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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Ford Escape body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #1

May 012001

Escape 4WD

  • miles

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

The air conditioner from the very beginning has a very foul smell of mildew and mold. If you use the ac for an extended period of time the smell is worst then ever. Both my son and I are allergic to mold and mildew and when I turn on the ac, we both begin to sneeze, cough, runny nose and eyes. I cannot not use the ac. I have brought the truck back 3 times for a total of 12 days and now have it in the shop again. There is also a constant rattle on the drivers door side and the rear tailgate door/window. These problems were reported on the first visit also. Each time I was told the problem has been taken care of, I drive off and the problems are still very evident. The third time as I was pulling out of there driveway after having just been told the problems were solved. These have been an ongoing problems. My concern is I have been back four times in less the 5 months for problems, what happens when the truck is a year old!!!!!!

- Pearl River, NY, USA

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