Problems with 2001 Ford Escape ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

While driving, vehicle completely dies. lost all steering and power to the vehicle while driving 45 mph. this has happened 4 times now and has been seen at the dealer twice. the dealer is unable to find anything at all wrong with the vehicle!!! all four times it happened had a full tank of gas and the car gave no warning at all. *ak

Engine has stalled four times in busy traffic in the past ten months. dealer cannot duplicate problem.*ak

While driving on a downhill slope the vehicle suddenly shut down causing loss of power steering, the driver was able to restart the vehicle,the dealer replaced a valve which controlled air flow, the next day this problem occured again when going up a semi-steep incline, the dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem, the vehicle also has a metallic rattle under the hood when accelerating on a slight incline. nlm

The suv was purchased new in mid-december 2000. on 9/7/07, i was slowing down, on a downhill slope, to make a right turn when the suv shut itself off and the steering column locked up. it had 1/3 tank of gas. i shifted the automatic into park, turned the key, the car started and i extricated my 7 year old son and myself from the busy intersection and from the mouth of on-coming traffic (we landed in the left turn lane, much to a jeep's dismay). i drove slowly to my son's school (3 blocks down), then to work where i notified ford via it's 800 number. i made an appointment for that afternoon with the dealership to have the car fixed. i left the car with the dealership. on 9/8/01, i called and the dealership said the car was ready. i asked the service manager to review the repairs with me & my husband and to explain why the repair "fixed" the problem. he said they replaced a valve which controls air flow. he said this would cause the car to shut off, especially if i had been engaging the brakes when the car shut off. i was engaging the brakes when it shut off, so i accepted this explanation. i packed my 7 year old into the suv and left. within 7-10 miles, the car shut itself off, again (only 26 hours after the first incident and the supposed "fix")! this time i was accelerating up a semi-steep incline. my eyes were forward. i noticed out of the bottom of my field of vision a red glow. i looked down and the oil lamp was glowing. i just had the oil changed within 1,000 miles and the car was just at the dealership that morning, so that couldn't be a problem. i then noticed that all of the other dashboard lights (most in white light) also were lit up. at that point, the steering began to locked up and the car slowed to a stop. i managed to maneuver the suv to the community center's driveway on the right. we narrowly missed being mowed down by a van which had gained signficant momentum having just swooped down the downgrade and was racing up the incline. 1/4 tank gas.

My engine has stalled at low speeds several times over the past several months. this occurs most often when i'm decelerating or braking to prepare for stop. it happened twice at low speeds when i was not decelerating/braking. engine starts up immediately following stalls.*ak

Intermittently vehicle would stall while driving at any speed. then, vehicle would restart. vehicle been to dealer,and they could not duplicate problem. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

Engine stalled while going downhill, power brakes and steering went out so very hard to control on an incline. seems to be a common problem with the exact same situations with this vehicle.

Vehicle has stalled twice; once at 30 mph, and second time at 45 mph. dealer found no problem first time, second time dealer reprogrammed computer.*ak

Stalls occurred in traffic at 30 to 35 mph on decline while braking; engine stalled resulting in loss of power steering and power brakes. managed to turn steering wheel with difficulty to coast off two lane highway to shoulder. turned off ignition and waited 2-3 minutes. restarted vehicle without problem and returned to dealer for servicing. i am afraid to drive vehicle since there is no warning of stall which has occurred in traffic where rear-ending by following vehicle could have occurred. believe computer is defective and should be replaced on 2001 and 2002 escapes. dt

On 2 occasions engine shut off while coasting at 35mph. *ak

Consumer states that the vehicle stalled while the consumer was driving at 50 mph, and the consumer lost power of the steering and brakes. contacted dealer and the dealer cannot find the problem. *mr

Over a period of 2 months, the car lost all power during the am drive to work. this occurred on three separate ocassions, almost exactly 7 miles from my home. going 20-30 miles per hour during each occurrence. car just loses all power, as well as brakes, steering, etc. pulled over to the side of the road, turned car off, car starts up, and does not recur for several weeks. has been back to dealer three times- they cannot replicate, cannot fix. this is an extremely dangerous situation-- i am minutes from the interstate and could become a major problem. dealer is well aware that this is the last time. we will explore getting a swap from ford or lemon law if we have to. *ak

My escape stalled 4 different times while driving down the street. my speed was 40 mph or less. there is the tightness in the steering and the engine light goes on and all power is lost.it starts up with no problem.*ak

Ongoing problem with engine stalling while traveling 30 or more mph. vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, dealer tested for possible fuel concern and replaced power relay but did not correct the problem. *ak aux power point inoperable due to blown fuse.

