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, Oct 28, 2008
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOOR. WHEN I HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT, THEY NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS SEVERELY FRAYED AND THAT IF I KEPT DRIVING IN THAT CONDITION, IT WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Apr 16, 2008
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XL, THREW A ROD AT ABOUT 47,000 MILES DUE TO A PROBLEM THAT BECAME A RECALL CONCERN ( FORD RECALL ID# 42319 DECEMBER 7, 2004), I WAS SENT A RECALL NOTICE 2 MONTHS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT BY A USED ( 43,000 MILES), ENGINE WHICH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY CHOSE OVER A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE THAT I WANTED. IT ALSO THREW A ROD AFTER THE ACCELERATOR STUCK, ( THE RECALL ITEM) 40,000 MILES LATER. BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, NO REPAIRS WERE COVERED AND I ENDED UP PAYING REPAIRS, RENTAL COST AND LOSING WAGES BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET TO MY NEXT ASSIGNMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MEXICO. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. WHEN HE RETURNED TO MEXICO, HE NOTIFIED A FORD DEALER AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABOUT TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE ANY REPAIRS COULD BE MADE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,300. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF THE RECALL WAS REGARDING THE ABS MODULE. BEFORE THE CONSUMER COULD GET THE VEHICLE FIXED, IT CAUGHT TON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON BEFORE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/19/08
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2008
I WENT OUT TO CRANK MY VEHICLE AND IT RAN WIDE OPEN. I TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED IT TWICE MORE WITH THE SAME RESULTS. THE SECURITY OFFICER AT MY WORKPLACE CAME OVER AND RAISED THE HOOD TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. TWICE MORE I CRANKED IT WITH THE SAME RESULTS. THEN HE FOUND THE PROBLEM MY SPEED CONTROL CABLE WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED. HE GOT IT BACK ON AND ADVISED ME TO GO TO MY DEALER. THE FOLLOWING DAY THEY HAD ME BRING IT IN, THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THEY WERE GOING TO ORDER THE PART, AND WHEN I ASKED THE CHANCES OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN, THEY REPLACED THE REGULAR SPEED CABLE AND DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL ONE UNTIL THEY COULD GET ONE IN, JUST IN CASE. I DIDN'T GET TO SEE ANY LIST, I JUST KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY TYPE OF VEHICLE FOR THIS. AM I TO JUST TAKE THEIR WORD FOR IT? I THANK THE LORD THAT I WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED AND NOT OUT ON THE ROAD WHERE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD SITUATION. ALSO WHEN THEY SAID I WAS READY THEY ASKED HOW LONG MY ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN BLINKING--I TOLD THEM IT WAS BLINKING THE DAY I TEST DROVE AND THE SALESMAN WAS GOING TO ASK ABOUT IT WHEN WE GOT BACK TO THE DEALER. I NEVER GOT AN ANSWER. IF EITHER OF THESE ARE FAULTY AND WERE NEVER REPORTED I'D LIKE TO KNOW. OTHER PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. AND IF THESE CABLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE AND IT'S HAPPENED AGAIN, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Feb 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FAILED AND JAMMED THE THROTTLE COVER. THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DAMAGED WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE MANUFACTURER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST. ON NOVEMBER 25, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO REVERSE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY, FLUSHED THE INJECTORS, AND CLEANED THE UPPER INTAKE GASKET AND SPARK PLUGS. THE FUEL FILTERS, COIL BOOTS, AND IGNITIONS WIRES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, REPLACE FUEL FILTER, AND A/C IS NOT BLOWING COLD. UPDATED 03/31/08 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2008
1) I NOTICED THAT MY RPMS WERE NOT RETURNING TO NORMAL AND MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP COMPLETELY. 2) I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4 WITH THE SOHC 4.0 LITER ENGINE. THE THROTTLE CABLE STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SURGE UNCONTROLLABLY AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 RPMS. I HAD TO TURN OFF MY IGNITION TO AVOID CRASHING THE VEHICLE INTO NEARBY TRAFFIC. OTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05037, BUT CLOSED THE CASE ON NOVEMBER 2, 2005. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS CRASH. I BELIEVE THAT OTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS IT DID FOR CAMPAIGN #03V280000. 3) I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD TOMORROW TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 11, 2008
ACCELERATOR STUCK ON 2002 FORD ESCAPE. AT 80MPH I FINALLY TURNED OFF IGNITION TO STOP. THROTTLE CABLE BROKE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS IN 2002 BUT NOT FOR MY PARTICULAR CAR. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FORD RECALL CENTER REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AT DEALER. I WAS LUCKY TO SURVIVE THIS INCIDENT. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OTHER 2002 FORD ESCAPES ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM?? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 28, 2007, fire
VEHICLE PARKED IN PARKING LOT AT 9:30P.M. SHERIFF WOKE US UP 2:00 A.M. BANGING ON WINDOWS STATING SUV WAS ON FIRE. 3 OTHER VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED BECAUSE OF FIRE. I AM BLESSED MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN SUV AT THAT TIME. ALSO DAMAGED PARKING AREA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2007
