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: vehicle speed control
103 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2013
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND BURNED OUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND THE INTAKE VALVES CRACKED AS WELL.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 162,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE REMEDY PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE EXPECTED DATE WAS MID AUGUST 2012. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ARRIVAL DATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE THROTTLE.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2012
VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY SINCE EARLY SEPTEMBER. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST FOUR INCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATING WHEN ITS WAS AT LOW SPEED OR STOPPED (WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE). THE ACCELERATIONS LAST A FEW SECONDS AND LURCH THE CAR FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD FOR THE RECALL NOTICES INVOLVING THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (11S24B ON 30 JUNE 12 AND 12S37B ON 20 SEP 12). THIS VEHICLE DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIRS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S HOME, A NEARBY FENCE AND FINALLY A TREE. THE FAILURE CEASED ONCE THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, NECK AND THE RIGHT FOOT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CABLE THROTTLE STICK. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLES) IN AUGUST 2012. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2012
MY DAUGHTER ( A TEACHER) WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON I94 TO WORK IN 2010 WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SET. THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED AND SHE HIT THE BRAKE, BUT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND SHE COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AS IT OVER-POWERED THE BRAKE. SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND CALLED 911. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD HER TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY OFF AFTER SHE GOT THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. SHE WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF HER ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THE ACCELERATOR REMAINED STUCK AFTER SHE HAD PULLED OFF THE ROAD WITH THE MOTOR OFF. I WENT TO GET HER AND THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR BY HITTING IT HARD WITH MY FOOT. I CAREFULLY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. I WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE ACCELERATOR STICKING ON THE EXPRESSWAY SEVERAL TIMES. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD (DEARBORN) AND TOLD THEM THEY HAD A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE, AND SUGGESTED I PAY A DEALER TO FIX IT. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT USING THE SPEED CONTROL AND BEING VERY CAREFUL TO ACCELERATE SLOWLY (AS MY DAUGHTER STILL HAS MY VEHICLE). BUT, NOW I WILL TAKE IT A DEALER AND FORD (THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VEHICLE SAFETY LAW) WILL PAY TO FIX IT! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 26, 2012, crash
[XXX] WAS DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHEN, WHILE ACCELERATING UP A HILL, THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE GUIDE ROTATED UP INTO THE APPEARANCE COVER AND BECAME LATCHED IN A RIB. THIS RESULTED IN A WIDE OPEN THROTTLE, AND [XXX] WAS UNABLE TO SLOW OR STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKES THEN OVERHEATED AND FAILED, AND SHE SPED THROUGH TOWN UNTIL SHE SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER CAR AND CRASHED. HER CAR ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES, AND [XXX]WAS KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2012, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE, FOLLOWED BY A POLE. THE VEHICLE THEN IGNITED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AS A RESULT. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS ON ICE-GLAZED WINTER ROADS IN FAIRBANKS, AK, I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO PREPARE TO SLOW DOWN. INSTEAD OF DROPPING TO IDLE SPEEDS, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED UP TO 3500-4000 RPM. I SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AT HIGH-THROTTLE UNTIL I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I RESTARTED THE ENGINE IT BEHAVED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS; BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK INTERMITTENTLY SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS; AND EVERY TIME, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE WAS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT. FORD'S DATABASE SHOWED MY CAR HAD UNDERGONE A RECALL IN 2005 TO FIX A SIMILAR PROBLEM. IN JANUARY 2012, STANLEY FORD IN KENAI, AK 'SUPPOSEDLY' REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE AND THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FOR $572, BUT IT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES, AS BEFORE, UNTIL A SECOND REPAIR IN FEBRUARY 2012 BY SEEKINS FORD IN FAIRBANKS, WHICH REPLACED A PCV AND TUBING, AND DID A COMPLETE TUNE-UP FOR $992. SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN NO MORE ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN OPEN THROTTLE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK SPORADICALLY AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO ACCELERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING AT LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY TO 15 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED AGAINST THE FOUNDATION OF THE GARAGE IN THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THERE WERE NO FAILURES FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2012, crash
