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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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 012004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

When inserted key into ignition it would not turn nor start the vehicle. Therefore, having to have SUV towed for service and having the part replaced. The tow truck driver mentioned that he has seen this happen alot in Ford cars/trucks.

- Milford, CT, USA

problem #3

Nov 202001

Escape 4WD

  • miles
The engine stalled while travelling 35mph. I was braking lightly going around a left handed curve and hit a bump. The radio and ac were on. The engine light came on and I lost power assist to the steering and brakes which made it hard to complete the curve safely. I got the vehicle to the side of the road, but not out of the road, before it came to a stop. I turned off the radio and ac, then the ignition switch. I waited about 90 sec. And it restarted on the second try. It has not happened again, but now the engine light is on all the time and the vehicle hesitates. I am taking it in tomorrow to the dealer.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #2

Feb 232002

Escape

  • miles
This car will start by itself. With the key in ignition in the on position, and no one in the driver's seat, starts itself.

- Pooler, GA, USA

problem #1

Apr 012001

Escape

  • miles
When driving and without any warning vehicle will stall completely, causing loss of power. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced ignition switch, but problem still occurs.

- Sidney, OH, USA

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