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, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS STARTING. THE DEALER MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE STARTER, RELAY SWITCH, AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 18, 2003
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 3, 2003
FIVE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE, THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 4, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THERE WAS A DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 28, 2003
EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR WEAR: AFTER 34,600 MILES, THE ROTORS ARE 70% WORN ACCORDING TO THE DIMENSIONS GIVEN BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL EVEN THOUGH HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE BRAKES WILL BE WORN OUT BEFORE 50,000 MILES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 26, 2003, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A SHOPPING CENTER. AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PREPARING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, HOPPING THE CURB AND CONTINUING FORWARD INTO THE PATIO AREA. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IT HIT A TRASH CAN AND TABLES AND FINALLY CRASHED INTO A PILLAR. IN APPLYING THE BRAKE, I HAD MANAGED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN SO THE IMPACT WAS NOT SEVERE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT TWO PEOPLE LUNCHING IN THE PATIO AREA RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES (A SCRATCHED/SWOLLEN LEG AND SORE ELBOW). THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. SINCE I AM PARANOID ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I AM PLANNING TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST CONDUCTED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2003
THE BRAKES SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. *DT *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Dec 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATED ON JULY 2, 2002 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A BROKEN HEADLIGHT AND MISSING EQUIPMENT FROM THE VEHICLE, ON JULY 23, 2002 THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING STALLING, BRAKE AND ODOMETER PROBLEMS, THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED DUE TO A FLAW, THE STALLING AND THE ODOMETER PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, ALSO THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKERS AND THE CLUTCH STICKING, CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A HOTEL.*JB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2002
PROBLEMS WITH POWER ASSIST, ENGINE AND BRAKES. MR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 4, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2002
VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. EVERYTHING WILL GO OUT LIKE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES AND ACCELERATOR, ETC. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP AND ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING .DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON DEFECTS OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEMS OCCURING WERE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THOSE DEFECTS. *YH
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2002
AS I WAS DESCENDING DOWN A HILL, TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH, AND TURNING A BEND, I NOTICED THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING AND THEN THAT MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING AND THAT ONE OF MY INDICATOR LIGHTS WAS LIT ON MY DASHBOARD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND TURNED THE KEY BACK ON AND IT STARTED. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS AROUND BECAUSE MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER WHO DID NOT EVEN WRITE MY CONCERN DOWN. I HAVE SINCE SENT THEM A FORMAL LETTER. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE, BUT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING ON BUSY ROADS.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2002
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. IT CURRENTLY HAS 10K MILES ON IT. WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL, THE ENGINE STOPPED, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE POWER BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. LUCKLY I MANAGED TO PULL OVER, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE SAME PROBLEM, SAME SITUATION OCCUR A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. BOTH TIMES OCCURRED WHILE I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH. I NOTICED THAT THE RPM READING WHEN THE ACCELLERATOR ISN'T DEPRESSED IS VERY LOW. IT SOMETIMES DIPS CLOSE TO ZERO. NORMAL RPM FOR SITTING IN IDLE IS AROUND 1. IT'S CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Jul 8, 2002