ATTORNEY FOR DRIVER'S FAMILY AND MEDIA REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE IN THE PHOENIX / MESA AREA ALONG ARIZONA STATE ROUTE 87 TOWARDS PAYSON. THE FINAL APPROACH TO PAYSON INVOLVES A PROLONGED UPWARD GRADE, WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED HEAVY ACCELERATOR USE BY THE DRIVER. ALONG THE WAY, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR OR OTHERWISE BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. THE VEHICLE STRUCK OTHER VEHICLES AS IT TRAVERSED AN INTERSECTION, AND ROLLED, EJECTING THE DRIVER, WHO SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES. A SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE DOCUMENTED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR WAS LODGED AGAINST THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ENGINE COVER AND THAT THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN TO 84%. THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE REPLACEMENT FOR RECALL 04V574 IN JANUARY OF 2005. (NOTE: THIS RECORD WAS RECEIVED VIA TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BETWEEN ODI INVESTIGATORS AND COUNSEL FOR THE DRIVER'S FAMILY IN LATE JUNE OF THIS YEAR. IT HAS BEEN ADDED TO OUR COMPLAINT FILE TO DOCUMENT THE INCIDENT FOR AN INVESTIGATION OPENING. IT WILL BE UPDATED AS APPROPRIATE AS MORE INFORMATION IS RECEIVED)
Vehicle speed control, Mar 22, 2012
THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITH THE RPMS DROPPING TO UNDER 300 WHEN IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. VEHICLE WOULD ALSO DIE WITH NO WARNING. PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO REVVING UP TO OVER 4000 RPMS WHEN IN PARK EITHER AT FIRST START OR AFTER DRIVING AND SHIFTING INTO PARK. PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED TO SURGING AND REVVING FROM NORMAL DRIVING SPEED OF 65 MPH AND 1500 RPMS TO 2500 RPMS FORCING ME TO BRAKE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL OR AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. PROBLEM HAS ALSO PROGRESSED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO IDLE AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT, RPMS WILL REMAIN ELEVATED AT 1500 FORCING ME TO BRAKE VERY HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STOPPED. WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK THE RPMS WILL REV UP TO 4200 RPMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OR PASSING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMMED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000. UPDATED 04/19/2012*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AFTER THE 4TH OCCURRENCE.UPDATED 04/30/12
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 2 MPH. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT NORMAL RATES OF SPEED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP WITHIN THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,448.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE ACCELERATOR WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED SPEED AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE RPMS MAINTAINED AN ABNORMALLY HIGH READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 11/23/11*BF
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2011, crash
ON RT. 59, JUST SOUTH OF NORTHWEST HWY (RT. 14) IN BARRINGTON, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WAS INVOLVED IN A BIZARRE INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. WHILE SITTING STATIC ON LEVEL ROAD IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC WITH A TRAIN-CROSSING BARRIER ARM KEEPING TRAFFIC SAFELY WAITING FOR THE TRAIN TO PASS, MY VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD IN AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RACED AT >= 4000 RPM. WITH CONTINUED BRAKING ACTION ON MY PART WITH NO VEHICLE RESPONSE, THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE HIT THE 1988 FORD F150 TRUCK IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF ME. AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAD THE 2005 FORD RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON THE DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE, WITH THE CABLE REPLACEMENT AT PACKEY WEBB FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER IN WHEATON, ILLINOIS. THERE IS A SAFETY-HAZARD RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE EVEN IF THE APPROXIMATELY $4000.00 DAMAGES ARE REPAIRED, WHICH I HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED. I AM AN EXPERIENCE COMPUTER IT SOFTWARE/HARDWARE PROFESSIONAL, AS WELL AS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN CONTROLS EXPERT IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY, WORKING FOR A MAJOR PRODUCT MANUFACTURER (SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE). THERE IS A DEFINITE SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL, AND I WANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE PROPER AGENCY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY, FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER HAVE DONE NOTHING TO IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTION ON DESIGN DEFECT; THEY ONLY TREAT THIS AS A LOSS AND DID NOT PERFORM INITIAL COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS PRIOR TO COMPROMISING THE VEHICLE IN THEIR ACTIONS TO APPRAISE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. I NEED THIS INCIDENT PROPERLY INVESTIGATED AND REPORTED TO THE PUBLIC IF A SAFETY RISK IS CONFIRMED. *KB