(1) DRIVING TO WORK ON ROUTE 18 SOUTH (2) LOST USE OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL (3) CABLE BROKEN TO PEDAL THAT WAS REPLACED AT FORD DEALER IN SHREWSBURY/RED BANK NJ. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2007
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE ACCELERATED FOR A HILL AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER FOOT REMOVED FROM PEDAL. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND GAIN SPEED UP HILL, HILL PEAKED AND SPEED EXCEEDED 80 MILES PER HOUR. FURTHER ACCELERATION DOWN HILL - TRANSMISSION PLACED IN NEUTRAL, AND ABLE TO BE STOPPED ON SIDE OF FREEWAY. ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV; TURNED OFF, AND THEN REVVED WHEN TURNED BACK ON. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT BEING USED AT ANY TIME. DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE OR STOP. THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A DITCH, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED, THE RPM'S RACED TO 5 AND THE TIRES BEGAN SMOKING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2007, fire
OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN OR AROUND THE ABS MODULE. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO INITIAL SERIOUS INJURIES, THOUGH WE INCURRED SMOKE DAMAGE AND THE INCONVENIENCE OF A NON FUNCTIONING VEHICLE. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2007
ON MARCH 13TH 2007 MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ESCAPE AND THE HOOD. IT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE- I INVESTIGATED WHERE THE SMELL WAS AND IT ALL LOOKED FINE- I TURNED ON THE ESCAPE AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET AND SAW THAT SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM CATCHING ON FIRE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT HAD ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WHEN TRYING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE THROTTLE KICKED OFF AND THE RPMS WENT UP TO 4 SHE THEN WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE RPMS WENT BACK TO NORMAL. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT HAS HAD 2 FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS REVVING AT A MUCH HIGHER RATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A LEASED VEHICLE THAT SHE WILL BE RETURNING IN 2 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEALERSHIP NOW FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS GIVEN A CASE # 1331070467. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64000.*AK UPDATED 03/07/07.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2007, fire
THIS IS TO REPORT ANOTHER SUSPECTED 2002 FORD ESCAPE ABS CONTROL MODULE FIRE. THE VEHICLE FIRE OCCURRED JAN. 9, 2007 AT CLIENT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, AND IS CURRENTLY STORED AT INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS (IAA), 1710 STARITA ROAD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28206-1286, PHONE: 704-596-5854, FAX: 704-596-7492, STOCK NUMBER: 2799576. THE HOUSE AND CAR ARE INSURED BY STATE FARM, WHICH HAS RETAINED ME AS ITS SUBROGATION COUNSEL. THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE IN THE "KEY OFF" POSITION. LARRY HELTON FOR FORD HAS ALREADY EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND THE SCENE ON JANUARY 17, 2007. NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THE PROPERTY DAMAGES COULD EXCEED $50,000.00. *JB
Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Dec 11, 2006
2002 ESCAPE ENGINE ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING. *TS CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL NOTICE (04V574000) AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN IN MARCH 2006. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH WAS REPLACED IN FEB 2005 WAS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 1 YEAR/12000 MILES. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. THE SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP WHEN IN USE. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2006
AT FIRST START UP OF MORNING, WHILE DRIVING THE IDLE KICKS UP TO 2000 RPM'S. WHEN I STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, THAT'S WHERE I NOTICE THE TACH REVVING TO 2000. AFTER DRIVING FOR 3 TO 5 MILES, IT FINALLY GOES TO NORMAL. IF I SHUT OFF CAR, AND RESTART IT, ITS FINE. I HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL, THE PUT A RECORDER DEVICE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM, I WAS TO PUSH THE BUTTON. THEY SENT THE BOX TO FORD, WHO IN TURN SAID IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. I AM AT A STANDSTILL RIGHT NOW, WITH NO FIX IN SITE. THE VEHICLE IS HARDER TO STOP IN THE MORNINGS DUE TO THE INCREASED IDLE. THIS STARTED RIGHT BEFORE THE 3 YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRED. IT IS CONTINUING TO HAPPEN TO DATE. THANK YOU. *NM
Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2006
2002 FORD ESCAPE ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL NOTICE (04V574000) AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN IN MARCH 2006.*KB THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH WAS REPLACED FEB 2005 WAS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 1 YEAR/12000 MILES. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. THE SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP WHEN IN USE. *NM UPDATED 09/11/06. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2006