THIS CAR HAS HAD VARIOUS DEFECTS IN THE 8 MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. I HAVE HAD THE REAR WIPER ARM AND WINDSHIELD FLUID RECEPTACLE REPLACED. NEXT THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THIS RESULTED IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. NEXT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AT 40 MPH RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC NOT ONCE, BUT THREE TIMES. I FEEL THIS SUV IS NOT DEPENDABLE OR SAFE TO DRIVE. I AM SCHEDULED TO TAKE A VACATION AND DRIVE FROM WISCONSIN TO ARKANSAS IN THE AUGUST HEAT, BUT I AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. I WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF THIS VEHICLE. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING APPLIED ON BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION, RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 17, 2002
BOUGHT VEHICLE 11/1/2001. THE FIRST TIME, 1/9/2002 WITH ONLY 1547 MILES, LET OFF OF GAS, COASTING DOWN HILL, APPROX 40 MPH, CAR DIED, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP, CAR RESTARTED. DEALER REPLACED POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RELAY. 2ND TIME, ON 5/3/2002, WITH 3949 MILES, SIMILAR CONDITIONS, CAR DIED, LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES, CAR RESTARTED AFTER COASTING TO A STOP. DEALER CHANGED THE FUEL MIXTURE IN THE COMPUTER. I HAVE SERIOUS DOUBTS THAT THIS HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2002
ALL FUNCTIONS SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I HAD NO FUNCTIONALITY IN STEERING, BRAKES, AND ACCELERATION. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CAR SLOWLY DIED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS. BUT THIS COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT IF ENVIRONMENT, SPEED, ETC., WERE JUST SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 1, 2002
WHEN I TEST DROVE THE 2002 FORD ESCAPE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2002, THE BRAKES WERE SPONGY BUT I WAS TOLD THAT NEW BRAKES HAVE TO "WEAR IN" BEFORE THEY GET SOLID. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO GET MORE SPONGY AFTER WE HAD DRIVEN IT HOME, SO I CALLED NORTHSTAR FORD ON MONDAY, APRIL 22, TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE BRAKES AND CORRECT A VIBRATION ON TUESDAY MORNING AT 8:00. AT THAT APPOINTMENT THEY WORKED ON CORRECTING THE VIBRATION BUT THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKES. THAT AFTERNOON WHEN I DROVE THE ESCAPE DOWNTOWN DULUTH, WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A HILL, I NOTICED THAT WITH MODERATE PRESSURE I COULD PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. I MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 25, TO HAVE THEM WASH OFF SOME TIRE DRESSING THAT HAD SPATTERED ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES, THEY SAID THE BRAKES WERE NORMAL AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKES. SO I GAVE THEM A PAPER TO SIGN THAT STATES "THE BRAKES ON OUR FORD ESCAPE ARE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE VERY 'SPONGY.' FURTHERMORE, WHEN MODERATE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL GOES NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. THIS TYPE OF BRAKE RESPONSE IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD. " THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT NORTHSTAR TOLD ME THE BRAKES WERE NORMAL, BUT THEY WOULDN'T SIGN THE PAPER. I'M REALLY WORRIED THAT IF I EVER HAVE TO MAKE A PANIC STOP THE BRAKES ARE GOING TO FAIL. I DON'T TRUST A BRAKE PEDAL THAT GOES NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. WHEN IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRAKES, I TRIED TO GET MY TRADE IN BACK AND LEAVE THE ESCAPE AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY WOULDN'T LET ME OUT OF THE CONTRACT. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS TO SEE IF THESE BRAKES ARE INDEED NORMAL.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 13, 2002
THIS LINE OF VEHICLES ALSO HAS 2 OTHER MAJOR COMPLAINTS FROM MANY OWNERS, 1ST IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT BRAKES SQUEALING THIS WAS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR, A TSB WAS ISSUED AND THE 2002 MODEL HAS THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH AT IDLE. AGAIN A TSB WAS ISSUED BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED IN THE 2002 MODEL YEAR. THE MAIN PROBLEM THAT WAS REPORTED HERE WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL SINKING TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ADDITIONALLY, BRAKE FLUID WAS FOUND LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2002
