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: suspension
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, May 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE REMEDY DID NOT PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION WERE FOUND NEAR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE POINT THAT THE PART COULD FRACTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Mar 21, 2016
LF LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE - WE BROUGHT OUR FORD TO A&CTIRE, ATKINSON, NH - 603-362-5213 FOR A STATE INSPECTION - THEY TOLD US THIS ISSUE AND THE FORD WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE - WE AUTHORIZED THE WORK - WE PAID $250.85 PARTS & LABOR, THEY PRINTED OUT RECALL # 14S02 RECALL TO PURSUE GETTING REIMBURSED - WE CALLED FORD AND THEY DENIED ANY REIMBURSEMENT.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Mar 9, 2016
FRONT SUB FRAME IS CRACKED AND WHEEL IS WOOBLING.
Suspension, Dec 21, 2015
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR. 14S02. I HAD IT TOWED TO FULLER FORD IN CINTI, OHIO. WHEN THE RECALL BROKE IN MY CAR, RUSTED THROUGH FRAME. IT CAUSED OTHER DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I NEED A PASSENGER SIDE AXLE, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND A SWAY BAR LINK. FORD WILL NOT COVER THESE DAMAGES EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL CAUSED THE DAMAGE. JUST THANK GOODNESS I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS COMING TO A STOP OR I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I DONT BELIEVE FORD IS TAKING CARE OF THEIR ISSUE. A FRAME SHOULD NOT RUST THROUGH
Suspension, Wheels, Dec 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) AT 80,707 MILES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCURATELY RESPOND TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUB FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2015
I WAS MAKING A RIDE AN MAPLE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A SORT OF POPPING NOISE ALMOST LIKE A FLAT TIRE. THATS WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS SO I KEPT DRIVE TO WHERE I LIVE.ON THE WAY HOME ALL I HEARD WAS A SCREECHING. WHEN I GOT HOME HOME I CHECK AND THE SUSPENSION HAD SNAPPED BECAUSE OF RUSTING
Suspension, Aug 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD AND ALL STEERING CAPABILITY WAS LOST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED AND THE VEHICLE DRAGGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 21, 2015, crash
ON JULY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM I WAS DRIVING UP BEAR CREEK MOUNTAIN AND HEARD A LOUD POP THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING BEFORE I FINALLY GOT IT TO STOP. I SLIDE ABOUT 50 FEET AND IF I'D SLIDE ABOUT 3 MORE FEET I WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. THE SUB FRAME HAD SNAPPED IN TWO AND IT PULLED THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE OUT. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT ON A ROLL BACK AND TAKEN AWAY.ALSO DAMAGED WAS THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND ,MOLDING AROUND THE FENDER. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE WITH THIS VEHICLE MY FAMILY WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED THE WRECK. IT IS LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T GO OVER THE MOUNTAIN. I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE SUB FRAME TO BREAK AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. I SPOKE WITH THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT UNDER THE 2002 ESCAPE RECALL AND THAT THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIRE OR LARGE CRASH THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE SUB FRAME BREAKING. MY INSURANCE CARRIER HAS ALSO CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I ASKED THE LADY AT FORD IF SOMEONE HAD DIED IN THE WRECK WOULD I STILL BE TOLD THE SAME THING AND SHE REPLIED YES. ACCORDING TO FORD THEY CAN'T GIVE OUT TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO LEGAL DEPARTMENT OR ADDRESSES OR EMAIL ADDRESSES. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I COULD NOT SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT TRANSFER CALLS. I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE LADY I WAS SPEAKING TO BY ANOTHER LADY. GO FIGURE. I THINK THAT FORD IS LIABLE FOR THIS STRUCTURAL FAILURE AND NEEDS TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 24, 2015
