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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jul 28, 2012, crash
VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING INTERSECTION W/ STOP SIGN. VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW. DRIVER REPORTED 'NO BRAKES'. BRAKES, DISKS, WERE REPLACED 5 WEEKS PRIOR AND WERE APPARENTLY IN WORKING ORDER. SUSPICION THAT THROTTLE MAY HAVE STUCK OPEN, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO SLOW WITH BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS IN FRONTAL, T-BONE CRASH, TWO VEHICLES TOTAL LOSS WITH INJURIES. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2012
I HAVE HAD THREE OR FOUR INCIDENTS WHEN I HIT MY BRAKES AND MY VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I WONDER IF THE RECENT RECALL COULD AFFECT 4-CYLINDER VEHICLES AS WELL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION UNTIL A POP NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 236,995.
Structure, Jul 23, 2012
WIFE SAYS SHE OPEN THE GLASS HATCH TO PUT GROCERIES AWAY AND THE HINGE FAILED ON PASSENGER SIDE, LEAVING HER TO WRESTLE IT BACK INTO PLACE. I HAD A LOOK AND SEE THE POT METAL HINGE FAILED WHERE THE GLASS ATTACHES TO THE HINGE, WHICH IS MERELY A STUD OR BOSS FROM A THREADED BOLT. THE BOLT IS FINE, BUT IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE TAPPED HOLE IN THE HINGE SELF DESTRUCTED WITH THREAD REMNANTS AROUND THE BOLT. $70 REPLACEMENT PART. IF ONE OF THESE LETS GO ON THE HIGHWAY, YOU COULD DROP THE GLASS ONTO THE CAR BEHIND YOU, TALK ABOUT EXCITEMENT! THIS APPARENTLY IS COMMON BASED ON A SEARCH OF GOOGLE FOR "FORD ESCAPE HATCH GLASS HINGE". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2012
AFTER DRIVING FOR APPX 19 MILES, STOPPED AT MY DESTINATION AND PUT CAR IN PARK. ENGINE STARTED RACING TO APPX 3000-4000 RPM. TAPPED GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE IT STOP, WHICH I COULDN'T (IT CONTINUED TO RACE FOR A FEW MOMENTS). AT THIS POINT I JUST TURNED IGNITION OFF. STARTED CAR BACK UP AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AGAIN. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2012, crash
WHILE STOPPED AT DRIVEWAY WAITING TO TURN RIGHT INTO A 2 LANE STREET, I PROCEEDED TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED INTO THE RIGHT TURN, WHEN TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED ACROSS THE STREET AND IMPACTING A PARKED VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE V6. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT REMOVED FOOT FROM PEDAL HOWEVER THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED AND REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL VEHICLE WAS UNDER CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2012
DRIVING THE CAR AND THE RPM WENT UP VERY QUICKLY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. EVEN WITH FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL IT CONTINUED TO INCREASE SPEED. PUT THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD RPM STAYED HIGH EVEN IN NEUTRAL. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 18, 2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE ESCAPE DOWN RESIDENTIAL ROADS AROUND 24MPH AND AS SHE LET OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR IT STILL WAS ACCELERATING. SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE STILL WANTED TO ACCELERATE BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE A TURN. AS SOON AS SHE LET OFF THE BRAKE IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN WITHOUT HER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. SHE PULLED INTO OUR PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE THROTTLE WAS STILL ON. SHE JUST DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AS MUCH AND SHE COULD AND IMMEDIATE TURNED THE CAR OFF. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE APPEAR OUT OF PLACE. I TOOK THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE OFF OF THE THROTTLE CABLE AND TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK AND IT APPEARED TO BE WORKING FINE. THEN I DROVE IT LATER THAT DAY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAME OFF THE THROTTLE CABLE SO THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK. I CAN SEE HOW IF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAME OFF THE THROTTLE CABLE IT COULD CATCH THE THROTTLE CABLE AND KEEP THE THROTTLE OPEN. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 8, 2012
IT WAS HAPPENED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE HOT WEATHER CONDITION. I AM NOT SURE THAT WHERE THE MASSIVE VIBRATION SOUND COMES FROM BUT MOST LIKELY IT FEELS THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL(STEERING SHAFT ROD?) OR BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I FIRST REALIZED THIS PROBLEM, IT WAS VERY HOT SUMMER DAY AND AIR CONDITIONER (AC) WAS ON. I DROVE ABOUT FOR 15-20 MINUTES AND PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE (ABOUT 20 MINUTES OR SO). THEN I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND TRIED TO BACK UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE PARKING SPOT, IT WAS HAPPENED. AFTER THAT HAPPENING, I WAS HAVING SAME PROBLEM WHENEVER I WAS DRIVING WITH AC ON(I DID NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM DURING COLD SEASON AT ALL). NOW IS SUMMER OF 2012 AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN COMING BACK MOST OF TIME OF DRIVING NO MATTER AC IS ON OR OFF (IT SEEMS LIKE GETTING WORST?). PAST 10 YEARS, I HAD SEVERAL RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE SO I REALLY WANT TO REPORT THE PROBLEM I HAVE IN CASE. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DETECTED THERE WAS A FAULTY ABS PUMP. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT, WHOM INFORMED THAT THE OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,178.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2012
