Purchased a 2002 Ford Escape 2WD w/ 3.0 V6 engine with a automatic transmission in October of 2001. Within 1 months time it was at a Ford dealer for it's first oil change and free checkup. I mentioned that the front end made loud clunking noises whenever the wheels were turned to the maximum right or left position. Was told that nothing was wrong. 6 months later I had to purchase new tires because my standard supply front end tires were almost bald. (wouldn't pass inspection in June of 2002). Turned out the front end of the vehicle was way out of alignment specs. so I had to spend $180.00 to have a cam kit installed to bring the car back into normal running specifications. Wasn't about to ruin another set of tires. Another 6 months and my transmission started acting up. Sloppy shifting and down shifting whenever I coasted between 2nd and 3rd gear. Ford flushed the trans and said they recalibrated the transmission module. Cost me another $180.00 dollars and I'm supposed to have an extended warranty! Well, another year and I had to have it back for more transmission work. This time it cost me $100.00 for warranty coverage. Then my cruise control module broke and had that replaced for another $100.00. 6 months later and the accelerator cable (under recall which I never received) was done free of charge. Didn't even know about that recall issue until I had my car race over 5000 RPM while pulling into a parking spot at my work. Almost hit the parked car in front of me. Last year (2006) had to have the torgue converter replaced on the transmission because of poor shifting. Covered under warranty but had to bring it back for a front end alignment that wasn't done and my steering wheel was not in right position (straight)afterwards (very annoying to say the least). In 2006 I heard major clunking under the hood which turned out to be the stabilizer (steering) bars that had to be replaced under warranty (another $100.00). In May of 2007 my Escape is now experiencing the vibrations at 40mph that other s have described. The "IAC" idle air control valve that regulates the air fuel mixture is now in need of repair (under warranty). Since 2001 my Ford Escape has been a mixed blessing (putting it mildly). As much as I like the vehicle for comfort and room for hauling and storage and styling I have no confidence in the longevity of the Ford Escape anymore. I have lost numerous days of work due to repairs at inappropriate / inconvenient times. I have lost confidence in Ford making a good, dependable vehicle that one can purchase and drive without constant fear of a new and more severe breakdown. I'm going to look into a Honda or some other manufacturer for my next vehicle. If it weren't for the extended warranty I would be much more upset in making this writeup of my experience.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Purchased a 2002 Ford Escape 2WD w/ 3.0 V6 engine with a automatic transmission in October of 2001. Within 1 months time it was at a Ford dealer for it's first oil change and free checkup. I mentioned that the front end made loud clunking noises whenever the wheels were turned to the maximum right or left position. Was told that nothing was wrong. 6 months later I had to purchase new tires because my standard supply front end tires were almost bald. (wouldn't pass inspection in June of 2002). Turned out the front end of the vehicle was way out of alignment specs. so I had to spend $180.00 to have a cam kit installed to bring the car back into normal running specifications. Wasn't about to ruin another set of tires. Another 6 months and my transmission started acting up. Sloppy shifting and down shifting whenever I coasted between 2nd and 3rd gear. Ford flushed the trans and said they recalibrated the transmission module. Cost me another $180.00 dollars and I'm supposed to have an extended warranty! Well, another year and I had to have it back for more transmission work. This time it cost me $100.00 for warranty coverage. Then my cruise control module broke and had that replaced for another $100.00. 6 months later and the accelerator cable (under recall which I never received) was done free of charge. Didn't even know about that recall issue until I had my car race over 5000 RPM while pulling into a parking spot at my work. Almost hit the parked car in front of me. Last year (2006) had to have the torgue converter replaced on the transmission because of poor shifting. Covered under warranty but had to bring it back for a front end alignment that wasn't done and my steering wheel was not in right position (straight)afterwards (very annoying to say the least). In 2006 I heard major clunking under the hood which turned out to be the stabilizer (steering) bars that had to be replaced under warranty (another $100.00). In May of 2007 my Escape is now experiencing the vibrations at 40mph that other s have described. The "IAC" idle air control valve that regulates the air fuel mixture is now in need of repair (under warranty). Since 2001 my Ford Escape has been a mixed blessing (putting it mildly). As much as I like the vehicle for comfort and room for hauling and storage and styling I have no confidence in the longevity of the Ford Escape anymore. I have lost numerous days of work due to repairs at inappropriate / inconvenient times. I have lost confidence in Ford making a good, dependable vehicle that one can purchase and drive without constant fear of a new and more severe breakdown. I'm going to look into a Honda or some other manufacturer for my next vehicle. If it weren't for the extended warranty I would be much more upset in making this writeup of my experience.
- Jeffrey F., Dover, NH, US