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.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 8, 2004, crash
VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE POLICE GARAGE WAITING TO BE INVESTIGATED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE TO RETRIEVE HER MAIL AND GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOWN AND PROCEED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED, NOT EVEN BY APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A GARAGE WALL, THROUGH A UTILITY ROOM AND CAME OUT THE BACK OF THE HOUSE AND HIT A SMALL TREE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *NM
Steering, Sep 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, NOTICED THAT STEERING WHEEL WAS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO TURN. AFTER PARKING VEHICLE, NOTICED THAT STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THIS IS THE 5TH REPAIR INCIDENT INVOLVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. FORD DEALER AND FORD REP. CLAIM THE PROBLEM IS FIXED EACH TIME, BUT CONTINUES TO OCCUR EVERY 6-9 MONTHS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT - 38,000 MILES. RADIO TURNED OFF BY ITSELF, DASHBOARD GAGES ILLUMINATED AND THEN CAR DIED. CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RE-STARTED BUT THEN DIED SHORTLY AFTER. FORD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAS BLOWN. AS 38,000 IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CORPORATE HAS DECLINED PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, IT SEEMS THAT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED SO EARLY IN THE VEHICLES LIFE. OF COURSE CONSIDERING THE MANY, MANY ISSUES I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT WERE COVERED I GUESS I SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED. AS A SIDE NOTE, I SUPPLY COMPONENTS TO THE AUTOMOTIVE OEM'S INCLUDING FORD. THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT A FORD. AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE AND SEEING HOW FORD WORKS INTERNALLY I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER BE ABLE TO BUY ONE AGAIN. ALAN GOLDENSTEIN. *AK
Visibility, Aug 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. WI DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2004
INTERMINTANT SCREECHING NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALER REPLACED DRIVE BELT, STATING DRIVE BELT HAD GLAZE; FIXED 12/2003 PROBLEM HAS REOCCURED 08/2004. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 16, 2004
PASSENGER REAR DOOR WAS LOCKED SHUT. WOULD NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR OTHERWISE. I HAD PROBLEM REPAIRED (STILL UNDER WARRANTY), BUT NOW I THINK THE OTHER REAR DOOR AND THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS STARTING TO NOT OPEN ON THE FIRST TRY AND THIS IS VERY FRUSTERATING AND UNSETTLING. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT STALLING (2 TIMES) AND HESITATING AND ENGINE SKIPPING. COMPLAINED ABOUT ENGINE PROBLEMS FOR 2 YEARS. ENGINE STALLED AT 40 MPH AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MY SUV WAS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE MOTOR CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING AT 40 MPH. THEY REPLACED WHAT THEY SAID WAS FORD'S LATEST PART FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE SINCE HAD ANOTHER CUT OFF AT 10 MPH. THERE SEEMS TO BE LITTLE EFFORT AND NO CONCERN FROM FORD ABOUT MY VEHICLES SAFETY PROBLEM. YOU WOULD THINK FORD HAS LEARNED A LESSON FOR IGNORING SAFETY PROBLEMS!!! WHEN I BOUT MY SUV I WAS LED TO BELIEVE I WAS FORDS MOST IMPORTANT CUSTOMER AND THEY WOULD STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY SALE. FOR SURE I AM NOT A VALUABLE CUSTOMER AND THEY ARE NOT STANDING BEHIND WHAT I THOUGHT WAS AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2004, crash
