Print this page

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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 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 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 012011

Escape

  • 0 miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic stop, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. Upon impact, the front driver and passenger seats fractured and fell backward abnormally. The police were contacted and a police report was filed. The driver and a passenger were injured. The passenger sustained a concussion and a brain injury. A rear child passenger sustained injuries to the leg from the seat falling backward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they deemed the vehicle as destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Lowell, MA, USA

problem #1

Jun 202001

Escape

  • miles
Car seats broke on impact - remained in reclined position rendering the car impossible to drive. Head, neck, and back injuries by 2 passengers. One passenger factured C1 vertibra. Seats were so flattened that significant injuries would of been sustained by anyone in the back seats. Still waiting to hear from Ford Motor Company. Complaint filed 6/28/01.

- Livonia, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?