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.
6.4
fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
11,285 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 Escape has had three repairs in a 6 month time frame do to problems with the ignition coil assemblies. The sparks plug shot out of the cylinder head suddenly three times.
I noticed a 2001 Ford Escape with a brake hissing problem at 74K I have the same problem at 40K. I've had so many problems with this car that I am considering not to ever by a Ford vehicle again. They should have recalls on these so the consumer does not have to pay for their mistakes.
I was unable to turn the key in the ignition of my 2001 Ford Escape. The steering wheel was also locked. I had to have a locksmith come to start it. The locksmith said there have been many similar problems with all Ford ignitions. I had the ignition cylinder replaced at the Ford dealership. The dealer said he was unaware of any problems related to ignitions in the Escape. I learned from a Focus owner that the Focus cars had been recalled in late 2000/early 2001 for this same problem. I later learned by calling another Ford dealership that the same part is used for both the Focus and the Escape. Why haven't the Escapes been recalled?
Vehicle had a recall to reprogram power train control module which was corrected (?) on 6/9/04. On 7/2/04 vehicle would not idle and subsequently would quit running. Taken to dealer and dealer replaced ignition control valve. Dealer states it was not related to the power train control module reprogram. Car was out of manufacturer warranty, with 36,568 miles at time of failure. Other items of concern on this vehicle include the left headlight as defective assembly and allows moisture buildup. Dealer again refuses to acknowledge a defect and refuses to repair at their cost (estimate cost appx. $200 to repair their defect). Other issues include the replacement of a coolant sensor, and replaced a dpfe (environment problem that was covered by warranty).
Ignition lock cylinder would not turn. Ithad to be replaced by a mechanic. It was replaced under warranty, however, it is said to be a reoccuring problem per brady, tx Ford dealership. This problem causes the occupant to become stranded; making them a hazard on the road. Please recall others to avoid this problem in the future.
- Brady, TX, USA
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While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that a sensor needed to be replaced. Mechanic replaced the sensor, but problem recurred.
While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to resolve the problem.
Car completely shuts off while driving. There is no warning or symptom that an occurrence is going to happen. This shutdown occurs while vehicle is moving and at varying speeds. This problem seems to be electrical in nature and probrably associated with some ignition componet.
Engine stall - adding my incident to the list - driving to work this morning on interstate-35, travelling about 40+ mph. Realized brakes were not engaging as I was quickly approaching the car in front of me, then realized oil light and engine light were on and no response to increased gas pedal pressure on RPM gauge to try to move car out of lane. Luckily happened to be in far left lane and had just enough room to coast over to shoulder and apply parking brake to stop. Removed keys, reinserted and car started right up. This is the first occurrence - however I peruse the NHTSA sight occasionally and remembered reading about this situation from a few years ago. I have not contacted the dealer yet - wanted to review this sight first to see if any action has been taken yet - apparently not. Thank god a guardian angel was on my shoulder this morning.
Stalls when slightly hitting brake to handle a curve, has also happened in parking lots when slowing down to turn and park. Incident has happened 7-8 times.
My Escape will start and then stall or when letting off the gas it will stall while going around bends or just going down the road. It is very on safe because when going around bends and it stalls you can't do anything. It has happen over 20 times now, and it happens with no warning and when ever it wants to.
Has stalled while driving at about 35mph. This has happened four times in the last four months. When I questioned the dealer about the problem I was told that this was because the gas in the car was still winter grade and it would clear up. However this happened for the fourth time about three weeks ago. This is my wifes car, and this is very scary for her. She never knows when it will happen again, it just stalls out while she is in motion. I.
While drving steering wheel locked up and then vehicle stalled, almost causing an accident. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who advised consumet that they could not find any problem.
Vehicle would not start, wouldn't even turn over cted like the battery was dead, except the radio worked and seat belt chime would run. Played with steering wheel and it started. This has happened 4 times in 1 year. It is at the dealers right now, they say they never heard of this before. Last week when it did it and I was moving the steering wheel, it didn;T even lock, I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I always park where I can make sure a wrecker can get in to haul it to the dealers.
Vehicle tends to stall while cruising downhill with engine idling. The vehicle has been serviced for same problem three times but the problem continues to occur resulting in a dangerous situation involving loss of power steering and power braking, consumer feels the problem is with the ignition.
Car electrical, steering and brakes cut off driving at 35-40 mph on curvy road. Just bought the car used 2 days ago. First time this has happened. Now that ive looked at this site, seems many people have this problem. Going to dealer tommorow. We like the car, but we're afraid we have ourselves a lemon. I hope the dealer/Ford will fix this problem and stand behind their product.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Schenectady, NY, USA