RoadVitals

2001 Ford Escape Visibility Problems

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

Data refreshed

Visibility 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.
36
Latest Jun 3, 2017
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.
0
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 windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. 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. 36 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 visibility

The 25 most recent of 36, in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Jun 3, 2017

THE REAR WINDOW OF OUR ESCAPE EXPLODED FOR NO REASON. IT WAS JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
10992996
Incident
Jun 2, 2017
Mileage
110,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 9, 2015

WE OPENED THE HATCH WINDOW AND THE GLASS POPPED OUT INTO MY HUSBANDS HANDS. THE DOOR AJAR KEPT RINGING BECAUSE THE GLASS WASN'T IN PLACE. SINCE THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY HUSBANDS 2001 ESCAPE IN MAY 2015 WE KNEW THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, HOWEVER EXPENSIVE. THE BODY SHOP THAT WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ADVISED US TO CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS FOR THIS SINCE IT SEEMS STRANGE FOR BOTH VEHICLES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE WINDOW HATCH ISN'T SOMETHING THAT WE GENERALLY USE SO IT ISN'T FROM OVER USE.

NHTSA ID
10732979
Incident
Jul 5, 2015
Mileage
265,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 23, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS AND FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE SUN ROOF GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ID
10668037
Incident
Dec 22, 2014
Mileage
109,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 31, 2014

SITTING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND REAR GLASS SHATTERED INTO CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10617838
Incident
Jul 27, 2014
Mileage
161,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 1, 2014

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN WI, AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE REAR DEFROST WAS ON AND THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WAS APPROXIMATELY 16 DEGREES F. THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND NO EVIDENCE FLYING OBJECTS TO CAUSE THE SHATTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10562488
Incident
Feb 1, 2014
Mileage
154,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 14, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN RAINY CONDITIONS, SHE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A PLASTIC PIECE WITHIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER'S MOTOR ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V387002 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10430214
Incident
Oct 3, 2011
Mileage
120,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 21, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS ON THE REAR DOOR SHATTERED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD REPLACE THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10413932
Incident
Jul 20, 2011
Mileage
2,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 4, 2010

THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS PARKED IN MY ATTACHED GARAGE EXPLODED SOMETIME DURING THE NIGHT. THE WINDOW WAS NOT CRACKED AT ANY TIME. I DROVE IT AT AROUND 10:30PM LESS THAN 1/4 MILE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE. THE NEXT DAY AROUND 1:30PM, UPON ENTERING MY GARAGE, I NOTICED SOMETHING BLACK BEHIND MY CAR - TURNED OUT TO BE PIECES OF MY REAR WINDOW ON THE FLOOR AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED MANY CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON LINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR OFFERED ANY LEGITIMATE EXPLANATION. CALLED AVIS FORD IN SOUTHFIELD, MI - NO SATISFACTORY RESULT - ONLY $402 COST OF REPAIR - CLAIMS NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE DANGER OF INJURY TO PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10298003
Incident
Jan 1, 2010
Mileage
95,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jun 7, 2005

ON OR AROUND APRIL 15, 2005 MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE VIN [XXX]SUNROOF BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. THAT IS, THE ROOF DID NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE ADVISOR NOTIFIED ME THAT THE RACK FORD PART NUMBER [XXX]WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL THAT WITH SUCH LITTLE USE (MAYBE A TOTAL OF 3 HOURS OVER 4 YEARS) THIS FORD PART SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BELLY UP. IN MY OPINION, UNDER NORMAL USE, THIS PART SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME WITH SUCH LITTLE USE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
10124508
Incident
Apr 21, 2005
Visibility
Filed Feb 23, 2005

WHILE PARKED, THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED OUT OF THE FRAME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

NHTSA ID
10112976
Incident
Feb 23, 2005
Mileage
55,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 11, 2005

CONTROL KNOB FOR HEATING/AIR CONDITIONG SWITCH BROKE OFF. *JB

NHTSA ID
10110335
Incident
Feb 11, 2005
Mileage
53,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesElectrical+2 more
Filed Feb 7, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10115223
Incident
Feb 1, 2005
Body & structureDriver assistanceEngine+3 more
Filed Dec 6, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10106619
Incident
Jan 22, 2002
Mileage
92 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 30, 2004

WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THE RECALL HAD BEEN CLOSED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10101865
Incident
Nov 27, 2004
Mileage
67,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 30, 2004

WINDSHIELD WIPER QUITS. FORD WILL NOT HONOR THEIR RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V387002/FORD RECALL NO. 00S49). *AK

