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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 23, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN SHUT OFF WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ABS BRAKE MODULE WAS MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE, AND NOTICED THAT THE SMOKE INITIATED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS BURNED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 07V156000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK, CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,900.
Structure, Oct 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE DEALER LOCATED SEVERE CORROSION AT THE VEHICLE UNDER-BODY, MUFFLER AND DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 01/06/11. *LJ UPDATED 02/07/11
Power train, Oct 26, 2010
THIS COMPLAINT IS TO REGARDING FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE CD4E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST TRANSMISSION EVER BUILT. I HAVE A FORD ESCAPE AND A MAZDA 626 AND BOTH HAVE NEEDED THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT THIS YEAR. THE FORD 4 TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD WORK RIGHT. I WISH THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT LET AUTO MANUFACTURERS BUILT DEFECTIVE VEHICLES AND PARTS AND MAKE THEM OWN UP TO IT IF THEY DO. I WONDER HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS CONSUMERS HAVE HAD TO LAY OUT TO FIX THESE HORRIBLE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE COLD PARKED, KEY-OFF VEHICLE FIRE - TOTAL LOSS UNINSURED AND FORD SO FAR HAS REFUSED COMPENSATION. *TR
Structure, Oct 14, 2010
THE STRAPS WHICH HOLD UP THE GAS TANK ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE ARE RUSTED AND HAVE SNAPPED IN HALF DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE FRONT STRAP IS JUST HANGING THERE. FORD SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WENT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 07V156000 (ABS CONTROL UNIT MODULE). THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS EXAMING AND A LUBRICANT WAS INJECTED AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAD NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR EXPENSES WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2010
PURCHASED VEHICLE WAS USED AROUND TOWN FOR 4 DAYS ON THE FORTH DAY DROVE ON HWY WAY AT 65 MPH THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING CAR FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. PULLED OFF ROAD TURNED OFF. FOUND CAR LEAKING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND WOULD NO LONGER GO INTO GEAR ONCE IT HAD BEEN SHUT OFF. IS CURRENTLY AT TRANSMISSION SHOP THE ARE ATTEMPTING TO FIND WHAT THE ISSUE IS. VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Sep 23, 2010
MY WIFE'S 02 FORD ESCAPE (WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES) JUST HAD ONE OF THE GAS TANK STRAPS BREAK DUE TO CORROSION. MAJOR FIRE/SAFETY HAZARD IF THE GAS TANK HITS THE GROUND. VERY SIMILAR ISSUE KNOWN WITH F150. THE DEALER IS CHARGING US $1K TO FIX!!! THIS SAME CAR IS ALSO IN THE SHOP EVERY OTHER MONTH FOR A FAULTY AIRBAG SWITCH/RELAY THAT WE'VE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY MAKES ME SICK! WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR THESE GUYS TO DO THE RIGHT THING? IT BLOWS MY MIND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AS SMOKE BEGIN EMITTING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AS FLAMES POURED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BUT INDEPENDENTLY RE-IGNITED . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2010
WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING, A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND WHITE SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE IGNITION WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A DAMAGED DECORATIVE COVER OVER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND SHATTERED INTAKE MANIFOLDS. TWO SPARK COILS WERE LATER FOUND TO BE DAMAGED BY THE EXPLOSION. THE HEADS WERE RECONDITIONED AS IGNITION LEAKAGE THRU THE UNSEATED VALVES WAS A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE IGNITION OF THE RESIDUAL GASES IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SECONDARY CONTRIBUTION WAS THE ORIGINAL INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS OF AN OLD STYLE AND NOT CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING THE BACKFIRE FORCE. A NEW, MODIFIED COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS AVAILABLE BUT NOT ON A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 104,000 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT HEARD THE ALARM, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE IN THE ABS AREA. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE ABS WIRING HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
Air bags, Aug 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,959.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHEN HE AS ADVISED THAT THE ABS NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, AND FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,130.
