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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 windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 012005

Escape

  • miles

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

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 #4

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 #3

Nov 042002

Escape

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving and no warning the windshield wiper will work intermittently and it will hard for the consumer to see during rainy weather. Dealer notified.ts

- Pagosa Springs, CO, USA

problem #2

Oct 112000

Escape

  • miles
Windshield wipers not operating. Dealer notified and waited for parts. Please feel free to provide any further information.

- Hatboro, PA, USA

problem #1

Oct 112000

Escape

  • miles
Consumer was traveling on highway and it was raining, and windshield wipers didn't work at all. Dealership was aware of the problem. Parts had to be orderdered.

- Harboro, PA, USA

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