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2001 Ford Escort problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Ford Escort is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 35,000 miles. It has 2.1 times the complaints of a typical Escort model year.

Year to avoid2.1x the typical complaints
Year score
49/100
Owner complaints
68
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
27
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
25-26mpg

The worst 2001 Ford Escort problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Ford Escort

Stalling 9No deployment 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Ford Escort 27

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 27 bulletins for the 2001 Ford Escort

2001 Ford Escort fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD22-2330-3225-26

What 2001 Ford Escort owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Tires · 180,000 miles · CA

I purchased all four michelins about a year ago. Since then I had two blowouts on the rear drive-side tire and one on the front driver-side tire. All three blew out on the sidewalls, two of which were on the inner side sidewall and one on the outer side sidewall. There were no nails, glass, or other debris responsible for these blowouts. The first one not only left a gapping hole on the inner side sidewall, but it got so hot it also blew out the tire stem and was smoking for a good hour afterwards. They replaced that tire with a brand new michelin of the same type. Then the second blew out happened on that new tire several months later also leaving a gapping hole on the inner side sidewall and it was so hot the guys couldn't even touch it to fix it until they doused it with water. They replaced it with a brand new michelin as well. Then several months later (today) the front driver side tire blew similarly. I did not crash and there was no fire, however there was a lot of smoke and these instances could have easily been a lot worse since I was on the freeway each time, but I'm lucky they were not. I definitely feel we are dealing with some defective tires here.

Filed Jan 21, 2013 · Electrical · 13,400 miles · MO

I was at the store with my son (12 years old) and my grandson (3 years old), when we went to leave the key would not turn and the steering wheel was locked up. It was very cold outside, after about an hour I got ahold of someone to come pick us up. When I got home I did some internet research and found out this is a common issue and no recall? No car, can't pick my daughter up at her friend's house (she is stranded), can't take my grandson home and have to figure out a way to work tomorrow. This is a major safety issue leaving people stranded without warning. Especially if there are health issues or children involved. My dad is 73 and loves ford, he was surprised and disappointed about this also. What is ford thinking?.. Greed and money.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Brakes, Seat belts · 75,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escort. The contact stated that the shift anti- lock actuator failed and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The vehicle was repaired october 24, 2003 when the dealer replaced the shifter and the cable assembly. The contact stated that the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger seat belt did not work properly and that the shoulder strap would not buckle properly. The failure mileage was 75,000. The ABS light would randomly illuminate. Updated 12/15/11 updated 12/28/11*lj the right rear seat belt was twisted, which made it inoperable, the brake shift inter-lock malfunctioned and the consumer was unable to shift the from park to drive. Updated 03.12.12

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Seat belts, Transmission · 35,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns 2001 ford escort. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park after engine startup. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the shifter and shift console needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that the rear passenger seat belt was twisted and causing the seat belt to not lock properly. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 75,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Engine · MO

I have a 2001 ford escort zx2. Ive had it a little over a year now. This reoccurring problem is getting very frustrating. When I start my car it sounds like its getting ready to die. It just struggles at very low RPM. I don't know if there is a way to adjust the idle but is there a fix?

Filed Jan 14, 2010 · Steering · 60,000 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escort. The contact stated that in 2006 the rack and pinion was replaced. The contact stated that she is responsible for paying the repair cost. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 02/02/10 *bf updated 02/05/10.

Filed Nov 5, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · 59,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escort purchased april 2002. The rear coil springs, struts, and egr valve were placed at an expense of $870.00. After the repair the front coil springs, and struts failed, they then added that this failure was common for her model type. The failure and current mileages were under 59,000. Updated 11/23/09. *lj updated 11/24/09

Filed Aug 14, 2009 · Airbags · 162,353 miles · CA · crash

I was in a accident on the 105fwy west, going between 15-25 MPH in moderate morning traffic. I hit the back of a car, slammed my face against the steering wheel, and severely damaged my front hood, bumper and engine, which has been totaled out! My air bags failed to deploy! Its a 2001 ford escort, never been in a accident, and I have neck, back, and severe jaw pain.

Filed Jul 15, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 69,000 miles · MO · fire

I currently own 2 (two) 2001 ford escort se. Both have the same electrical fire hazard and I have had to replace the blower motor resistor connector, blower motor resistor as well as the wiring harnesses and connector, the connectors melted and wiring burnt up.

Filed Jun 23, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 115,000 miles · PA · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford escort. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle dramatically surged forward and crashed into another vehicle. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they repaired the coil spring in the brake pedal, along with other cosmetic repairs. One month later, while attempting to park the vehicle into a parking space, it surged forward again and crashed into a pipe. The air bags deployed and the vehicle sustained moderate damage. An investigator from her insurance company is in the process of inspecting the vehicle. The contact has pictures of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 115,000.

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Questions about the 2001 Ford Escort

Is the 2001 Ford Escort reliable?

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 2001 Ford Escort, 2.1 times a typical Escort model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2001 Ford Escort year score?

The 2001 Ford Escort scores 49 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Escort: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Escort?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 14 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles. Next is engine (12).

How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Escort have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Escort get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Ford Escort range from 25 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 30-32 highway.

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