RoadVitals

2001 Ford Escape Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
42
Latest Feb 21, 2020
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 996 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 42 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

The 25 most recent of 42, in the owner's own words

Body & structureSuspension
Filed Feb 21, 2020

WHILE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP LAST YEAR, NOTICED LAST THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE HAS RUSTED, IN SOME PLACES COMPLETELY THROUGH AND METAL HAS COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. WILL BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, AND THAT CAR IS NOT REALLY SAFE UNLESS FIXED. I KNOW ESCAPE FRAMES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALLS, BUT MY CAR WAS NOT. DO I HAVE ANY REMEDY?

NHTSA ID
11310520
Incident
Feb 20, 2020
Mileage
200,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Aug 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE FAILURE ALLOWED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM TO TRAVEL FORWARD EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.

NHTSA ID
11244097
Incident
Aug 14, 2019
Mileage
235,000 mi
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 15, 2019

MY FORD ESCAPE DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT ANYMORE AND IT WILL NOT STAY IN PARK I HAVE TO HAVE A BRICK PUT IN FRONT OF IT BECAUSE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT EVEN WORK. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER BUT I CANNOT FIND MY LETTER ANYMORE. I WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE AND I CANNOT WALK AND MY SON HAD CLEAN THE HOUSE SO I HAVE LOST MY LETTER I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF I COULD GET ANOTHER RECALL LETTER SO I CAN GET MIKE'S ESCAPE FIXED PLEASE.

NHTSA ID
11180398
Incident
Nov 20, 2018
Mileage
25 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2018

WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC FOR OTHER WORK TO BE DONE. HE NOTED THAT THE SUSPENSION PART (WHICH HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIATED WITH THE APPLICATION OF A BRACKET WITH A RECALL) IS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED. WHILE I SURELY UNDERSTAND THAT RUST IS A FACTOR OF TIME AND MILES, WE HAVE AROUND ONLY 90,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE BRACKET WAS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR FMC TO APPLY. AS A RESULT, I FEAR THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE WHO MAY ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION HAD BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE RECALL AND MAY BE UNDER THE ILLUSION THAT THEY ARE DRIVING A SAFE VEHICLE. I DO NOT HAVE PHOTOS AT THIS TIME, BUT WILL PROVIDE THEM LATER.

NHTSA ID
11128686
Incident
Sep 10, 2018
Mileage
90,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 7, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID
11092300
Incident
May 5, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. VILLAGE FORD (23535 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48124) WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT EXCEEDED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11075370
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Dec 21, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
11055889
Incident
Jul 17, 2017
Mileage
140,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 7, 2017

VEHICLE STEERS TO RIGHT AND VIBRATES. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS FAILURE OF SUB FRAME AND RIGHT AXLE. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 14S02 AT 89372 MI ON 9/23/2014 AND HAD CROSSBRACE INSTALLED PER RECALL. VEHICLE STORED IN HEATED GARAGE, ON 7/20/2017 WITH 105199 MI BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE SHAKING BADLY, GRINDING NOISE. FLAT BED TO DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED FAILED SUB FRAME AND BROKEN RIGHT AXLE. REQUESTED FORD REPAIR UNDER ORIGINAL RECALL WHICH ALLOWED FOR REPLACING SUB FRAME AND WAS DENIED FOR ELAPSED TIME. SAFETY ISSUE, COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT SPEED.

NHTSA ID
11013446
Incident
Jul 20, 2017
Mileage
105,199 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 7, 2017

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

NHTSA ID
10959111
Incident
Jan 9, 2017
Mileage
140,779 mi
Body & structureBrakesSuspension
Filed Dec 5, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID
10930073
Incident
Dec 5, 2016
Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ID
10919819
Incident
Oct 27, 2016
Mileage
90,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jul 27, 2016

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

NHTSA ID
10889040
Incident
Jul 22, 2016
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jul 25, 2016

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

NHTSA ID
10888087
Incident
Jul 15, 2016
Mileage
153,127 mi
Suspension
Filed Dec 27, 2015

