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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,070

Of the 2002 reports, 68 involved a crash and 108 involved a fire. 45 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling296 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints1,070Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling296
  2. Service brakes200
  3. Hydraulic152
  4. Electrical system125
  5. Power train115
  6. Vehicle speed control103
  7. Suspension90
  8. Structure89

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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: vehicle speed control

103 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HER DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS, BUT WAS NOT TOWED FROM THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER (LITHIA FORD OF MISSOULA, 3943 BROOKS ST, MISSOULA, MT 59804) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. .*BF *TR

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 17, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FIRE THAT ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY A FIRE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT *TR

  3. Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 9, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED MANUALLY, IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, TO AN UNKNOWN PLACE OF BUSINESS. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A SQUEALING AND CRACKING NOISE. THE WHEEL BEARING AND STRUTS WERE FAULTY ON THE VEHICLE AS STATED BY THE CONTACT. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN ADDITION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME BECOMING SEVERELY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  4. Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2017

    VEHICLE IDLES FAST IN PARK AND ACCELERATES QUICKLY WHILE DRIVING AND REMAINS IN HIGH CONSTANT ACCELERATION MODE. BUCKS FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING POTENTIAL VEHICLE IMPACT WHILE BEHIND STOPPED TRAFFIC, PARKING OR TRAILING OTHER VEHICLES.

  5. Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RPM INDICATOR WENT ALL THE UP AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE RPMS WENT DOWN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE FAILURE SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2016. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  6. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 22, 2016

    MY VEHICLE DOES THE EXACT SAME THING AS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V165000 OR FORD RECALL NO. 04S13. I HAVE THE YEAR AND ENGINE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL BUT MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST. IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!

  7. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 1, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SPEED CONTROL) AND THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES UNTIL AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE LOCKS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE ACCELERATION PEDAL LOCKS IN THE DOWNWARD POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE'S GEAR WAS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ANOTHER REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.

  8. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 11, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND WAITING FOR A TRAIN TO CROSS THE TRACKS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE BACK IN GEAR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER HAD DISENGAGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND WOULD NEED TO BE BOLTED BACK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

  9. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 12, 2015

    I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FEB. 2015. SINCE THEN OFTEN WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK IT REVS, THE RPMS RANGE FROM 1500-3000. I READ THAT A RECALL WAS DECLARED IN DECEMBER OF 2004. MY CAR IDLES AT A HIGH RANGE.

  10. Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2015, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND LEFT SIDE AFTER LEAPING FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE POLICE INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK CONTINUED TO REV AFTER THE CRASH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

  11. Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2015, crash

    2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED, HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HI, BECAUSE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, THE CRASH WAS NOT AS VIOLENT AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN. TWO OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SHOULDER INJURIES. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. *JB

  12. Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2015

    ON 4/10/2014, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SLOWING...AS IF I WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I HAD TO USE THE BRAKE TO MAKE THE CAR SLOW DOWN. ON 4/12/2015, I WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND LET MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL TO COAST TO THE PARKING POSITION, WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND I ALMOST HIT OUR FENCE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM. *TR

  13. Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2015

    THE ACCELERATOR CABLE APPEARS TO HAVE GONE OUT. THE GAS PEDAL GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND THE ENGINE IS AT 6RPM'S. CALLED FORD AND EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD NEARLY 500K CARS RECALLED DURING THE EXACT YEAR MY CAR WAS BUILT THEY WILL NOT CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IN THE MEANTIME MY TWO CHILDREN WERE HURT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T ACCELERATOR ON TO THE HIGHWAY AND THEN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. FORDS SOLUTION WAS FOR ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP AND PAY THEM TO FIX MY VEHICLE, BUT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS JUST IN CASE THEY ARE "FORCED" TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY COSTS. *TR

