An electrical short caused the ABS to malfunction. This illuminated the ABS warning light, which caused the ABS control module to overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and engine fire. This condition occurred when the vehicle ignition switch was in the off position, and while the vehicle was being operated. It turns out that there were several recalls on this particular make and model which I have not been notified about. I have contacted ford motor company about the recalls. Two different people told me that if the VIN for my vehicle was not included in the recall, then the manufacturer is not obligated to fix the safety defect. The vehicle does not have anti- lock brakes now because the control module has burned up, and the fuses had to be removed. The price for installation of a new ABS control module is estimated at $1500 to $2500.
2001 Ford Escape brakes complaints
Page 4 of 7: complaints 71 to 100 of 163, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While attending a school play, I was called outside b/c my ford escape was smoking from under the hood and the alarm was going off. I had been inside & the car shut off for 25 min. Before being called out. Smoke & fire was billowing from under the hood, and fire was dropping on the ground by the time the fire dept. Arrived. The hood of my vehicle had to be pried up on the sides and front in order to put out the fire. Everything inside had melted. They asked if I had noticed anything unusual about the car. It had been a little slow to start for a couple days, but seemed to run fine. I thought perhaps I needed to check the spark plugs. The fire dept. Suggested I contact ford to check on any potential recalls. Ford motor verified that confirmed that recall #07s51 did apply to the vehicle based on my VIN#. Remembering back, earlier in the week, my ABS light did come on, which I thought was unusual. But it did not stay on long, so I was not concerned. I filed a report with ford's crc. They have submitted the report to their general council. They said to expect up to 15 business days before receiving a response on next the steps. No one was hurt, but the vehicle was declared totaled. I have a report from the fire dept. Pictures, affidavits and a personal written report. This was my only vehicle. *tr the consumer also stated the brake light illuminated, but once she added brake fluid everything seemed fine. Updated 09/14/09.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle did not immediately stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle finally stopped a few seconds later. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the first brake hose failed and the second one was cracked. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the brakes. The contact stated that the brake hoses were defective. The failure mileage was 109,000 and current mileage was 114,000.
My 2001 ford escape alarm started going off in my driveway, upon investigation there was smoke billowing out from under the hood. We opened the hood and used the fire extinguisher on the ABS brake module/wiring harness under the master cylinder. The vehicle was towed to ford motor company, allstate insurance states the fire was caused by the hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module. I had completed the recall for this part in february of 2008, 10 months later my vehicle catches on fire. The repairs completed at ford since the fire have been to replace the wiring harness, the hydraulic antilock control unit/module and other affected burnt parts.
I have as 2001 ford escape xls that all four brake lines are cracked about 3/4 of the way through, making it almost eminent that they are going to rupture within a few weeks, days even. I understand one brake line going out once in a while, but with only 126,000 I find it unbelievable that all four lines could be like this. It makes me wonder just how many ford's on the road are just about ready to loose their brake function. Sounds like a serious safety issue to me. I haven't replaced any of the lines yet, because nobody carries the part. Ford told me to go to the local dealer, already did and no part. Something is very wrong here. This is my complaint.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. While driving at an unknown speed on a local highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. He pulled the vehicle over, opened the hood, and noticed flames underneath the hood. He attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, the fire department arrived and extinguished it instead. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop. Through research, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:anti-lock:control unit/module) for the same failure. He went to the local ford dealer and spoke with the service manager. On september 22, 2007, the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the recall repair had previously been repaired. Therefore, the service manager stated that ford would not be responsible for any repairs that needed to be performed on the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 104,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. The contact received a recall notice and took the vehicle to a local dealer to have the vehicle repaired. The ABS light illuminated intermittently. When the contact exited the vehicle, he could smell something burning, but did not see smoke. Shortly after, the ABS light went out, the vehicle speed control did not work. The contact referenced the owner's manual to check which fuse needed to be replaced. He identified that the ABS and cruise control shared the same fuse. Currently, everytime he replaces a fuse, it fails. The dealer informed him that his vehicle had previously been repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:anti-lock:control unit/module). He was advised to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic at the dealer that performed the repair. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 110,000. Updated 02/19/10. *lj the consumer discovered the ABS and speed control were on the same fuse, and the ABS module was burned out. The consumer went back to the dealer, but was told the repair was completed under the recall once. Updated 02/19/10.*jb updated 09/07/10
