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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.

4.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,667 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 152004

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

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

While driving the brakes at 38000 miles were completely worn out, so were the rotors. Took the vehicle to dealer to be repaired. The consumer took the vehicle in to find out why so much black an silver dust was on the front wheels. The consumer was told that it was normal wear an tear. The consumer was told that the dust was on the front tires within 200 miles after cleaning. Front brake pads and rotors were replaced at no charge to the consumer.

- Jackson, TN, USA

problem #2

May 012004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles
The rotors on my Escape had to be replaced at 45,000 miles. There was no indication that the brakes had worn down (no squealer warning). Upon inspection it was revealed that the rotors had been worn down and had to be replaced along with new brake pads. The service manager was surprised at the rotors being in such bad shape especially since it was not due to grinding (the brake pads weren't completely worn out). He was shocked at such inferior parts being on the car. I have kept the original rotors that came on the car from Ford should anyone want pictures or want to inspect them.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 102002

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes wore down past to the rotors. Safety issue:there are no low pad wear (squealer) indicators on the brakes. Rotors had to be replaced. There was no audible sign of pad wear unless inspected visually. If I had driven the car any longer the heat from metal on metal would have blown the front tires.

- Carson, CA, USA

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