Page 5 of 21 · complaints 201–250 of 1,027

2002 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 30, 2013127,243 milesCA

MY ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN WE WENT TO GO TO TOWN AND IT WAS SMOKING THEN ON FIRE THIS WAS IN THE EVENING ABOUT 8 IF WE HADN'T GONE OUT WE WOULD HAVE HAD A HUGE FIRE WITCH COULD HAVE INVOLVED 3 OTHER CARS NOT TO MENTION OUR HOUSE WE LIVE IN RAMONA CA 92065 AND ITS FIRE SEASON WE ARE IN A RURAL AREA..

Child Seat
Filed Aug 7, 2013MI

CONCERN THAT ONLY ONE CONNECTOR STRAP LOCKS ON GRACO AFFX BOOSTER SEAT AFTER CONNECTOR CLIPS ARE ATTACHED TO LATCH BRACKETS. OTHER ONE DOES NOT LOCK IN SO SEAT CAN BE PULLED OUT ON ONE SIDE. CALLED GRACO A BIT AGO AND THEY SAID THIS IS "NORMAL" AND NOT A DESIGN FLAW. HOWEVER, INSTRUCTIONS SUGGEST PULLING ON STRAPS WILL HOLD SEAT IN TIGHT UNTIL RELEASE BUTTON IS PUSHED. I AM READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN ON-LINE REVIEWS AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO SAY THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM....WHICH SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A PROBLEM!. BOTTOM LINE: WITH ONE SIDE OF THIS SEAT NOT LOCKING TIGHT LIKE THE OTHER SIDE AND ABLE TO SLIDE LOOSE FROM FLUSH AGAINST THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE SEAT, IS THIS BOOSTER SEAT SAFE FOR MY CHILD TO USE, I.E., DOES IT RETAIN ALL ITS APPROVED CRASH SAFETY FEATURES WHETHER THE SEAT IS LOCKED IN TIGHT (AS SOME USERS APPEAR TO BE ABLE TO DO) OR SLIDES LOOSE ON ONE SIDE WITH SLIGHT PULLING, SUCH AS MAY OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT?? NOTE: COULDN'T FIND DESCRIPTION OF BOOSTER IN DROPDOWN LIST FURTHER ON. IS GRACO AFFIX BOOSTER, MODEL 1839168 (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=ESCAPE). *TR

EngineFire
Filed Aug 7, 2013100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM UNDER THE CARPORT AND FLAMES SURFACED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 3, 2013186,189 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY, THE CAR TURNED ON ABS LIGHT ALL OF SUDDEN AND IN A LESS THAN A MINUTE THE CAR'S ELECTRICITY ALL SHUT OFF, ENGINES SHUT OFF, STEERING SHUT OFF, BRAKES SHUT OFF, RADIO SHUT OFF. I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY MORE THAN 6 TIMES, BUT BEFORE, IT WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, BUT THIS TIME, IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAPPENED WHILE PUTTING ON MY BREAKS, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS ONE OF THE RECALL PROBLEM THAT THE CAR STOPS WHILE DECELERATING. HOWEVER, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT RECALL WORKS HAVE BEEN ALREADY DONE ON THE CAR BEFORE IT HAPPENED. SO I SUSPECT THAT THE DEALER DID NOT FIGURE OUT THE MAIN REASON WHY THE CAR IS STOPPING WHILE DECELERATING OR JUST DIDN'T WORK ON THE RECALL AND LIED. *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jun 20, 2013136,992 milesNE

WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW HANGING. ANALYZING WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED (WHICH WAS THE SAME PLACE ON EACH HINGE), THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED EVEN IF THERE WAS NO ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE SCREW INSIDE OF THE CAR HOLDING THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW WAS RUSTED, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE PARTS NOT MAKING A WATER TIGHT SEAL ON THE WINDOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDOW COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND/OR PERSONS THAT WERE FOLLOWING. THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE PART # IS 420A68. *TR