  14. Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2015, crash

    I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE 2002 OUT OF TOWN, I NOTICED MY CAR PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE AND NOTICED THE THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING. I KNEW A STOP SIGN AND A HIGHWAY WAS UP AHEAD, AFTER BLOWING THREW THE STOP SIGN ONLY BEING ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO 20 WITH THE BRAKES, I PULLED THE E-BRAKE AND STILL DID NOT STOP, AFRAID AND SCARED I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THE CAR THEN SNAPPED AND WENT INTO REVERSE AND THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS AIM FOR A POLE AND HIT IT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING WITH THE ENGINE SMOKING, FEARING OF A FIRE I SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. *TR

  15. Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2015, crash

    VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TOWARDS A CROSSING AND THE LIGHT WAS RED. I TRIED TO STOP, BUT INSTEAD IT ACCELERATED ON APPLYING THE BRAKES AND T-BONED A CAR ON THE CROSSING. THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR WERE SERVICED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST AND THE COMPLETE HISTORY IS AVAILABLE AT THE DEALER....UPDATED 04/02/15 *BF

  16. Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2014, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY BECAME STUCK WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE RELEASED. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

  17. Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2014, crash

    BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, PUT INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR THROTTLED AND ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALED. *TR

  18. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 12, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SURGE BACK AND FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT VACUUM TUBE WAS LEAKING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

  19. Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, May 14, 2014, crash

    I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE INSTEAD OF STOPPING THE TRUCK ACCELERATED. HITTING THE BACK OF A VEHICLE. *TR

  20. Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2014, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HIS SHAD AND SIDE WIPED HIS NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH FORCE WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN AREA OF BUSHES. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. THE CONTACT WAS THE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION,THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALLED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

  21. Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2014

    WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD FOCUS V6 I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO PARKS FORD IN WESLEY CHAPEL, FL WHO SAID THEY SUSPECT IT IS FROM MY THROTTLE CABLE STICKING BUT THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT FOR ME EVEN THOUGH MANY ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND RESULTED IN NUMEROUS DEATHS. IT WOULD COST ME OVER $400 TO FIX AND JUST BECAUSE MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL FOR THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. I EVEN SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE MAIN FORD OFFICE WHO SAID THE SAME THING. THIS IS BLATANTLY REFUSING TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT, EVEN THOUGH THEY REALIZE THIS COULD RESULT IN A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I TOLD THE MAN AT FORD THAT I GUESS THEY WANT TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE DIES OF THIS PROBLEM AND HE SAID IF HE WAS ME AND KNEW WHAT I KNOW HE JUST WOULDN'T DRIVE THAT CAR, WHICH PROVES THAT THEY REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS AND YET REFUSE TO MAKE IT A RECALL ON MY CAR EVEN THOUGH THE SAME ISSUE RESULTED IN SEVERAL DEATHS FOR ESCAPE OWNERS IN THE PAST. *TR

  22. Vehicle speed control, Jan 2, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED 75 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THAT BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

  23. Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2013

    I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. I WENT TO TAKE MY EXIT AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AT ALL. IT KEPT ACCELERATING ALL THE WAY UP TO 90MPH. I TAPPED THE BRAKES BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I WAS AFRAID TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES DUE TO HEATING THE BRAKES UP SO MUCH THAT IT WOULD CATCH MY CAR ON FIRE. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS REVVED BETWEEN 5000-6000 SO I SWITCHED BACK IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I FINALLY HAD AN AREA WHERE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW IT DOWN AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO PARK. WHEN IT WAS IN PARK THE RPMS JUMPED ALL THE WAY UP TO 5000 AND SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS GOING TO BLOW UP SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THEN I OPENED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS TIL NOW. MY CAR IS NO LEAKING OIL AND SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SEEMED AS THOUGH THIS WAS AN UNIMPORTANT ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR THEM SINCE THEY ARE THE ONES WHO FIXED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE WITH THE LAST RECALL THEY HAD ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

  24. Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO SPEEDS OF 88 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. HE THEN MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED SIX YEARS EARLIER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2013, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO FIVE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO HER LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/5/13*CN