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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.

6.6

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,433 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 #13

Jun 142014

Escape 6-cyl

  • 135,423 miles

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

We were driving around a curve and onto a straight part of the road about 40-43 mph and the engine just cut off. We were able to coast over to the side of the road and stop. The steering and brakes had no power. We tried starting the engine and it cranked but acted like it was not getting any fuel (there was half a tank). We left to get a ride and when we returned to tow the car it started right up and has been driving fine since. We are afraid to drive it now because if we had been in traffic we would have been in an accident.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #12

Feb 012005

Escape

  • miles
Ford Escape 2001, windshield wipers haven't kept windows clear enough to see during rain or snow. The consumer was only getting 10-12 miles per gallon on the highway. The vehicle was hard to drive when it was windy outside. When the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, the brake went down to the floor and did not come back up for several seconds. The anti-lock brakes did not engage. The consumer spoke to the dealer and he said the brakes must have frozen up. The battery low light was on.

- Newfolden, MN, USA

problem #11

Dec 072001

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Nar 02/13/2003. The automatic transmission would shift to drive from over drive, the vents automatically switched to frost. The vehicle completely stalled on a separate occasion, the relay assembly was replaced. The cruise control was inoperative from the time of purchase. The windshield wipers stopped working, the consumer continued to experience problems with the transmission and the gas mileage was poor.

- Mars Hill, NC, USA

problem #10

Mar 152001

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

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

2 months after I bought my car brand new I went out to start it, it would not start and the emission light came on. The car sounds like it is trying to start, the only way I could get the car to start is hold the ignition. I smelled gas after the car started. I informed Ford about the problem, they found nothing but replaced my starter even though it wasn't the problem. I have had this car almost 3yrs my warranty is ready to expire and Ford still cannot fix/find the problem. This car has left me stranded more then once, I even had it towed to the dealership after working hrs. I was told by their service manager the car started, we found nothing wrong. I even told the dealership this car has been in the shop over 3X's it is a lemon and I want a new car or my money back. I was informed according to Ford we cannot find a problem therefore, the lemon law does not exist and Ford will not just take the car back. I have had this car to 2 Ford dealerships, the sad part the orginal place I bought it from treated my very nasty since I would take my car for service at a closer one and have them look into the problem. Ford is Ford doesn't matter what dealer I use does it? I am very dissatisfied and will never ever buy another Ford again!! someone please help me!!!

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #9

Apr 192004

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 2001 Ford Escape that the fuel niddle drops verry fast. They have done the repair on it and I still have the same problem but they refused to fix it again I have contacted an attorney for the matter.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 222002

(reported on)

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Truck stalls while in motion between speeds of 40-45 mph when applying brakes. This occured six different times with cause not determined and stalling not resolved. The manufacture has contacted the owner which has offered either to buy the truck back or give a refund.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #7

Oct 012001

Escape 4WD

  • miles

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

Consumer states that the vehicle stalls while driving, the most recent repairs made by the dealer was the replacement of the iac and air intake, consumer is concerned about the problem happening again. The indicator lights for engine coolant and battery illuminated, the dealer replaced a part on the coolant rec tank, however the coolant light illuminated again.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #6

May 312001

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles
Consumer states vehicle now gets less gas mileage since the electrical repair.

- Canada, KY, USA

problem #5

Feb 012001

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles
When vehicle was warm and restarted consumer noticed a gas smell. Manufacturer has been contacted.

- Courtland, VA, USA

problem #4

Jan 182001

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles
Strong gas fumes is getting into vehicle, but dealer cannot determine cause. Also gas mileage is very poor.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #3

Dec 232000

Escape 4WD

  • miles

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

The vehicle has a fuel smell in the engine compartment after running and also produces a warm start fuel smell in the cabin when the vents are turned on.

- Jasper, AL, USA

problem #2

Jan 102001

(reported on)

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Distinct gasoline fuel smell in car upon short stop-overs, very consistent. Fuel odor in the vehicle when restarted

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #1

Dec 162000

Escape

  • miles
When vehicle has been parked consumer can smell gasoline. Consumer can not find where leak is coming from. Consumer is getting less gas mileage ever since this incident has happened. Contacted dealer, and dealer said that there was no problem.

- Rockville Center, NY, USA

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