Steering column. His vehicle was involved in a front end collision. The air bags deployed and the steering column completely detached from the dash. I am unaware if this caused further injury to the operator. I am a licensed auto damage appraiser and thought this to be very unusual and potentially unsafe.

- Boston, MA, USA

Vehicle suddenly surged forward. Vehicle is currently at the police garage waiting to be investigated. The consumer was pulling into his driveway, put the vehicle in park and pulled up the emergency brake. The consumer exited the vehicle to retrieve her mail and got back into the vehicle. The consumer put the emergency brake down and proceed to shift the vehicle into drive. When the vehicle was shifted into drive the vehicle accelerated suddenly and could not be stopped, not even by applying the brake. The vehicle went through a garage wall, through a utility room and came out the back of the house and hit a small tree. The air bag did not deploy. The car was totaled.

- Cranston, RI, USA

While driving 45 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to start vehicle and drove it home. The next day, vehicle would not start. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the battery. Driver informed the mechanic that the air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on after the battery was replaced.

- Austin, TX, USA

Within one month of purchasing the vehicle (2002 Ford Escape) the vehicle experienced problems with the brakes. (see ODI #10051805 for information regarding 1998 Ford Ranger complaint). The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer three times for the same vibration problem, but the dealer continued to state there was no problem, after about a year they finally noticed that the tires were cupping on the rear, it was finally determined that the problem was due to the to the alignment of the front and rear which caused the vehicle to need new tires. Also the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard.

- Portland, TX, USA

The airbag light illuminated and stayed on. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced something on the passenger side. Air bag light went off, but months later it was on again.

- Richmond, VA, USA

When consumer's vehicle was hit in the front center of vehicle air bags did not deploy, causing minor injuries to consumer. Dealer notified.

- Bloomsburg, PA, USA

My air bag light keeps coming on. Informed by the dealer today that this is a known defect. It is due to "rain water getting on a sensor". the entire drivers side front quarter panel will have to be removed to fix the problem. The part will be ordered and I'll take the car back for repairs.

- Raymond, MS, USA

On my new Ford Escape 2002 bought 8-2002. My gas pedal stuck, my brakes were leaking fluid my ignition has broke. My passanger side rear door will not open or close properly and has opened while the vehicle is in motion. There is a vibration in my left front end and my air bag warning light stays on at times my driver side saftey restraint has sheared and had to be replaced

- Chehalis, WA, USA

On 9/27/02 I was involved in a collision where I ran a stop sign and "T-boned" a passing car that was traveling through the intersection. My 2002 Escape was totaled - the front end completely collapsed. Every officer, paramedic, and fireman was amazed that the air bag failed to deploy. They all instructed me to contact the manufacturer regarding this matter. As this is my second Escape (the first one sucked a valve within the first week of ownership), I will no longer trust Ford to provide a safe mode of transportation for myself or my family members.

- Upland, CA, USA

After new sensor installed for airbag, another electrical component had an error.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Engine stalled while driving downhill. Was either braking or decelerating by letting up on gas. Check engine, airbag, and possibly oil lights came on. Power steering and brakes failed. Was able to pull off the road and stop vehicle with hand brake. Shifted vehicle into park and restarted. Had been driving for approx. 1/2 hour (15 miles). Weather was cool and clear.

- San Diego, CA, USA