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.
Suspension, Feb 21, 2007
PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER IN 12/2005. IN 2/2007, A GRINDING NOISE APPEARED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. TOOK IT IN THE SAME DAY (I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED). THEY TOLD ME THE BEARING WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED ABOUT $1100 IN PARTS AND $600 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF. HE STATED THAT, "THIS IS COMMON ON MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS," AND THAT HE HAS DONE SIMILAR WORK OTHER TIMES. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE OTHER BEARINGS, BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO GO AT SOME TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *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
Air bags, Jan 30, 2007
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE & HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 2ND TIME AND THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG PRETENSIONER, AS IT HAD GONE BAD. I WAS ADVISED THAT IF THE LIGHT WERE ON, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A "WEAR-AND-TEAR" PART AND FORD NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THE SITUATION TO MAKE SURE A RECALL IS NOT NEEDED.*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
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 01/05/06 WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE AT 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T COME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE SOMETHING LOOSE. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC, BUT BEFORE REACHING THE MECHANIC HER ABS LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE RELUCTOR RING HAD FAILED AND THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE LEFT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2007, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE. PARKED> 3 HRS. CAUGHT FIRE. ENGINE AND FRONT OF CAR COMPLETELY DESTROYED. HAVE DETAILED PICTURES UNDERSTAND INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2006 WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE BEFORE CAR IS TOWED TO JUNK YARD. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2006
VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME, WHETHER GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE OR DURING CITY DRIVING. STEERING WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT AND BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER WE HAD PURCHASED OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 42,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE FOURTH "STALL", WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT. THEY CONNECTED A "BLACK BOX" UNDERNEATH THE DASH AND HAD US DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, WHICH IT DID A COUPLE DAYS LATER. THEY TOWED IT BACK TO THE GARAGE. APPARENTLY OUR PROBLEM WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH, I BELIEVE, OUR HARMONIC BALANCE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN, WHATEVER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO NOT KNOW WHICH CYLINDERS ON THE ENGINE WAS FIRING AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND WE NOW HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD NO OTHER STALLING PROBLEMS. THE WORK ORDER READS AS FOLLOWS: DIAG, EEC TEST, NO CODES PRESENT, FOUND STICKY NG, R&R IAC, RETEST ALL OKAY AT THIS TIME; ALSO, WHILE THEY WERE PERFORMING THE MAINTENANCE THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THAT OUR POWER STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING, WHICH WAS COVERED BY OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF REPAIRS WAS 44,546. I'M VERY THANKFUL FOR THE FOLKS AT OUR DEALERSHIP IN OMAHA. THEY GAVE US A RENTAL CAR WHILE DIAGNOSING OUR PROBLEMS AND STUCK WITH IT UNTIL THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM(S). THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE HAD PURCHASED COVERED ALL REPAIR COSTS. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 12, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT. SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN THE FALL OF 2003, AT DIFFERENT TIMES BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAVE GOTTEN STUCK WHERE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO OPEN THEM FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, WHICH WAS FIXED WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED 4 DAYS AGO AND THE DEALER IS GOING TO CHARGE ME A $300 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, PERIODICALLY, MY TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN NO MATTER WHAT I TRY. THEN THE NEXT DAY, IT WILL. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 15 TIMES SINCE THE FALL OF 2005. IN ALL OF THE INCIDENCES LISTED THE DOORS WERE UNLOCKED, ALTHOUGH WE TRIED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THEM SEVERAL TIMES TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST STUCK. *NM
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
Power train, Dec 1, 2006
O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. APPARENTLY, THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. CAR WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH 53000 MILES. IF I DIDN'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE COST OVER $3000. APPARENTLY, THIS SAME PROBLEM EXISTS ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2006, fire
IN 2004, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE, AFTER BEING PARKED OVERNIGHT, CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS TRACED BY THE DEALER TO THE ABS COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PAST WARRANTY AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY DENIED REPEATEDLY THAT THERE WAS ANY POSSIBILITY OF ANY DEFECT, OR THAT THERE WAS ANY MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITY. CALLS TO FORD'S CUSTOMER HOT LINE WERE HANDLED IN AN UNSATISFACTORY MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED USING NEW PARTS. *JB
Power train, Nov 14, 2006
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN MAY OF 2005, THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION 3 DAYS LATER AT 80K BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS. NOW A YEAR AND HALF LATER, I'VE BEEN TOLD BY A SPECIALIST THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, WHICH WILL COST ME $2500 - $4000! THE DEALER WILL NOT WARRANTY THEIR WORK BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE SERVICE, BUT I'VE ONLY PUT 20K MILES ON IT! THE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST EXPLAINED THAT THE 2002 ESCAPE HAS THE SAME TRANSMISSION AS A MAZDA 626, WHICH IS NOTORIOUS FOR FAILING. HE SAID EVEN IF I PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED, IT WILL FAIL AGAIN. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING A BYSTANDER NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF SO THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO COLLISION FACILITY, WHERE IT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. *AK
Air bags, Nov 12, 2006, crash
RECENTLY, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER RELEASED. LUCKILY, I HAD BEEN WEARING MY SEAT BELT, AND DID NOT SUFFER FROM AN INJURY. SUMMARY: 1. EVENT(S) LEADING TO FAILURE: COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE 2. FAILURE: AIR BAGS DID NOT RELEASE; CONSEQUENCES: NONE 3. CORRECTION: N/A. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED TO BE COMING FROM BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. THE TYPE OF FIRE WAS CLASSIFIED AS FUEL. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO DETERMINED THAT A ROD SHOT THREW THE ENGINE AND MADE A LARGE HOLE THAT CAUSED THE FIRE IN THE MOTOR. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR IF THE CONTACT WOULD MAKE A CO-PAYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THIS OCCURRED IN STATE OF ARKANSAS.