DRIVING ABOUT 25MPH HEAR A LOUD CLUNCK LOST CONTROLL OF VEHICLE BREAK PEDLE TO THE FLOOR TRUCK STILL MOVING HAD TO USE ER BRAKE TO STOP. GOT OUT PASSANGER FRONT TIRE WAS TURNED COMPLETLY DIFF WAY, THE BALL BEARER WAS DETACHED, THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME IF I WAS ON FREEWAY! CALLED FORD THEY CONTINUED TO TELL ME THIS WASNT PART OF RECALL CALLED MEHCANIC SAID THE SUBFRAME SO RUSTED IT HAS COMPLETLY DETACHED FROM BALL BEARERS CAUSING TIRE TO BASICALLY FALL OFF. FORD WILL NOT FIX IT, GAVE ME EVERY OTHER ALTERNITIVE ON WHAT IT COULD BE. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE, FORD WONT HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOT TO LOOK AT IT AND ON TOP OF THAT WONT SEE IT FOR A WEEK IF I DO GET IT TOWED UP THERE! WHAT A MESS. ILL NEVER SHOP WITH THEM AGAIN. THEY WONT CARE UNTIL THIS KILLS SOMEONE.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE WHEEL DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT CORROSION FROM THE SUBFRAME CAUSED THE WHEEL BEARING TO DETACH AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE DEALER WAS TO INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE FOR THE UNINTENDED DETACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. A SHORT TIME AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANOTHER SERVICE, WHO NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 27, 2015
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS BEEN TO MULTIPLE DEALER SERVICE CENTERS AND MECHANICS TO TRY TO PINPOINT A BANGING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR POTHOLES AT LOWER SPEEDS. TO DATE I HAVE HAD TIE RODS, SWAY BARS, SWAY BAR LINKS, BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND ALL BODY MOUNTS, ENGINE MOUNTS, CONTROL ARMS, SHOCKS AND STRUTS ALL CHECKED AND ALL NUTS AND BOLTS TIGHTENED. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A MECHANIC TELL ME WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I KNOW MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE, HOWEVER I CANNOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE REPLACING PARTS IN HOPES THAT WE MIGHT FINALLY FIND THE CAUSE OF THE SOUND. I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHATEVER IT IS THAT IS FAILING BEFORE SOMEONE ENDS UP SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 22, 2015
DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY, OUR ESCAPE HAD THE CONTROL ARM DETACH FROM THE SUB FRAME. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL BY FORD BECAUSE IT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED. DESPITE THAT THE DAMAGED AREA OF THE CAR BEING WHAT IS RECALLED IN 14V165000. FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP THIS ISSUE. LUCKY ENOUGH THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THE DAMAGED SUB FRAMES, NOT JUST FIX THOSE THAT HAVEN'T ALREADY BROKE AND CONSUMERS HAVE HAD TO PAY THOUSANDS TO GET FIXED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 1, 2015
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SEEMED LOOSE & THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND CREAKING NOISE INCREASED. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER WHERE I'D HAD THE WORK FOR RECALL 14V165000 COMPLETED ONLY 4 WEEKS PRIOR (26 DEC 2014), AND THEIR ASSESSMENT WAS A CRACKED SUBFRAME. SERVICE WRITER INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, AND THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE A MINIMUM OF $2000 IN PARTS AND LABOR, PLUS THE LIKELIHOOD OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NEEDED ONCE THEY FOUND OTHER CORRODED PARTS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. I DECLINED THE REPAIR AND PURCHASED A NEW CAR (NOT A FORD) INSTEAD. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE FRONT END OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUBFRAME. ALSO, THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE FRONT LOWER CROSS MEMBER AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: BODY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,145. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ UPDATED 6/3/2015 *JS
Suspension, Structure, Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,900.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 9, 2014
MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. IT HAS AT LEAST 2 OBLONG RUSTED OUT HOLES NEAR THE CONTROL ARM. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THEY INSTALLED A CROSS BRACE. 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS TOLD ME THE BRACE WILL HOPEFULLY, IF I AM LUCKY, HELP ME PULL OVER WITHOUT CRASHING WHEN (NOT IF) THE SUBFRAME GIVES AWAY AND THE CONTROL ARM FALLS OFF. TWO OF THE THREE LITERALLY TOLD ME, "GOOD LUCK." I FEEL IF FORD REALIZES THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR A RECALL THEY SHOULD PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Aug 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ON THE TIRE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Aug 14, 2014
VEHICLE SUB-FRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM RESULTING IN DIMINISHED STEERING CONTROL. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE COVERED BY FORD SAFETY RECALL 14S02 AND NHTSA RECALL 14V-166 THAT PROVIDED A REINFORCEMENT OF THE SUB-FRAME. UNFORTUNATELY THE REINFORCING PARTS NECESSARY FOR THE RECALL ACTION WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE BEFORE THE FRAME FAILED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 17, 2014
