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 steering problems

steering 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 #1

Mar 072001

Escape 4WD

  • miles

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

Driving down a slight grade the engine just quit on six occasions at the same location adjacent to a cellular antenna tower. Took vehicle to dealer who said the diagnostic computer code indicated interruption in the anti-theft smart key system. When the same problem reoccurred, the dealer had the car for a week and Ford's service hotline told them to shield the ignition and add grounding to that electrical system. The engine has shut down once again and dealer wants us to bring car back so they can try to duplicate failure while hooked up to their service computer.occurred

- Haiku, HI, USA

Not what you are looking for?