While parked in our driveway after sitting for about 3 hours a passerby started banging on our front door and said we had a fire in our driveway. Sure enough our 2001 ford escape was shooting flames from the engine. We had no idea something like this could happen. After going to this site and reading similar accounts of the car just going on fire while parked we can only assume something was defective in the vehicle. The ABS light had been going off and on recently.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. While the vehicle was parked, the ABS computer system began smoking . An intense electrical smell was present and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the ABS, ecu module, and the hcu module were damaged. A police and fire department report was filed but there was no fire, just a lot smoke. The federal safety agency campaign id number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module) was referenced. The failure mileage was 100,005. Updated 06/30/08 *bf updated 06/30/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. The contact stated that the master cylinder was leaking into the booster. The vehicle made a hissing noise coming from the brakes and there was a rapid loss of brake fluid. She also stated that braking became difficult. The contact noticed that the brake light remained illuminated for six months, dimmed for a couple of days, but then illuminated again. When she took the vehicle to the dealer for the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module), the dealer stated that the master cylinder and booster (because of the leak) also needed to be replaced. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 142,129 and failure mileage was 130,080.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. The contact stated that brake fluid leaked around the master cylinder, which caused the brake lights to illuminate. The manufacturer sent a memo to vehicle owners stating to purchase a replacement cap. The current mileage was 78,190 and failure mileage was 40,000. The vehicle purchase date was unavailable. Updated 01-29-08. *kb the consumer stated bought a new cap at the cost of $17.61. Updated 01/29/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. When attempting to stop suddenly, the vehicle would be very difficult to stop. He stated that the vehicle spun around once while attempting to stop. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they repaired the vehicle under recall number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). Approximately two days later, the contact noticed that the brakes were still not working properly. He returned to the dealer and they would not re-inspect the vehicle, however, they stated that they would make a repair that was identical to the previous repair. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 58,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer because the ABS and brake lights were illuminated. The dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to drive until the end of the week. The vehicle caught fire that same night. The contact stated that flames rose at least 20 feet high. The fire department extinguished the fire. The front end underneath the hood was completely burnt and the engine fell to the ground. The vehicle sustained major damage. The insurance company and ford will inspect the vehicle. The vehicle is included in the federal safety agency recall number 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module ). The current and failure mileages were 79,000.
Brake problem invoving ABS sensor ring on front wheels. This wheel ring literally cracked causing the ABS light to come on and the brake pedal had to be pressed to the floor to operate the brakes. The ring was "epoxyed" back together by my mechanic, but now the brakes on occasion make a "clunking" noise and you can feel the vibration in the pedal. Seems like something is not engaging properly.
We noticed a hissing noise,took it to dealer,was told brake booster,master cylinder,left stabilizer link assy,and pre-tensioner connectors on air bag all need replaced. Can not afford to replace pre-tensioner connectors. Seems unusual to me that all would go out all of a sudden,especially both the booster and master cylinder. To my knowledge we did nothing to contribute to the probs. I may be hard to reach,as I am staying with my father in hermann while he undergoes cancer treatments,but,my wife can be reached at the evening phone # listed.
Failure of dealer, fette ford, clifton, nj, to repair safety recall of 2001 ford ecsape.
Ford escape 2001 master brake cylinder and brakes failed causing accident when I totally lost my brakes. 1 day after ford dealership replaced master brake cylinder. Ford has faulty master brake parts.
I recently took my 2001 ford escape in for service for recall #07s51. While a partial repair has been completed the parts to complete the repair totally will not be available until august. While ford states the vehicle is ok to drive they informed me not to park near structures or inside garages until the repair is completed in august, they cannot be held liable if I do so. That statement makes me believe the car is unsafe to drive down the road with my family in, yet ford will not do anything to remedy the situation or expedite the repair or offer me a safe vehicle on loan until mine can be 100% repaired. I have made numerous calls and emails to ford to get action on this repair and have been treated rudely and dismissed telling me there is nothing that can be done for me.
On april 15, 2007, I went to value brakes to have my brakes checked. They were fine, but my master cylinder was leaking and it had to be replaced. I paid $284.83 to have it replaced.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 ford escape xlt wires under the hood burned while sitting in the garage of her home. She drove the vehicle one hour prior to the fire. The alarms in her house warned her of the fire. She called the local fire department, and they found no fire in the house. They then checked the garage and they smelled something burning. The fireman opened and noticed the wires that were burning under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to town and country, and they informed her that old brake fluid leaked on the ABS, which was the cause of the wires burning. The vehicle was serviced for the ABS light coming on, and off at the local firestone, they replaced the master cylinder . The wires burned within 24 hours of the repair. The town and country dealership gave the contact a loaner vehicle, and she felt this was odd. The contact stated that the dealership informed her that it would cost $2,416.12 to repair the wires and the ABS. The current and failure mileage were both 67,508. *ak the consumer states that she wants to be reimbursed for all repairs done to her vehicle and has provided all invoices for repair and the report from the fire dept. Update 4/25/07
The car was parked for about an hour when my sister in law saw the fire coming out of the engine area. I turned the fire off with water. The master cylinder was completely burned. All of the wires coming out of the fuse box as well as the ABS wires. The car will turn on but I cant shift it into drive. The brake fuse also burned out.