NHTSA ID
10100777
Incident
Nov 29, 2004
Mileage
67,000 mi
EngineTransmissionVisibility
Filed Sep 8, 2004

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2001 FORD ESCAPE, WENT OUT I HAD 58,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW 4 MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE ENGINE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL. ALL OF THE LIGHTERS/SUN ROOF HAVE NO POWER TO THEM THEY ALL QUIT. I HAVE REPLACED ALL FUSES, WITH NO LUCK. NOW THE ALL LIGHTS ON THE RADIO ARE GONE, BUT THE RADIO STILL WORKS. *AK

NHTSA ID
10090614
Incident
Sep 7, 2004
Mileage
58,000 mi
AirbagsEngineSeat belts+2 more
Filed Jan 31, 2004

MAINTENANCE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10056245
Incident
Jul 29, 2003
Mileage
21,800 mi
EngineTransmissionVisibility
Filed Mar 26, 2003

I PURCHASED 2001 USED VEHICLE FROM HERTZ CAR SALES WITH 27,000+ MILES. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED SECOND WEEK WE HAD VEHICLE. ALSO REALIZED THAT AC/HEATING SYSTEM HAD "WHISTLE" WHICH COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. MAJOR PROBLEM HAS VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, LOSING ALL POWER, BRAKES, ETC. FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. FORD DEALER HAS WORKED ON PROBLEM, REPLACING TRANSMISSION, FIXING AC/HEAT SYSTEM AND ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE "STALLING" PROBLEM. THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN REPAIRED, HOWEVER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY. CAR AT FORD DEALER ONCE AGAIN. IT IS STRANGE TO ME THAT THEY DO NOT COMMENT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED NOT ONCE BUT MANY HUNDRED TIMES! I DEFINITELY FEEL THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE STALLING AND BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL. AS WE DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN ROADS, THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. FORD HAS CERTAINLY LOST MY FUTURE BUSINESS BY NOT FACING THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MUST THERE BE FATALITIES BEFORE THEY ACT? *JB

NHTSA ID
10011059
Incident
Mar 25, 2003
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system+2 more
Filed Jan 22, 2003

NAR 02/13/2003. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT TO DRIVE FROM OVER DRIVE, THE VENTS AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED TO FROST. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE RELAY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GAS MILEAGE WAS POOR. *JB

NHTSA ID
10007283
Incident
Dec 7, 2001
Visibility
Filed Nov 20, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND IT WILL HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SEE DURING RAINY WEATHER. DEALER NOTIFIED.TS

NHTSA ID
8023085
Incident
Nov 4, 2002
BrakesHeating & air conditioningDriver assistance+3 more
Filed Sep 6, 2002

WHILE DRIVING ONLY AT LOW SPEEDS, STEERING COLUMN WILL MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND IT COULD CAUSE FUTURE STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK THE COVER ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE SHIMMYS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED AND THE FRONT ROTOR WAS MACHINED AND THE FRONT PADS CLEANED. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A PECKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. CONSUMER STATES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS HARD TO PUSH BECAUSE THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED REPLACING. THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPS WHILE AT IDLE. ALSO, WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE HEATER IS NOT WARM. *JG

NHTSA ID
8018094
Incident
Aug 9, 2002
EngineVisibility
Filed Aug 9, 2002

ENGINE HAS STALLED TWICE WHILE DRIVING 40-50MPH. SUNROOF MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. COOLANT RECORVERY JUG HAD TO BE REPLACED. SENSOR ASY-EGR WAS REPLACED AFTER 1ST TIME ENGINE STALLED. HAS SINCE STALLED AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
765431
Incident
Aug 8, 2002
BrakesEngineSteering+1 more
Filed Mar 28, 2002

I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A FORD REP. FOR A NEW CAR, TOO MANY THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP HAVE THE WINDOW AND ABS BRAKES FIXED. EVERY TIME IT'S SOMEHTING NEW! NLM

NHTSA ID
759940
Incident
Dec 22, 2001
BrakesElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed Sep 18, 2001

THE GROUND WIRE CAME OFF THE BATTERY, STRANDING THE DRIVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NLM

NHTSA ID
563126
TransmissionVisibility
Filed Sep 12, 2001

SLUGGISH DRIVING AFTER A OIL CHANGE, COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, NEXT WEEK, SHIFT WENT OUT. AFTER GETTING VEHICLE BACK BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS LOOSE AND THE STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. WIPER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
9003936

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

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .