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.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 22, 2015
DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY, OUR ESCAPE HAD THE CONTROL ARM DETACH FROM THE SUB FRAME. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL BY FORD BECAUSE IT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED. DESPITE THAT THE DAMAGED AREA OF THE CAR BEING WHAT IS RECALLED IN 14V165000. FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP THIS ISSUE. LUCKY ENOUGH THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THE DAMAGED SUB FRAMES, NOT JUST FIX THOSE THAT HAVEN'T ALREADY BROKE AND CONSUMERS HAVE HAD TO PAY THOUSANDS TO GET FIXED. *TR
Air bags, Feb 26, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO ICE AND GRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED HEAD AND FRACTURED THUMB THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Feb 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL SENSOR SHORT CIRCUITED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,000. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ
Structure, Feb 25, 2015
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND LARGE CRACK IN THE ENGINE CRADLE/ SUBFRAME. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WENT TO THE LEFT APPROXIMATELY 15 DEGREES WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. THE SENT IN RECALL NOTICE # 14V165000. ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE 2002 OUT OF TOWN, I NOTICED MY CAR PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE AND NOTICED THE THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING. I KNEW A STOP SIGN AND A HIGHWAY WAS UP AHEAD, AFTER BLOWING THREW THE STOP SIGN ONLY BEING ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO 20 WITH THE BRAKES, I PULLED THE E-BRAKE AND STILL DID NOT STOP, AFRAID AND SCARED I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THE CAR THEN SNAPPED AND WENT INTO REVERSE AND THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS AIM FOR A POLE AND HIT IT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING WITH THE ENGINE SMOKING, FEARING OF A FIRE I SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2015, crash
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TOWARDS A CROSSING AND THE LIGHT WAS RED. I TRIED TO STOP, BUT INSTEAD IT ACCELERATED ON APPLYING THE BRAKES AND T-BONED A CAR ON THE CROSSING. THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR WERE SERVICED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST AND THE COMPLETE HISTORY IS AVAILABLE AT THE DEALER....UPDATED 04/02/15 *BF
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2015
DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET. APPLIED THE BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CAR ROLLED TO A STOP WITH LIMITED BRAKING. PLACED INTO PARK AND HAD PASSENGER PUMP BRAKES. FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE HOSE ADJACENT TO THE CALIPER HAD RUPTURED. SAW ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1ST GENERATION FORD ESCAPES. COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC! *TR
Engine, Feb 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 1, 2015
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SEEMED LOOSE & THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND CREAKING NOISE INCREASED. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER WHERE I'D HAD THE WORK FOR RECALL 14V165000 COMPLETED ONLY 4 WEEKS PRIOR (26 DEC 2014), AND THEIR ASSESSMENT WAS A CRACKED SUBFRAME. SERVICE WRITER INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, AND THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE A MINIMUM OF $2000 IN PARTS AND LABOR, PLUS THE LIKELIHOOD OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NEEDED ONCE THEY FOUND OTHER CORRODED PARTS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. I DECLINED THE REPAIR AND PURCHASED A NEW CAR (NOT A FORD) INSTEAD. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 28, 2015, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SURPASSED THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
Structure, Dec 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS-BRACE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) BUT THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME AND THE CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2014
MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE REAR DOOR LATCH. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND COMPLAINED ABOUT MY MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING, THEY TOLD ME THAT RECALL WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE IN 2012. I WANTED TO KNOW WHY WOULD MY MASTER CYLINDER BE LEAKING AGAIN TWO YEARS LATER? I WONDER IF THIS JOB WAS EVER DONE. I DON'T FEEL THAT THE CUSTOMER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A JOB THAT WASN'T PERFORMED. MY OTHER COMPLAINT IS MY REAR DOOR LATCH. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THAT I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY REAR DOOR LOCKING AND OPENING. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS SERVICE. NOW I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR DOOR LATCH BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS RECALL NOR DID I RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER. I WANT TO KNOW HOW I GO ABOUT HAVING THESE SERVICES COMPLETED. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 21, 2014, fire
NEIGHBOR WOKE ME SAYING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. CAR WASN'T ON, THE KEY WAS NOT IN, AND IT HAD SAT OVERNIGHT. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE PUT OUT. CAR IS TOTALED BECAUSE THE FIREMEN HAD TO BREAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ENGINE AREA BURNED WITH NOTHING BUT METAL VISIBLE AND A MELTED BATTERY. I HAVE PICTURES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE FRONT END OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUBFRAME. ALSO, THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE FRONT LOWER CROSS MEMBER AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: BODY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,145. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ UPDATED 6/3/2015 *JS
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIFTEEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,900.
