2001 Ford Escape: won't start

Filed Jun 2, 2006 · Engine, Fuel system · 28,000 miles · OH

The first incident happened on 05/01/06 after driving at least 30 min to 45 min. At a speed of around 50 MPH, the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer where they diagnosed a loose gas cap. On 5/22/06 after driving again at least 30 min to 45 min. After returning home and backing out of the driveway my escape stalled and would not start, after about an hour it started again did not take it to the dealer. The third incident happened may 30 after driving 30 min to 45 min the check engine light came on again. I took it to the dealer where they replaced the vapor management valve which is still not correcting the problem, so they are talking about replacing the fuel tank. The dealer has been very helpful, but after five years I would think I would not have this problem.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · IL

I have a 2001 ford escape and it was recently recalled for faulty ignition switch. The day before I took it in for the recall, the check engine light came on and it was rough idling. The ford dealer replaced ignition coil and said that was problem for check engine light and rough idle and said they did the recall. Less than a month later my car would not restart after stopping for a few brief minutes. A tow truck was called by ford's roadside assistance and when the tow truck driver arrived an hour and a half later the car started. The tow truck driver said it may have just been a fluke. I drove the car home without it being towed. 2 weeks went by with nothing happening and then one day after another brief stop the car would not start again. This time the tow truck arrived and it was taken to a ford dealer and was kept by them for 2 days to no avail. They still could not find a problem. They returned the car to me and 2 days later the car would not restart again. My husband pushed on the car backwards a few feet while the car was in neutral and to much surprise, the car started again when put tried again. This was very good news as it was late evening on a sat and the ford dealer was not open. Today, 3 days later, my husband stopped for gas and after paying for the gas the car will not restart. The truck is once again being towed to the ford dealer this time for good until it is fixed properly. Luckily these all happened close to home, what if we would have been on a trip or something ? If they cannot fix this problem I would like to be given a new/comparable vehicle. I am almost scared to drive it from fear of it failing me again.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 200 miles · VA

2 months after I bought my car brand new I went out to start it, it would not start and the emission light came on. The car sounds like it is trying to start, the only way I could get the car to start is hold the ignition. I smelled gas after the car started. I informed ford about the problem, they found nothing but replaced my starter even though it wasn't the problem. I have had this car almost 3yrs my warranty is ready to expire and ford still cannot fix/find the problem. This car has left me stranded more then once, I even had it towed to the dealership after working hrs. I was told by their service manager the car started, we found nothing wrong. I even told the dealership this car has been in the shop over 3x's it is a lemon and I want a new car or my money back. I was informed according to ford we cannot find a problem therefore, the lemon law does not exist and ford will not just take the car back. I have had this car to 2 ford dealerships, the sad part the orginal place I bought it from treated my very nasty since I would take my car for service at a closer one and have them look into the problem. Ford is ford doesn't matter what dealer I use does it? I am very dissatisfied and will never ever buy another ford again!! Someone please help me!!!

Filed Jan 14, 2004 · Engine · 43,200 miles · CA

2001 ford escape xlt 4wd stalled while driving. Has done this on numerous occasions. Also, occasionally will not start. Usually when vehicle has been parked outside for several hours in rain. Requires several attempts to start.

Filed Mar 30, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 16,000 miles · TX

2001 ford escape has repeatedly stalled during normal driving. Car currently has 33,000 miles; however, I began having problems early on. Car has stranded me several times. Car has been towed in several times and dealership can find nothing wrong it. Dealership has replaced alternator, transmission, fuel hoses, sensor, computer, etc. And car still stalls. This week it had to be towed from my garage to the dealership because it would not start. Dealership again could find nothing wrong with car. I love the car, but am terrified to drive it as when it stalls everything locks up and I have had a couple near miss accidents trying to get off the road. I have an infant and this is unacceptable.

Filed Nov 17, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · NY

I purchased this ford escape in march 2001 and have had nothing but problems with it since. On march 26 2001, two days after I received my new vehicle, it wouldn't start. The same problem occurred three more times in a period of two weeks before I brought the vehicle back to the dealer on april 9 2001. The dealership replaced the battery which was obviously defective. Since then I have had numerous other problems with my ford escape. I reported that the throttle was sticking (5/17/02) and it was replaced, but it continues to happen. I also reported that there was a vibration and hesitation when shifting gears around 45 MPH (5/17/02). Nothing was done at that time to remedy the problem. I later (8/29/02) reported the same problem to the dealer, brought the vehicle back for service on 9/27/02 at which time the torque converter was replaced. There is still a hesitation and loss of power as I drive the vehicle. Also on 5/11/02, the "service engine soon" light came on. The fuel emissions valve was replaced on 5/17/02. On 10/28/02, I reported to the dealer that my vehicle almost stalled at an intersection on 10/26/02 and later that day it would not start. I also told the service representative that there continued to be a "loss of power" as I drive the vehicle at highway speeds. I brought the escape back to the dealer on 10/30/02 and the technician found "nothing wrong" with the vehicle from the tests he performed. I am not satisfied with these results there is something obviously wrong with this vehicle! Dt

Filed Jun 30, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · MD

I was driving on the interstate at approximately 50 MPH downhill during rush hour when I lost power. I was on a stretch of interstate that had no shoulder so I coasted 1/4 mile to the shoulder. I was towed to the dealer who replaced my alternator. Six weeks later, I go to start my car and it wouldn't start.

Filed Jun 11, 2002 · Electrical · MI

Vehicle would not start, wouldn't even turn over cted like the battery was dead, except the radio worked and seat belt chime would run. Played with steering wheel and it started. This has happened 4 times in 1 year. It is at the dealers right now, they say they never heard of this before. Last week when it did it and I was moving the steering wheel , it didn;t even lock, I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I always park where I can make sure a wrecker can get in to haul it to the dealers.

Filed Mar 21, 2002 · Engine · PA

Car would not start in october 2001. Engine shut off while driving at approx. 50 MPH. Loss of steering and braking abilities.

Filed Jan 31, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · MS

Car will not start approximatlry 8 times and stalled while driving one time, brakes locked tow times, steering wheel locks every time, all lights on the dash comes on.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Electrical · NY

On two occasions vehicle would not start due to problems with ignition. Dealer has not been able to duplicate or correct problem.*ak

Filed May 2, 2001 · Electrical · PA

Car won't start.