CORROSION-RELATED SEPARATION LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM SUBFRAME. CAR START PULLING INSTANTLY TO THE RIGHT. HAVE TO CALL TOWING TO GET TO DEALER FOR REPAIR, FORD COMPANY REFUSE TO REPAIR UNDER SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S02. DEALER QUOTE ME AROUND $2000 FOR REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 3, 2014
CAR WAS MAKING CREAKING SOUNDS. GOING AROUND A CORNER THE CAR BASICALLY HAD NO STEERING OR CONTROL. GOT CAR TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND BASED ON TAKING PHOTO OF THE CAR I WAS TOLD THAT FORD DECIDED TO PUT A CROSS BRACE ON AS OPPOSED TO REPLACING SUB FRAME. I TOLD DEALERSHIP I DID NOT AGREE WITH DECISION THAT SUBFRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH CROSS BRACE INSTALLED.APROX 4 WEEKS LATER CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. CONTACTED FORD TOLD ME TO TOW CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP. AFTER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE WAS TOLD NOW THAT SUB- FRAME WAS BROKEN DEALERSHIP CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THEIR REQUEST TO REPLACE SUB FRAME WAS DENIED. THE SUB FRAME HOLDS ENGINE,TRANS, ALL STEERING AND BRAKE COMPONENTS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I WAS TOLD BY FORDSUPV THAT BECAUSE THEY PUT ON BRACE INSTEAD OF MAKING THE CORRECT REPAIR THAT WAS ACTUALLY PART OF SUB FRAME RECALL THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE SUB FRAME. THIS IS HOW FORD TREATS THEIR CUSTOMERS AND PUTS THEM IN HARMS WAY. IF YOU LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF FORD VEHICLES FORD WINDSTAR FORD ESCAPE ETC. YOU WILL SEE THEY ARE USING DEFECTIVE STEEL ON UNDER BODY COMPONENTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE RUST RESULTING IN CRITICAL COMPONENT FAILURES. IN MY 48 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH A BROKEN FRAME WHEN I ASKED FORD FOR PHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS TO [XXX]. FIELDS I WAS TOLD THAT IS NOT GIVEN OUT AND THAT THE FORD SUPERVISORS DENIAL WAS FINAL DECISION. I FEEL FORD IS 100% WRONG IN THIS ISSUE AND IS NOT MAKING SAFE CARS, AND WHEN THERE IS A RECALL WILL NOT EVEN FIX THE RECALLED PARTS. ONCE AGAIN THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DEATH TO MY FAMILY IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE X-WAY SHAME SHAME ON YOU FORD MOTOR. I WILL BE LOOKING INTO FILING LAW SUIT OR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST YOU. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE UNLUCKY INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN THESE CARS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Jul 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED OFF ROAD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S FRONT CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE DEALER DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION) DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, May 24, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL CITY STREET AT 30 MPH I DECELERATED TO PREPARE TO TURN RIGHT. WHEN I BEGAN TO MAKE MY RIGHT HAND TURN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE CAR BEGAN TO RATTLE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP WITHIN 10 FEET OF THE POP. I APPLIED A SMALL AMOUNT OF POWER TO THE ENGINE TO TRY AND GET COMPLETELY OUT OF THE ROAD, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE IT WAS FACING 90 DEGREES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE CAR, AND PUSHED TO THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE CV SHAFT HAD COME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP THAT DID SUB-FRAME WORK. UPON INSPECTION AT THE AUTO BODY SHOP IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD ALSO BECOME DETACHED DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST FROM THE ENGINE HEATING IT UP CONSTANTLY. ALONG WITH THE FOLLOWING PARTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT: RIGHT FRONT CV SHAFT, FRONT ENGINE CRADLE, FRONT CONTROL ARM BOLTS, CONTROL ARM BUSHING, CV DRIVE AXLE, HEAVY DUTY EXHAUST CLAMPS. THE SHOP HAD TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE ENGINE CRADLE AND THE RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME. IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGH SPEED INTERSTATE, AND THIS HAPPENED I WOULD HAVE PROBABLE FLIPPED, BECAUSE THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE, AND WAS PULLING TOWARDS THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE TOTAL COST TO GET THIS REPAIRED TO A SAFE DRIVING CONDITION WAS $1352.69. *TR