THIS CONCERNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 10,700 MILES ON IT. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A VERY SLIGHT GRADE AT LESS THAN 20 MPH ON A CLEAR DAY APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR DID NOT STOP. INSTEAD, THE FRONT OF THE CAR JUST STARTED TO UNCONTROLLABLY JUMP, BOUNCE AND HOP UP AND DOWN. SINCE THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN AND IT CONTINUED TO UNCONTROLLABLY BOUNCE UP AND DOWN. THERE WAS A CAR CROSSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION IN FRONT OF ME DRIVEN BY A MOTHER WITH HER YOUNG CHILD IN THE CAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THAT CAR, I STEERED MY BOUNCING CAR TO THE RIGHT, OFF THE ROAD, AND INTO A LIGHT POLE TO STOP IT. THE MOTHER WITH HER 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, WHO WITNESSED THE WHOLE EVENT, PULLED OVER TO SEE IF I WAS OK AND THANKED ME FOR NOT KILLING THEM. I HAVE HER NAME AND NUMBER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS CAR AND I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO EVER DRIVE IT AGAIN LEST I KILL OR MAIM MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. DIRECTLY MANY TIMES, BUT THEY GAVE ME THE RUNAROUND. THEY SAID THE ANTILOCK BRAKING DID NOT NEED TO BE CHECKED. WHEN MY INSURANCE COMPANY, NATIONWIDE, BECAME INVOLVED FORD SAID THAT I SHOULD NOW DEAL WITH THEM, NATIONWIDE. NATIONWIDE IS NOW PAYING TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED, BUT SAID THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO CHECK THE BRAKING SYSTEM BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT IS MY FAULT AND ALL THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT IS RAISE MY INSURANCE PREMIUM. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THERE HAS BEEN A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THIS DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE TO LOOK INTO IT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Aug 4, 2004
(1) CE LIGHT ON AGAIN (2) VEHICLE NOT IDLING NORMALLY (3) VEHICLE NOT ADVANCING FROM STOP (4) SMELL BURNING OIL FROM ENGINE WHEN SHUT OFF, NO VISIBLE OIL LEAK FOUND ON DRIVEWAY (5) RATTLING FROM LF OF THE VEHICLE; SPEED OF RATTLING DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPEED OF VEHICLE; STARTS AROUND 25 MPH. (6) DRIVER'S SEAT LURCHES FORWARD ON SEAT TRACK WHEN BRAKING; ONLY OCCURS WITH LIGHTER WEIGHT DRIVERS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE 30K MILE CHECK & TO HAVE THEM ADDRESS THE ISSUES. DEALER DID THE FOLLOWING - ISSUES 1-4: ENGINE COVERED IN OIL UPON INSPECTION (SECOND OIL LEAK); LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT COVER & OIL PAN; DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT COVER GASKET, OIL PAN GASKET, VALVE COVER GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS, & OIL FILTER; DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR AGAIN (THIRD TIME). ISSUE 5: DEALER DID NOT HEAR NOISE COMING FROM LF OF VEHICLE; HEARD A NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE; REAR LIFT DOOR LATCH LOOSE; ADJUSTED/OILED IT. ISSUE 6: DEALER COMPARED PROBLEM WITH OTHER ESCAPES; FOUND TO BE A NORMAL CONDITION OF POWER DRIVER'S SEAT TO HAVE SOME PLAY IN IT (THIS IS VERY UNSAFE; SEAT LURCHES FORWARD 1-2IN WHEN BRAKING; I'M A SHORT FEMALE WHO STRUGGLES TO SIT A MIN OF 10IN FROM THE SW FOR THE AB; MOVING ME FORWARD ANOTHER 1-2IN IN A CRASH IS NOT SAFE). DEALER FOUND FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTORS BELOW SPECS; STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR 30K MILES; SEEMS TOO SOON. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FILED TO NHTSA REGARDING EXCESSIVE BRAKE/ROTOR WEAR. VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP 7/16-7/23. DEALER PAID FOR A RENTAL CAR (THIRD TIME). PICKED UP VEHICLE & DROVE IT OFF LOT; HEARD RATTLING FROM THE LF OF VEHICLE. TOOK IT BACK & A MECHANIC WENT ON TEST DRIVE WITH ME, HEARD NOISE. TOOK IT BACK & INSPECTED VEHICLE TOGETHER. I NOTICED THE WEATHER STRIPPING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED & DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. HAD BEEN SLAPPING OUTSIDE OF APILLAR WHEN DRIVING, MAKING NOISE. DEALER STATED THEY WOULD ORDER NEW PART & I'D HAVE TO BRING VEHICLE BACK AGAIN TO HAVE IT INSTALLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2004
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN! AVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING; IT WILL SURGE AND BUCK. T IDLE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT ADVANCE FORWARD ONCE FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM BRAKE. OOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER; DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR AGAIN!*AK
Steering, Power train, Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2004