ON FIRST OCCASION VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. NEEDED TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT. VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. ONLY HAD VEHICLE 1 MONTH. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, (NOT POINT OF SALE) AND HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED. WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OTHER KEYS ON PRIMARY KEY RING, TO REMOVE THE KEYS DUE TO THEY WERE INTERFERING WITH THE PATH AND SHUTTING DOWN VEHICLE. REMOVED THE KEYS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. ON 4/9/02 WAS DRIVING IN EXACT LOCATION AS PREVIOUS INCIDENT, GOING ABOUT 35-40 MPH AND SAME THING HAPPENED. HAD PUT A FILE CABINET KEY ON KEY RING, THOUGHT WAS SAME ISSUE, DIDNT' REPORT AGAIN. ON 4/11/02 WHILE TRAVELING ON MUCH BUSIER AND MUCH MORE DANGEROUS ROAD, VEHICLE AGAIN STALLED. NO SAFE SHOULDER TO PULL OFF ONTO AND UNABLE TO RESTART WHILE IN PROCESS. WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO COAST ONTO SIDE STREET, BREAKS AND STEERING WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, HAD TO ROLL TO STOP. ABLE TO RESTART AND GET TO WORK. WILL NOTIFY DEALERSHIP ASAP.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 11, 2002
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT SOOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT FINALLY STARTED. IT DOES THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY. DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM, IT WILL FIX ITSELF. VEHICLES ENGINE SMOKED ON TWO OCCASIONS, THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. VEHICLE WILL SURGE ON ITS OWN, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, ALMOST AS IF I HAD FLOORED IT. I CANNOT DRIVE 20 MPH, IT SURGES FORWARD! LAST INCIDENT I HAD WITH THE VEHICLE, I LOST COMPLETE USE OF THE BRAKES, NO HYDRAULICS, NO NOTHING. PEDAL DEPRESSED RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. ALMOST GOT INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION, USED E-BRAKE TO STOP. HAPPENED A SECOND TIME LATER THAT DAY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, NOTHING IS WRONG. CONTACTED FORD REP. AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT WISH TO KEEP THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED AT 30 MPH. POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, AND ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2002
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE TRAVELING ON A STEEP CURVY ROAD AT 25 MPH, VEHICLE LOST POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING, CONSUMER HAD TO USE BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TO CONTROL SPEED, OIL AND EMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF STREET ONTO PARKING LOT AND SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO AVOID CRASHING, ENGINE WAS STILL ON WHEN VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, DEALER REFLASHED PCM AND REPLACED MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, THROTTLE BODY AND IAC SOLENOID. *AK *TT
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 23, 2002
BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED ONCE WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CURVY MOUNTAIN ROAD, SPEED APPROX. 25 MPH, SECOND FAILURE AT APPROX 45 MPH ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL CITY ROAD. BOTH TIMES TWO FEET HAD TO BE USED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WITH HEAVY STEERING AND THE VEHICLE WAS JUST STOPPED BEFORE CRASHING INTO OBSTACLES. NO WARNING PRECEEDED THE INCIDENTS. THREE DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AFTER. THE DEALER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BOTH TIMES AND THE FIRST TIME SAID PERHAPS WE HAD MORE THAN ONE KEY ON THE KEY RING IN THE IGNITION KEY HOLE. THIS WAS NOTED AS A POTENTIAL CAUSE OF TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE IN EITHER INCIDENT, ONLY THE IGNITION KEY WAS ON THE RING. FIRST INCIDENT THEY SAID FORD NOTED THE HEAVY KEY POSIBILITY AND FORD ENGINEERING ALSO RECOMMENDED REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER AND A NEW MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS INSTALLED. THIS DID NOT HELP AS A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN, ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. CURRENTLY (FEB. 23, 2002) THE ESCAPE IS AT THE DEALER NOW AFTER THE SECOND NEAR CRASH INCIDENT AS WE WILL NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. THEY SAY THEY ARE ASKING THEIR ENGINEERING STAFF AGAIN WHAT TO DO. THIS IS THE SAME SOURCE THAT ORIGINALLY SAID TO TELL US WE PROBABLY HAD TOO MANY KEYS HANGING FROM THE IGNITION KEY. NONE HAS ANY FIRM ANSWER AND SOURCES ON THE INTERNET CONFIRM THIS PROBLEM AND FORD HAS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. WE WOULD LIKE TO TERMINATE THE PURCHASE WHICH WAS DONE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAVE TO DRIVE. BOTH MY WIFE, FIRST INCIDENT, AND DAUGHTER, SECOND INCIDENT WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THEY WERE SO FRIGHTENED AND BARELY WERE ABLE TO AVOID CRASHES. DATE FEB. 23, 2002 SIGNED EUGENE LALLY. *AK