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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.

4.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,200 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 clutch problems

clutch problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Oct 052003

Escape 4WD 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 64,800 miles

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

2001 Ford Escape 4cyl/standard... 64,000 miles Pilot bearing in the clutch went... unable to shift gears... had to have complete clutch replaced...

- Perkasie, PA, USA

problem #3

Mar 122003

(reported on)

Escape 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 20,000 miles
The clutch pedal bracket assembly bent at 20,000 miles and was repaired. The bracket failed numerous times after initial failure. As a result the brake pedal to lock up, the clutch slipped, the cruise control switch broke and the clutch blew out.

- Holbrook, NY, USA

problem #2

Aug 052001

Escape

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer states that the clutch slips and vibrates when engaging. Dealer notified. Nlm jlg

- Burtonsville, MD, USA

problem #1

May 102002

(reported on)

Escape

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer states there is noise in the clutch, dealer replaced the clutch, but it is again making noise.

- San Jose, CA, USA

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