FORD ISSUED A RECALL IN APRIL OF 2014 FOR THE FRONT SUB FRAME RUST ISSUE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE CONTROL ARMS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME CAUSING THE WHEEL TO KICK OUT THERE FOR HAVING NO STEERING. THE FIX THAT FORD DID WAS DRILL HOLES INTO THE ALREADY RUSTED SUB FRAME AND INSTALL A CHEAP 90 DOLLAR BAR THAT PROVIDES NO FIX TO THIS ISSUE. I TOOK MY ESCAPE IN OCTOBER OF 2014 TO HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED AND TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. MY SUB FRAME WAS HEAVILY RUSTED AND THEY DID NOTHING BUT INSTALLED THE METAL BAR. I'VE BEEN VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR THE PAST YEAR AND JUST LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING MY ESCAPE THE SUB FRAME SNAPPED AND HAD VERY LITTLE TO NO STEERING ONCE IT BROKE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, WHEN THESE SUB FRAMES BREAK THAT BAR THAT FORD INSTALLED DOES NOTHING TO KEEP YOUR STEERING UNDER CONTROL. I CONTACTED THE MOTOR COMPANY AND HAULED IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT DID THE RECALL ON THE ESCAPE. AFTER THE DEALER SHIP SENT PICTURES TO FORD OF THIS ISSUES THE MOTOR COMPANY SAID IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS SOMETHING I HAVE TO DEAL WITH. NOW JUST THINK ABOUT THIS, THERE ARE A A LOT OF 2001-2004 ESCAPE ON THE ROAD THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE AND WHEN THESE FRAMES SNAP IT CAN CAUSE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR THE DRIVER. LOSS OF STEERING AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF YOU CANT CONTROL THE VEHICLE TO MAKE A SAFE STOP. I'M LEFT WITH MY DAILY DRIVING VEHICLE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY BECAUSE THE MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT REPLACE MY FRAME THAT HAD HEAVY RUST AND RUST HOLES IN IT WHEN I TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. I NEED MY FRAME REPLACED BUT THE MOTOR COMPANY CLAIMS THAT THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED WHEN THEY INSTALLED THAT CHEAP 90 BAR ACROSS THE SUB FRAME. IT WAS ME AND MY FOUR YEAR OLD SON IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FRAME SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE ROAD, VERY VERY UNSAFE FOR FORD NO TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME.

NHTSA ID
10816368
Incident
Dec 18, 2015
Mileage
189,797 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Oct 8, 2015

BACKING OUT INTO EMPTY ROAD, STOPPING AND TURNING VEHICLE WITH STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT APPLYING PRESSURE TO TURN, STRAIGHTEN WHEELS. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP, THE CAR SHAKES AND THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE APPLIED TO BRAKES IS ENORMOUSLY DIFFICULT TO MAKE CAR STOP. WITH NORMAL DRIVING THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND IN THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE (DRIVE TRAIN?). ALL THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WITH NO APPARENT HELP!

NHTSA ID
10780836
Incident
Jan 1, 2003
Mileage
100 mi
BrakesInterior & seatsSuspension
Filed Jun 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LATCH ACTIVATOR FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 8/28/15*CN

NHTSA ID
10730122
Incident
May 13, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Oct 15, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10644806
Incident
Oct 11, 2014
Mileage
86,222 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 9, 2014

