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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,300 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 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #2

Jan 032007

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,600 miles

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

- the contact was stopped he stopped at a light, another vehicle hit him in the rear. The second vehicle was traveling at approximately 40 mph. The airbag did not deploy, but the crash resulted in the drivers seat unexpectedly reclining to a horizontal position, the contact was able to adjust the seat after the impact. The passenger seat remained in position. The driver suffered injuries. The consumer stated he lost control of the steering. Updated 02/22/07.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #1

Dec 222003

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles
The contact stated the cable for the air bag under the driver's seat was cut when the seat was adjusted. An independent mechanic determined the problem after it was misdiagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer offered no free remedy. A repair was made at the contact's expense, but the problem recurred.

- Brackney, PA, USA

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