Problems with 2001 Ford Escape STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering failed and was not aligned with the vehicle. the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame and other components were severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 94,306. the vin was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the steering wheel would not move the wheels. upon inspection, the contact observed that the control arms and the subframe experienced severe corrosion. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Subframe is rusting apart need new subframe or vehicle is unsafe!!

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving 25 mph, the steering wheel pulled to the right when the accelerator pedal was applied. additionally, the vehicle made a clunking and grinding noise. the vehicle was towed to a local dealer (seelye kia of kalamazoo, 4102 stadium drive, kalamazoo, mi 49080) where it was diagnosed that the subframe on the front passenger side was cracked, rusted, and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 104,193.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while the vehicle was stationary, the front frame became severely rusted. an unknown dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 182,000.

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 12v005000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling), and 14v165000 (structure, vehicle speed control). the contact did not receive any recall notifications. the contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated for an extended period of time. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. while the vehicle was parked in a residental parking space, a security guard noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. after making a second round, the guard informed the vehicle owner that the vehicle was consumed by flames. the fire department extinguished the flames. a fire report was filed and the contact took pictures. the vehicle was parked and had not been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that they would follow-up in writing, but did not provide a time frame for the recall repair. the vehicle was destroyed. the failure mileage was not available. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the cross brace started to detach on the subframe. the vehicle was taken to ewald's venus ford (2727 layton ave, cuday, wi) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. the cross brace was tightened. the technician informed the contact that the repair was temporary due to corrosion. four months prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. the failure mileage was 140,000.

I own a 2001 ford escape with 148,000 mile that has had been pretty well cared for. it spend most of its life garage kept. i recently noticed the steering wheel seemed a little odd and took it in to have it aligned. my problem was the engine cradle or sub-frame was rusted though. this could have resulted in a serious accident or injury had i not had it fixed because failure of this part while driving could cause loss of steering/control of the vehicle. i contacted ford but they didn't seem to care. i see on the internet this is a common problem and don't understand why you folks have taken stronger action. i will need to send my repair bill and possible a picture tomorrow or friday because my scanner is not working.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving 15 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle pulled to the right. the abs warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with severe rust on the subframe, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. the subframe needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer stated that the vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) in which a cross bar was installed under the subframe. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 184,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle drove erratically without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the bracket where the lower control arm connected to the subframe was severely corroded. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the vehicle was repaired; however, the repair failed to remedy the issue. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure the approximate failure mileage was 140,779. updated 06/13/17*lj *cn

1. difficulty applying the brakes and when their applied the whole back of auto shakes terribly 2. the back door on driver side does not lock and the back hatch door does not open and stays locked.

Ford will not recall. serious danger!!!over the past ten years i have had problems with latches and doors not opening correctly and being stuck for weeks. this time i can not open drivers door which is very dangerous in case of an accident or fire. i am a mechanic and took inside of door apart and can verify that actuator for door lock is working and does unlock. the latch is not springing open. i did a search on the internet and have seen thousands of complaints for this same problem and ford will not recall the 2001 model for this problem. they recalled 2014 and 2015 for 200,000 plus vehicle because of door latch. the other people that are complaining have gotten no satisfaction from ford and are asking what will it take for a recall a death or 10. we called ford and all they said is there is no recall and to bring it in so they can fix it(120 dollars an hour labor). i read some of the ford experts online communicating with customers on what to do at cost chat and they came down to chiseling post or cutting with dremel tool or destroyin other door to get at it. basically alot of money that i do not have to fix. i have owned cars 50-60 years older and have never had problems opening doors or even hearing of problems. where are they getting these engineers from these days. sos to any one out there that can help.... my wife has to get in through passenger side. this along with the plastic intake manifolds upper and lower and the vacuum leaks they always get to make for a fine idle. always happens stationary, in motion etc etc...

Suspension failed on the right front due to corrosion when pulling into driveway. ford has refused to repair because i am 30 miles from the area covered by ford recall 14s02 and your campaign 14v165000. help

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that while reversing out the drive way at approximately 10 mph, the front passenger side lower control arm fractured. the contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the frame of the vehicle was fractured. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the failure mileage was 153,127. ...updated 09/12/16 *bf

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the subframe was severely rusted and contained holes bigger than a golf ball. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who pointed out the same issue. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was invalid. the approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle had extensive premature rust and corrosion. an independent mechanic diagnosed that the subframe was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and notified the manufacturer, but no remedy was provided. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving at 40 mph, the subframe of the vehicle separated. the contact mentioned that the failure almost caused a crash. the vehicle was towed to a dealer and repaired with a cross brace that was placed on the sub frame. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. while driving approximately 10 mph and making a left turn, the vehicle veered to the right into oncoming traffic. there was no crash. the failure recurred on one other occasion. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was fractured and needed to be repaired. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 132,600.

