2001 Ford Escape: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Ford Escape: 13 recalls, 996 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
13 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #00V223001 · 2000 · 1,393 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts May have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle…
Why it matters: Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #00V210001 · 2000 · 1,193 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 enter those units that contain a cracked or missing servo cap locating tab, eventually causing corrosion that could interfere with the function of the speed control.
Why it matters: If either of these conditions occurs and the speed control is used, the speed control could prevent the throttle from returning to idle, resulting in a stuck throttle. A stuck throttle could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the speed control cables. Vehicles with speed control cables from cavities 3 and 4 will have the cable the speed control servo replaced.
Wheels Vehicle recall #00V260001 · 2000 · 1,325 vehicles
What's wrong: If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4x2 vehicle, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
Why it matters: This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. Owner notification began September 25, 2000.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V277001 · 2000 · 10,850 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the connection.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. Owner notification began September 27, 2000.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #00V387002 · 2000 · 46,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
Why it matters: This condition will likely result in sudden and complete loss of the windshield wiper function, or of the wiper function on the driver side only, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #03V507000 · 2003 · 132,243 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. Owner notification began on February 2, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V165000 · 2004 · 321,903 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Why it matters: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (PCM) with the appropriate calibration. Owner notification began on April 21, 2004.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #04V602000 · 2004 · 262,113 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.
Why it matters: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it May open during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on March 31, 2005. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #07V156000 · 2007 · 446,460 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short might cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, and in some cases, the module May overheat resulting in burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the ABS module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #12V005000 · 2012 · 244,530 vehicles
What's wrong: If brake fluid leaks from the cap, it could come in contact with the antilock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector.
Why it matters: Corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the ABS electrical system will be modified. An interim letter was mailed on January 20, 2012. Due to a parts delay, however, the remedy May not be available currently. If parts are not available, Ford will instruct owners to park…
Speed control / throttle, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V353000 · 2012 · 529,719 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Why it matters: A stuck throttle May result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #14V165000 · 2014 · 348,950 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Why it matters: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #15V606000 · 2015 · 57 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3l or 3.0l engine and have had their cd4e transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that May not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Why it matters: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver May be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position May not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the…
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 fail and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 58 mention a fire, 75 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (282): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (198), warning light on (37).
- Electrical (136): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (63), electrical failure (37), fire / smoke (25).
- Transmission & drivetrain (128): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (53), stalls / loses power (35), noise or vibration (18).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (122): the most common themes are warning light on (25), noise or vibration (20).
The 2001 Ford Escape has 996 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 27 Escape model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 1016). Complaints peaked in 2002 (165 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 75,350 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (5 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (1027 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Ford Escape.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Ford Escape, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Ford Escape problems?
Owners have filed 996 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (282), electrical (136), transmission & drivetrain (128).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Ford Escape repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.