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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.

4.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,288 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 #12

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 #11

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 #10

Feb 142004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,411 miles
The front rotors on my 2001 Ford Escape XLS 4-wd have worn down very quickly. The rotors must be made out of some sort of soft metal because I haven't replaced my brake pads yet and my rotors need to be replaced already.

- Green Lane, PA, USA

problem #9

Feb 112004

(reported on)

Escape

  • 10,000 miles

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

Consumer complained about a brake system problem. Consumer had to replace the brakes, rotors, and tie rods every 10,000 miles.

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #8

Feb 192004

(reported on)

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles
Consumer complained about premature wear of brake rotors. The consumer stated the rotors needed to be replaced, the brakes gave off excessive brake dust.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #7

Sep 252003

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,049 miles
Rotors had to be replaced at 24,000 miles on my 2001 Ford Escape on September 25, 2003. I had the vehicle in for a master cylinder problem in December of 2002 and the dealership said they could find any leaks and just topped the fluid and sent me on my way. I had to have the vehicle towed in March and on March 7, 2003 the dealership finally found out I had a master cylinder leak and replaced it under warranty. I believe that the master cylinder problem may have caused the rotor problem (the rotors were so bad they could not even be turned.) the independent shop that replaced the rotors also said the pads were just about metal to metal. I had not forwarning of this problem. Ford would not even refund have of the charge for the rotor problem or even look at the old rotors which were returned to me the the specs marked on them.

- Snellville, GA, USA

problem #6

Mar 102002

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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

problem #5

Sep 022003

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
2001 Ford Escape xltlicking noise from front wheels on turning left or right. Dealer states that rotors are incompatible with the aluminum wheels which was the standard equipment on the XLT. Dealer states that it's not a safety issue so Ford will not replace rotors.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #4

Aug 132003

(reported on)

Escape

  • 38,000 miles
When driving and upon depressing brake pedal or when stopping there is a grinding noise coming from front end. Mechanic says the rotors need replacing.

- Newton, NC, USA

problem #3

Apr 222003

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Ford Escape brake rotors worn out after 30K miles of average commuting with no off road use. Brake pads not down to metal, but rotors too worn to turn according to service dealer (prestige Ford a.K.a. Ford of bellevue).

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #2

May 232003

Escape

  • miles
The rotors were warped which caused the vehicle's brake pedal to go to the floor.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #1

Aug 092002

Escape 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving only at low speeds, steering column will make a loud noise and it could cause future steering problems. Dealer notified. The cover on the bottom of the steering wheel was broken. The vehicle shimmys when applying the brakes. The brakes were inspected and the front rotor was machined and the front pads cleaned. Consumer states there is a pecking noise in the engine. Consumer states the accelerator pedal is hard to push because the throttle body needed replacing. The air conditioner stops while at idle. Also, when coming to a stop, the heater is not warm.

- Kettle Island, KY, USA

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