Power train, Nov 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED COMPLETELY, HOWEVER WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME ISSUE, WHERE THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN FAULTY. THE WORK FOR NHTSA RECALL #04V165000, PERTAINING TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED, BUT SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.
Air bags, Nov 5, 2006
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAYS ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE AIR BAGS ARE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AS THERE IS A ERROR CODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE AND EACH TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE PRETENSIONER WAS REPLACED. TWICE THE DEALER COVERED IT AND THE THIRD TIME THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. SEEMS LIKE IF THEY FIXED IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME IT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. AND ONCE AGAIN THE DEALER SAID I AM ON MY OWN. NOW I AM DRIVING A CAR WITH NO AIR BAGS AND I SPECIFICALLY BROUGHT IT BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2006
APPROX 1 YEAR AGO - OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE STARTED TO SMOKE WHILE SITTING IN THE GARAGE. WHEN WE GOT IT TO THE DEALER IS WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WHERE IT CONNECTED TO THE ABS ECU UNIT HAD SHORTED DUE TO BRAKE FLUID GETTING INTO CONNECTOR. WHEN THE SHOP DISCONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE NEXT DAY, THE FLUID IGNITED BURNING UP THE HARNESS. THE ESTIMATED COST TO FIX WAS $2000 DOLLARS, REPLACEMENT OF THE HARNESS AND ECU UNIT. WHICH SINCE THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE WAS DONE IN THE SHOP FORD DID COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I AM JUST FILLING THIS AS I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS ISSUE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION, AND THOUGHT THAT I SHOULD REPORT OUR INCIDENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2006, fire
I HAVE A 2002, FORD ESCAPE WITH 92,000 MILES ON IT. THERE HAS BEEN NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH ETHE VEHICLE LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE THAT I AM DESCRIBING IN THIS STATEMENT. ON OCTOBER 31, 2006 I WAS DRIVING EAST-BOUND ON M59, JUST EAST OF SCHOENHERR ROAD IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MI. I WAS APPROX.15 MILES FROM MY HOME IN AUBURN HILLS, MI AND HAD APPROX. 10 MINUTES LEFT UNTILE I WOULD HAVE REACHED MY DESTINATION. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE ALL DAY. IT WAS APPROX. 47 DEGREES FARENHEIT AND ABOUT 3:35PM. IT WAS NOT RAINING, BUT A LITTLE WINDY. UPON MAKING A STOP JUST PAST THE TRAFIC LIGHT (DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC DLAYS), I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN A MINUTE OF NOTICING THE SMOKE OUTSIDE, SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE DASH OF MY VEHICLE AND INTO THE INTERIOR CAB. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS AND MADE IT INTO A PARKING LOT, WHER I HAD TO EVACUATE THE VEHICLE. UPON PUTTING OUT THE FIRE AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE TODAY AND WE ARE STILL AWAITING THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S OPINION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND WHAT THEY WILL BE WILLING TO DO ABOUT IT.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ONE DAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ABS MODULE AND A WIRING HARNESS. UPDATED 01/17/07. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE ABS MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2006
FORD ESCAPE 2002 - WE HAVE HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON. WE HAVE HAD IT INTO A FORD DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO FIX IT, AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS FINALLY ABLE TO IDENTIFY THAT IT WAS THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAUSING THE ISSUE. JUST READ AN ARTICLE CONCERNING AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO ENGINE FIRES POSSIBLY CAUSED BY THIS MODULE AND ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT WE COULD BE NEXT. WE FIRST TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER THE MONTH OUR WARRANTY EXPIRED SO I AM PUTTING THE "INCIDENT DATE" IN FOR THAT MONTH.
Power train, Nov 2, 2006
MY LOW MILES - 2002 FORD ESCAPE ALMOST KILLED MY WIFE ON SATURDAY. THE DIFFERENTIAL WENT ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE PREMIUM EDITION (NOT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY) AND ALMOST THROUGH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY KEPT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. FERRARIO FORD OF ELMIRA HEIGHTS NY CLAIMS THAT THAT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NOW IT IS GOING TO COST $4000 TO FIX AND NO ONE IS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALMOST KILLING MY WIFE WITH THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR PAYING FOR IT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LOWEST WARRANTY IN THE BIZ. IF YOU HAVE A SIMILAR STORY I'D LOVE TO HEAR IT: HWILLCOX@STNY.RR.COM OR 315-491-9629. HENRY WILLCOX. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2006
THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR QUITE A PERIOD OF TIME IN THAT IT ALLOWS ME TO TAKE OUT THE KEYS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. CAR HAS ROLLED ON SOME OCCASIONS. SO FAR I HAVE CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE ANYTHING IS DAMAGED BUT I KNOW FOR ALL THE CARS I HAVE OWNED IT IS NOT PROPER THAT THE KEYS CAN BE WITHDRAWN WHILE IN DRIVE. I JUST REPORTED IT TO THE FORD DEALER 10-22-06 AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT CORRECT BUT THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALL SO PROBABLY I WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR AT MY OWN COST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Oct 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH AND STALLED AGAIN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE PCM, SIX IGNITION COILS AND SIX SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 8, 2006
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR ON 4/22/06 BECAUSE MY ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A FEW DAYS. I WAS TOLD THAT MY RIGHT DRIVE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT REPLACING THAT COULD POSSIBLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH MY ABS LIGHT. IT DID NOT. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I MIGHT NEED A NEW ABS MODULE. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP WOULD CALL THE FOLLOWING MONDAY WITH A PRICE AND THAT MY CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. *JB