The front hood is peeling and bubbling off.

My son was going down the road about 60 miles an hour when a big deer came out in front of him. he jammed on his brakes skidding but still hit the deer totaling the car. not one of the airbags came out. he went forward hitting his upper body and face on the steering wheel. he had his seat belt on. the police were called to the accident. he was taken to the hospital by friends. he turned black and blue and still is hurting. the car was just inspected the end of october. i feel ford and the manufacturer should be held liable. that the car should be replaced because of the airbags not working causing injury. i'm without a car...updated 12/04/14*bf updated 06/2/2015 *js

While going down the road 60 miles an hour at night time a deer ran in front of the car. my son jammed on the brakes skidding a distance hitting the deer. because of jamming on the brakes my son hit the steering wheel with his face causing injury to his neck, face and head. his seat belt was on and the airbags never went off. he skidding a distance swerving right to the edge of the road hitting a metal bar at the edge of a driveway. i sent a complaint into the nhtsa and was told the air bags wouldn't of gone off. i also have a picture of a friends ford truck going off the road at 60 hitting a house and the airbags never went off. so the excuse the airbags wouldn't go off hitting a deer is completely wrong. figure out the force of jamming on the brakes at 60 miles an hour skidding a distance. ford has a problem and should stand by their vehicles. you have lost a few customers because of the lack of standing by your product. i am sending complaints to whomever i can because i know the nhtsa would do anything. *tr

Going approx. 25 mph, slowing to a stop sign. applied brakes and passenger tire made noise and u joint busted. rim//tire was positioned incorrectly. rust is visible. i need to know if this is related to ford recall of escape suvs due to rust that could cause the separation of the lower control arm from the subframe of the vehicle.the recall covers vehicles sold in states where high corrosion is likely to occur. my vehicle was purchased in bradley, il. what do i do?? *tr

While driving, mainly on the interstate maintained speed of 70mph i feel the steering go very limp. it's been much like hydroplaning. like there is air between my tires and the road. it lasts just a few seconds. i notice the steering column is rusted. the truck swerves in the lane and often going over line. the steering wheel is very loose when this happens. *tr

As i was driving the car down the street i began loosing control of the steering. the steering wheel was facing a 90 degree right angle as i was driving straight and every time i would hit a bump the car would jump to the right. the steering wheel also had a lot of play while driving. i took the car straight to my mechanic and he informed me the car was not drivable or safe due to the lower control arm separating from the subframe which has to due with recall # 14s02. is the subframe being replaced at some point? they put a crossbrace on the vehicle but it is still being deemed unsafe to drive. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated the hatch failed to lock. the contact also stated that the vehicle suddenly and intermittently stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage and vin were unavailable.

while driving the vehicle, the left side of the vehicle collapsed after experiencing a loss of steering control. i jacked up the vehicle to inspect the cause and discovered the left side of the engine/suspension cradle was suffered from abnormal corrosion that allowed the lower control arm to become detached from the vehicle. this condition is not present on the right side of the vehicle, therefore it is obvious that this is a quality issue with the component that caused a premature failure and a safety issue. this is a ford quality issue that is not being addressed that could cause severe injury and death. *tr

Right front suspension control arm no longer securely attached to car frame because cradle or subframe rusted thru. quick search on internet indicates that this is a common issue for 2001 - 2004. left front cradle that attaches control arm to body is good. perhaps constant water dripping from air conditioner has caused that area of the frame to rust. ford dealer can not find a supply of subframe part perhaps because of frequency of rust thru failure? *tr

I purchased a 2001 ford escape from commonwealth motors in richmond, va. after purchase the dealership was to inspect an issue with the reverse lights as they wouldn't go out. after the vehicle was brought back i noticed a piece of rusted metal fell from around the door panel. i looked underneath & discovered massive corrosion & rusted crossbars, frames, gas tank, shocks, etc. everything under the vehicle was rusted. so, i contacted the dealership and expressed my concerns and was told that the vehicle runs so i should be happy. well, i felt my safety was in question so i began some research. what i learned was the vehicle was not purchased from "carmax" as the owner stated, but that it was purchased from "carmax auction". so i contacted them and luckily got a copy of the bill of sale. to my disbelief the bill of sale states this vehicle has frame damage. so i equipped with this bill of sale, met with the owner again. he said the car doesn't have a frame, thus this was an error. he would not agree to reason and told me i purchased it "as is". as the days went on more and more began to fall apart. less than 60 days after purchase, the transmission shifted because the brace was rusted away causing the components within the transmission to crack so i had to get it replaced/rebuilt. mechanic says the transmission was hanging down & amazed it hadn't fallen out. the corrosion was so bad he had to weld a new brace to hold the new transmission but it is welded to the front bumper bar because nothing else will support its weight. the subframe cradle cracked 2 days before recall 14s02. i don't have another vehicle so i had to get it fixed. is it possible other parts are built with the same material as the subframe? my car is like a cavity that was left untreated. it was purchased in ohio where it resided for years. i feel lost. i have before and after pics. *tr