HAD BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING; CHECKED THE NHTSA SERVICE BULLETINS AND FOUND A BULLETIN FROM JUNE 1, 2003 NOTING THIS SAME PROBLEM; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ON AGAIN; I MADE AN APPT AT DEALER TO CHECK OUT THESE ISSUES (4/7/04). TOOK VEHICLE IN ON 4/9/04. DEALER FOUND THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THE WIRING FOR THE HORN WAS PULLED OUT AND RUBBING ON THE CONTACT PLATE; ADDITIONAL NOISE FOUND AT LOWER END OF STEERING COLUMN DEALER DEACTIVATED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONTACT; ALSO FOUND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN BOOT, WHICH HAD TO BE ORDERED AT THE SAME TIME, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE; DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FROM 4/9 - 4/14 AND DEALER HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR STEERING COLUMN BOOT WAS ORDERED AND I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DEALER ON 4/23/04 TO HAVE THEM INSTALL IT. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER ON THE 23RD, I REALIZED THAT MY HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND LEFT BRAKE LIGHT WERE ALL INOPERABLE, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DEALER ON 4/26/04. DEALER FOUND THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT MAKING CONTACT, SO THEY HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE AIRBAG AGAIN TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING; FOR THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE BULB ELEMENT VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALER FOR TWO DAYS AND THEY HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR ME AGAIN, *AK
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 3, 2004
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF THE SUN ROOF. COMPLAINT WAS ALREADY ON FILE. ALSO, DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2004
CHECK BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE; TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER; DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD COMES ON AND STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ENGAGED; TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER; DEALER REPAIRED THE SHORT TO GROUND IN THE BRAKE LAMP CIRCUIT. *AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER; FOUND A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR; ORDERED PART (10/02/03) TOOK VEHICLE IN AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK LATER TO HAVE NEW SENSOR INSTALLED, AND AN ENGINE OIL LEAK WAS FOUND; RACK AND PINION UNIT WAS LEAKING; UNIT WAS REPLACED, AND WAS STILL FOUND TO BE LEAKING SO A THIRD UNIT WAS INSTALLED (10/14/03). *AK
Visibility, Aug 3, 2004
SUN ROOF STICKING DURING OPENING.CLOSE OPERATION; VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO DEALER AND INTERMITTENT OPERATION WAS VERIFIED; FAULTY SUN ROOF SWITCH WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM; NEW SWITCH WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED. *AK AT THE SAME TIME, THE COOLANT LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF; NO LEAKS FOUND; PROBLEM NEVER IDENTIFIED
Equipment, Aug 3, 2004
CDS WERE REPEATEDLY STICKING IN THE 6-DISC CD CHANGER; STICKING IN ALL SIX SLOTS. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER. A NEW CD PLAYER WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2004, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AT MY RESIDENCE FOLLOWING RETURNING RENTLA MOVIES AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 PM ON 6/30/2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 AM ON 7/1/2004, I WAS AWAKENED BY THE CAR ALARM. LOOKING AT THE CAR FROM THE BALCONY OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM WINDOW, I COULD SEE THICK DARK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK THE CAR KEYS AND MANUALLY UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE TO GET THE HOOD RELEASE. AS SOON AS THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED, THE ALARM SILENCED. I THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND AS SOON AS I DID THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FIREWALL BURST INTO FLAME. I RAN INTO THE GARAGE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT, I COULD HEAR A STRONG ELECTRICAL HUM. AT THAT POINT I WENT BACK THE GARAGE AND GOT TOOLS TO