KnownCarProblems2001 Ford Escape Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 996 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Escape, most often about the engine (31% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). It is 14th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2001 Ford Escape problems
Engine
309 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
The radiator fill bottle located to the right of the engine compartment, has a sensor that detected when the level is low in it. There is a light that comes on ,when it is low activated in the dash next to the tachometer. It has turned on for about 6 months and will not turn off, even when the refill bottle is filled.…
Vehicle stalls while going downhill at approximately 35 miles an hour with foot off gas. This is the third or forth time it has happened. Because of the stalling condition, use of brake and steering is difficult.
Brakes
161 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 99,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, power assist, antilock.
An electrical short caused the ABS to malfunction. This illuminated the ABS warning light, which caused the ABS control module to overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and engine fire. This condition occurred when the vehicle ignition switch was in the off position, and while the vehicle was being operated. It…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While the vehicle was parked, the ABS computer system began smoking . An intense electrical smell was present and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the ABS, ecu module, and the hcu module were damaged. A police and fire department report was filed but there…
Electrical
136 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 89,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, alternator/generator/regulator.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact attempted to start the ignition; however, the key would turn in the ignition switch and the anti-theft warning indicator flashed intermittently. In addition, the steering wheel failed to turn in any direction and the tires locked. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
The trunk-door (5th door) cannot be opened when exposed to the sun or temperature is warmer. It can only be opened after it is cooler in the evening or at night. The rear-left- passenger-door locked and cannot be opened at all. Now passengers have to enter and exit the vehicle using only one right-passenger-door. This…
Transmission
128 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch assembly, driveline.
: the contact stated while driving in stop and go traffic, the vehicle had a rough idle and stalled intermittently. The vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection; however the problem could not be duplicated. After a short period of time the vehicle had the same problems again. The vehicle stalled and was towed to the…
Early failure of transmission. Ford Escape 2001 cd4e transmission failed shortly after Ford recalled it and reprogammed PCM. This had been meticulously maintained and the product failed early. Ford should bear the burden to repair this and they refused. Poor product and numerous design flaws are documented on line.
Speed control
107 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 99,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control, cables.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH up a hill the cruise control system was activated and the vehicle continued to accelerate beyond the set speed on the cruise control. The contact was not able to deactivate the cruise control. The contact was able to slow the vehicle down…
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal remained stuck to the floorboard after her foot was removed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure, nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 130,000 and the failure mileage was…
Air bags
63 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 76,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Dt: the contact stated the cable for the air bag under the driver's seat was cut when the seat was adjusted. An independent mechanic determined the problem after it was misdiagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer offered no free remedy. A repair was made at the contact's expense, but the problem recurred.
- the contact called regarding the 2001 Ford Escape. The contact was traveling at 35 MPH. The road conditions were clear. The sun blinded the contact, and she rear ended the other vehicle, causing minor damage. The contact's vehicle was badly damaged. The frame was bent. The airbags did not deploy on impact. The…
Steering
58 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 77,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, steering wheel/handle bar, linkages, rack and pinion.
Dt: 2001 Ford Escape. The consumer found a recall on line, this recall did not pertain to this vehicle due to VIN. When driving, the vehicle died, power steering malfunctioned, and the vehicle was hard to control. The vehicle will not keep a idling. . The vehicle is currently at the dealership, and they have not yet…
We noticed a hissing noise,took it to dealer,was told brake booster,master cylinder,left stabilizer link assy,and pre-tensioner connectors on air bag all need replaced. Can not afford to replace pre-tensioner connectors. Seems unusual to me that all would go out all of a sudden,especially both the booster and master…
Fuel system
55 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 45,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection system, storage, carburetor system.
On two separate occassions (04/23/04 & 04/30/04) my 2001 Ford Escape just stopped running with no warning what so ever. After the 1st incident a recall repair was completed (drivetrain module) and thought to have fixed the problem. Exactly a week later the vehicle just stopped running again. The dealership couldn't be…
While stopped at driveway waiting to turn right into a 2 lane street, I proceeded to press on the accelerator to proceed into the right turn, when taking my foot off the accelerator pedal to brake, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward causing the vehicle to proceed across the street and impacting a parked…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Ford Escape recalls
Transmission: floor shift
Risk: 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 v
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: cables
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: Corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. Owner notification began on february 2, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function, resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat.
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: This condition will likely result in sudden and complete loss of the windshield wiper function, or of the wiper function on the driver side only, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
Fuel system: delivery
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. Owner notification began september 27, 2000. 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.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.
