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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.

3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,750 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 windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Dec 222014

Escape

  • 109,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the sunroof glass and frame separated from the vehicle. In addition, the sun roof glass shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #3

Apr 212005

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
On or around April 15, 2005 my 2001 Ford Escape VIN [xxx]sunroof began to malfunction. That is, the roof did not move forward or backward. I took the vehicle to my local Ford dealer to determine the problem. The service advisor notified me that the rack Ford part number [xxx]would have to be replaced. I feel that with such little use (maybe a total of 3 hours over 4 years) this Ford part should not have gone belly up. In my opinion, under normal use, this part should not need to be replaced in such a short time with such little use. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #2

Sep 072004

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles
The transmission on my 2001 Ford Escape, went out I had 58,000 miles on the truck. Had to put in a new transmission. Now 4 months later, the engine light comes on. The engine coolant warning light keeps coming on even though it is full. All of the lighters/sun roof have no power to them they all quit. I have replaced all fuses, with no luck. Now the all lights on the radio are gone, but the radio still works.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #1

Aug 082002

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Engine has stalled twice while driving 40-50mph. Sunroof motor had to be replaced. Coolant recorvery jug had to be replaced. Sensor asy-egr was replaced after 1st time engine stalled. Has since stalled again.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

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