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, Dec 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AFTER HER FOOT WAS REMOVED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGNAL AND WHEN DRIVING FROM THE COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED UP TO 58 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER THE CONTACT DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 137,000.
Visibility, Oct 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN RAINY CONDITIONS, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A PLASTIC PIECE WITHIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER'S MOTOR ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V387002 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 1, 2011
2001 FORD ESCAPE FELT LIKE ABS WAS KICKING IN ON ICE. FELT PUMPING IN PEDAL AND POOR BRAKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN PAST 2 WEEKS. SEEM TO HAPPEN MOST AT SPEEDS OF 30-60 MPH. ALMOST REENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. CAR WAS PURCHASED 9/6/2011. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE WIRING HARNESS NEAR THE BRAKE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ABS MODULE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO FOUND OUT PRIOR TO THE FIRE A RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2008, UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:07V156000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 173,000.
Power train, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK OR REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,319.
Visibility, Jul 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS ON THE REAR DOOR SHATTERED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD REPLACE THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 8, 2011
OPENED DOORS TO MANY TIMES FROM OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOORS WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN HANDLES ARE PULLED UPWARD WHICH BEFORE THE MECHANISM FAILED ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE. NOW WHEN HANDLES ARE ACTIVATED NEITHER DOOR OPERATES AS IT SHOULD. IN OTHER WORDS THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. AND YES, THE DOORS ARE UNLOCKED AND STILL WILL NOT OPEN. THIS OCCURS ON EACH AND EVERY ENTRY IS TRIED. OR EVERYTIME I TRY TO GET IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE ENTRY HAS TO BE MADE BY STICKING MY ARM THROUGH A WINDOW THAT IS DOWN AND ENGAGING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO MAKE REPAIRS ON A ITEM THAT SHOULD PERFORM REGARDLESS OF AGE BUT IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED. DOORS ARE A SAFETY FEATURE WITHOUT PROPERLY WORKING DOORS THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I CALLED THE 18003923673 SPOKE TO [XXX] AND HE TRANSFERRED ME TO FORD CREDIT, I THINK HE THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO FINANCE A NEW FORD. BUT IF THEY WOULD FIX AND ENGINEER THESE DOORS/COMPONENTS CORRECTLY I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS COMPLAINT.THANKS FOR NOTHING [XXX] FROM FORD. THIS IN MY MIND IS ONE OF THOSE HIDDEN FIX-IT PROBLEMS THAT PUTS MONEY IN FORDS POCKET AND TAKES IT FROM MINE. THE FORD SERVICE PEOPLE AT MY FORD DEALER I CALLED BEFORE THIS COMPLAINT, DIDN'T HAVE THE FOGGIEST IDEA OF ANY 2001 FORD ESCAPE DOOR PROBLEMS. YEA, RIGHT GUYS. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM PURE AND SIMPLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V210001 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2011
IGNITION COILS DEFECT- CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL AND GAS PEDAL SOMETIMES GETS HARD TO ACCELERATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO MOVE. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATES. *TR
Structure, May 2, 2011
BOUGHT MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2010, COMPLAINED OF NOISE IN FRONT END, HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM TWO DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, AND WITHIN 5 MONTHS, THE FRAME BUSTED THROUGH IN FRONT ON PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT AND MY MAJOR COMPLAINT IS THAT IT WAS IN THE GARAGE AND THEY INSPECTED THE NOISE CHANGED PARTS ON THAT SIDE AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION OF THE FRAME BEING COMPROMISED, AND THERE IS NO WAY THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE SEEN THAT THERE IS A COMPLETE BREAK IN THE FRAME . EVERY MECHANIC I CALLED CANT BELIEVE IT. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS TOTALED AND THREE YEARS TO PAY ON IT. I ALSO HAD A YEARLY INSPECTION JUST TWO MONTHS PREVIOUSLY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE FRAME OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE? I AM FORTUNATE THAT THE FRAME BUSTED WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A TURN AND NOT DRIVING 55MPH AS SHE WAS JUST PREVIOUSLY OR WITH MY BEAUTIFUL 2 GRANDCHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE SHE ESCAPED DEATH. THIS VEHICLE IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE OF WHICH I DRIVE MY GRANDCHILDREN AND OTHERS CHILDREN TO GAMES. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DEVASTATING OUTCOME. I APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING INTO THE FRAME WORK AND CONDUCT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS 2001 FORD ESCAPE WITH ONLY 80,000 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN UNUSUAL ODOR COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FAILURE WAS ONGOING FOR ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,600.