Wheels
Filed May 17, 201386,036 milesOH

LOWER CONTROL ARM RIPPED OFF UNDER CRADLE & RIPPED PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OFF THE TRANSMISSION - THE WHEEL FELL OFF THE CAR. IT APPEARS UNDER CRADLE RUSTED FROM INSIDE. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT OF THAT HAPPENING WHEN MY WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY, INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed May 16, 2013124,164 milesTX

HAD POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RE-CALIBRATED, RE-PROGRAMMED PCM, ABS MODULE CONNECTOR REPAIR AND INSPECTION, ABS RELAY INSTALLATION AND MASTER CYLINDER CAP REPLACED, ALL RE-CALLS. FIND OUT HCU HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT IS FAILING WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKES FAILING AND POSSIBLE DEATH FROM LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. THANK GOD THIS HASN'T HAPPENED BUT FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FIX THIS ISSUE WITH SO MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed May 14, 2013150,000 milesNY

THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH FORD ESCAPES. AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AREA. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW, AND ONE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THE FAILURE HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEED. I THINK THE FORD RANGER FRAMES WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR RUSTING ISSUE, PERHAPS THE TWO ARE RELATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PROMPT ATTENTION. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 2013100,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS RUSTED AND BECAME FRACTURED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. *TR

Visibility
Filed Apr 24, 2013112,489 milesWI

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE PARKED UNATTENDED IN A PARKING LOT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER HAD BEEN ON PRIOR TO INCIDENT. SECURITY CAMERAS REVEAL THEE WAS NO HUMAN TAMPERING PRIOR TO EXPLOSION.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Apr 11, 2013IL

2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND BURNED OUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND THE INTAKE VALVES CRACKED AS WELL.

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2013109,000 milesNC

TO START OFF THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN YOU PUSH THE CLUTCH IN IT DIES AND YOU LOOSE ALL POWER , ANOTHER IS THE BUSHING IN THE CONTROL ARM SLIPPED OUT OF THE ARM MOUNT SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT AND ANOTHER THAT JUST HAPPENED IS THE GAS TANK STRAP AND SUPPORT PAN BROKE AND PLASTIC GAS TANK HIT THE GROUND ON ONE END AND THE OTHER IS GRINDING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX ANYTHING CAUSE IT AIN'T CONSIDERED POWERTRAIN. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 12, 2013120,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 201384,555 milesTN

MY 2002 ESCAPE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL ISSUED A FEW YEARS BACK. THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED THE DEALER SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS BAD- $900 TO FIX IT!! THEY SAY IT IS NOT RELATED BECAUSE IT DIDN'T CATCH FIRE OR BURN UP/MELT THE WIRING HARNESS?? I HAVE TO WAIT FOR PARTS TO MELT OR CATCH FIRE BEFORE THEY WILL FIX THE PART IT PLUGS INTO?? EVERY VEHICLE WE HAVE PURCHASED NOW IN THE LAST 20 YEARS HAS BEEN A FORD. WE PAID OFF BOTH OUR FORDS AND WERE READY TO PURCHASE AND HAND DOWN THE ESCAPE TO MY 16 Y/O DAUGHTER.IT IS NOT SAFE! MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ALL SAFETY RELATED ON THIS VEHICLE. OUR F150 GOES IN FOR A FEW RECALLS AND SPARK PLUGS- A WHOPPING $500 TO CHANGE SPARK PLUGS BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE AND AN EXTRA HOUR OF LABOR FOR EACH ONE THAT BREAKS OFF...LOVELY! AT THE MERCY OF FORD AND ONCE AGAIN, TOTAL DISSATISFACTION AND DISAPPOINTMENT. NOW THEY COULD CARE LESS WHO GETS HURT,I'M NOT GOING TO RISK MY DAUGHTERS LIFE OR ANYONE'S FOR THAT MATTER. FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS. ALSO, IT SAYS 'MODIFIED ABS SYSTEM' IN RECALL WITH MASTER CYLINDER CAP (NOT EVEN REPAIRED SEE BELOW)NOW THEY WANT TO CHARGE IS $900 TO REPAIR. SOMEONE OR MANY WILL END UP INJURED OR WORSE! MY 2002 ESCAPE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL ISSUED A FEW YEARS BACK. THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM (NOT GOOD) WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED THE DEALER SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS BAD- $900 TO FIX IT!! THEY SAY IT IS NOT RELATED BEC

Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2013CT

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SINCE JUNE 2002. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAGS BEFORE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. ALL OF A SUDDEN IN EARLY JANUARY 2013, I STARTED TO NOTICE MY CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD ILLUMINATE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD SINCE IT HAD NEVER DONE SO BEFORE AND I HAD NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS SO I DIDN'T REALLY THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND THOUGHT THE LIGHT WOULD JUST GO OFF. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO ON AND SO I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 15, 2003. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT BOTH OF THE PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS THAT CLIP TO THE WIRE HARNESS THAT MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WORK HAD HIGH RESISTANCE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT A FIX, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKED. THEY CLAIMED THAT OVER TIME WITH THE WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE, THIS WILL HAPPEN AND THE CLIPS WILL NO LONGER CLIP AS THEY SAID. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE OF A VEHICLE SUCH AS AIRBAGS WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU IN CASE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE THAT MIGHT WARRANT A MODEL RECALL IN THE FUTURE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Feb 13, 2013176,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE HE HAD TO DOWN SHIFT AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000. UPDATED 3/14/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. UPDATED 03/21/13

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 4, 201393,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 31, 2013160,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMALL HILL AND HAD A BLOW OUT THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER THE SIDE OF THE HILL.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 25, 201356,000 milesPA

WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND THE TIRE FELL SIDEWAYS. CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND THE GARAGE CALLED AND SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE COULD RUST SO BAD. FORD SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR TRAVELING @ A HIGH SPEED AND THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATES YOU CAN HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND CAUSE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. *TR

SuspensionCrash
Filed Jan 18, 2013153,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY MADE A CLUNKING SOUND THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OR MOVE IT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND IT SEEMED FINE . I THEN WENT OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I FIGURED THAT I PROBABLY BROKE A TIE ROD. I CALLED AAA TO HAVE THE AUTO TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE TOW DRIVER ARRIVED HE TOOK A LOOK AT MY ESCAPE AND SAID THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT HAD SEPARATED IN TWO. BY DOING THAT MY WHEEL AXLE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. HIS OPINION WAS THAT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THIS HAD HAPPENED IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AUTO COLLISION AND MAYBE EVEN CAUSING MY ESCAPE TO ROLL OVER. THIS TO ME SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBFRAME AND I AM VERY FORTUNATE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE AND EVEN DEATH TO INNOCENT PEOPLE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 201325,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE BRAKE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

EngineFire
Filed Dec 5, 2012156,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 162,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 5, 2012132,294 milesMA

I OWN THREE FORD ESCAPES AND ON THIS VEHICLE I'VE HAD THE RIGHT FRONT ABS RING SNAP SAME AS ALL THE OTHERS WITH NO WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 5, 2012133,148 milesMA

AGAIN I OWN THREE OF THESE VEHICLES AND WHILE PUMPING GAS MY FUEL TANK STRAPS ROTTED OUT, SAME AS THE OTHER TWO. AGAIN DEALER WILL NOT WARRANTY AND THEY WON'T HELP ESPECIALLY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ALL THREE VEHICLES. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 19, 2012170,000 milesIN

UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE, AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE, AND IS BECOMING MORE CONSISTENT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AS THERE WERE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE, BUT THEY SAID WHILE THAT IS A PROBLEM FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL, IT WAS IN FACT NOT ONE OF THE RECALLS TO BE PERFORMED. I HAD TWO RECALLS PERFORMED, NEITHER OF WHICH HELPED THIS PROBLEM AT ALL. IT LEAVES ME HALTED IN INTERSECTIONS, AND MAKES FOR ABRUPT STOPS, AS I HAVE TO COMPLETELY BRAKE TO A FULL AND COMPLETE STOP, THROW THE TRUCK INTO PARK, TURN THE KEY OFF, WAIT A MOMENT, TURN THE KEY BACK ON, AND BACK INTO DRIVE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 19, 2012172,000 milesIN

THE VEHICLE, AFTER BEING TURNED OFF, WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON, AND THE GEAR INDICATOR SQUARE THAT SURROUNDS THE ENGAGED GEAR WAS MULTIPLYING, FLASHING AND "DANCING" FROM GEAR TO GEAR. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME EXACTLY ONE WEEK LATER, AND THIS TIME THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED. AFTER QUITE SOME TIME ONCE THE KEY WAS REMOVED AND THE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE FLASHING INTERIOR LIGHTS CEASED AND WOULD ONLY CONTINUE AGAIN ONCE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. THOUGH REMOVING THE KEY CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO STOP FLASHING, EVEN ONCE THE KEY WAS REMOVED, THE INDICATOR SQUARE CONTINUED THE BEHAVIOR. PERIODICALLY DURING OPERATION THE LIGHTS STRENGTHEN IN AND OUT WHEN IDLING. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 2012125,000 milesIN

WHEN I FIRST START MY VEHICLE AND BEGIN DRIVING IT, UNLESS I REACH 20 MPH BEFORE NEEDING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND AT FIRST THE PEDAL RESISTS, THEN IT GIVES WAY IN, CAUSING THE BRAKE TO NEED TO PRESSED DOWN COMPLETELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP. ONCE I REACH THE 20 MPH OR SO, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, AND AFTER THAT, THE BRAKES WORK FINE. I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY REPORTEDLY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, BUT PERFORMED A RECALL ON ONLY THE ABS LIGHT ITSELF. THIS DID NOTHING FOR THE GRINDING RESISTANCE AND FAILURE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL UPON INITIALLY NEEDING TO STOP, AND STILL THE ABS LIGHT POPS ON ONCE I REACH 20-25 MPH. *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2012172,000 milesIN

GOING BETWEEN 34-37 MPH TODAY, MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED UPON SLIGHT DECELERATION AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH INTO ANOTHER LANE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 6, 2012203,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SHE WOULD HEAR A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. WHEN SHE WOULD DEPRESSES THE BRAKES THE NOISE WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 203,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 201280,060 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,060 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 5, 2012154,131 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. AFTER I STOPPED, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND ROLLED FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE RE-APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE SOUND REPEATED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. UPON INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY HAD RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HAD CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BECOME LOOSE THUS BENDING IT AND MAKING IT UNUSABLE. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND FEAR THAT IF OTHER FOLKS HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD BE A VERY BAD OUTCOME ! THIS ALLOWED MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO PULL OUTWARD HENCE PULLING THE CONTROL ARM LOOSE. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND THE WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED AT THE TIME OF BUYING THE VEHICLE WAS NO AVAIL. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE IS NO RECALL THEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM !! SORRY BUT IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THIS. HOW MANY INJURIES ARE REQUIRED BEFORE SOMEONE TAKES NOTICE ?? THE REPAIR BILL WAS $ 1160.96. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 7 MONTHS AT THAT TIME. IT STILL HAS MANY PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BEFORE IT IS PAID OFF. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN RUNS DOWN THIS AREA CAUSING IT PERHAPS ? JUST AN OBSERVATION FROM A RUNNING VEHICLE IDENTICAL TO MINE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED ON THIS MATTER AND HOPEFULLY IT GETS RESOLVED BEFORE ANY FATAL

