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2001 Ford Escape
The 2001 Ford Escape appears in 13 NHTSA recall campaigns (power train, structure and vehicle speed control) and in 986 consumer complaints filed with the agency.
The component named most often is engine and engine cooling: 217.3 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 116.8 per 1,000 across all 2001 model-year vehicles and against 50.2 per 1,000 for the Ford Escape line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 498.1 complaints per model year across the 27 Ford Escape model years on this register; 75 complaints reported a crash and 57 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2001 (167); the most recent in the file is dated 13 May 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 11 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 24 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
- 15V606000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFTReported 29 Sep 2015 · 57 units
Defect, as filed: 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 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.
Consequence: 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 vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 15S28); components: power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift; power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl).
Defect, as filed: 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 Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Consequence: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 14S02).
Defect, as filed: 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 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 12S37); components: vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine cooling.
- 12V005000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEReported 9 Jan 2012 · 244,530 units
Defect, as filed: 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) module wiring harness connector.
Consequence: Corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or a fire.
Remedy: 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 their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. This recall campaign is related to 07v-156.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 11S24).
- 07V156000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEReported 10 Apr 2007 · 446,460 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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 being operated.
Remedy: 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 on april 23, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 07S51).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04C09).
- 04V165000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Reported 6 Apr 2004 · 321,903 units
Defect, as filed: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Consequence: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (PCM) with the appropriate calibration. Owner notification began on april 21, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04S13).
Defect, as filed: 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 as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 03S10).
Defect, as filed: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S49).
Defect, as filed: 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 the connection.
Consequence: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. Owner notification began september 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S27).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. Owner notification began september 25, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S25).
Defect, as filed: 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 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S18).
Defect, as filed: 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 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 assembly.
Consequence: Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S19).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2001 Ford Escape (black) against all 2001 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2001 | Escape line | All 2001 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 217.3 | 50.2 | 116.8 |
| Electrical System | 105.3 | 76.3 | 98.8 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 101 | 23.9 | 87.2 |
| Power Train | 95.8 | 122.2 | 93.1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 78.3 | 110.8 | 44.4 |
| Air Bags | 48.3 | 25.9 | 64.8 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2001 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 297 | 217.3 | 50.2 | 116.8 |
| Electrical System | 144 | 105.3 | 76.3 | 98.8 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 138 | 101 | 23.9 | 87.2 |
| Power Train | 131 | 95.8 | 122.2 | 93.1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 107 | 78.3 | 110.8 | 44.4 |
| Air Bags | 66 | 48.3 | 25.9 | 64.8 |
| Steering | 59 | 43.2 | 122.9 | 41.4 |
| Structure | 52 | 38 | 65.1 | 69.2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 50 | 36.6 | 20.4 | 35.4 |
| Suspension | 40 | 29.3 | 49.6 | 78.6 |
| Tires | 38 | 27.8 | 7.4 | 33.1 |
| Visibility | 35 | 25.6 | 16.2 | 35.9 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 30 | 21.9 | 9.8 | 11.8 |
| Service Brakes | 30 | 21.9 | 20.7 | 18.2 |
| Seat Belts | 28 | 20.5 | 8.1 | 18.6 |
| Unknown or Other | 28 | 20.5 | 32.6 | 19.7 |
| Engine | 26 | 19 | 127.2 | 15.9 |
| Equipment | 20 | 14.6 | 3.4 | 19 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 5.9 | 3.8 | 31.3 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 8 | 5.9 | 0.9 | 4.4 |
| Wheels | 5 | 3.7 | 13.7 | 12.4 |
| Seats | 5 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 13.7 |
| Fuel System, Other | 5 | 3.7 | 1.2 | 6.5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 3.7 | 64 | 6.8 |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 2.6 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 6.8 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | 1.5 | 9.4 | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 2 | 1.5 | 1 | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | 1.5 | 6.9 | 1 |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
986 unique complaints, 1,367 component mentions; 75 injuries and 3 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE12019 | Preliminary evaluation | Stuck Throttle | vehicle speed control:cables | 17 Jul 2012 | 21 Feb 2013 | 12V353000 |
| AQ10001 | Audit query | Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit | unknown or other | 18 Nov 2010 | 28 Dec 2015 | — |
| EA10002 | Engineering analysis | Engine Compartment Fire | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 14 Jan 2010 | 29 Feb 2012 | 12V005000 |
| RQ09002 | Recall query | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 15 Apr 2009 | 15 Jan 2010 | — |
| DP09003 | Defect petition | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 14 Apr 2009 | 15 Apr 2009 | — |
| PE06048 | Preliminary evaluation | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 30 Oct 2006 | 17 Apr 2007 | 07V156000 |
| RP04002 | Recall petition | ENGINE STALLING | engine and engine cooling | 24 Jun 2004 | 31 Aug 2004 | — |
| PE03030 | Preliminary evaluation | SAFETY BELT BUCKLE FAILURE | seat belts:front:buckle assembly | 14 Jul 2003 | 31 Dec 2003 | 03V507000 |
| EA02027 | Engineering analysis | ENGINE STALLING | engine and engine cooling | 10 Sep 2002 | 15 Apr 2004 | 04V165000 |
| PE01043 | Preliminary evaluation | ENGINE STALLING | engine and engine cooling | 7 Dec 2001 | 10 Sep 2002 | — |
| RQ01001 | Recall query | GASOLINE VAPOR INTRUSION | vehicle speed control:linkages | 21 Feb 2001 | 21 Dec 2001 | 00V277002 |
Other Ford Escape model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 NHTSA | 0 | 5 | — |
| 2001 | 13 | 986 | 2,346,736 |
| 2002 | 8 | 1,005 | 2,623,977 |
| 2003 | 7 | 518 | 2,379,447 |
| 2004 | 6 | 482 | 2,057,544 |
| 2005 | 4 | 1,320 | 466,744 |
| 2006 | 3 | 415 | 270,208 |
| 2007 | 2 | 209 | 70,266 |
| 2008 | 3 | 1,640 | 811,144 |
| 2009 | 1 | 1,214 | 740,878 |
| 2010 | 3 | 1,745 | 1,070,162 |
| 2011 | 2 | 955 | 1,070,143 |
| 2012 | 1 | 415 | 329,265 |
| 2013 | 18 | 1,270 | 10,108,284 |
| 2014 | 16 | 714 | 10,384,836 |
| 2015 | 9 | 204 | 9,434,835 |
| 2016 | 4 | 169 | 4,491,298 |
| 2017 | 4 | 145 | 3,078,749 |
| 2018 | 4 | 34 | 3,053,841 |
| 2019 | 3 | 5 | 3,058,409 |
| 2020 | 23 | 0 | 5,016,688 |
| 2021 | 19 | 0 | 3,871,269 |
| 2022 | 19 | 0 | 3,900,354 |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 | 1,819,290 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 | 1,131,733 |
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | 169,567 |
| 2026 | 2 | 0 | 988 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ford Escape model years · Ford: 201 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Escape have?
13 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 15V606000, was reported to NHTSA on 29 Sep 2015 and concerns power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift. Across all model years the Ford Escape line has 95 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 11 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2001 Ford Escape complain about most?
Engine and Engine Cooling: 297 of 1367 component mentions (217.3 per 1,000). Next is electrical system with 144. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 24 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 24 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.