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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.

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,453 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Jul 132012

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,746 miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering assist failed and the contact was unable to maintain driving straightforward. The steering wheel had to be turned approximately 90 degrees to the right in order to keep the vehicle driving straight. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who advised that the sub frame was corroded and caused the lower arm control to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not provide any further assistance. The failure and current mileage was 91,746. Updated 10/16/12 the consumer referenced campaign id number: (11V030000) (Ford Windstar) year 1999-2003. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket resulting in a lower control arm separation. This caused loss of steering control. Updated 10/18/2012

- Liverpool, NY, USA

problem #7

Feb 052008

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,400 miles
In Nov. Of 2006, I took my 2001 Ford Escape to the dealership because my right rear passenger seatbelt was twisting and was not retracting. My child's booster seat was held with this belt and was not working. The dealership told me that due to a flaw, condensation was able to get inside and that it had caused an internal spring to rust and break. They told me that in 2002 + models, it was redesigned and that coil or spring is now protected with a protective covering. I called Ford Motor Corp and they covered the repair and I had to pay a $75 deductible. Now 13 months later, the same problem had re- occurred. This time Ford Motor Corp. Says they will not cover it because my vehicle is out of warranty. I again reminded them that this faulty seatbelt is being used to secure my seven year old daughter's booster seat and it terrifies me to think of what could have happened to her if I was in a serious collision. Ford did have a safety seatbelt recall on a front seatbelt latch and I complied and I think that was in 2004. I believe that this problem has the propensity to lead to a serious injury if it is not resolved.

- Placentia, CA, USA

problem #6

Oct 292004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,900 miles
I noticed a knocking noise when driving over railroad tracks, bumpy roads. I took it to the shop and was told the shock and strut on drivers side and sway bar links needed to replaced. This vehicle is a 2001 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles and should not need these repairs this early. The shock and strut on drivers side as well as sway bar links replaced.

- La Rue, OH, USA

problem #5

Mar 312004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

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

Premature brake rotor wear. Rotors and pads replaced twice; once at 30K miles and again at 60K miles. Brake master cylinder required replacement at 60K miles. Numerous front-end problems after light conventional "on-road" driving (I.e. loose end links, ball joints, misalignment), which in turn resulted in premature destruction of two sets of tires. Burning oil smell in cabin supposedly unidentifiable after numerous attempts by dealer. None of the above covered under warranty. Over $2500 in repairs and vehicle is only at 63K miles!

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #4

Aug 222002

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles
After making a left or a right turn consumer heard a noise coming from the steering wheel.

- Commerce, MI, USA

problem #3

Apr 152002

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When consumer starts up vehicle it hesitates/stalls. Consumer had taken vehicle dealer to check because of its pulling to the left. Consumer was never been told why vehicle stalls.

- Sunny Isle, VI, USA

problem #2

May 012001

Escape 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Tires make a humming noise. Consumer feels that they may be leaving ground like hydroplaning, and at 65 mph vehicle wobbles, vehicle is not stable at high speeds with window down. The vehicle hesitates when A/C unit is in operation and A/C make a loud cyclic clicking sound. Transmission makes sound. The vehicle was unstable at 65 mph with a slight wind and front end makes tumbling sounds on rough roads. The alternator light comes on intermittently. The cruise control turns off automaticaly by itself. The front brake has excessive dust. The vehicle had numerous interior system failures and malfunctioning.

- Lebanon, OH, USA

problem #1

Oct 132000

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle pulls either right or left randomly when the steering wheel is let go. Occurs daily with varying intensity, on any road surface/condition, hot or cold, in either direction during same driving period and sometimes not at all for a short period. Aligned twice, thrust bearings, bushings, plates replaced, test-driven. While problem occurs daily, it does not occur every moment which may be why it doesn't show up when road-tested. Third service appointment has been booked. Concerned because within a few seconds vehicle can be in another lane (not that I drive without my hands on the wheel). Thanks!

- Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA

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