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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:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #1

Apr 132004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

2001 Ford Escape properly maintained, second time reporting drive train noise. First time dealer replaced stabalizer bar, now @ 41000 miles both tie rod ends need to be replaced. I bought a reliable car to save money, and now putting money into a 3 year old car. Part on back order, wonder if anyone else is having the same issue.

- Roselle Park, NJ, USA

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