Air bags, Mar 24, 2011
THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND FLASH 3 TIMES AND THEN A FRLEW MORE TIMES. IT WILL STAY ON, FLASH AND GO OFF AND REPETE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2011
VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, CAUSING POWER STEERING AND BREAKS TO STOP WORKING.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2011
MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE 3.0L V6, HAS AN ENGINE STALLING PROBLEM, AND AN REALLY BAD EMISIONS SYSTEM FAILURE. THE EXHAUST FUMES HAVE BEEN BACKING UP INTO THE VEHICLE FOR A LONG TIME NOW. MY HAIR FELL OUT, AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT UNDER THE STATE AND FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY, SOME COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. HOWEVER THE DEALER WON'T HONOR IT, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS OVER 80,000 MILES. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AT 60,000 MILES. I AM NOT SURE IF THE ENGINE STALLING HAS CAUSED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM TO FAIL OR THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM FAILURE HAS CAUSED THE ENGINE STALLING.THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE 3 TIMES. *TR
Power train, Jan 27, 2011
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE V6 XLT SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. I EXITED AT THE FIRST AVAILABLE EXIT, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME IN SECOND GEAR. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG WITH IT. AT PRESENT, SECOND GEAR IS THE ONLY GEAR THAT STILL WORKS IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT NOW SITS INOPERABLE IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE $3000-$4000 REQUIRED TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER MUCH INTERNET RESEARCH, I'VE FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN THIS VEHICLE AND LATER YEARS OF THE SAME MODEL ARE QUITE COMMON, WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. A COMMON CONSENSUS, IS THAT THE FAILURES ARE DUE TO A FOUR CYLINDER TRANSMISSION BEING INSTALLED IN A HIGHER TORQUE AND HORSEPOWER V6 MODEL. FORD MUST BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ONCE AND FOR ALL. IT'S REALLY UNFAIR THAT THE CONSUMER IS REQUIRED TO PAY HUGE SUMS OF MONEY TO REPAIR SHOPS TO GET PROBLEMS FIXED THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'VE WRITTEN TO FORD, AND VISITED THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE VEHICLE AND BOTH ARE UNSYMPATHETIC. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 20, 2010
DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT UNLOCKING PROPERLY. CONTACTED FORD ABOUT PROBLEM AND THEY INFORMED MOE TO PUT GREASE ON IT THIS DID NOT WORK. FORD ESCAPE TRIES TO QUITE WHILE RUNNING. REPLACED HOSES AND PLUGS AND PROBLEMS STILL GOING ON. FORD ESCAPE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP PROPERLY WITH NEW BRAKES OR BRAKES THAT ARE ONLY 10 TO 20 PERCENT WORN. ALSO LEAKS BRAKE FLUID HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE LEAK ON ESCAPE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 17, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE RESIDENCE GARAGE, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND INTENSE SPARKS FROM THE ABS MODULE AS A RESULT OF THE MELTING WIRING HARNESS. THERE WERE NO FLAMES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE ABS MODULE WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THERE WAS A RECALL 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) RELATED TO THE FAILURE; THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
Air bags, Dec 8, 2010, crash
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT-END COLLISION AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH IN DEC 2002. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FORD DEALER REPAIRED DAMAGE. AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD FLASH AND STAY ON AT INTERMITTENT TIMES. DEALER CHECKED AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. RECENTLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THEN STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS STARTED. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, HOWEVER WE RECEIVE A SERIES OF 5 BEEPS, 5 TIMES, EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED, AND EVERY 30 MINUTES IF VEHICLE IS RUNNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WERE TOLD THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS. TOTAL COST = OVER $1100. DEALER WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS WE ARE NOT THE ONLY CONSUMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO REPAIR ALL ESCAPES SINCE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 2, 2010, fire
DURING MY RECENT TRAVEL, MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAD A SMALL FIRE BURNING THE ABS WIRING WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE ANTI-LOCK CONTROL UNIT/MODULE HAD A RECALL BACK IN 2007, 07S51, AND IN 2008 THE MODULE WAS INSPECTED. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE SAME DEALER THAT DID THE INSPECTION ONCE I REALIZED WHAT HAD RECENTLY HAPPENED TO SEE IF THE RECALL WOULD BE HONORED, REGARDLESS OF THE INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE INSPECTION, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THE DEALER COULD DO, UNLESS THEY SOLD ME A $2,000 PART. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO INFORM THEM OF MY SITUATION, AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE, "THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO TO HONOR THE RECALL". MY MAIN CONCERN IS MY SAFETY, AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR MY HOUSE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. I AM DISTURBED IN THE RESPONSE BY FORD REGARDING MY SAFETY AND LACK OF ASSISTANCE AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO ITS CUSTOMERS TO INSURE SAFETY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE THAT ASSURANCE. REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE ABS WIRING, DUE TO A FAULTY PART MY SAFETY WAS AT HIGH RISK. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD ANYTHING MAJOR OCCUR WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE OF THE VEHICLE'S SUPERB PERFORMANCE. I FEEL THAT THE INSPECTION "SOLUTION" OF THE RECALL DID NOT PREVENT THE WIRING TO CATCH FIRE, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED EITHER AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL OR AFTER THE FIRE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION AND THE TIRES LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2010, fire
ON MARCH 2008 OUR 2001 FORD ESCAPE SELF IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER BEING SHUT OFF FOR OVER 2 HOURS AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION STATES" THE FIRE IN THE VEHICLE ORIGINATED AT THE ABS MODULE AND WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION THAT RESULTED IN AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION" THE CAR HAD GONE IN FOR ALL RECALLS UP TO THAT DATE. SO EITHER THE REPAIR FAILED OR THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THEIR CAUSE OF THIS FIRE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TURNING INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT 5MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED YET THE CONTACT DID NOT ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS UNKNOWN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ABS MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS MELTED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V156000 WAS REPAIRED WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE ABS MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIRS THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE MODULES THAT BURNED AFTER THE FAULTY REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 162000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH UP A HILL THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SET SPEED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL FUSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO INCREASE; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT SUDDEN ACCELERATION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,405.