2002 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,070 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 68 involved a crash and 108 involved a fire. 45 people were injured and 2 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
Vehicle speed control, cablesDec 7, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 04V574000 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
Representative owner complaints: hydraulic
152 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 26, 2006, fire
MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR HOURS AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF. I WENT OUTSIDE TO GET IT TO GO OFF AND REALIZED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ALARM WOULDN'T GO OFF AND EVENTUALLY QUIT BUT THE SMOKE KEPT COMING AND I REALIZED THERE WERE ACTUAL FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY SO THE CAR WOULDN'T HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE OF SPARKING UP. PRESENTLY, I HAVE THE VEHICLE IN A FORD DEALERSHIP SHOP. THEY SAID THAT THE FIRE STARTED AT THE WIRING HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO THE ABS MODULAR. THE WIRING HARNESS AND SOME OTHER PART ARE BEING ORDERED TO BE REPLACED. AS FAR AS THEY KNOW THAT NEEDS REPLACED AND THERE MAY BE MORE ONCE THEY ACTUALLY START TAKING THE CAR APART AND SEEING WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. THE FIRE PROBABLY BURNED FOR A GOOD 10 MINUTES. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Seat belts, Dec 1, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT DROVE THROUGH A PATCH OF SNOW IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE'S REAR END SPUN AROUND AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE ABS SENSOR, THAT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP ,CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES DO TO THE SEAT BEAT BUCKLE BREAKING DURING THE ACCIDENT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 26, 2005
2002 FORD ESCAPE EXCITER RING CRACKED MAKING A LOUD NOISE. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS THERE WAS A SLIGHT METALLIC SOUND COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE COMPLETE FRONT AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED. THE DEALER ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS BE REPLACED. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 30, 2005
I BROUGHT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR ITS 45K MILE SERVICE AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I SAID THE PADS HAVE NOT YET WORN OUT THOUGH. THEY SAID I WAS LUCKY TO MAKE IT THIS FAR. MOST ESCAPES HAVE THEM WEAR OUT AT 30K OR LESS DUE TO POOR QUALITY AND TOO THIN ROTORS. DEALER SAID COST TO REPLACE ROTORS AND PADS WILL BE $338.00 INCLUDING LABOR TO REPLACE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jul 11, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE, MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH 66,000 MILES ON IT. COMING HOME FROM A WEEKEND TRIP THE CLUTCH STUCK AND WOULD HAVE TO BE PULLED UP WITH YOUR FOOT WHEN HAVING TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE AND TOWING TO A GARAGE WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD WENT OUT.THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL FOR IT TO HAPPEN TO A CAR THIS NEW. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THIS?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2005
MY NAME IS [XXX], I PURCHASED A FORD ESCAPE SUV ON AUGUST 22, 2002 FROM DAY FORD IN PITTSBURGH, PA ON AUGUST 22, 2002. I HAVE BEEN HAVE MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. PRIOR TO MOVING TO FLORIDA IN JUNE, I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD I NEED NEW ROTORS, BRAKES AND TIRES.I MOVED TO FLORIDA, AND ON JANUARY 2005, I HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH BECAUSE IT HAD RUST AND CORROSION ON IT. THE SERVICE TECH QUESTION ALL THE RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE AND I TOLD HIM THAT I DID NOT KNOW WHY THERE WAS SO MUCH. N MARCH 18TH, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO MATTHEW CURRIE FORD, WHERE THEY SERVICE MY CAR. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON APRIL 20, 2005 AND WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT. I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD ON APRIL 21, 2005 THAT I NEED NEW SPARK PLUGS. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS NOT PAYING FOR IT AND THAT THEY NEED TO CALL AIG. ON APRIL 22, 2005 THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT MY CAR HAD WATER DAMAGE AND THAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. I THEN GOT A RENTAL CAR AND I CALLED DAYFORD TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY AND HOW THEY WERE GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AT FIRST I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT SELL ME A CAR WITH WATER DAMAGE. THEN HE SAID HE WOULD CALL ME BACK. WELL I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. OVER THE WEEKEND I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM KANSAS CITY ON JULY 20, 2002 AND THEN SERVICED ON JULY 27, 2002 BY DAYFORD. THE SERVICES WERE ENGINE SERVICED, VEHICLE SERVICED, SUSPENSION SYSTEM SERVICED, BRAKES SERVICED, STATE INSPECTION COMPLETED, MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE PERFORMED, EMISSIONS SYSTEM SERVICED AND LUBED OIL AND FILTER CHANGED. THESE SERVICES WERE COMPLETED WITH ONLY 3 MILES ON THE CAR. I PULLED THE INFORMATION FROM CARFAX AND THAT WHAT IT SAYS. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2005