MY "STICK SHIFT" 2001 FORD ESCAPE TENDS TO STALL WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PUSHED IN, CLEAR TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WOULD DIE AND LEAVE ME STRANDED EVERYWHERE. EVEN IF YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH OR HIGHER, ONCE YOU PUSH IN THE CLUTCH TO CHANGE TO THE LAST GEAR, IT WILL STILL STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY CUTS OFF, BUT ONLY WHEN YOU PUSH IN THE CLUTCH. ONCE THIS HAPPENS, IT WILL NOT STAY RUNNING. IT WILL RESTART FOR JUST A FEW SECONDS, (NOT THE BATTERY OR STARTER) THEN IT WILL DIE AGAIN, REPEATEDLY. IT WOULD GET TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WITH NO LUCK. THEY COULD NOT "DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". ONCE, THE CAR COOLS OFF, THEN THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARS. THERE IS A VALVE THE HEATS UP AND GETS STUCK OPEN. IF THE VALVE COOLS DOWN, IT CAN CLOSE AND THEN IT IS FINE. NOW, IF I MAKE ALOT OF SHORT STOPS (ERRANDS) WHERE THE CAR DOESN'T GET A CHANCE TO COOL OFF, SAY TEN MINUTES OR LESS, THEN IT WON'T STAY STARTED. IF YOU TURN OVER THE IGNITION, IT WILL START, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIES. HOWEVER, IF I LET THE CAR SIT FOR SAY A COUPLE OF HOURS, SAY 4-6 HOURS. IT WILL START BACK UP JUST FINE AND STAY RUNNING LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THE KEY TIP IS: DON'T PUT ETHANOL IN THE GAS TANK. IF I BUY THE MOST EXPENSIVE GAS, THE PROBLEM TENDS TO CLEAR UP ON IT'S OWN. IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. ONCE I CHANGED TO THE PRIMO (MOST EXPENSIVE) GAS, IT HAS NOW STOPPED WITHOUT TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP. PERSONALLY, I THINK GAS CONTAINING ETHANOL HAS TOO MUCH MOISTURE IN IT CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. EVEN THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS FORD ESCAPE CAR IS NOT DESIGNED TO RUN ON "ETHANOL" PRODUCTS. THIS ALL MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS VERY HOT AND HUMID OUTSIDE. WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IF IT WOULD QUALIFY FOR OTHERS AS A RECALL ITEM? *TR
Service brakes, Jun 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION WAS RELATED TO A FAULTY ABS PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE); HOWEVER THE ABS PUMP WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. ..UPDATED 08-10-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS AFTER 1 OR 2 MINUTES. IT STAYS ON THE DURATION OF THE TRIP. THIS OCCURES EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED. UPDATED 08/15/2012 *JS
Engine, Jun 18, 2012, fire
THE CAR WAS PARKED AT A SHOPPING MALL, THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND IT WENT INTO FLAMES BURNED ENTIRE ENGINE, INSIDE FRON T,CAR , DASHBOARD, TIRES ETC.HOOD... *TR
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2012
I WAS IN ON RECALL 11S24 , AND MY BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO MY ABS RELAY BOX, BUT I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR IS ALSO FAILED. THE FORD DEALER. SAID IT WOULD COST $800 TO FIX THIS PART ON THE ABS SYSTEM! THEY SAID THE RECALL WOULD NOT COVER THIS PART ON THE ABS? THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ALSO DAMAGED MY HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND THIS SHOULD ALSO BE REPAIRED . *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2012, crash
TO: FORD MOTOR COMPANY FROM: OWNERS DATE: 6/8/2012 PURPOSE: 2001 FORD ESCAPE ACCIDENT SUMMARY (ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTION) DEAR FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THIS LETTER IS TO FORMALLY DOCUMENT AND NOTIFY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTION ON A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. ACCIDENT SUMMARY: ON FRIDAY JUNE 8, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:35 PM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT MALFUNCTIONED WHEN IT AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED, STUCK, AND ACCELERATED BEYOND DRIVERS DESIRED SPEED. THE DRIVER REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. THE DRIVER THEN FULLY APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET WITH NO EFFECT. THE DRIVER THEN FULLY ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PROVIDING SOME SPEED REDUCTION, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO FORCE THE VEHICLE FORWARD. THE DRIVER STEERED THE VEHICLE ONTO CURBS AND OBJECTS TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO SLOWDOWN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER, HAVING TO MAKE A QUICK AND TIMELY DECISION TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PROTECT HERSELF AND PASSENGERS FROM HARM, SERVED INTO A CONCRETE OVERPASS EMBANKMENT IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP AND AVOID A POTENTIALLY MORE SEVERE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE PARTIES IN A HIGHLY POPULATED LOCATION. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED (PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT) AND BOTH AIRBAGS WERE FULLY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS, WHILE ALL WEARING SEATBELTS, SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE ACCIDENT AND WERE EVALUATED AND TREATED AT AN EMERGENCY ROOM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jun 6, 2012, fire