While driving, vehicle stalled, which was then towed to dealershp, consumer was then informed that the problem could not be duplicated.*yd

While accelerating to 65 mph, vehicle will stall unexpectedly in traffic. dealership has been in possession of vehicle for two weeks, dealer performed extensive road testing and was only able to verify stalling concern once, still unable to determine cause of problem, dealer offered trade-in, but consumer refused offer.*ak *tt

While driving 30-35 mph, vehicle will shut off without any notice. contacted dealer, who was not willing to do anything.*ak. numerous parts have been replaced regarding the stalling, but the problem still exists, the engine light also illuminated, consumer stated the transmission was replaced in april 2002, the engine cooling fans were replaced, and also the rack and pinion was replaced.*jb

Engine shut off while driving down a hill without prior warning.loss of power steering and power brakes.pulled over and shut car off.when i restarted it it seemed to work ok.took it to the garage and they said it was running very hot.called ford and they made suggestions on a fix.they ended up replacing the erg valve.i have driven it for two days and it hasn't happened again.......yet.very dangerous to drive with no steering or brakes.someone is going to end up hurt badly or killed.*ak

Engine check light indicated that that egr sensor needed to be replaced. the dealer replaced this sensor and the egr pressure valve. the dealer claimed that ford knew that this was a problem after production, so they produced a new sensor. at the minimum, a tsb should have been issued.*ak

Vehicle experiences intermittent engine quit condition (stalls) without warning. vehicle restarts immediately after each incident. four such instances have occurred since the car was purchased 7 months ago. vehicle taken to ford after each occurrence. ford still unable to fix. problem appears widespread as ford has internally issued a message on its internal site describing the problem and recommending a solution to service departments. this site (oasis) is not open to the public. quote from site as follows: "some 2001/2002 3.0l escapes may exhibit an intermittent engine quit condition. this will be typically a 1 time event, usually during a decel, with no dtc's and no mil. the engine will restart immediately." the site then recommends how to fix. the fix was tried to no avail by lithia ford service department. in summary, ford is aware that a significant life threatening defect exists. they also do not know how to fix it, yet they keep releasing the vehicles back to owners saying they are ok to drive.

While driving 35-40 mph on level road, engine shutdown; power steering lost, power assist braking lost; 3 occurrences same siituation, same road & approxiate location and time of day; this is the second vehicle to which this has happened; dealer has vehicle. *ak

While traveling on highway, vehicle will shutdown. *ak vehicle hesitates on a cold start, when accelerating you get approx. 30 percent acceleration power and then it surges to full acceleration. after the engine warms up it runs well. *jg

The vehicle has stalled three times while driving, on all three occasions the driver was on a slight down-grade, caosting and applying the brake to handle a curve, the dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem. *yh

6 mos old veh; 4700 miles; engine has stalled on 3 separate occasions (mid-jun, mid-jul, early sep) while traveling at 45 mph; original dealer could provide no solution; currently being evaluated at 2nd local dealer; seeking guaranteed resolution; replacement vehicle or refund. *ak

While driving, engine stalled and oil light illuminated, consumer checked oil level and it was at the normal level. *slc

Our car sporadically stalls when coasting to a stop, changing gears from drive to reverse, and when going over any small bump in the road. we've taken it to the dealer for repair but they claim that they're not able to replicate the problem. it's been to the dealer twice now and the stalling has occurred more than 15 times in a span of a month. the stalling causes all powered systems to fail (ie. brakes, steering).*ak

Vehicle stalled for the 2nd time -- same location -- about 7 miles from my house, going about 30-35 miles an hour up a slight incline. no steering, no brakes, have to use emergency brake -- can't believe i haven't been rear-ended or worse -- this is very dangerous. *ak

While driving at about 35-40 mph, the engine just quits. once i come to a rolling stop, i have to turn the car off and restart it. this is the second time this has happened.*ak

While driving, vehicle will stall without warning.*ak *tt

While driving down hill vehicle stalled without prior warning, causing loss of all power steering and braking ability. consumer has contacted dealer, dealer not willing to provide any assistance.*ak consumer states another dealer repaired vehicle by replacing the relay. *slc

My escape has stalled (3 times) while driving down a slight downhill grade in the road going about 40 mph. i have taken the vehicle back to the dealership twice. first time they told me that the idle control value was corroded and replaced it. the second time they told me they could not find a problem. this is a very frightening experience to have your car quit on you in the middle of traffic and i feel very strongly that it needs to be addressed since it is happening to other people. *jb

Without warning the engine stalls going about 35 mph. all steering and braking became impossible. after car was pulled to side of the road, an attempt to start was made and it seemed normal. this happened at about 450 miles after purchase. car taken to dealer who was unable to duplicate problem and had no additional information. the second occurrence has just happened at about 11500 miles (about 11 months old). the circumstances were the same - 35mph, all sterring and braking impossible. the car was able to be restarted after a few minutes. dealer has been notified again and service is scheduled. both occurrences have no warnings prior to the engine stall. the situation is extremely dangerous. *ak

Tires make a humming noise. consumer feels that they may be leaving ground like hydroplaning, and at 65 mph vehicle wobbles, vehicle is not stable at high speeds with window down. *ak the vehicle hesitates when a/c unit is in operation and a/c make a loud cyclic clicking sound. transmission makes sound. the vehicle was unstable at 65 mph with a slight wind and front end makes tumbling sounds on rough roads. the alternator light comes on intermittently. the cruise control turns off automaticaly by itself. the front brake has excessive dust. the vehicle had numerous interior system failures and malfunctioning. *yh