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 1, 2012TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE REMEDY PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE EXPECTED DATE WAS MID AUGUST 2012. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ARRIVAL DATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE THROTTLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2012108,500 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,600.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 16, 2012112,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD EXPLOSION WHILE THE CONTACT DRIVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED, CAUSING SCRATCHES TO THE SIDE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 201254,000 milesAZ

A COUPLE OF FRIENDS AND I WHERE ON OUR WAY TO LA WHEN WE STOPPED FOR GAS. FILLED UP THE TANK AND THEN STARTED THE CAR, WHICH STARTED PERFECTLY FINE, I THEN PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND WHEN I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR SIMPLY REVVED THE ENGINE AND DID NOT MOVE. THE DRIVE GEAR WAS NOT ENGAGING BUT SECOND WORKED FINE. FIRST GEAR DID ENGAGE ALSO BUT IT FELT IT WAS SLAMMED INTO PLACE NOT SMOOTHLY ENGAGING. HAD A NEAR BY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GIVING OUT AND THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THE CLUTCH HAD BLOWN OUT AND TAKEN THE REST OF THE TRANSMISSION WITH IT AND IT ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS A $3500 REPAIR THAT I NOW WISH I HAD DONE MORE RESEARCH ON BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. THE CAR ONLY HAD 54000 MILES BUT IT WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND THERE WERE NO SIGNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. THE NEW TRANSMISSION DOES COME WITH A 3 YEAR, UNLIMITED MILE WARRANTY WHICH IS WHY I WENT WITH THAT INSTEAD OF A REBUILD WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN A BIT CHEAPER. AFTER LEARNING ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS THIS TRANSMISSION HAS, I WILL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR IN THE COMING YEARS. I LIKE FORDS BUT THIS REALLY MAKING THINK ABOUT GETTING A NEW CAR FROM SOME ONE ELSE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 3, 2012135,320 milesVA

VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY SINCE EARLY SEPTEMBER. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST FOUR INCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATING WHEN ITS WAS AT LOW SPEED OR STOPPED (WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE). THE ACCELERATIONS LAST A FEW SECONDS AND LURCH THE CAR FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD FOR THE RECALL NOTICES INVOLVING THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (11S24B ON 30 JUNE 12 AND 12S37B ON 20 SEP 12). THIS VEHICLE DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIRS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Sep 27, 201249,500 milesPA

DRIVING 15MPH DOWN HOME STREET AND HEARD A CLUNK. PUT IN REVERSE TO GET BACK TO DRIVEWAY AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SIDEWAYS AND DRAGGING. AFTER CALLING LOCAL GARAGE WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM THAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ABLE TO MANEUVER CAR ONTO FRONT LAWN WHERE IT STILL SITS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 24, 2012147,000 milesOH

FORD ESCAPE WAS MAKING SHARP JERKING MOTIONS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT HAPPEND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE ESCAPE IN TO FORD DEALER TO GET THE ABS AND ENGINE COVER RECALLS. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT CASUE THE PROBLEM. I TOOK TO LOCAL MECH IN TOWN AND HE SAID ISSUE IS THE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS SEPERATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND IS RUSTED AWAY SO IT IS MAKING THE WHEEL WOBBLE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE JERKING MOTION. WONDERING IF RECALL IS ON FORD ESCAPE FOR SUBFRAME ISSUE WHERE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS ATTACHED . SEEN MANY SAME ISSUES WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 18, 2012173,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S HOME, A NEARBY FENCE AND FINALLY A TREE. THE FAILURE CEASED ONCE THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, NECK AND THE RIGHT FOOT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CABLE THROTTLE STICK. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLES) IN AUGUST 2012. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Sep 8, 201280,000 milesPA

1 - REAR LATCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, THE LATCH WILL NOT OPEN THE BACK DOOR. 2 - WINDOW LATCH HAS RUSTED CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO DETACH FROM THE HINGE. NOT THAT I AM BIDDER, BUT AT 37K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW.... I DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH FORD AND MY DEALERSHIP ([XXX]). BOTH COMPANIES STATED THEY COULD NOT HELP ME AND THAT IT WAS ON ME TO PAY TO CORRECT. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF USING PROPER SUPPLIES. THEY COULD NOT HAVE CARED LESS. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HAVE THEM LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I WOULD REALLY HATE TO BE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT CANNOT USE THE REAR AS AN EXIT.... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 30, 201294,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGE PART NUMBER WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE HINGE BEING RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 20, 2012125,000 milesCT

FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE FROM TANK SAGGED ONTO DRIVE SHAFT WHEN TANK WAS FULL OF FUEL THIS ONLY WAS NOTED WHEN TURNING A SHARP CORNER, WORE HOLE IN TANK METAL COVER.NOTE COVER IS RUSTED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 8, 201285,000 milesOH

MY DAUGHTER ( A TEACHER) WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON I94 TO WORK IN 2010 WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SET. THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED AND SHE HIT THE BRAKE, BUT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND SHE COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AS IT OVER-POWERED THE BRAKE. SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND CALLED 911. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD HER TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY OFF AFTER SHE GOT THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. SHE WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF HER ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THE ACCELERATOR REMAINED STUCK AFTER SHE HAD PULLED OFF THE ROAD WITH THE MOTOR OFF. I WENT TO GET HER AND THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR BY HITTING IT HARD WITH MY FOOT. I CAREFULLY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. I WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE ACCELERATOR STICKING ON THE EXPRESSWAY SEVERAL TIMES. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD (DEARBORN) AND TOLD THEM THEY HAD A PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE, AND SUGGESTED I PAY A DEALER TO FIX IT. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT USING THE SPEED CONTROL AND BEING VERY CAREFUL TO ACCELERATE SLOWLY (AS MY DAUGHTER STILL HAS MY VEHICLE). BUT, NOW I WILL TAKE IT A DEALER AND FORD (THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VEHICLE SAFETY LAW) WILL PAY TO FIX IT! *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 6, 201285,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE NOISE BECAME MORE PREVALENT DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE THE RESULT OF A BEARING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ..UPDATED 09-17-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE NOISE DID CEASE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. UPDATED 09/18/12

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Aug 1, 201279,000 milesMA

MY CAR HAD A LOUD SQUEAK AND CREAK WHILE DRIVING THAT CONTINUALLY GOT LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK... I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. THIS ATTACHES TO THE CONTROL ARM, AND FORD HAS NO RECALL. HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND SAYS THIS PART SHOULD NEVER HAVE ROTTED. HE ADVISED TO CHECK WITH FORD FOR RECALL, HOWEVER FORD DENIES ANY RECALL WITH THIS PART.. SO NO ACTION FROM FORD ABOUT A ROTTED FRAME! VEHICLE IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OF CONTROL ARM BECOMING UNATTACHED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 201233,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE EXHIBITING FAILURES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES, ROTORS, BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED EXHIBITING BRAKING ISSUES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE), AND 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER DENIED THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 201298,000 milesWI

BRAKE TONE RINGS CRACK AND CAUSE ABS TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD ESCAPES. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 killed
Filed Jul 26, 2012119,483 milesAZ

[XXX] WAS DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHEN, WHILE ACCELERATING UP A HILL, THE SPEED CONTROL THROTTLE GUIDE ROTATED UP INTO THE APPEARANCE COVER AND BECAME LATCHED IN A RIB. THIS RESULTED IN A WIDE OPEN THROTTLE, AND [XXX] WAS UNABLE TO SLOW OR STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKES THEN OVERHEATED AND FAILED, AND SHE SPED THROUGH TOWN UNTIL SHE SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER CAR AND CRASHED. HER CAR ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES, AND [XXX]WAS KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 201290,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE -TCM, PCM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,161.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFire1 injured
Filed Jul 20, 2012100,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE, FOLLOWED BY A POLE. THE VEHICLE THEN IGNITED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AS A RESULT. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Ford Escape → · Every Escape year → · How the figures are calculated →