Print this page

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 seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #5

Mar 252004

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles

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

NHTSA recall# 03V507000 subject:seat belt buckle cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the free remedy. The consumer also asked the mechanic to do an oil change. The dealer kept the vehicle for a while and returned the vehicle to the consumer. After about thirty minutes, the dealer's mechanic called and informed the consumer that the recall repair and the oil change was not done because the mechanic forgot to do it. The mechanic only did a diagnostic test.

- Renton, WA, USA

problem #4

Feb 052004

Escape

  • miles
The replacement part to perform seat belt buckle recall 03V507000 repairs had not been available for over a month.

- Folsom, PA, USA

problem #3

May 012001

Escape 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Safety restraint systems, ; passenger's side air bag cover will pop off, and over a period of time, air bag will start seeping out. This has been replaced by dealership three times. Also driver's side seat belt buckle will not remain (female piece) latched. This has been replaced by dealership twice.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #2

Jun 302001

Escape

  • miles
Driver's restraint belt buckle assembly, female part, fails to lock properly, preventing use of seat belt. Dealership is repairing problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jun 012001

Escape

  • miles
Consumer is experiencing trouble with rear passenger side shoulder belt belt is in a locked position. Dealer has been contatced to remedy problem, but has not been able to correct at this problem.

- Royal Palm Beach, FL, USA

Not what you are looking for?