Vehicle had a recent recall 14s02. ford installed a bracket to correct the issue. the problem is that the whole car is corroded. i recently had an inspection done and was told that i would not pass inspection as the frame was completely separated from the rear control arms. so, i took it to a frame shop to learn that my car should be condemned. that there is no amount of repair that will fix this. that it is beyond repair at this point and i should not drive it. i was told that per the recent recalls for corrosion this should be reported. it is a definite defect and based on the year of the vehicle this should not be happening. they suggested that something more complex is wrong here. even the work performed by ford isn't going to hold up because it's too badly rusted and there's nothing to hold it together. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that while trying to entering the vehicle, the front driver's side door failed. the door could only be opened from the interior of the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or a dealer for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the issue. the failure and current mileages were not available.

Wife says she open the glass hatch to put groceries away and the hinge failed on passenger side, leaving her to wrestle it back into place. i had a look and see the pot metal hinge failed where the glass attaches to the hinge, which is merely a stud or boss from a threaded bolt. the bolt is fine, but it looks as though the tapped hole in the hinge self destructed with thread remnants around the bolt. $70 replacement part. if one of these lets go on the highway, you could drop the glass onto the car behind you, talk about excitement! this apparently is common based on a search of google for "ford escape hatch glass hinge". *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering assist failed and the contact was unable to maintain driving straightforward. the steering wheel had to be turned approximately 90 degrees to the right in order to keep the vehicle driving straight. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who advised that the sub frame was corroded and caused the lower arm control to fracture. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not provide any further assistance. the failure and current mileage was 91,746. updated 10/16/12*lj the consumer referenced campaign id number: (11v030000) (ford windstar) year 1999-2003. a separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket resulting in a lower control arm separation. this caused loss of steering control. updated 10/18/2012 *js

Bought my vehicle in january of 2010, complained of noise in front end, had it to the dealership that i purchased it from two different times for this issue, and within 5 months, the frame busted through in front on passenger side. the vehicle only has 82,000 miles on it and my major complaint is that it was in the garage and they inspected the noise changed parts on that side and there was absolutely no mention of the frame being compromised, and there is no way they should not have seen that there is a complete break in the frame . every mechanic i called cant believe it. now i have a vehicle that is totaled and three years to pay on it. i also had a yearly inspection just two months previously. is there a recall on the frame of this type of vehicle? i am fortunate that the frame busted while my daughter was making a turn and not driving 55mph as she was just previously or with my beautiful 2 grandchildren in the vehicle. i believe she escaped death. this vehicle is my primary vehicle of which i drive my grandchildren and others children to games. this could have been a devastating outcome. i appreciate you looking into the frame work and conduct of the dealership for this 2001 ford escape with only 80,000 miles. *tr

I bought my ford escape on august 16th of 2009, all the doors worked fine. i have not been in any kind of accident. about a year after buying my car the back driver door stopped opening, for no reason. then the window in the same door stopped working. i didn't make a big deal about this, even though i had two small children in the back. then shortly after, the other back door seized to open. this happened in the summer when the temperatures are warm. when i push unlock i hear clicking from the doors. then not to long ago my fiance and i went out to dinner and locked the car doors, after leaving the restaurant he tried to unlock the doors and they wouldn't open. he had to crawl through the window that is broken to get the passenger door open for me. the driver door now don't open. the only door that works now is the passenger door and the back hatch. i also have other recalls i need to get repaired and have not brought it in cause of the driver door not opening. i know i didn't do anything to cause this problem and when i researched it online i found that a lot of people with my car are having the same problem. therefore i feel this needs to be addressed. i'm afraid to drive my car and if there was an accident i wouldn't be able to escape my ford escape. in addition i just want to say that even though my vehicle has a lot of miles on it, still runs good. thank you for your consideration, sincere consumer. *tr