2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 36,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD THE FRONT BRAKES SURVIVED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THIS CAR AND FOUND THAT ROTORS CANNOT BE TURNED EVEN ONE TIME ON THESE CARS WITHOUT BRINGING IT BELOW SPECS. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROTORS AT A COST OF $199.00. I COMPLAINED TO FORD ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS PART OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE NEVER OWNED CAR THAT HAD TO HAVE ROTORS REPLACED WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE BEFORE I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS IS A NORMAL SITUATION. IT IS A CASE OF FORD PUTTING CHEAP THROW AWAY PARTS IN CARS AND NOT DISCLOSING THIS INFORMATION TO BUYERS AT THE TIME THEY PURCHASE THE CAR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 16, 2005
VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED 3 TIMES FOR SAFETY DEFECTS. AT 25000 MILES I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS. IT IS TOO EARLY FOR THIS TO BE OCCURRING AND HAVE FOUND INFORMATION THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMPLAINT THAT HAS BEEN FREQUENT ON THIS CAR MAKE. THEY REPLACED THE ECCELLERATOR CABLE AND NOW THE CAR SEEMS TO BE SLUGGISH IN ECCELLERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 26, 2005
VEHICLE HAD A SOUND WHEN BEING DRIVEN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO SEE WHERE THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKES, AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2004
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 42,600 MILES. MY PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING IS A SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL AT FIRST, THEN PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, AND THEN YOU GET A PULSATING, GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT BRAKES AND ALSO IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. ROTORS ARE NEW; BRAKES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION, NO BRAKE FLUID LEAKS. BRAKES WERE BLED WITH NO CHANGE IN PROBLEM. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SUCKING AIR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 13, 2004
FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2004
THE ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP WHILE PUMPING THE BRAKE THREE TIMES, AND DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 19, 2004
WENT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN GARDEN GROVE, CA. I WAS GETTING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A COMPLETE BRAKE OVERHALL. I BALKED AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE FORD ASSOCIATE. I STATED "MY ESCAPE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT AND YOUR TELLING ME IT NEEDS NEW ROTORS, PADS ON THE FRONT, AND SHOES AND DRUMS IN THE REAR". HE LOOKED STRAIGHT AT ME AND SAID YES YOU DO. I WENT HOME TOOK OFF THE TIRE AND DISCOVERED IT TO BE TRUE.. THE BRAKES ON MY 2002 ESCAPE ARE WORN OUT AFTER 23,000 MILES. WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE IS THAT. I'M NOT HARD ON MY BRAKES EITHER. IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN AT 43,000 MILES I AM GOING TO BE VERY PISSED OFF. IF IT DOES HAPPEN. I WILL BE TRADING IT IN, AND IT WON'T BE FOR ANOTHER FORD.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2004, crash
THIS CONCERNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 10,700 MILES ON IT. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A VERY SLIGHT GRADE AT LESS THAN 20 MPH ON A CLEAR DAY APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR DID NOT STOP. INSTEAD, THE FRONT OF THE CAR JUST STARTED TO UNCONTROLLABLY JUMP, BOUNCE AND HOP UP AND DOWN. SINCE THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN AND IT CONTINUED TO UNCONTROLLABLY BOUNCE UP AND DOWN. THERE WAS A CAR CROSSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION IN FRONT OF ME DRIVEN BY A MOTHER WITH HER YOUNG CHILD IN THE CAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THAT CAR, I STEERED MY BOUNCING CAR TO THE RIGHT, OFF THE ROAD, AND INTO A LIGHT POLE TO STOP IT. THE MOTHER WITH HER 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, WHO WITNESSED THE WHOLE EVENT, PULLED OVER TO SEE IF I WAS OK AND THANKED ME FOR NOT KILLING THEM. I HAVE HER NAME AND NUMBER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS CAR AND I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO EVER DRIVE IT AGAIN LEST I KILL OR MAIM MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. DIRECTLY MANY TIMES, BUT THEY GAVE ME THE RUNAROUND. THEY SAID THE ANTILOCK BRAKING DID NOT NEED TO BE CHECKED. WHEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY, NATIONWIDE, BECAME INVOLVED FORD SAID THAT I SHOULD NOW DEAL WITH THEM, NATIONWIDE. NATIONWIDE IS NOW PAYING TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED, BUT SAID THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO CHECK THE BRAKING SYSTEM BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT IS MY FAULT AND ALL THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT IS RAISE MY INSURANCE PREMIUM. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THERE HAS BEEN A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THIS DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE TO LOOK INTO IT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Aug 4, 2004
(1) CE LIGHT ON AGAIN (2) VEHICLE NOT IDLING NORMALLY (3) VEHICLE NOT ADVANCING FROM STOP (4) SMELL BURNING OIL FROM ENGINE WHEN SHUT OFF, NO VISIBLE OIL LEAK FOUND ON DRIVEWAY (5) RATTLING FROM LF OF THE VEHICLE; SPEED OF RATTLING DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPEED OF VEHICLE; STARTS AROUND 25 MPH. (6) DRIVER'S SEAT LURCHES FORWARD ON SEAT TRACK WHEN BRAKING; ONLY OCCURS WITH LIGHTER WEIGHT DRIVERS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE 30K MILE CHECK & TO HAVE THEM ADDRESS THE ISSUES. DEALER DID THE FOLLOWING - ISSUES 1-4: ENGINE COVERED IN OIL UPON INSPECTION (SECOND OIL LEAK); LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT COVER & OIL PAN; DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT COVER GASKET, OIL PAN GASKET, VALVE COVER GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS, & OIL FILTER; DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR AGAIN (THIRD TIME). ISSUE 5: DEALER DID NOT HEAR NOISE COMING FROM LF OF VEHICLE; HEARD A NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE; REAR LIFT DOOR LATCH LOOSE; ADJUSTED/OILED IT. ISSUE 6: DEALER COMPARED PROBLEM WITH OTHER ESCAPES; FOUND TO BE A NORMAL CONDITION OF POWER DRIVER'S SEAT TO HAVE SOME PLAY IN IT (THIS IS VERY UNSAFE; SEAT LURCHES FORWARD 1-2IN WHEN BRAKING; I'M A SHORT FEMALE WHO STRUGGLES TO SIT A MIN OF 10IN FROM THE SW FOR THE AB; MOVING ME FORWARD ANOTHER 1-2IN IN A CRASH IS NOT SAFE). DEALER FOUND FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTORS BELOW SPECS; STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR 30K MILES; SEEMS TOO SOON. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FILED TO NHTSA REGARDING EXCESSIVE BRAKE/ROTOR WEAR. VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP 7/16-7/23. DEALER PAID FOR A RENTAL CAR (THIRD TIME). PICKED UP VEHICLE & DROVE IT OFF LOT; HEARD RATTLING FROM THE LF OF VEHICLE. TOOK IT BACK & A MECHANIC WENT ON TEST DRIVE WITH ME, HEARD NOISE. TOOK IT BACK & INSPECTED VEHICLE TOGETHER. I NOTICED THE WEATHER STRIPPING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED & DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. HAD BEEN SLAPPING OUTSIDE OF APILLAR WHEN DRIVING, MAKING NOISE. DEALER STATED THEY WOULD ORDER NEW PART & I'D HAVE TO BRING VEHICLE BACK AGAIN TO HAVE IT INSTALLED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 14, 2004
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN...MOVED FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL TO SLOW (WAS GOING ABOUT 50 MPH AT THE TIME AND ABOUT 65 MPH BEFORE GETTING ANY BRAKES TO WORK) AND IT KEPT GOING DOWN AND STUCK ON HIGH EXCELERATION...WENT TO PUT ON BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN, BARELY HAD ANY BRAKES. FORD SERVICE SAID RECALL THIS MORNING ON ACCELERATOR STICKING...BUT BRAKES WERE MY PROBLEM..I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH BRAKES PRIOR TO THIS. AT 33000 MILES, GRANTED THERE IS WEAR BUT I HAD EXPERIENCED NONE..SO STUCK PAYING FOR COMPLETE REPLACEMENT..SAID THEY WERE SHOT AND UNSAFE....ALL I CAN SAY IS I WAS EXTREMLY FORTUNATE TO GET UNDER CONTROL AND NO ACCIDENT. AND FORD SHOULD ACCEPT SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BRAKES . *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN JUNE OF 2003. I NOTICED, DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, EXCESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. MY INITIAL REQUEST FOR THE DEALER TO LOOK INTO THIS NOISE WAS MET WITH A REPLY THAT THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PUT ON THE LOT AND CHECKED OUT FINE. THE PURCHASE, HOWEVER, WAS A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER THEY HAD DONE THEIR INSPECTION. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND GRADUALLY GREW WORSE AND A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THEY AGREED THE BRAKES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AGAIN. OUTSIDE OF EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST BUILD UP, THEY INDICATED THE BRAKES WERE FINE. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND I AGAIN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK IN. AT THIS POINT, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THERE APPEARED TO BE SEVERAL AREAS OF ROUGH EDGES AND THEY INDICATED ALL BRAKE SURFACES HAD BEEN SANDED TO REMOVE THESE IMPERFECTIONS. THIS PROCESS WORKED FOR NO MORE THAN 48 HOURS BEFORE THE NOICE RETURNED, BUT EVEN LOUDER. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS EVER SINCE AND IT HAS GROWN INCREASINGLY FRUSTRATING, AS TEH DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY ADVISED ME OF THE BULLETIN POSTED REGARDING EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT A SOLUTION WAS TO BE IN PLACE BY Q4 2003 OR Q1 2004. I CONTINUE TO BE TOLD THERE IS NO REMEDY YET AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS LOUD ANNOYANCE COULD BECOME A PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FUNCTION. I DRIVE QUITE A BIT FOR MY WORK AND PLAN TO PULL A POP-UP CAMPER FOR A 2-WEEK VACATION THIS SUMMER AND I HAVE NO INTEREST IN PUTTING MYSELF, MY FAMILY OR ANY ONE ELSE IN JEOPARDY SHOULD THERE BE A MORE SIGNIFICANT UNDELYING PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2004
THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN MOVING IN REVERSE. THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR. *JB WHEN BACKING BY A GAS STATION PUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND NEARLY ENDED OUT ON A BUSY ROAD. THE BRAKES WERE PUMPED TWICE AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED. LESS THAN A WEEK LATER WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPHILL, ACROSS A ROAD, OVER INTO THE WOODS. *SC JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Seat belts, Apr 29, 2004
THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A SLOW LEAK THAT PROGRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE LEAK MAY BE DUE TO A BAD CYLINDER CAP. THE CAP WAS REPLACED. ALSO AT 100 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SEPARATE FROM IT'S LINKAGE. A SCREW IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE SCREW AND PUT A PUNCH MARK INTO THE SIDE OF THE SCREW TO MAKE IT STAY IN PLACE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM THE MASTER PARTS WERE NOT WORKING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AFTER 50 MILES. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A SLOW LEAK, WHICH WORSENED OVER TIME AND TIGHTENING DID NOT FIX. THE CONSUMER FOUND THE BACK LIGHT BEHIND THE GEAR SELECTOR AND ODOMETER WENT OUT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO DID NOT START, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2004
EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST ON FRONT TIRES - RIMS ARE BLACK WITHIN 3 DAYS OF CLEANING - DEALER REPORTS THIS IS 'NORMAL'..*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2004
BRAKE "IDIOT" LIGHT ON DASHBOARD LIT.. OUT OF BRAKE FLUID.. DEALER STATED DEFECTIVE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP - REPLACED - QUESTIONED WHY IT WAS OUT OF FLUID WHEN THE FLUIDS WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN "CHECKED AND TOPPED OFF" AT LAST OIL CHANGE 3K MILES PREVIOUSLY - (I HAD ALSO REPORTED GRINDING BRAKES NOISE AT THAT OIL CHANGE WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS JUST DUE TO EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST BUILDUP.. ) *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2004
THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS . WHEN THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Jan 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE WAS RUMBLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE JUMPING AND OR KICKING. THE DEALER REPLACED ONE DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RUMBLING NOISE WOULD NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED BY FORD ENGINEERS. FORD DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, BUT SAY IT WAS NOT DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND CD'S WOULD GET STUCK IN THE CD PLAYER. *SC THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT OF ROUND, THE STABILIZER END LINKS WERE REPLACED *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004
EXCESSIVE FRON ROTOR WEAR: THE DEALER EXAMINED THE ROTORS AND SAID THE WEAR WAS NORMAL, EVEN THOUGH THE MEASUREMENTS HE GAVE ME SHOW THE ROTORS ARE 70% WORN. HE AGREES THAT THEY SHOULD BE COMPLETELY WORN OUT BEFORE 50,000 MILES AND STILL CONSIDERS THIS TO BE NORMAL.