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:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,365 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 stalls repeatedly when starting and when idling at stop lights. This problem has been intermittent so Ford dealer has been unable to fix. Usually only happens when the engine is hot. Has not caused an accident yet. This is a 4 cylinder manual transmission so it does not fall under the previous recall.
I have a 2001 Ford Escape. I was informed about the stalling recall; so I had it serviced (reprogrammed computer). After it was worked on, about one week later it began to stall when starting. It wouldn't idle. Now it just dies while driving. It happened to us about 30 times today. I replaced the fuel filter hoping that was it; it didn't help. It only has 39,000 miles on it. The thing is, I didn't have a problem with it until we took it in for the recall.
My 2001 Ford Escape stalled while driving normally, about 35 mph. Engine and oil lights illuminated, steering locked. Pulled over and restarted. I've discovered this is a common problem among Escape owners, and I am concerned about this serious safety hazard.
- Lone Tree, CO, USA
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Ford Escape 2001eeps stalling at 35-40mph whilst coasting down inclines.ecurrent problem. Now happening 3-4 times a week. Dealer had the vehicle in last year but could not find cause.
My Escape has stalled (3 times) while driving down a slight downhill grade in the road going about 40 mph. I have taken the vehicle back to the dealership twice. First time they told me that the idle control value was corroded and replaced it. The second time they told me they could not find a problem. This is a very frightening experience to have your car quit on you in the middle of traffic and I feel very strongly that it needs to be addressed since it is happening to other people.
In the last 2 months - going downhill at 35mph vehicle stalled, loss of ps/pb, headlights/radio remained on, engine/oil light illuminated - vehicle towed to dealer, dealer unable to replicate problem, indicated that vehicle "started right up" - 1 wk later, vehicle stalled again, same as before, this time shut off vehicle completely and vehicle started up again - today seatbelt light started flashing and bells were ringing though driver was seatbelted. Vehicle did not stall during this episode. After reading other complaints, I do not feel safe driving this vehicle at highway speeds and will put vehicle up for sale.
Engine stalls at 40 mph for no reason dangerous. Relay has been recalibrated without success 2 times from Cherokee Ford dealership. This is a dangerous condition that is happening to Ford Escape owners all over the country based on my research from the yahoo Ford Escape group boards on www.yahoo.com.
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!
Engine stalled twice while deaccelerating at about 30-40 mph. Dates: 10/3/02 and 11/14/02 so far. Took to dealer 10/16/02 but they found nothing. Have another appointment 11/21/02.
Consumer states vehicle will intermittenly stall without warning while driving. Vehicle is currently with dealer who is unable to determine cause. Related investigation ea 02-027/engine stalling.
Stalls occurred in traffic at 30 to 35 mph on decline while braking; engine stalled resulting in loss of power steering and power brakes. Managed to turn steering wheel with difficulty to coast off two lane highway to shoulder. Turned off ignition and waited 2-3 minutes. Restarted vehicle without problem and returned to dealer for servicing. I am afraid to drive vehicle since there is no warning of stall which has occurred in traffic where rear-ending by following vehicle could have occurred. Believe computer is defective and should be replaced on 2001 and 2002 Escapes.
Since the first weeks of purchase of vehicle it has had numerous sensor problems, all of which the national city Ford has addressed. They have changed multiple parts in the vehicle, including a failed system. The original purchase was made from bob baker Ford in mission valley, (san diego) but the vehicle it's self has been serviced at the national city dealer. Since the beginning of the vehicle problems we have been in contact with the manufacturer, advising them of all the different defects we have. The defect that most worries us is the engine failure, the engine tends to lose all power without notice and shuts off loosing power steering and braking ability. This has happend to us at night, and not even the dash board lights flicker, or the head lights. We have addressed the issue, they have installed equipment to try and figure the problem with no success. They say we can hope it does not happen again. Fortunatly it has not happened on the freeway, as those Ford Focus problems. The latest problem with the vehicle has been transmission related, it is as of 10/29/02 being looked at the fuller Ford dealership for this problem. We have also asked that they look at the engine problem, and they will advise.
Consumer states on going problem with engine stalling while driving 35 mph. Vehicle been to the dealer and the problem is reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Andover, MA, USA