While driving at 45mph suddenly vehicle stalled out for no reason in middle of traffic. this was second time it has happened. was at a stop sign when stalling first time.*ak *jb

Driving down a busy street, down a slight grade about 45 mph, the car suddently died. i had to pull over to the side of the road. i waited a couple of minutes and it restarted. there was no indication of any problem prior to this.*ak

Engine shut off while driving down a hill has happened to me four times this week. causes loss of power-assisted brakes and steering. vehicle put in dealer shop on 4/6/2001. no repairs made because dealer could not duplicate the problem in the shop.

Brake light came on dashboard. also, vehicle just shutdown without prior warning. when consumer applied brakes pedal was normal. she took vehicle to dealership. mechanic told her she needed a master cylinder. *ak

The engine stalled again in september of 2001. i was going approximately 25mph when it stalled and had to pull the emergency brake to get the vehicle to stop. the vehicle went sideways and the vehicle behind barely avoided hitting me. the dealership again told me that they could not determine what was wrong with the vehicle. i then contacted fords customer service center and was told that they had not had any problems of this nature reported and that if the dealership could not determine what the problem was, there was nothing that could be done. this is a very serious problem. i was extremely lucky that i was not hit either time. *ak

The vehicle stalled without warning.*jb

Gas fumes in cabin first trip for repair intake gasket replaced, back in shop same problem arose two days later, car has been there two days with no resolution, dealership is in contact with ford trying to resolve problem no results at this time, vehicle still in shop, we had the same problem with a 2000 ford taurus which was in the shop five times with no cure, car was bought back by ford after arbitration. this problem needs to be resolved, breathing the gas fumes can lead to serious health problems. *ak

2 months after i bought my car brand new i went out to start it, it would not start and the emission light came on. the car sounds like it is trying to start, the only way i could get the car to start is hold the ignition. i smelled gas after the car started. i informed ford about the problem, they found nothing but replaced my starter even though it wasn't the problem. i have had this car almost 3yrs my warranty is ready to expire and ford still cannot fix/find the problem. this car has left me stranded more then once, i even had it towed to the dealership after working hrs. i was told by their service manager the car started, we found nothing wrong. i even told the dealership this car has been in the shop over 3x's it is a lemon and i want a new car or my money back. i was informed according to ford we cannot find a problem therefore, the lemon law does not exist and ford will not just take the car back. i have had this car to 2 ford dealerships, the sad part the orginal place i bought it from treated my very nasty since i would take my car for service at a closer one and have them look into the problem. ford is ford doesn't matter what dealer i use does it? i am very dissatisfied and will never ever buy another ford again!! someone please help me!!!

While driving consumer smells fuel coming inside of vents . dealership was aware of problem. *ak

Driving around 40mph, and car has stalled three times on me now with loss of steering and brakes, most recently on 10/11/2001. ford says they don't know what is wrong.*ak

Raw fuel smell in cabin with heater on and at stop light/ideling. intake gaskets, fuel rail and injectors repleaced. parts returned to factory. *ak

In the last 2 months - going downhill at 35mph vehicle stalled, loss of ps/pb, headlights/radio remained on, engine/oil light illuminated - vehicle towed to dealer, dealer unable to replicate problem, indicated that vehicle "started right up" - 1 wk later, vehicle stalled again, same as before, this time shut off vehicle completely and vehicle started up again - today seatbelt light started flashing and bells were ringing though driver was seatbelted. vehicle did not stall during this episode. after reading other complaints, i do not feel safe driving this vehicle at highway speeds and will put vehicle up for sale.

I have had brake liquid leaking from the engine container since i purchased the car around 2001. i notified the dealership and the first time they said the cap malfunctioned and they replaced the cap, the second time they said i overfilled the container but it never stopped and to this day the container leaks. i also have had the car stall on several occasions. i thought this to be just a freak accident until i read these postings and it appears the problem is wide spread. one time it stalled while driving on interstate 81 at a high rate of speed, i thought i was going to wreck but managed to pull over with out an accident. now my car has a hard time starting for no reason. at first i had the battery replaced, but the problem just got worse. now i sometimes spend 20 min trying to start the car, when it finally starts, it stalls and when its finished stalling, it accelerates on its own and stays that way for several min. until now i just thought these were rare occurrences but now i don't think they are. i believe they are all safety problems and not once was i notified of any recall to fix. my coolant light came on over 8 months ago and is still on despite having it checked and no problem was found.*cn

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Consumer smells gas fumes inside vehicle, most often in morning, if fan is on or during short trips when turning vehicle on/off. dealer checked it a month ago and found nothing. problem is still occurs and they seem not to care. *ak the dealer could not find the cause for the fume inside the vehicle. *yh

Total and complete loss of power and all electrical system while car is being operated on busy roads

Car stalled, has done so twice since. *ak