Power train, Aug 16, 2010
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAD TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REPLACED. AT 74,000 MILES IT WAS BLOWN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND ASKED FOR HIS OPINION. IT WAS BLOWN. HE CALLED ABOUT A REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD THE DEALER KEPT MANY REPLACEMENTS FOR 2002 ESCAPES BECAUSE OF FAILURES. I BOUGHT FORD BECAUSE I ALWAYS LOVED AND BOUGHT FORDS. BUT 3,3300.00 LATER, FORD HAS A PROBLEM. THE CAR RUNS BETTER NOW AND EVEN GETS 5 MILES PER GALLON BETTER ON GAS. FORD HAS A PROBLEM AS COUNTLESS PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2010
RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPE FOR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE RECALL NUMBER 07V-156 I HAD THIS RECALL DONE AT LONG FORD IN EUREKA, MO. OCTOBER 13, 2008. ON AUGUST 7, 2010 THE WIRE BURNT ON THIS AND WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. FORD SAID THAT THEY HAD ALREADY FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION AND WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. UPDATED IVOQ 09./08/10*JB *TR
Power train, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHOW SIGNS OF SLIPPING BEFORE IT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN WHO STATED THAT THE CORE OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Service brakes, Electric, Aug 3, 2010, fire
REF.: 2002 FORD ESCAPE ON JULY 22 THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, NOT RUNNING, MY SON WAS WASHING IT. IT STARTED BILLOWING SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT CAUSE. HE LIFTED THE HOOD, WATERED DOWN THE AREA THAT WAS BURNING. IT STARTED AND WE PUT IT IN THE GARAGE. THE NEXT MORNING MY WIFE ENTERED OUR GARAGE, AT ABOUT 7:00 AM, THE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN SMOKE WITH A SMELL OF BURNT RUBBER. I DROVE THE FORD OUT ON TO THE DRIVE WAY. NOW IT MALFUNCTIONED, THE ABS AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WERE ON. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET. WHEN I TYPED IN 'SMOKE COMING FOR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF A 2002 FORD ESCAPE' IT SENT ME TO A NHTSA WEBSITE WHERE LISTED WERE MANY 2002 FORD ESCAPES THAT HAD FOR NO REASON CAUGHT FIRE. THE PROBLEM STATED WAS THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM WITH RECALLS ON THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF FORD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT FORD ESCAPES HAD NO PROBLEMS AND NOT ON A RECALL LIST. I LATER CALLED THEM BACK AND GAVE THEM A RECALL NUMBER. I WAS ADVISED THAT HIS WAS NOT ONE OF THE VEHICLES COVERED BY THAT RECALL. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SUGGESTED A DIAGNOSIS BY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. MY WIFE IS NOW AFRAID OF IT, BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS AND AFRAID IT WILL BURST INTO FLAMES. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL CLAIMS DEPARTMENT P.O BOX 70, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121-0070 WHERE I AN DIRECTED TO PERFORM A FULL COMPLETE INVESTIGATION FOR THEM WITH PICTURES OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, DAMAGED PARTS, COPY OF PINK SLIP, REGISTRATION, COMPLETE ACCOUNT OF INCIDENT, REPAIR RECEIPTS OR ESTIMATES AND LETTER OF DENIAL OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY CLAIM. IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY SETTLES THE CLAIM THEY WILL NOT COVER THE VEHICLE. I HAVE 90 DAYS TO RESPOND BEFORE THEY CLOSE THE CASE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY STATES THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR WHAT BURNT AND NOT GET MY VEHICLE TO FUNCTION AS IT DID PRIOR TO IT CATCHING FIRE. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2010
2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 15, 2010
MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I WENT TO THE LOCAL AUTOZONE TO GET A REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT PLUG, IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS MELTED. I REMOVED AND INSTALLED A NEW LIGHT BULB. I THEN TESTED THE NEW BULB TO MAKE SURE IT WORKED. IT DID NOT TURNED ON. THE HEADLIGHT PLUG SEEMS LIKE IT MELTED AT SOME POINT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FOR AN UNKNOWN REPAIR REGARDING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR FIVE DAYS TO PERFORM THE SERVICE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DECLARE WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED; AND TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Jul 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GAGE BACK WINDOW WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST HER WITH ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE PARTS TO BE REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70000.