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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:
2 / 19
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
87,301 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 4 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #6

Oct 092002

Escape

  • miles

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

Consumer states that while driving had put the highlights on and vehicle turned off. Dealer was contacted.

- Westerville, OH, USA

problem #5

Dec 152001

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has stalled 3 times at 35-40 mph down an incline. Dealer has recalibrated computer. Dealer put on new eec and new idle air control. A/C failed and was replaced.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #4

Oct 152001

Escape 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has stalled twice at 35-40 mph while coasting down hill. Dealer replaced computer module and ecc relay. Nlm consumer states keyless entry works intermittently. The weather strips coming off on both back doors. The vacuum line was loose and hissing. The coolant light continues to come on due to coolant bottle failure, also there was a cracking noise under the dash and the radio went out.

- Finksburg, MD, USA

problem #3

Apr 122001

Escape

  • miles

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

Vehicle stalled, dealer stated failure was due to an electrical problem, after electrical repair the panic lights and horn have activated four times for no reason, consumer states the cigarette lighter has never worked.

- Canada, KY, USA

problem #2

Nov 032000

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Total and complete loss of power and all electrical system while car is being operated on busy roads

- Cochranville, PA, USA

problem #1

Jan 012001

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle lost electical power, including ignition while traveling at 65 mph. If the vehicle had been in the passing lane or in a tunnel upcoming in 35 miles, the accident would have been very serious and very likely catastrophic. Vehicle was towed 100 miles to gibbons Ford. It remains there as of 9 Jan 01.

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

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