The contact owns a 2001 ford escape. the contact stated that he went to open the trunk door and it would not open. the contact stated that when it is hot outside the door failed. when the weather got cooler, the door opened. the contact also stated that the rear driver side door also failed. the door would not open at all. the dealer was notified and informed him that he was responsible for the repair. the manufacturer was notified and informed that those components were not under recall. the failure mileage was 87400. ap

I have a complaint. i own a ford escape 2001. first the drivers rear door will not open from the outside or inside. now the driver's door won't open from the outside to get in, but i can open it from the inside to get out. is there a recall on theses doors? *tr

Paint is peeling off of the tailgate door of my escape. it appears to have no primer on it at all. it just started in past 6 months. coming off in big chunks. *tr

In nov. of 2006, i took my 2001 ford escape to the dealership because my right rear passenger seatbelt was twisting and was not retracting. my child's booster seat was held with this belt and was not working. the dealership told me that due to a flaw, condensation was able to get inside and that it had caused an internal spring to rust and break. they told me that in 2002 + models, it was redesigned and that coil or spring is now protected with a protective covering. i called ford motor corp and they covered the repair and i had to pay a $75.00 deductible. now 13 months later, the same problem had re- occurred. this time ford motor corp. says they will not cover it because my vehicle is out of warranty. i again reminded them that this faulty seatbelt is being used to secure my seven year old daughter's booster seat and it terrifies me to think of what could have happened to her if i was in a serious collision. ford did have a safety seatbelt recall on a front seatbelt latch and i complied and i think that was in 2004. i believe that this problem has the propensity to lead to a serious injury if it is not resolved. *tr

Paint flaking off on rear door on left and right sides by glass. *tr

Ford escape 2001, windshield wipers haven't kept windows clear enough to see during rain or snow. *bf 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. *jb

The liftgate door would open when the remote is used. possible recall 04v602000. *ak the liftgate would not lock at times. then sometimes when the remote was used to open the liftgate, it would not open. *sc

Front driver's side door seals cracked , causing water to leak into the vehicle. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Paint peeling of the hood of wife's 2001 ford escape. body shop manager of wayne acres ford in wpb fl evaluated and states " the finish is coming off and looks like it may be a factory problem. " he also stated that the dealer will only pay 70 % of the repair cost since the vehicle warranty has expired. why should i have to pay anything if the damage is not my fault ?

Vehicle was parked inside of carport and without prior warning heard a loud bang. vehicle caught on fire/exploded and melted to the ground. dealership was aware of problem.*akbrakes have been squeaking when hot or cold. the front brake rotors and pads are glazed. there is a clunk noise heard in the front end when making a left or right turn. the noise was coming from a loose metal clip. the engine light stayed illuminated while in motion. *jg

Master cylinder comple failure. also, 4 door handles had to be changed.

There were numerous problems. the egr sensor (dpfe) was replaced along with the sop driver side outer belt molding, fuel pump, sway bar links and iac. *bf there was a loud noise coming from the driver's side window, water leaked around the tailgate window, the vehicle was hard to start, the iac was sticking, the driver's side window squeaked and rattled, the vehicle hesitated upon starting, there was play in the front sway bar links, the coolant light stayed on, there was a crack around the oil pan and the oil drain plug was problematic, and the accelerator pedal was sticking. *sc *jb

Vehicle has stalled twice at 35-40 mph while coasting down hill. dealer replaced computer module and ecc relay. nlm consumer states keyless entry works intermittently. the weather strips coming off on both back doors. the vacuum line was loose and hissing. the coolant light continues to come on due to coolant bottle failure, also there was a cracking noise under the dash and the radio went out. *yh

While traveling 15-20mph on a neighborhood side street consumer ran into a parked car, causing vehicle to rollover 360 degrees. dealer was contacted. *ak consumer suffered a fractured rib in the accident, consumer thinks that this vehicle should not have rolled over as easily as it did. *slc

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

The air conditioner from the very beginning has a very foul smell of mildew and mold. if you use the ac for an extended period of time the smell is worst then ever. both my son and i are allergic to mold and mildew and when i turn on the ac, we both begin to sneeze, cough, runny nose and eyes. i cannot not use the ac. i have brought the truck back 3 times for a total of 12 days and now have it in the shop again. there is also a constant rattle on the drivers door side and the rear tailgate door/window. these problems were reported on the first visit also. each time i was told the problem has been taken care of, i drive off and the problems are still very evident. the third time as i was pulling out of there driveway after having just been told the problems were solved. these have been an ongoing problems. my concern is i have been back four times in less the 5 months for problems, what happens when the truck is a year old!!!!!!*ak