2002 Ford Escape: won't start

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Transmission · 52,400 miles · VA

My 2002 ford escape with 52000 miles on it was great until last week when it stalled in the middle of a busy road with no shoulder late at night. I had to have it towed to the dealer where they told me that I needed a new battery because it was leaking acid (huh?) and that they would kindly put in the two recall parts one of which might be causing the problem (PCM I believe). The strange thing was about two hours after I had stalled I could start the car again fine but I figured they would still want to see it since it could be a dangerous situation. However, they did not find anything wrong with the car and sent me on my way. Then last night my car wouldn't start...sounds were very similar to the time before only this time I wasn't driving I was in a parking garage. So I gave up and called a friend and decided to have it towed in th emorning when the dealer was open. Only in the morning my car started fine again. I drove to the dealer anyway though because this was not very safe and figured they would want to look it over. Problem. They said they can't do anything unless the problem is actually occuring so I would have to wait until it happens again. This didn't sit well with me so I called ford and they said the same thing. Then I went online and did a search and it seems I am not the only one with this problem but no one seems to have an answer. I am nervous because I sometime drive on busy highways and if it stalls I might end up in a crash but ford didn't seem to care about this scenario. I am at a loss and want a better answer then wait until it happens again but I thought I should file a complaint in case others are having the same problem and to warn other drivers about following too close to a ford escape.

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Engine · MI

After driving the escape for a few hours...running errands and what not...we park the car for a short time...then the car won't start. It will turn over, but if the gas isn't kept on it stalls. Have had the car into the dealer 4 times now and they can't replicate the situation. Usually after letting the car sit for several hours, it will start up and run fine. This has been going on for two months now.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 75 miles · AK

The brake light came on while driving. This occurred because the brake master cylinder had a slow leak that progressed. The dealership indicated the leak may be due to a bad cylinder cap. The cap was replaced. Also at 100 miles the steering wheel became loose and felt like it was going to separate from it's linkage. A screw in the steering wheel had became loose and needed to be tightened. The dealership tightened the screw and put a punch mark into the side of the screw to make it stay in place but the problem recurred. *nm the master parts were not working the steering wheel was loose after 50 miles. The master cylinder had a slow leak, which worsened over time and tightening did not fix. The consumer found the back light behind the gear selector and odometer went out, the airbag light had come on, the check engine light had come on, the radio did not start, the vehicle stalled, and the seat belts were inoperative. *sc

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · TX

While driving 45 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to start vehicle and drove it home. The next day, vehicle would not start. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the battery. Driver informed the mechanic that the air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on after the battery was replaced.

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 7,625 miles · NY

Problems with 2002 ford escape xls would not start. *mr the consumer stated it would take three tries before the vehicle would start. The consumer was told by the dealer they could not find any technical signals.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Electrical · 8,000 miles · GA

Ford escape xlt midnight edition 2002 stalled while driving on a clear day. Luckily there was roadwork so I could pull over easily although braking and steering was almost impossible. One week later car didn't start and garage told me that the battery had burst, they replaced battery.

Filed Aug 12, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · MA

Vehicle stalled at 25 MPH, dealer replaced wiring harness, vehicle has been at dealership for 3 weeks.*ak consumer states that several weeks prior the vehicle would not start.

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · AK

2002 ford escape xlt, vehicle would not start, engine turned over but soounded like it was going to blow up. After several attempts it finally started. It does this 2 or 3 times a day. Dealer says no problem, it will fix itself. Vehicles engine smoked on two occasions, thought the car was on fire. Dealer says there is nothing wrong. Vehicle will surge on its own, even with the brake depressed, almost as if I had floored it. I cannot drive 20 MPH, it surges forward! Last incident I had with the vehicle, I lost complete use of the brakes, no hydraulics, no nothing. Pedal depressed right to the floor. Almost got into a head on collision, used e-brake to stop. Happened a second time later that day. Took car to dealership, nothing is wrong. Contacted ford rep. And they will not do anything to help me. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I do not wish to keep the vehicle.

Filed Jan 9, 2002 · Engine · NY

Vehicle would not start in grocery parking lot. Towed to dealer. Tow driver said third escape under 3000 miles he's towed recently that would not start.