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CarComplaints.com Notes: With questionable safety ratings, a faulty power control module (PCM) and a rear subframe that can rust out, the first model year Escape is known for problems. But the worst one of all? A design flaw that carried through multiple model years and caused dangerous unintended acceleration.

A lack of clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector meant the throttle could get stick open when the accelerator was fully depressed. Following a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, NHTSA opened an investigation and eventually issued a recall to fix the sticky throttles in the 2001–2004 model years.

Even with the throttles fixed, the 2001 model year could still have trouble stopping due to multiple problems with leaking brakes.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$320
Average Mileage:
79,200 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new switch (1 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2001 Ford Escape accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #2

Feb 012013

Escape LX 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,364 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well, why make a car with a tailgate that can ONLY open with an electric key? It needs to have a back-up way to open the back, either with a key lock or release somewhere in the car. It was bought used, with very low mileage, in Jan of 2008. I noticed that it would occasionally "seize up" and I would be unable to load groceries, etc. Then it started happening more frequently and it was a real pain when I could not get it opened to load suitcases at the airport, take home large items, or get my bicycle in OR out of the car. I had NO IDEA it would cost so much to have it fixed! Not a necessity for the running of the car, but MANDATORY for the piece of mind in knowing that I could lock the car and be able to easily access the rear compartment . I'm hoping this was fixed on all the later models!

- sflexis, San Francisco, CA, Macau

problem #1

Jun 302011

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

My keyless entry remote stopped working and now my hatch won't unlock using the door lock/unlock button.

- April H., Cleveland, TN, US

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