWARD. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED APPROXIMATELY 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE LOWER ARM CONTROL TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,746. UPDATED 10/16/12*LJ THE CONSUMER REFERENCED CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: (11V030000) (FORD WINDSTAR) YEAR 1999-2003. A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET RESULTING IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. UPDATED 10/18/2012 *JS
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2012
ON JUNE 7, 2012, I WAS SEVERELY INJURED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE GEAR SHIFT MALFUNCTION IN MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE. AS I PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THEN INTO DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF, COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS IN SHOCK AFTER REALIZING I WAS ACTUALLY HOLDING THE GEAR SHIFT IN MY HAND AND IT WASN'T ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. I TRIED SCREWING THE STICK BACK IN ITS PLACE AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK. DISTRAUGHT, I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO ASK FOR HELP. BUT NO ONE WAS AROUND. WHILE REENTERING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD. MY LEFT FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE RUNNING BOARD AND I WAS DRAGGED ON THE PAVEMENT UNTIL THE VEHICLE HIT THE CURB. UPON IMPACT, I LOST MY GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND FELL ON MY BACK TO THE GROUND. THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE ROLLED ONTO MY LEFT LEG AT THE KNEE PINNING ME UNDER THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY TEAMS WERE SUMMONED AFTER MY CRIES FOR HELP WERE HEARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT USED THE JAWS OF LIFE TO FREE ME FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. A SPLINT WAS APPLIED TO MY LEFT LEG. I WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT. UNABLE TO WALK, I WAS ALSO GIVEN CRUTCHES UPON LEAVING THE HOSPITAL, TREATED BY AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON AND UNDERWENT PHYSICAL THERAPY. ON JUNE 8, 2012, MY ESCAPE WAS ACCEPTED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED THAT THE PLASTIC PART ON THE GEAR SHIFT CONNECTING A CABLE TO THE TRANSMISSION HAD BROKEN. IN THE PAST, I REPORTED POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING AND SQUEAKING WHEN TURNING WHEEL. AT THAT TIME, THE GEAR ASSEMBLY STEERING WAS REPLACED. THE POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAPPENED AGAIN SHORTLY BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN ON JUNE 7, 2012.
Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH, REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS HOWEVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 227,691 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000.
Power train, Equipment, Engine, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED THE RECALL REPAIR AND DID NOT PROVIDE A REASON WHY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE INCIDENT AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ UPDATED 09/14/2012 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2012
I HAVE BEEN CALLING MY LOCAL DEALER TO GET MY RECALLED CAR FIXED. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS HAVE TOLD ME THEY ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE DEALER HAS THE NECESSARY PART IN STOCK. I CALLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP ME AT THAT TIME AND TO CALL BACK LATER. OBVIOUSLY, I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR ANY MORE THAN NECESSARY AND THE NEAREST DEALER TO ME ISN'T THAT CLOSE. I AM AT MY WITS END. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 09/19/12*LJ UPDATED 09/19/2012 *JS