Wheels and tires: hubcap/cover
Risk: This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. Owner notification began september 25, 2000. 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.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: some 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock braking system may have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4x2 vehicle, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: If either of these conditions occurs and the speed control is used, the speed control could prevent the throttle from returning to idle, resulting in a stuck throttle. A stuck throttle could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the speed control cables. Vehicles with speed control cables from cavities 3 and 4 will have the cable the speed control servo replaced.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control. The speed control cable can have a cracked or missing speed control cable servo cap locating tab. The locating tab could enter the servo clutch cavity and interfere with the speed control servo clutch. Also, water could enter those units that contain a cracked or missing servo cap locating tab, eventually causing corrosion that could interfere with the function of the speed control.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk: Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Stuck throttle
Summary
In a letter dated july 25, 2012 ford motor company (ford) submitted a defect information report (dir), NHTSA recall no. 12v-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.the vehicles involved are model year (my) 2001 through my 2004 ford escape vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines and speed (cruise) control.a redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in my 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the engine cover.similarly on july 26, 2012 mazda north american operations (mazda) on behalf of mazda mot
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit
Summary
On november 18, 2010, NHTSA's recall management division (rmd) opened an audit query (aq10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.it was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.rmd queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (ford, chrysler, and general motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.the rental
Engine compartment fire
Summary
Ford and mazda recalled model year (my) 2001 through 2004 ford escape (07v-156) and mazda tribute (07v-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in corrosion, short-circuit, melting, smoke and/or fire.since the recall, the agency is aware of 260 subject
Engine compartment fire
Summary
In letters dated march 30, 2007, ford motor company (ford) and mazda north american operations (mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v-156 and 07v-157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 ford escape and mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject components, which shall be repaired or replaced only if necessary.if the subject vehicle passes the visual inspection then the recall instructs the technician to apply electrical grease (ford part number xg-12) to the ABS module connector and verify system operation.to date, appr
Engine compartment fire
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated march 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v-156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 ford escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07v156 - a fact later corroborated by the petitioner.circumstances of the fire experienced in the petitioner's remedied vehicle indicate that the remedy was ineffective.additional review by odi identified an additional 6 similar (alleged to have originated in the engine compartment at or near the AB
Engine compartment fire
Summary
In letters dated march 30, 2007, ford and mazda notified NHTSA that they will conduct safety recalls to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 ford escape and mazda tribute sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS.recall 07v-156 involves approximately 446,450 my 2001-2004 escape vehicles manufactured from october 22, 1999 through january 23, 2004.recall 07v-157 involves approximately 95,300 my 2001-2004 tribute vehicles manufactured from april 17, 2000 through december 19, 2003. According to the manufacturers, the electrical wiring connectors to the ABS electronic control module were manufactured with wire seals missing
Engine stalling
Summary
Summary:the petitioner alleges that after having the recall remedy performed on her model year (my) 2001 ford escape, it continued to exhibit an intermittent stall condition.consequently, she petitioned the agency to examine the adequacy of the recall remedy for safety recall 04v-165.on april 5, 2004, ford motor company (ford) notified the agency that it would conduct a recall of 321,903 my 2001 through 2002 and certain 2003 my escape vehicles equipped with 3.0l engines manufactured between january 21, 2000 and september 11, 2002 at the kansas city assembly plant.these vehicles exhibited an intermittent engine stall during decelerations at vehicle speeds below 40 MPH due to an excessively ri
Safety belt buckle failure
Summary
This investigation was opened on july 14, 2003 based on 4 reports alleging the driver's safety belt buckle failed to latch or remain latched.mazda notified odi that it transferred engineering responsibility to ford when the vehicle design was brought to the united states for production in ford's assembly plants.ford determined that the safety belt buckle is subject to lateral flexing during use that could allow a portion of the buckle cable stalk convolute tubing that extends into the buckle assembly to contact the molded plastic anti-rattle post on the upper buckle cover.this contact may cause the post to fatigue and fracture, allowing the backside of the latch to wedge below the broken edg
Engine stalling
Summary
Ford's and mazda's letters to NHTSA dated april 5 and april 9, 2004, state that they will recall model year 2001-03 ford escape and mazda tribute vehicles with the v6 engine built thru september 11, 2002.dealers will adjust engine calibration in the programmable control module (PCM), which in its current setting, can cause the engine to shut down if the vehicle is decelerating at speeds below 40 MPH. The engine shuts down due to excessively rich air-fuel mixtures being sent to the engine.when the engine shuts down, drivers may notice a loss of power assist for their steering and brakes. The majority of the complainants have indicated to the agency that the stall is intermittent and can happe
Engine stalling
Questions about the 2001 Ford Escape
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Escape?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (309 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); brakes (161 complaints, typically around 99,000 miles); electrical (136 complaints, typically around 89,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Escape have?
- 13 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 29, 2015 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Ford Escape?
- It is 14th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints, with 996 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.