SUBMISSION FROM RE FORD ESCAPE 2001 SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S24 *TGW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JAN 2012. THE NOTICE INDICATED SHE WOULD BE INFORMED WHEN THE PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE SAFETY RECALL WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE, WHICH WOULDN'T BE UNTIL THE SECOND QUARTER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, WHICH WAS PRIOR TO THE RECALL, BUT WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED. SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS PARTLY COMPENSATED BY FORD IN THE FORM OF A CHECK FOR $1900 ACCOMPANIED BY A DOCUMENT WHICH STATED BY ACCEPTING THE COMPENSATION, SHE WOULD ALSO BE SIGNING OFF ON ANY OTHER CLAIMS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, MASTER CYLINDER, WIRING HARNESS, ABS, BRAKE LINE BOOSTER, POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, INTAKE MANIFOLD AS WELL AS THE AIR BAG WERE ALL REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FREEZE, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF, RENDERING THE DOOR UNSTABLE, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE REAR SHOCK WERE LEAKING. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 5, 2012
2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL 11S24 CONCERNING DANGER OF VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL # 07V156000 . *JB
Service brakes, May 24, 2012
NO PRESSURE WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE TO MAKE EMERGENCY STOP. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. NO PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM. ON INSPECTION, FRONT LEFT BRAKE HOSE HAD RUPTURED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF ALL BRAKING CAPABILITY. EXTREMELY LUCKY NOT TO BE GOING 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY! STILL WAITING FOR PART FOR BRAKE CYLINDER CAP RECALL ISSUED IN JANUARY! IF NHTSA ARE GOING TO REQUIRE COMPANIES TO ISSUE RECALLS PERHAPS YOU SHOULD ALSO FOLLOW UP TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE BY WHICH I MEAN THE SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE RECALL NOT SIMPLY THE ISSUING THEREOF. *TR
Air bags, May 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AROUND A CURVE, SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED DUE TO HEAD INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 06/05/12*LJ UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS
Structure, May 23, 2012
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WENT TO OPEN THE TRUNK DOOR AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE THE DOOR FAILED. WHEN THE WEATHER GOT COOLER, THE DOOR OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO FAILED. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM THAT HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THOSE COMPONENTS WERE NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87400. AP
Service brakes, May 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK: CONTROL UNIT MODULE) IN JANUARY AND WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE ANOTHER LETTER SENT WHEN THE PARTS HAD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN MARCH AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND THAT THEY WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER WHEN THE PARTS HAD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL REPAIRS, WHICH HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 21, 2012
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAP LEAKS BRAKE FLUID AND THE FLUID RUNS DOWN THE WIRING AND DOWN THE FIREWALL OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BRAKE FLUID HAS CORRODED THE PAINT OFF OF THE FIREWALL, AND THEN THE FLUID GETS HOT AND SMOKES. BECAUSE THE FLUID RUNS DOWN THE WIRING, THE VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FORD HAS A RECALL 11S24 FOR VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAY THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAP CLEARLY LEAKS. THEY WON'T LOOK AT THE VEHICLE UNLESS WE PAY $85 TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE ADDED TO THE RECALL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 17, 2012
2001 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL 11S24 *TGW EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, SHE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY WOULD RECEIVE THEM. *JB
Service brakes, May 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ON AT LEAST FOUR OCCASIONS AND THE CONTACT WAS REPEATEDLY INFORMED THAT THE NECESSARY PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED REGARDING THE PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.