Structure, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Sep 22, 2014
VINYL DOOR PANEL OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PEALED OFF. *TR
Air bags, Sep 17, 2014
THE CABLE CONNECTIONS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IS FAULTY CAUSING THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT TO COME ON OCCASIONALLY INDICATING THAT THE CONNECTIONS ARE LOSE. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY FORD OWNERS. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $300 TO REPLACE THE CABLING, BUT THE ISSUE IS WITH A $30 CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEAT. *TR
Power train, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN). WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER OR AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PCM/TCM POWER TRAIN NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2014
FUEL TANK STRAP HAS CORRODED AND BROKEN AND THE FUEL TANK COULD FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL AND/OR FIRE. THERE IS ALSO A RUST HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK METAL PROTECTIVE COVER THE SIZE OF MY HAND AND THE FUEL CELL IS EXPOSED. HAVE NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY DECLINED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM CITING THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL. FORD HAS ALSO TOLD ME IT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF CORRODED PARTS WHICH I WILL SUBMIT UPON REQUEST TO MY EMAIL ADDRESS WHICH IS : [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 9, 2014
MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. IT HAS AT LEAST 2 OBLONG RUSTED OUT HOLES NEAR THE CONTROL ARM. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THEY INSTALLED A CROSS BRACE. 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS TOLD ME THE BRACE WILL HOPEFULLY, IF I AM LUCKY, HELP ME PULL OVER WITHOUT CRASHING WHEN (NOT IF) THE SUBFRAME GIVES AWAY AND THE CONTROL ARM FALLS OFF. TWO OF THE THREE LITERALLY TOLD ME, "GOOD LUCK." I FEEL IF FORD REALIZES THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR A RECALL THEY SHOULD PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 2, 2014
ON AUGUST 26, 2014, I WENT TO FAIR OAKS FORD LINCOLN DEALERSHIP SERVICE IN NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS FOR SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S02 / NHTSA RECALL 14V-165 REPAIRS, AND I ASKED THEM TO CHECK AN ISSUE WHERE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THERE IS A SCRAPING/GRINDING NOISE, FOLLOWED BY A KNOCKING NOISE, WHICH CAN AFFECT RELIABLE STOPPING AND THE VEHICLE STEERING STABILITY. SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, THEN IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE MECHANIC "PUSHED BACK" THE VACUUM PLATE COVER FOR THE ROTOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO RESOLVE THE SCRAPING/GRINDING/KNOCKING ISSUE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING ACTION AND SUBSEQUENT NOISES AND RESPONSE OF VEHICLE EXHIBITED ITSELF AGAIN BY THE SECOND STOPLIGHT AWAY FROM THE FAIR OAKS FORD DEALER LOCATION. TWO DAYS LATER, ON AUGUST 28, 2014, I TOOK MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO GEARHEAD AUTO SALES & REPAIR IN GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS FOR AN INSPECTION AND REPAIR COST ESTIMATE. ON THE LIFT, THE ISSUE WAS APPARENT TO THE MECHANIC AT GEARHEAD TO BE THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE BEING FAULTY, AND HE REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE, WITH BOOTS, CLAMPS AND GREASE. MY ISSUE IS THAT THE FORD DEALER MECHANIC INSPECTED AND REPAIRED MY VEHICLE FOR THE FORD SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S02 / NHTSA RECALL 14V-165 IN THE SAME PROXIMITY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS ON THE LIFT, BUT HE FAILED TO FIND AND REPORT THE EASILY SEEN FAULTY RIGHT FRONT AXLE PROBLEM THE GEARHEAD MECHANIC PROMPTLY REPORTED TO ME. INSTEAD, THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE FALSELY POINTED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR VACUUM PLATE BEING OUT OF PLACE AS BEING THE ISSUE CAUSING THE SCRAPING/GRINDING/KNOCKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. IS THERE ANY TIE TO THE "CORROSION-RELATED SEPARATION" SAFETY RECALL ISSUE THAT LED TO THE FAULTY RIGHT FRONT AXLE CONDITION? SINCE MY UNEMPLOYMENT OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS, MY FORD ESCAPE HAS RARELY BEEN DRIVEN, AND ONLY IN MY LOCAL AREA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY BECAME STUCK WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE RELEASED. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Aug 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ON THE TIRE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE NEAR THE CONSOLE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (ELECTRICAL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.