1) ON SATURDAY 18 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:00 PM, MY WIFE, LINDA, WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES WEST OF BROADUS, MT WHEN SHE PASSED ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2) AFTER PASSING THE VEHICLE, HER VEHICLE SPEED WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL DRIVING SPEED. INSTEAD, IT STUCK AT NEARLY 80 MPH. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RELEASE THE SPEED, EVEN APPLYING MAXIMUM BRAKING PRESSURE, HAD NO EFFECT. LINDA TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER NEGOTIATING A CURVE THAT COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A ROLL-OVER. LINDA TRIED RESTARTING THE MOTOR, BUT IT WAS STILL RACING, AND THE TACHOMETER REACHED 5000 RPMS. 3) FORTUNATELY, ANOTHER MOTORIST WHO WAS FAMILIAR WITH AUTOMOBILES, STOPPED TO GIVE ASSISTANCE. HE DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS ALLOWED THE MOTOR TO RETURN TO NORMAL SPEED, AND LINDA WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE AND COMPLETE HER TRIP HOME. THE ASSISTING MOTORIST DID INDICATE THAT THE CABLE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMED TO BE LOOSE. UPON CHECKING VARIOUS WEB-SITES,INCLUDING THE NHTSA SITE, I FOUND THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 2004 FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V574000). I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL INFORMATION SITE (1-866-436-7332) BUT WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF WHERE MY ESCAPE WAS MANUFACTURED, IT DID NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE REPAIR. AS OF NOW MY VEHICLES CRUISE REMAINS DISABLED. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW NOT A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM BASED ON PLACE OF MANUFACTURE. THEREFORE, I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2005
WHEN STARTING OFF, OR ACCELERATING THE GAS PEDAL HAS A HESITANT/STICKING SENSATION. IT REQUIRES MORE THAN NORMAL PRESSURE TO DEPRESS IT, AND CAUSES AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN THE ENGINE SPEED. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FROM THE V-6 3.0 ENGINES, BUT NOT FOR MY 4-CYL. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 15, 2005
IF YOU COULD PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY OTHER RESOURCES WHERE I CAN SEEK A RESOLUTION I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. ON 7-14-05 OUR FORD ESCAPE V6 XLT (VIN: [XXX]) WAS TAKEN TO GALPIN FORD (VAN NUYS, CA) FOR REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT WHILE STOPPED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR BEING STUCK AND THE VEHICLE MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT IN PARK IN ORDER TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN IN ON 7-14-05 WHERE TECH'S DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM W/ AN "STP SENSOR MALFUNCTION", RESULTING IN THE SENSOR BEING REPLACED. ACCORDING TO [XXX] (SVC. ADVISOR) HE RELATED THAT THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM ON NEWER FORD ESCAPES, BUT NOT ON OUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE. HE SAID TO CONTACT FORD CORPORATE TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT. ON 7-17-05 I CONTACTED CORPORATE EXPLAINING THEM OF THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH, THEY ADMITTED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR OUR SPECIFIC MODEL AND YEAR. THEY SAID AT THIS TIME THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE MATTER. AS STATED BEFORE I AM SEEKING ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER DUE TO FORD'S POOR HISTORY FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 25, 2005
DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WILL LOCK THROTTLE IN FULL OPEN POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED. POLYMER SLEEVE ON CRUISE ACTUATOR CABLE HAS BROKEN AT THE THROTTLE CONNECTOR. THIS ALLOWS THE CONNECTOR TO ROTATE TO A VERTICAL POSITION AND CATCH ON THE ENGINE COVER WHEN THE FOOT PEDAL IS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2005, crash
7/5/2005. I WAS IN BALTIMORE, MD IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE. TRAFIC WAS MODERATELY HEAVY. I STARTED TO CHANGE LANES AND NOTICED A CAR IN THE LANE SO I PULLED BACK INTO MY LANE AT WHICH POINT, THE THROTTLE ON MY VEHICLE STUCK OPEN. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AND ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE WERE USELESS. I THREW THE MOVING VEHICLE INTO PARK WHERE IT CONTINUED TO MOVE. I THEN TRIED TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN HOIPES OF REGAINING BRAKING, BUT I HIT REVERSE FIRST, AT WHICH POINT MY CAR RAPIDLY REVERSED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLES WAS LIMITED AS I HIT A 3500 CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCK, HOWEVER, IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST UNNERVING EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AS THE OTHER VEHICLE BELONGS TO THE CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. NO TRAFFIC REPORT WAS WRITTEN BY THE POLICE OFFICER, HOWEVER, THE BALTIMORE CITY EMPLOYEE (DARELL POWERS) DID FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT REPORT FOR THE CITY. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARMAX IN WHITE MARSH MD, WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD FRAYED, CAUSING IT TO BUTTERFLY AND HOLD OPEN THE THROTTLE. THE ESCAPE HAS 53,002 MILES ON IT, AND CRUISE CONTROL IS RARELY USED. I DO HAVE THE REPLACED PART AND THE BILL I PAID FOR $291. ONE OTHER NOTE, IHAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED ON THIS SAME CAR 45 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT LAST JULY. CARMAX PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST, CLOSE TO $4,000 AND THE MECHANIC WHO SERVICED IT THIS TIME INSISTS THIS IS NOT RELATED.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2005
"RECALL CAMPAIGN" - RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED FOR 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN REFERENCE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE JAN. 2005. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEAL IN MARCH TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS TOO LATE TO GET THE REPAIR. THEY STATED IF THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN JAN OR FEB THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT. THE REPAIR WERE MADE AT ANOTHER DEALER. *BF *NM
Vehicle speed control, Apr 18, 2005
2002 FORD ESCAPE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR EVEN AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*MR RECALL CAMPAIGN, PERFORMED ON 02/07/05 AND STILL HAVING PROBLEM. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WIDE OPEN WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ON 03/22/05 THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN. *BF *NM