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.
Had the brake power booster replaced due to a major air-leak around the brake-pedal shaft in the cabin. ($500.00 ) This was after the local Ford dealer ( Hoppers Crossing Melb. Australia ) had serviced the vehicle and ( although told of the air-leak ) failed to locate the problem .
I sent the vehicle back and they confirmed my finding.
I Had the Power Booster replaced at Brakes Plus ( for about $150.00 less than the Ford dealers labour charge )but when my wife drove the car home she couln't activate the cruise control.
I had the vehicle returned to Brakes Plus who passed it on to their Auto Electrician to rectify . His response was that the Speed Control Sensor failing on Ford Escapes is a "common" occurance after the battery . The price of the Speed Control Sensor is $900.00 (Aus.)plus labour ( 15 minute c/over ).
We also own a Ford Explorer XLT and find both vehicles pleasant o drive locally and on long trips but the parts price and poor life indicate that the purchase of a Ford for our next vehicle is extremely unlikely
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Had the brake power booster replaced due to a major air-leak around the brake-pedal shaft in the cabin. ($500.00 ) This was after the local Ford dealer ( Hoppers Crossing Melb. Australia ) had serviced the vehicle and ( although told of the air-leak ) failed to locate the problem .
I sent the vehicle back and they confirmed my finding.
I Had the Power Booster replaced at Brakes Plus ( for about $150.00 less than the Ford dealers labour charge )but when my wife drove the car home she couln't activate the cruise control.
I had the vehicle returned to Brakes Plus who passed it on to their Auto Electrician to rectify . His response was that the Speed Control Sensor failing on Ford Escapes is a "common" occurance after the battery . The price of the Speed Control Sensor is $900.00 (Aus.)plus labour ( 15 minute c/over ).
We also own a Ford Explorer XLT and find both vehicles pleasant o drive locally and on long trips but the parts price and poor life indicate that the purchase of a Ford for our next vehicle is extremely unlikely
- John L., Melbourne, VIC, Australia