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, May 5, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF A UTILITY TRUCK. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEAD, CHEST, AND LEG INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.
Suspension, May 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED UNDER A MANUFACTURE'S RECALL PERTAINING TO THE CROSSBAR, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Apr 26, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO WORK MY DAUGHTER NOTICED THE STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. IN ORDER FOR HER TO KEEP DRIVING STRAIGHT SHE HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE WENT OVER A PAIR OF ROUGH RAILROAD TRACKS & LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HER FRONT PASSENGER TIRE CONTROL BAR HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. IT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. LUCKILY SHE WAS DRIVING IN A 30MPH ZONE & THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT HURT BUT QUITE SHAKEN UP. WE WERE UNAWARE OF A VEHICLE RECALL ON THIS MODEL UNTIL A FRIEND OF HERS RECALLED SEEING AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWS ABOUT CONTROL BARS RUSTING THROUGH CAUSING STEERING PROBLEMS. HER FRONT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BALD AFTER THIS INCIDENT. (TREAD WAS GOOD BEFORE). I CALLED FORD AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE & REPORTED THE INCIDENT. THE REP TOLD ME THAT IN ORDER FOR A REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER & TO KEEP THE TOW BILL AS THEY WOULD COVER IT. RIGHT NOW THE SUV IS AT THE DEALER. IT HAS BEEN 2 DAYS SINCE THEY'VE HAD IT & I'VE HEARD NOTHING. I AM GETTING VERY IMPATIENT. BECAUSE IT'S A RECALL I HAVE A HUNCH THEY PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER. THIS VEHICLE IS HER ONLY WAY TO SCHOOL & WORK. I ASKED ABOUT A LOANER & THEY EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE OF THE HUGE VOLUME OF RECALLS, A LOANER WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO COME BY. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE? I AM EXPECTING NOT ONLY THE VEHICLE TO BE FIXED BUT I FEEL WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THE 1 TIRE - MAYBE 2 DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OF THE OTHER SIDE. I DON'T NEED A SET OF NEW ONES - JUST SOMETHING TO PASS INSPECTION. IF ANYONE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES PLEASE POST SOMETHING BACK. THANK YOU ! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Apr 16, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING OUT MY DRIEVWAY THE SUBFRAME BROKE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FRONT. THIS LET THE WHEEL GO 90 DEGREES TH THE CAR AND PULLED OUT MY FRONT AXLE MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE.FORD SAYS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SUBFRAME RECALL.CAN YOU GET MY CAR ADDED TO THE RECALL SO THEY WILL PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TT
Power train, Apr 12, 2014
THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED BACK IN FEBRUARY OF 2014, WHILE I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE TO TAKE MY CAR FOR AN OIL CHANGE, WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS, IT SUDDENLY JUST STALLED AT 10MPH, SO I RELEASED THE GAS AND THEN PRESSED ON IT AGAIN, THE SECOND TIME WAS FINE, BUT WHEN I CAME TO A FULL STOP AND PRESSED ON THE GAS, IT STALLED AGAIN, AFTER IT PASSES 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS JUST CRUISING CONTINUOUSLY. SO ONE TIME MY CAR STALLED AGAIN AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, LUCKILY I DID NOT. FOR ME THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A ENGINE/TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED. AND JUST RECENTLY I TOOK IT FORD FOR A DIAGNOSE AND THEY HAD TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THEY QUOTED ME $4500 TO GET IT FIXED. *JS
Structure, Apr 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY IN VIRGINIA, I HEARD. (AND FELT) A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I THOUGHT I HIT A POTHOLE. I CONTINUED DRIVING TOWARD FLORIDA, STOPPING IN A MOTEL IN SOUTH CAROLINA. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE RE-PACKING THE CAR, I NOTICED THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN AND WAS PARTLY SITTING ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR
Engine, Apr 1, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,414. UPDATED 05/22/14 MA UPDATED 8/7/2017*CN
Structure, Mar 22, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO AN INTERNET SEARCH. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND MY CAR WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION UNLESS IT IS FIXED. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR (I WAS QUOTED $700). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HIS SHAD AND SIDE WIPED HIS NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH FORCE WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN AREA OF BUSHES. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. THE CONTACT WAS THE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION,THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALLED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Air bags, Structure, Mar 14, 2014, crash