NHTSA 14V165/ FORD 14S02- BROUGHT 2001 FORD ESCAPE TO FORD DEALER WITH STEERING FAILURE DUE TO FAILURE OF LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION AT SUB FRAME. CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. WAS TOLD THAT RECALL COVERED BRACKET TO SECURE CONTROL ARM IN CASE OF STEERING FAILURE. STEERING HAD ALREADY FAILED. WAS TOLD SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY WAS ROTTED & SEPARATED. I HAVE PHOTOS. FORD DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE SUB FRAME UNDER RECALL PROTOCOL BUT WAS PREVENTED BY FORD REPS FROM DOING SO BECAUSE THE SEPARATION WAS NOT EXCESSIVE ENOUGH TO MEET CRITERIA. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS OFF ON SEPARATION, THE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMING OFF, BUT THAT WASN'T ENOUGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRACKET PLACEMENT UNDER RECALL WAS THE REMEDY TO PREVENT STEERING FAILURE. BUT THIS IS AFTER THE FACT, THE STEERING AND CONTROL ARM HAD ALREADY FAILED AND WERE UNSUSTAINABLE BECAUSE THE BRACKET AT THIS TIME COULDN'T HELP. THE RECALL I WAS TOLD WAS TO PREVENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING IF PARTS FAILED AND NOT TO REPLACE SUB FRAME. SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS(LEFT & RIGHT) WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE SO THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO JUNK CAR. CAR WAS AT DEALERSHIP TEN DAYS, NO LOANER CAR OR RENTAL WAS REQUESTED, BUT NOT OFFERED EITHER. MULTIPLE CALLS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY YIELDED NO RESULTS, THEY APPROVED THE DEALERSHIP TO APPEAL THE DECISION TO NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL DEPARTMENT BUT I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE THEY DENY A REPAIR , THEY NEVER RESCIND A DECISION. MY ISSUE IS, WHAT ARE WE DOING? BLOGS ON SAME ISSUE SHOW NUMEROUS REFUSALS TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THESE ARE SPECIFIC VEHICLES IN SPECIFIC AREAS THAT THEY KNEW OF THE SITUATIONS AND FAILURES, IT IS NOT ISOLATED. I'D LIKE TO GET SOME COMPENSATION TOWARDS THE COST OF THIS VERY PRICEY REPAIR. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS FOR OTHERS WITH SAME CRITICAL SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10632034
Incident
Aug 26, 2014
Mileage
77,700 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 27, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V165000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10628682
Incident
Jun 2, 2014
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed May 7, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10587092
Incident
May 1, 2014
Mileage
165,434 mi
Body & structureEngineSuspension
Filed Oct 22, 2013

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

NHTSA ID
10548858
Incident
May 21, 2013
Mileage
127,069 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 18, 2013

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

NHTSA ID
10512623
Incident
May 13, 2013
Mileage
100,199 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Sep 7, 2012

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

NHTSA ID
10474248
Incident
Jul 13, 2012
Mileage
91,746 mi
AirbagsBrakesHeating & air conditioning+5 more
Filed Jun 6, 2012
Fire reported

SUBMISSION FROM RE FORD ESCAPE 2001 SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S24 *TGW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JAN 2012. THE NOTICE INDICATED SHE WOULD BE INFORMED WHEN THE PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE SAFETY RECALL WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE, WHICH WOULDN'T BE UNTIL THE SECOND QUARTER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, WHICH WAS PRIOR TO THE RECALL, BUT WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED. SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS PARTLY COMPENSATED BY FORD IN THE FORM OF A CHECK FOR $1900 ACCOMPANIED BY A DOCUMENT WHICH STATED BY ACCEPTING THE COMPENSATION, SHE WOULD ALSO BE SIGNING OFF ON ANY OTHER CLAIMS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, MASTER CYLINDER, WIRING HARNESS, ABS, BRAKE LINE BOOSTER, POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, INTAKE MANIFOLD AS WELL AS THE AIR BAG WERE ALL REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FREEZE, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF, RENDERING THE DOOR UNSTABLE, THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE REAR SHOCK WERE LEAKING. *JB

NHTSA ID
10461520
Incident
Jun 1, 2012
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed Oct 8, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO BECOME FAULTY. HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE NEW BRAKE LINES ON THE DEFECTIVE ROTORS AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS CHILD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THREE HUNDRED MILES. THE USED CAR DEALER, FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, STATED THAT THEY WOULD PURCHASE A NEW MOTOR UNDER THE WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE NON-WORKING ENGINE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 123,800.

NHTSA ID
10244703
Incident
Sep 19, 2008
Mileage
123,800 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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