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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 012002

Escape 4WD

  • miles

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

Car continues to stall when going approximately 40 mph. All systems fail. Car has been to dealership 3 times for same problem. Air intake valve and relay have been replaced. Dealership taking car again tomorrow for repair.

- Chester, NJ, USA

problem #2

Feb 012001

(reported on)

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Experience fuel smell in cabin on warm restart of truck. More pronounced on warm days. Started experiencing fuel smell at about 800 miles. Based on other Escape owners comments, problem appears to be due to a poorly designed intake manifold and gasket.

- New Berlin, WI, USA

problem #1

Dec 262000

(reported on)

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Fuel smell coming from A/C vents after warm engine restart. Suspect intake manifold not properly tightened.

- Ventura, CA, USA

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