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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY DURING NORMAL BRAKING SITUATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST OIL PRESSURE DUE TO SCORING IN THE CAM JOURNALS. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE.
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
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS LIGHT AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER. WHILE BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE ABS WIRING AND THAT ALL THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1600. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE OWNER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR COSTS OUT OF POCKET. DEALER THEN REFUSED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO OWNER WITHOUT REPAIR DUE TO FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALER ASSISTED THE OWNER WITH THE PURCHASE OF A 2006 MERCURY MARINER BY PAYING OFF THE REMAINDER OF THE LOAN BALANCE ON THE FORD ESCAPE UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE VEHICLE MISFIRED ON CYLINDER #1 AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Air bags, Sep 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN BECAME CONSTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY PRETENSIONER KIT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE WIRING FOR THE AIRBAG WAS ALSO INSPECTED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE PROBLEM OCCURRED 4 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED BUT DENIED THE CLAIM.
Tires, Sep 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE LEFT REAR TIRE MADE A NOISE. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TREAD BELT. THE TIRES WERE THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL ONES AND HAD ONLY 25800 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT. THE TIRE SIZE WAS P225/70R15.*AK UPDAYED 10/4/2006 - *NM
Air bags, Aug 28, 2006
IN APRIL 2005 MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO FORD AUTOLAND AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY TO HAVE SOME SWITCH OR MODULE REPLACED COST OVER 400.00 DOLLARS. HAD THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AND NOW 18 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM AND I AM TOLD I HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER $400 TO FIX SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Aug 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. ON 08/24/06, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODULE WAS NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #04V165000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2006, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *KB THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BOOSTER, HCU AND HCU HARNESS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THIS SWITCH HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 1994-2002 FORD F150'S, NAVIGATORS AND EXPEDITIONS. . *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 25, 2006
FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS, WHILE DECELERATING TO STOP, MY VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF, ALSO OCCURRING WHEN I DECELERATE IN BUSY TRAFFIC. ON ONE INSTANCE WHILE PULLING ACROSS A HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE SIDE BY AN ONCOMING CAR BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Aug 24, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES ON JULY 31,2005. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING LIKE THE WHEEL IS WOBBLING, AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIFT SUDDENLY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN ALSO EXPERIENCING A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLES WHEN THE HEAT WAS NOT IN USE. *JB
Power train, Aug 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. UPDATED 9/15/2006 - *NM
Power train, Aug 13, 2006
FORD 02 ESCAPE. VALUE BODY TRANSMISSION ISSUES, METAL SHAVINGS IN TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAR ONLY 4 YEARS, 80K HIGHWAY MILES. CAR MAINTENANCE KEPT UP. TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS TELLING ME IT COULD COST 1 TO $2000 TO FIX. FORD COMPANY WOULD NOT HELP. CAN PROVIDE CONTROL NUMBER. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURE ISSUE. DTC CODES TESTED PO741 & P1744. CONTROL# 14998722626. PLEASE HELP. *NM
Structure, Aug 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN FROM BOTH SIDES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO REMOVED TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 26, 2006, fire
MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR HOURS AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF. I WENT OUTSIDE TO GET IT TO GO OFF AND REALIZED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ALARM WOULDN'T GO OFF AND EVENTUALLY QUIT BUT THE SMOKE KEPT COMING AND I REALIZED THERE WERE ACTUAL FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY SO THE CAR WOULDN'T HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE OF SPARKING UP. PRESENTLY, I HAVE THE VEHICLE IN A FORD DEALERSHIP SHOP. THEY SAID THAT THE FIRE STARTED AT THE WIRING HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO THE ABS MODULAR. THE WIRING HARNESS AND SOME OTHER PART ARE BEING ORDERED TO BE REPLACED. AS FAR AS THEY KNOW THAT NEEDS REPLACED AND THERE MAY BE MORE ONCE THEY ACTUALLY START TAKING THE CAR APART AND SEEING WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. THE FIRE PROBABLY BURNED FOR A GOOD 10 MINUTES. *JB
Air bags, Jul 20, 2006
SINCE HAVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE, I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. ON OCCASION IT GOES OFF, BUT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY ESCAPE AND TOOK 4+ VISITS TO RECTIFY. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN LAST YEAR. I WAS RECENTLY QUOTED $400.00 TO GET THIS FIXED. IT SEEMS UNREASONABLE TO HAVE TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN THERE IS A CLEAR PATTERN OF IT BEING A PROBLEM WITH ESCAPES, AND IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT RELATED TO DRIVER RECKLESSNESS OR USAGE PATTERNS. *NM
Tires, Jul 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE BRACKET THAT HOLDS UP THE SPARE TIRE FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY DETACHED. THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WAS ALERTED BUT THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CLAIM.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2006
FOLLOW UP TO AN EARLIER REPORT REGARDING A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH IGNITION COIL PROBLEMS. ON MAY 30, THE VEHICLE LOST ANOTHER IGNITION COIL (3 PREVIOUSLY HAD DIED) AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT IN A RAINSTORM. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO MANIFEST ITSELF WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING OR VERY HUMID. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO MACQUIRE FORD AND WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED NUMBER 1 IGNITION COIL. THE COIL WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $390. THE TRUCK WAS PICKED UP FRIDAY, JUNE 2, DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. WHEN WE WENT TO DRIVE THE TRUCK AT 6PM THAT NIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK RAN ROUGH. THE DEALER WASN'T HAPPY TO SEE US BACK SATURDAY MORNING. THIS TIME COIL NUMBER 3 HAD GONE. NO ONE KNOWS WHY 5 COILS HAVE NOW FAILED AT THE COST OF $1300. THE FINAL ORIGINAL COIL HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. NO ONE AT FORD CAN GIVE AN ANSWER AND I AM OUT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY AND I SOMEHOW DOUBT THIS PROBLEM WILL BE RESOLVED. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING THE NIGHT, THE VEHICLE ALARM SOUNDED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALERTED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED IT OCCURRED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMAL PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Steering, Jun 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT THEN REVERSED AND PUT THE VEHICLE BACK IN DRIVE. AFTER TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS TURNED THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE OTHER TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE TIE ROD FRACTURED AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AFTER THIS, THE AXLE FRACTURED AS WELL. THE TIE ROD AND AXLE WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 7/14/2006 - THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TIE ROD FRACTURED DUE TO RUST. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, May 21, 2006
LEFT REAR DOOR IS JAMMED CLOSED. WILL NOT UNLOCK EITHER ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY. DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE HANDLE. DEALER IS VERY HELPFUL BUT UNABLE TO REPAIR. NTSB LISTS SEVERAL OF SAME COMPLAINT BUT FORD HAS NO SOLUTION. ONLY ONE REMAINING EXIT FROM REAR AND LIKELY TO FAIL FROM SAME DESIGN AND TRAP PASSENGERS. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. LAST JUNE, I DID NOT USE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS DURING WHICH TIME IT RAINED. WHEN I WENT TO START THE ENGINE, IT RAN SLUGGISHLY AND SHUDDERED. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER, VARNEY FORD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE #3 "SPARK PLUG COIL" (IGNITION COIL) HAD BURNED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT MOISTURE HAD ENTERED THE COIL. NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THAT WAS HAPPENING WAS GIVEN. COST $180 TO REPAIR. YESTERDAY, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF RAIN, I WENT TO ONCE AGAIN START MY TRUCK. IT EXACTLY REPEATED THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT. THIS TIME HOWEVER, I DROVE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER...IT COULD NOT TRAVEL MORE THAN 30 MILES AN HOUR. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS TIME COILS NUMBER 4 AND 6 HAD FAILED. COST THIS TIME $325. ONCE AGAIN I WAS TOLD MOISTURE HAD SOMEHOW GOTTEN INTO THE COIL SYSTEM. SO IN OTHER WORDS, I OWN A TRUCK THAT CANNOT SIT IDLE FOR EVEN A DAY IN RAINY OR DAMP WEATHER WITHOUT A COIL BURNING OUT. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM READING THE TRAVAILS OF OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS IS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. FORD SAYS "THERE MUST BE A PIN HOLE SOMEWHERE THAT THEY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FIX". WHILE THIS WOULDN'T PRESENT A PROBLEM IF I ELECTED TO LIVE IN A DESERT ENVIRONMENT, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN EXPENSE AND RENDER THE TRUCK USELESS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THANK YOU. HEIDI ROBBINS. *NM
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
Air bags, Mar 10, 2006
SMALL IMPACT UNDER 5 MILES PER HOUR AND MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO DAMAGE TO MY CAR AT ALL. WAS HAVING A PROBLEM FOR A YEAR WITH MY SRS AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK IT TO FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. SEEMS THAT THE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND MY AIR BAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. FORD WILL NOT COVER THE "HIGH" COST OF REPLACING THE AIR BAGS UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER WAS SHOCKED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AT ALL TO MY CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM