Total Complaints
1387 filings
FORD ESCAPE · model year
1387 NHTSA complaints, 109 crash reports, and 15 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2001FORDESCAPE carries 1387 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 109 crashes, 93 fires, 109 injuries, and 5 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 ESCAPE is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline with 158 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (78) and electrical system (66). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 15 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2001 ESCAPE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1387 filings
Crashes Reported
109 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 158 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 78 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 66 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 62 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 57 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 47 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 41 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 31 |
| AIR BAGS | 31 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 30 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 30 |
| SUSPENSION | 28 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 27 |
| STEERING | 27 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 27 |
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAI
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a st
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM T
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD E
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002, EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE CAP, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT W
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAG
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact pulls the vehicle over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact pulls the vehicle over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
I TRIED TO SPEED UP GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASSED 60 MPH AND SHIFT DOWN AND STALLED OUT. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS IT DOES NOT SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. IT BACKFIRES. *TR
Mileage: 200,000
I TRIED TO SPEED UP GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASSED 60 MPH AND SHIFT DOWN AND STALLED OUT. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS IT DOES NOT SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. IT BACKFIRES. *TR
Mileage: 200,000
I TRIED TO SPEED UP GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASSED 60 MPH AND SHIFT DOWN AND STALLED OUT. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS IT DOES NOT SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. IT BACKFIRES. *TR
Mileage: 200,000
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID WENT OUT WHEN DRIVING AT 60MPH WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO SLOW DOWN.
Mileage: 220,000
WHILE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP LAST YEAR, NOTICED LAST THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED, IN SOME PLACES COMPLETELY THROUGH AND METAL HAS COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. WILL BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, AND THAT CAR IS NOT REALLY SAFE UNLESS FIXED. I KNOW ESCAPE FRAMES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALLS, BUT MY CAR WAS NOT. DO I HAVE ANY REMEDY?
Mileage: 200,000
WHILE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP LAST YEAR, NOTICED LAST THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED, IN SOME PLACES COMPLETELY THROUGH AND METAL HAS COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. WILL BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, AND THAT CAR IS NOT REALLY SAFE UNLESS FIXED. I KNOW ESCAPE FRAMES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALLS, BUT MY CAR WAS NOT. DO I HAVE ANY REMEDY?
Mileage: 200,000
ABS SYSTEM BURNED UP, HARD TO STOP BRAKES, LICKAGE UNDER THE HOOD
Mileage: 170,000
ABS SYSTEM BURNED UP, HARD TO STOP BRAKES, LICKAGE UNDER THE HOOD
Mileage: 170,000
ABS SYSTEM BURNED UP, HARD TO STOP BRAKES, LICKAGE UNDER THE HOOD
Mileage: 170,000
I'VE RECENTLY GOT A NEW BATTERY, O2 SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN DRIVE.
Mileage: 178,905
I'VE RECENTLY GOT A NEW BATTERY, O2 SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN DRIVE.
Mileage: 178,905
I'VE RECENTLY GOT A NEW BATTERY, O2 SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN DRIVE.
Mileage: 178,905
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE FAILURE ALLOWED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM TO TRAVEL FORWARD EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.
Mileage: 235,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE FAILURE ALLOWED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM TO TRAVEL FORWARD EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.
Mileage: 235,000
JULY 9, 2019 TRAVEL IN 80 MPH ON I-95 SOUTH ABOUT 23 MILES FROM MIAMI. LEFT PASSENGER NEW VANDERBILT COOPERP235/70R16 TURBO TECH A/S RADIAL BLEW IN HALF IN THE MIDDLE.SOMEOHOW WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CAUSING ME OR ANYONE ELSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT.. HAVE NOT YET DETERMINED VEHICLE DRUM OR OTHER POSSIBLE DAMAGE. HAD JUST HAD 4 LIKE TIRES ROTATED AND AIR PRESSURE CHECKED PRIOR TO TRIP.
Mileage: 183,000
I AM NOT SURE IF I AM USING THE CORRECT WEBSITE OR CORRECT FORM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A VERY WEIRD CAR ACCIDENT. MY FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY RUN TO THE SIDE (AS I WAS DRIVING ON ICE) IS THERE ANY HELP TO FIX THIS?. I WAS DRIVING NORTH DIRECTION. THE POSTED SPEED WAS 25 AND MINE WAS 20. THIS HAPPENED ON NORTH LELAND ST IN SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. LOOKS LIKE A MECHANICAL FAULT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Mileage: 177,900
I AM NOT SURE IF I AM USING THE CORRECT WEBSITE OR CORRECT FORM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A VERY WEIRD CAR ACCIDENT. MY FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY RUN TO THE SIDE (AS I WAS DRIVING ON ICE) IS THERE ANY HELP TO FIX THIS?. I WAS DRIVING NORTH DIRECTION. THE POSTED SPEED WAS 25 AND MINE WAS 20. THIS HAPPENED ON NORTH LELAND ST IN SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. LOOKS LIKE A MECHANICAL FAULT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Mileage: 177,900
I AM NOT SURE IF I AM USING THE CORRECT WEBSITE OR CORRECT FORM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A VERY WEIRD CAR ACCIDENT. MY FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY RUN TO THE SIDE (AS I WAS DRIVING ON ICE) IS THERE ANY HELP TO FIX THIS?. I WAS DRIVING NORTH DIRECTION. THE POSTED SPEED WAS 25 AND MINE WAS 20. THIS HAPPENED ON NORTH LELAND ST IN SAN PEDRO, CA 90731. LOOKS LIKE A MECHANICAL FAULT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Mileage: 177,900
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
Loss of Motive Power
Loss of power steering while driving
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.