Air bags, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2011, crash
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN MARCH OF 2002. THE PROBLEM WITH IT ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS STARTED ABOUT 6-7 MONTHS LATER. RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT WAS TOLD EVERY TIME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I'VE HAD ONE ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. I STILL OWN THE SAME ESCAPE AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH IT . I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE WITH THESE MODELS BUT HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY. I ALSO AS HAVE MANY PEOPLE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR-BAG LIGHT ON .AGAIN MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG ABOUT $300 LATER FOR LABOR COSTS. FINALLY ON ONE MORE ATTEMPT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT A SENSOR IN THE SEAT-BELT WAS THE PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $300-$400 TO REPAIR IT AND THAT THE AIR BAGS MAY OR MAY NOT BE WORKING BECAUSE OF THIS SENSOR. I HAVE PERSONALLY LOST ALL FAITH IN FORD CANADA AND THEIR PRODUCTS AND SOME OF THE EMPLOYEES AT THE DEALERSHIPS I'VE DEALT WITH. I AM IN THE PROCESS I BUYING A NEW CAR BUT IT'S NOT A FORD. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A FORD
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IN REVERSE AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 5 MPH; YET, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. WHEN THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DEFECTIVE IDLE CONTROL VALVES. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE IDLE CONTROL VALVES AND JUMPER HARNESS AND REPROGRAMMED THE CENTRAL COMPUTER. THE FAILURE DID NOT PERSIST AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,946.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. UPON TRYING TO MANUALLY "PULL" THE ACCELERATOR FREE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FASTER. SPEEDS REACHED 70 MPH AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. I SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, AND SLOWLY APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE KEPT RACING AT 6000 RPM'S. UPON FINDING A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND DRIFTED TO THE SIDE ROAD. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE NOT ADMITTING TO ANY PROBLEMS/ISSUES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. AS WELL TO NO AVAIL, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS OCCURRING ON THE INTERNET. I AM CONVINCED THAT IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH THE CHILDREN, SHE WOULD HAVE CRASHED THE VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MOVED SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,111. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BECAME STUCK. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/07/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS RECALLED FOR SEVERAL REASONS. SOMETHING WITH THE POWER TRAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE ABS SYSTEM..... FINALLY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS MELTED. FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY JUST SAID WE WILL RECORD YOUR CALL ON YOUR PROFILE. DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW LIVES AND PROPERTY HAVE BEEN LOST AND FORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2009
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED WITH SMALL KIDS IN THEIR CARSEATS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT LIMP AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL ACCELERATION. AFTER MOMENTS OF TERROR AND TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT DOWN BY FIGHTING THE ENGINE POWER WITH THE FOOT BRAKES AND HAND EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT'S A MIRACLE THERE WAS NO CRASH. AT MY EXPENSE THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HOUSING. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID, "LOOKING AT THE PART, I CAN SEE WHY IT GOES TO FULL ACCELERATION WHEN THAT PART FAILS" TO ME, THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND DESIGN FAILURE. I NOTICED OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS (OID ID # 10199728 AND 10128545). I LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND, NOT SURPRISINGLY, WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN OR WILL DO TO COMPENSATE ME. NOW I'M TRAPPED OWNING AN UNSAFE CAR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND REMEDY THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2009
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Dec 1, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2001. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. HE LATER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM OUTSIDE AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION HE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS SUCCESSFUL AND EXTINGUISHING SOME OF THE FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND EXTINGUISHED THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRE. THE SHERIFF STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 100,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB