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
1,070 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Nov 19, 2012
WHEN I FIRST START MY VEHICLE AND BEGIN DRIVING IT, UNLESS I REACH 20 MPH BEFORE NEEDING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND AT FIRST THE PEDAL RESISTS, THEN IT GIVES WAY IN, CAUSING THE BRAKE TO NEED TO PRESSED DOWN COMPLETELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP. ONCE I REACH THE 20 MPH OR SO, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, AND AFTER THAT, THE BRAKES WORK FINE. I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY REPORTEDLY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, BUT PERFORMED A RECALL ON ONLY THE ABS LIGHT ITSELF. THIS DID NOTHING FOR THE GRINDING RESISTANCE AND FAILURE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL UPON INITIALLY NEEDING TO STOP, AND STILL THE ABS LIGHT POPS ON ONCE I REACH 20-25 MPH. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2012
GOING BETWEEN 34-37 MPH TODAY, MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED UPON SLIGHT DECELERATION AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH INTO ANOTHER LANE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2012
UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE, AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE, AND IS BECOMING MORE CONSISTENT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AS THERE WERE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE, BUT THEY SAID WHILE THAT IS A PROBLEM FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL, IT WAS IN FACT NOT ONE OF THE RECALLS TO BE PERFORMED. I HAD TWO RECALLS PERFORMED, NEITHER OF WHICH HELPED THIS PROBLEM AT ALL. IT LEAVES ME HALTED IN INTERSECTIONS, AND MAKES FOR ABRUPT STOPS, AS I HAVE TO COMPLETELY BRAKE TO A FULL AND COMPLETE STOP, THROW THE TRUCK INTO PARK, TURN THE KEY OFF, WAIT A MOMENT, TURN THE KEY BACK ON, AND BACK INTO DRIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SHE WOULD HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. WHEN SHE WOULD DEPRESSES THE BRAKES THE NOISE WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 203,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 5, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. AFTER I STOPPED, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND ROLLED FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE RE-APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE SOUND REPEATED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. UPON INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY HAD RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HAD CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BECOME LOOSE THUS BENDING IT AND MAKING IT UNUSABLE. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND FEAR THAT IF OTHER FOLKS HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD BE A VERY BAD OUTCOME ! THIS ALLOWED MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO PULL OUTWARD HENCE PULLING THE CONTROL ARM LOOSE. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND THE WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED AT THE TIME OF BUYING THE VEHICLE WAS NO AVAIL. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE IS NO RECALL THEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM !! SORRY BUT IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THIS. HOW MANY INJURIES ARE REQUIRED BEFORE SOMEONE TAKES NOTICE ?? THE REPAIR BILL WAS $ 1160.96. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 7 MONTHS AT THAT TIME. IT STILL HAS MANY PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BEFORE IT IS PAID OFF. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN RUNS DOWN THIS AREA CAUSING IT PERHAPS ? JUST AN OBSERVATION FROM A RUNNING VEHICLE IDENTICAL TO MINE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED ON THIS MATTER AND HOPEFULLY IT GETS RESOLVED BEFORE ANY FATALITIES HAPPEN IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY !! THANK YOU ! *TR
Air bags, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,060 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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.
Air bags, Oct 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,600.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD EXPLOSION WHILE THE CONTACT DRIVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED, CAUSING SCRATCHES TO THE SIDE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, Oct 10, 2012
A COUPLE OF FRIENDS AND I WHERE ON OUR WAY TO LA WHEN WE STOPPED FOR GAS. FILLED UP THE TANK AND THEN STARTED THE CAR, WHICH STARTED PERFECTLY FINE, I THEN PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND WHEN I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR SIMPLY REVVED THE ENGINE AND DID NOT MOVE. THE DRIVE GEAR WAS NOT ENGAGING BUT SECOND WORKED FINE. FIRST GEAR DID ENGAGE ALSO BUT IT FELT IT WAS SLAMMED INTO PLACE NOT SMOOTHLY ENGAGING. HAD A NEAR BY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GIVING OUT AND THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THE CLUTCH HAD BLOWN OUT AND TAKEN THE REST OF THE TRANSMISSION WITH IT AND IT ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS A $3500 REPAIR THAT I NOW WISH I HAD DONE MORE RESEARCH ON BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. THE CAR ONLY HAD 54000 MILES BUT IT WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND THERE WERE NO SIGNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. THE NEW TRANSMISSION DOES COME WITH A 3 YEAR, UNLIMITED MILE WARRANTY WHICH IS WHY I WENT WITH THAT INSTEAD OF A REBUILD WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN A BIT CHEAPER. AFTER LEARNING ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS THIS TRANSMISSION HAS, I WILL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR IN THE COMING YEARS. I LIKE FORDS BUT THIS REALLY MAKING THINK ABOUT GETTING A NEW CAR FROM SOME ONE ELSE. *TR
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
Suspension, Structure, Sep 27, 2012
DRIVING 15MPH DOWN HOME STREET AND HEARD A CLUNK. PUT IN REVERSE TO GET BACK TO DRIVEWAY AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SIDEWAYS AND DRAGGING. AFTER CALLING LOCAL GARAGE WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM THAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ABLE TO MANEUVER CAR ONTO FRONT LAWN WHERE IT STILL SITS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 24, 2012
FORD ESCAPE WAS MAKING SHARP JERKING MOTIONS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT HAPPEND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE ESCAPE IN TO FORD DEALER TO GET THE ABS AND ENGINE COVER RECALLS. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT CASUE THE PROBLEM. I TOOK TO LOCAL MECH IN TOWN AND HE SAID ISSUE IS THE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS SEPERATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND IS RUSTED AWAY SO IT IS MAKING THE WHEEL WOBBLE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE JERKING MOTION. WONDERING IF RECALL IS ON FORD ESCAPE FOR SUBFRAME ISSUE WHERE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS ATTACHED . SEEN MANY SAME ISSUES WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. *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.
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 8, 2012
1 - REAR LATCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, THE LATCH WILL NOT OPEN THE BACK DOOR. 2 - WINDOW LATCH HAS RUSTED CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO DETACH FROM THE HINGE. NOT THAT I AM BIDDER, BUT AT 37K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW.... I DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH FORD AND MY DEALERSHIP ([XXX]). BOTH COMPANIES STATED THEY COULD NOT HELP ME AND THAT IT WAS ON ME TO PAY TO CORRECT. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF USING PROPER SUPPLIES. THEY COULD NOT HAVE CARED LESS. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HAVE THEM LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I WOULD REALLY HATE TO BE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT CANNOT USE THE REAR AS AN EXIT.... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGE PART NUMBER WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE HINGE BEING RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2012
FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE FROM TANK SAGGED ONTO DRIVE SHAFT WHEN TANK WAS FULL OF FUEL THIS ONLY WAS NOTED WHEN TURNING A SHARP CORNER, WORE HOLE IN TANK METAL COVER.NOTE COVER IS RUSTED. *TR
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
Steering, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE NOISE BECAME MORE PREVALENT DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE THE RESULT OF A BEARING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ..UPDATED 09-17-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE NOISE DID CEASE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. UPDATED 09/18/12
Suspension, Structure, Aug 1, 2012
MY CAR HAD A LOUD SQUEAK AND CREAK WHILE DRIVING THAT CONTINUALLY GOT LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK... I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. THIS ATTACHES TO THE CONTROL ARM, AND FORD HAS NO RECALL. HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND SAYS THIS PART SHOULD NEVER HAVE ROTTED. HE ADVISED TO CHECK WITH FORD FOR RECALL, HOWEVER FORD DENIES ANY RECALL WITH THIS PART.. SO NO ACTION FROM FORD ABOUT A ROTTED FRAME! VEHICLE IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OF CONTROL ARM BECOMING UNATTACHED. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 27, 2012
BRAKE TONE RINGS CRACK AND CAUSE ABS TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD ESCAPES. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE EXHIBITING FAILURES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES, ROTORS, BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED EXHIBITING BRAKING ISSUES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), AND 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER DENIED THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
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
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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.