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.
7.8
pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,500 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.
: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who determined the alternator was burnt and was replaced. Nine months later, the vehicle stalled and a burning smell was observed. It was taken back to the dealer who built a casing around the alternator to stop the burning. Two years later, the vehicle stalled again. When taken to the dealer, the battery was replaced. Two years later, the vehicle stalled again. When it was towed to the dealer, it was determined the electrical harness was corroded and rusted and the harness was replaced.
Ford Escape 2001, windshield wipers haven't kept windows clear enough to see during rain or snow. The consumer was only getting 10-12 miles per gallon on the highway. The vehicle was hard to drive when it was windy outside. When the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, the brake went down to the floor and did not come back up for several seconds. The anti-lock brakes did not engage. The consumer spoke to the dealer and he said the brakes must have frozen up. The battery low light was on.
I purchased this Ford Escape in March 2001 and have had nothing but problems with it since. On March 26 2001, two days after I received my new vehicle, it wouldn't start. The same problem occurred three more times in a period of two weeks before I brought the vehicle back to the dealer on April 9 2001. The dealership replaced the battery which was obviously defective. Since then I have had numerous other problems with my Ford Escape. I reported that the throttle was sticking (5/17/02) and it was replaced, but it continues to happen. I also reported that there was a vibration and hesitation when shifting gears around 45 mph (5/17/02). Nothing was done at that time to remedy the problem. I later (8/29/02) reported the same problem to the dealer, brought the vehicle back for service on 9/27/02 at which time the torque converter was replaced. There is still a hesitation and loss of power as I drive the vehicle. Also on 5/11/02, the "service engine soon" light came on. The fuel emissions valve was replaced on 5/17/02. On 10/28/02, I reported to the dealer that my vehicle almost stalled at an intersection on 10/26/02 and later that day it would not start. I also told the service representative that there continued to be a "loss of power" as I drive the vehicle at highway speeds. I brought the Escape back to the dealer on 10/30/02 and the technician found "nothing wrong" with the vehicle from the tests he performed. I am not satisfied with these results there is something obviously wrong with this vehicle!
Vehicle has on 2 occasions shut off while driving. Without warning, the engine, battery, and oil lights come on at the same time and vehicle immediatelty shuts itself off. Vehicle has been to the dealership after both occurrences. The iac, dpfe, and fuel pump relay were all replaced and my vehicle's PCM was reprogrammed. None of these "fixes" have solved the problem. Although the technician working on the vehicle and the shop foreman have made every effort to assist me with the problem, the cause of the problem has yet to be determined. The manufacturer is aware of this problem with this particular vehicle, but cannot explain what is wrong or how to repair it. I do not feel safe driving my Escape knowing that it could shut itself off at any time without warning in the middle of a busy road.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Brooklyn, NY, USA