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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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,260
Average Mileage:
94,500 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced coil (2 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replace engine (1 reports)
2001 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 022013

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

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

Bought a Ford Escape in 2001 and now have 76k miles on it. I used it as a pleasure vehicle and did not drive it much and left it parked in my garage most of the time. I recently was coming home from Chicago and the engine started knocking. I took it to Grand Ledge Ford and they said the engine needs to be replaced because a connecting rod or main bearing had failed. The vehicle is in excellent condition and I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil in the engine. This is an unacceptable failure to me. I am extremely disappointed in Ford. I am looking at a replacement engine for 2800 plus labor to install or a used engine with as many miles as my engine for 1500 plus labor.

- dao257, Lansing, MI, US

problem #3

Mar 242013

Escape XLT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

what causes cylinder missfire....#5 and #6 cylinder have had the coilpacks replaced 3 times each.... last time i drove 3 miles and started missing bad and engine light started blinking....will barely run now ... what do i do? take it to ford and get robbed...

- Jack V., Lou., KY, US

problem #2

Jul 212011

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Started the car one morning and it was running really rough. The engine light came on so i plugged in the diagnostic PC under the driver side dash and read that the piston 4 was misfiring. Did a search on the net to see which piston was #4 and ordered the coil off Ebay which was WAY cheaper than anywhere else.

- Tim M., Hoffman Estates, IL, US

problem #1

Jan 272011

Escape 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I have a 2001 ford escape and the wife bought it brand new.After a 30 mile highway commute a mile off the highway the truck started running very ruff and lost power. It sputters now.It only has 86000 mile.?????W T F

- Jake W., Lorain, OH, US

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