ESCAPE WAS HIT ON FRONT LEFT BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING ESCAPE TO EXIT HIGHWAY AND CRASHING INTO AND SLIDING DOWN A CONCRETE OVERPASS PILLAR; DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER, LIGHT, AND COMPLETE LEFT SIDE OF ESCAPE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY! *TR
Power train, Mar 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD FOCUS V6 I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO PARKS FORD IN WESLEY CHAPEL, FL WHO SAID THEY SUSPECT IT IS FROM MY THROTTLE CABLE STICKING BUT THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT FOR ME EVEN THOUGH MANY ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND RESULTED IN NUMEROUS DEATHS. IT WOULD COST ME OVER $400 TO FIX AND JUST BECAUSE MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL FOR THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. I EVEN SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE MAIN FORD OFFICE WHO SAID THE SAME THING. THIS IS BLATANTLY REFUSING TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT, EVEN THOUGH THEY REALIZE THIS COULD RESULT IN A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I TOLD THE MAN AT FORD THAT I GUESS THEY WANT TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE DIES OF THIS PROBLEM AND HE SAID IF HE WAS ME AND KNEW WHAT I KNOW HE JUST WOULDN'T DRIVE THAT CAR, WHICH PROVES THAT THEY REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS AND YET REFUSE TO MAKE IT A RECALL ON MY CAR EVEN THOUGH THE SAME ISSUE RESULTED IN SEVERAL DEATHS FOR ESCAPE OWNERS IN THE PAST. *TR
Structure, Service brakes, Feb 2, 2014, crash
ON NOV 26 I WAS DRIVING TO MY WORK AT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DISTANCE I KEPT FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW ME STOPPING ADEQUATELY. SUDDENLY, I NOTICED THAT TRAFFIC WAS APPROACHING TO A RED LIGHT SO I TAP ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES WERE NOT REDUCING THE SPEED SO IMMEDIATELY I STAMPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO LET THE CAR STOP WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY, I LOOKED TO REALIZE THAT I COULD NOT CHANGE LANES. AT THIS POINT I WAS LEFT WITH NO TIME TO GEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION OR TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. CONSEQUENTLY, MY FORD ESCAPE WAS FORCED TO STOP BY CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PRODUCING A DOMINO EFFECT INVOLVING A THIRD VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. FORTUNATELY, NO PERSONAL INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM THE OTHER TWO DRIVERS WHOSE CARS WERE INVOLVED.. I DID SUFFERED SLIGHT NECK PAIN AND AFTER VISITING THE HOSPITAL I DID NOT HAD MAJOR INJURIES OR NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT SO FAR. IN REGARDS TO PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGES, THE TWO CARS IN FRONT OF MINE, HAD MINIMAL DAMAGES BUT, MINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED TO THE POINT IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. ALL CLAIMS WERE REPORTED AND TAKEN CARE BY GEICO, MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ALSO A TRAFFIC CRASH CAR REPORT WAS FILED. I RECEIVED A DRIVING TRAFFIC CITATION FROM THE POLICE, WHICH I PLAN TO ESCALATE TO THE COURTHOUSE, AFTER KNOWING THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED RESULTED FROM MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS REPORTED BY FORD UNDER RECALLS 11S24 AND 12 S37. * PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WRITING IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES AND TO ALERT ANY OTHER DRIVERS TO PERFORM ON-TIME MAINTENANCE CHECK-UPS TO PREVENT SIMILAR OR WORST SCENARIOS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED 75 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THAT BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. I WENT TO TAKE MY EXIT AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AT ALL. IT KEPT ACCELERATING ALL THE WAY UP TO 90MPH. I TAPPED THE BRAKES BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I WAS AFRAID TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES DUE TO HEATING THE BRAKES UP SO MUCH THAT IT WOULD CATCH MY CAR ON FIRE. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS REVVED BETWEEN 5000-6000 SO I SWITCHED BACK IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I FINALLY HAD AN AREA WHERE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW IT DOWN AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO PARK. WHEN IT WAS IN PARK THE RPMS JUMPED ALL THE WAY UP TO 5000 AND SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS GOING TO BLOW UP SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THEN I OPENED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS TIL NOW. MY CAR IS NO LEAKING OIL AND SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SEEMED AS THOUGH THIS WAS AN UNIMPORTANT ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR THEM SINCE THEY ARE THE ONES WHO FIXED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE WITH THE LAST RECALL THEY HAD ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Nov 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,604.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 11, 2013
THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT BROKE WHILE OPENING THE REAR WINDOW. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY GRAB THE REAR WINDOW BEFORE IT COULD BREAK. I WOULD NOTE THAT THE FALLING REAR WINDSHIELD CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR AND/OR BYSTANDER AND COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURIES THAT COULD INCLUDE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, AND POSSIBLY CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND. I TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER (FRIENDLY FORD OF MONROE, MI) TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED. I MENTIONED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME EXACT DEFECT AND HE TOLD ME TO SAVE MY RECEIPT IN CASE MY VEHICLE IS RECALLED IN THE FUTURE. THE REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE COST $236.00 AT THE DEALER. I NOTED THAT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE OWNERS THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 955,732 VEHICLES, SPECIFICALLY 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND/OR HINGES. I'M SURE THESE HINGES WERE ALSO USED ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES. BEFORE BUYING THE ABOVE LISTED FORD ESCAPE, I TEST DROVE SEVERAL OTHER ESCAPES. ON ONE OF THE ESCAPES THAT I TEST DROVE, I OPENED UP THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AND NOTICED THAT ONE HINGE WAS BROKEN AND THAT THE GLASS WAS HANGING FROM JUST ONE HINGE. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD HIM THAT I WOULD NOT BE BUYING THIS VEHICLE. MY NIECE ALSO OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE AND HER HINGE BECAME RUSTED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEE "NHTSA RECALL" 04V442000 FOR DETAILS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 7, 2013
CLICKING NOISE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER IN THE STRAIGHT UP POSITION WHEN VEHICLE IS TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. APPROXIMATELY TURNED 20-25 DEGREES CLOCKWISE. INSPECTION OF THE FRONT END REVEALED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH AT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT MOUNT AREA. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 7, 2013, fire
ARRIVED HOME, PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AND SHORTLY AFTER MY WIFE TOOK OUR PUPPY OUTSIDE AND SAW MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES AND SPARKS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FIREWALL AREA, CALLED FIRE DEPT AFTER MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER FAILED TO FULLY PUT OUT THE FIRE FEARING IT WOULD CATCH THE HOUSE ON FIRE AS I WAS PARKED LESS THAN 10 FT FROM IT. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2013, crash
FIRST INCIDENT- I WAS COMING OFF AN EXIT AND THE CAR INFRONT OF ME GOT CUT OFF ON THE OFF RAMP BECAUSE THERE WAS AN ENTRANCE RIGHT AFTER THE TURN, HE BRAKE AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. MY ABS DID NOT KICK IN. I DID REAR ENDED THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, BUT MY CAR HAD ALL THE DAMAGE. I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF THIS AND ONLY BLAMED MYSELF. MY CAR GOT REPAIRED. NOW (10/28/13)- MY CARS ABS/BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE BEHIND THE CAR. LAST YEAR 2012, I GOT THE RECALLS COMPLETED BUT THEY WERE MINOR. BUT MY ABS SYSTEM/BRAKES ARE CRUCIAL. MY BRAKES ARE STICKING, PULSING, GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IT IS MORE THAN JUST A TONE RING! THAT IS THE RESPONSE I RECEIVED WHEN I WENT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. SOMETHING IS INCORRECT WITH MY ABS PUMP AND SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. WHEN I THINK OF THE FIRST INCIDENT I THINK SOMETHING MAY HAVE BEEN WRONG ALL ALONG. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AT 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN SIDE STREET. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR WITH THE FRONT DROPPING AND THE CAR GRINDING TO A STOP. INSPECTION REVEALED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS BASICALLY BROKEN OFF WITH THAT SIDE OF THE CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION A-FRAME PULLED LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE DUE TO RUST ON THE CROSSMEMBER. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 8, 2013
MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE UNKNOWN NOISES WHEN DRIVING, AND STEERING CONTROL BECAME VERY LOOSE. I PROMPTLY TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY ROTTED THAT THE PASSENGER WHEEL CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND CAN NOT BE REATTACHED WITHOUT REPLACING THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE IS NOW NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO SPEEDS OF 88 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. HE THEN MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED SIX YEARS EARLIER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO FIVE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO HER LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/5/13*CN