The morning of 2/20/07 I went out to start my 2001 ford escape to go to work and as I was walking out to the garage I saw smoke billowing out of my hood. I ran over and popped the hood and there was smoke coming from my anti-lock braking system electronic control system. I pushed the car out of my garage fearing a house fire and a friend unhooked my battery . When the smoking and sparking subsided the ABS control box was melted and all the wires were burned and melted. I called the dealership to see if there were any recalls at this time and they told me no. I googled consumer reports and saw an article that this was not an isolated incident and that you were investigating 8 other similar incidents. It has not been repaired as it has just happened and honestly is seems to be quite expensive to remedy. This is a very dangerous problem and hopefully your investigation will result in some sort of recall.
My 2001 ford escape parked in my driveway started to catch on fire. I took it to the dealership and it was the ABS module like in the federal safety agency action number pe06048.
2001 xlt - hissing noise when pressing the brakes. If tapped the sound decreases. This just started at 75k. Will need to get booster changed. I have never had this to any of my other vehicles.
Emergency brake cable failure on 2001 ford escape.
Brake fluid from the master cylinder leaked on a wiring harness and caused multiple system failures including the ABS system, the cruise control, the driver's side air bag, and the display on the radio. The service tech indicated that I was lucky I avoided a fire. This seems very similar to the recall on the ford f-150s that is causing multiple fires. *nm per diagnostics for the verification of the airbag lamp, the cause was due to the power fuse of the module/open circuit from ABS internal circuit damage.
A hissing noise is coming from my brake pedal. When I press down on the brake it goes away but when I let up on the brake it starts making the hissing noise again.
My wife was driving our 8 year old twins to a piano recital in my 2001 ford escape, and, while going up a steep hill on a four-lane road, the engine downshifted and the car accelerated out of control. When she realized that she the car was speeding forward when she was not pressing on the accelerator, she applied the brakes hard, but nothing happened. In an attempt to avoid the cars, she took an off-ramp but quickly realized that traffic was stopped there as well. In desperation, my wife pulled the emergency brake. The car then stopped, but then lost she lost everything. My escape started rolling backwards down the hill, even with the emergency brake on. Again, the foot brake didn't respond. She was headed backwards down the 1/2 mile, steeply graded hill into the cars coming up the hill. She turned the wheel to back up the steep embankment on the side of the road. After bouncing backwards through the steep ditch and traveling about 14 feet up the embankment, the car paused for a moment and then slammed forward back into the ditch. Our children were not hurt. My wife has suffered whiplash which is requiring medication, physical therapy, and gives her constant pain. My local ford dealer has been honest that a cruise control wire was frayed, and even though she was not using the cruise control, it was moving in parallel to the accelerator cable. The frayed cruise control cable stuck and caused the accelerator to compress and stick. They have no explanation for the loss of brakes and the failure of the emergency brake. However, after the honest assessment, poor treatment ensued. The dealership is fixing the cable, transmission, and brakes under our extended warranty and not taking ownership for the accident. They have had my car for 1 month today, and I still do not have it back. I will have to pay the $1000 deductible for the auto body work.
I am the original owner of a 2001 ford escape xlt v6, 4 wheel drive. My truck currently has 75000 miles of use. I feel the incident I chose to write about is a significant safety issue as it involves a malfunction of the anit-lock braking system (ABS) which significantly reduces braking action (on dry pavement!) when it occurs. I am also aware of at least two other ford escape owners that have experienced the same failure. The failure causes the ABS to activate on dry pavement, when absolutely no slippage is occurring at any wheel. The activity of the ABS system actually significantly reduces braking capacity and causes the brake pedal to go down noticeably further than normal when attempting to stop. Only a quick avoidance maneuver allowed me to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me. Pumping the brakes does not help since the ABS hydraulic control module is modulating the brakes at such a rate, pumping the brake does not produce a firmer pedal. I have traced the problem to a faulty ABS system rotation transducer design on the front wheels of the escape. The transducer is basically a splined ring about 8mm wide. The ring is apparently friction fit onto the half-shaft near the front cv joints just inside of the front hub assembly. A sensor apparently picks up the peaks or valleys in the splined ring as it rotates past the sensor to determine wheel rotation speed. It is the splined ring that fails, mine actually split across its width causing it to loosen and move away from the sensor. This apparently causes the ABS system to operate erratically and actually cause a significant reduction in braking capacity on dry pavement! This erratic behavior will occur 5-10 times before the ABS controller determines there is something wrong and switches off the ABS system. This illuminates the ABS indicator light on the instrument panel and does restore normal braking performance. This cycle will repeat itself each time the truck is shut off and restarted!!
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