REMOVE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. AS SOON AS TERMINAL WAS REMOVED THE SOUND CEASED. THE CAR WAS LATER TOWED TO STEPP BROTHERS LINCOLN MERCURY WHERE IT REMAINS AS OF TODAY. STEPP BROTHER HAS ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND IT IS STILL ON BACK ORDER. *JB PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (NOV. 7, 05) FORD DID THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND KEPT THE OLD PARTS; THEY SAID THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ABS SENSOR SHORTED OUT. MR. EVERMON ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD TO FILL THE MASTER CYLINDER THREE TIMES SINCE HE PURCHSED THE VEHICLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2004
THE VEHICLE STILL STALLS AFTER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL, 04V176000, REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT DID ALL THEY CAN DO. *LA
Power train, Jul 20, 2004
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. VEHICLE WILL START BUT WILL NOT IDLE. WILL STALL UNLESS GAS IS APPLIED AT ALL TIMES. WILL STALL IF DECELERATING. FIRST TIME PROBLEM OCCURRED, POWER RELAY SEARCH WAS ADDRESSED. THEN PCM RECALL WAS APPLIED, AND PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW DEALER SAYS AIR BYPASS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS 42,000 MILES ON IT. *LA
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2004
HIGH REVVING WHEN IN DRIVE,NEUTRAL,PARK. RPM UP TO 4. NOTICED WHEN AT STOP LIGHTS THAT IT WAS REVVING VERY HIGH, PULLED OVER AND PUT IT IN PARK AND THE CAR WILL REV TO 4. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM OVER 6 TIME TO FORD DEALERSHIPS IN VALENCIA, CA. AND PALMDALE, CA. THEY ALWAYS SAY THEY NO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THEY FIX IT WITH NO CHARGE, HOWEVER IT ALWAYS COMES BACK. I HAVE ALL MY SERVICE REPAIRS DOCUMENTED. I HAVE TAKEN MY COMPLAINT TO THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. AND THEY HAVE PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER, HOWEVER, HAS NEVER CONTACTED ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. FOR A WHILE MY 16 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING IT AND MY CONCERN FOR AN ACCIDENT WAS GREAT. SHE DOES NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. PLEASE ADVISE. *LA
Power train, Equipment, Jul 17, 2004
POWER TRAIN SLIPPING. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TRANSMITTION FOR THIS 3 YEAR OLD CAR. THE FIRST WENT OUT AT 30,000 AND NOW THE OTHER ONE IS GOING. THE VEHICLE IS HIGH MILEAGE, BUT IT IS ONE OWNER AND 90% OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES.*AK
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004, crash
DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT SOME OBJECTS HEAD ON INSIDE OF THE GARAGE BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK THE DRIVER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PLACING GEAR FROM DRIVE TO PARK WHEN VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. UPON IMPACT, THE SHIFTER IS BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2004
WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING VEHICLE HESITATED AND OR STALLED. RECALL 94V165000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, VEHICLE'S MILEAGE PREVENTED VEHICLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
Equipment, Jul 7, 2004
1)2002 FORD ESCAPE DIED WHILE DRIVING. CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES WAS LOST. )THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS. TWO DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE CENTERS ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I COULD BE IN AN ACCIDENT IF IN ANY TRAFFIC AND AM UNABLE TO RECOVER THE VEHICLE. 3)BOTH FORD DEALERSHIPS WERE UNABLE TO DETECT THIS FAILURE ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS. SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED ME THERE IS A ATSB FOR A PCM REPROGRAM, BUT DID NOT PERFORM THIS REPAIR BECAUSE HE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS REGARDING THESE COMPLAINTS AND "REPAIRS".*AK
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2004
FORD ESCAPE ENGINES MAY STALL AT CERTAIN SPEEDS.*MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAS STALLED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL RELATED TO STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NM