- The problem
- Certain trw driver's side seat belts manufactured on december 6 and 9, 2002, for use as replacement equipment for 1997 ford escort 4-door and station wagon platform vehicles, ford's p/n f7cz54611b09aac. The seat belt assemblies exhibit a no-lock condition which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, Seat belt assemblies.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate protection to the seat occupant, which may increase the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on august 27, 2004.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Ford Escort Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 2001 Ford Escort with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (18) and the transmission & drivetrain (15). Those complaints describe 15 crashes, 5 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in July 2004 for the front. For comparison, the 2000 has 0 and the 2002 has 88.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Escort year, for its age
#92 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 99
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 15
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Ford Escort problems
Share of all 99 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Ford Escort recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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99 complaints about the 2001 Ford Escort
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
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...
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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. *Tr
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...
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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. *Tr
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...
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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
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.
I have a 2001 focus zx3 - 5sp that tends to stall when the ac is on. But it may not stall during the "initial" use period. Without warning, it will stall after the vehicle is turned off and then restarted. My service shop checked the computer codes for a problem and nothing came up. Yesterday, it was driven for about 30mins with the ac on (outside temperature around 80+ degrees). The vehicle ran fine with the rpms normal when stopped. The vehicle was turned off for about 90 mins. When attempting to restart ...
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it would stall. To get started I needed to keep foot on gas pedal (to maintain a high enough rpm to prevent the stall). If I did not keep the rpms up, vehicle would stall. While driving and stopping, I needed to keep my foot on the gas pedal to maintain the rpms. (This can be challenging with a 5-spd.) The vehicle was then parked for over four hours. It then started without problem and ran normally. During this period I did not have the ac on. I see that this may be a common problem with the focus. However, neither ford motor's customer service line nor the local ford dealer are aware of the problem. The vehicle was taken to a ford dealership (echelon ford) on 6/8/10 for a diagnostic of the problem and they could not recreate it. I was charged $108 for the shop time and still have no technical answer to this critical and potentially fatal problem... *Tr
I was pulling out the driveway when the rear axle snapped in two. This is going to kill someone. *Tr
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? *Cn
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.*Jb
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
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. *Tr
2001 Ford has an oil leak on the top of the engine. Consumer states that ford feel that the leak is normal and that there is no responsibility for them. *Nj the consumer stated the oil leak was caused by metal chip debris or damage to the sealing surface that occurred during the manufacturing process. In order to repair the problem, the engine must be pulled out of the vehicle. *Jb updated 03/01/10
We have had three incidents involving two vehicles in which wheels have come off of ford f-550 vehicles due to sheared lug bolts. The weights of all of our vehicles have been recorded and fall below the manufacturers gvwr. Per a tire company's recommendation, we have issued a mandate that all similar vehicles have their wheels re-torqued, to meet the manufacturers specifications after driving, after traveling 50 miles following any work done on the wheels. We have had the wheels on vehicle that did not come...
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off inspected and checked to proper torque following all incidents and they have been torqued appropriately. The incident dates were, 12/29/07 ,02/15/08, and 07/17/08 . On 12/29/07 an employee was driving up a road at approximately 20 m.P.H. When the driver side back dual wheels came off due to broken lug bolts. This was a normal use of the vehicle on a well-maintained dirt road. On 02/15/08 two employees were driving on interstate 84 traveling at approximately 60 m.P.H. When the rear passenger wheels came off the vehicle and passed the vehicle on the highway traveling mile. The studs were also sheared off in this instance. The interstate was in good condition at the time of the accident. It was very fortunate that the tires did not strike another vehicle. On 07/17/08 an employee was driving on oregon state highway 82 at approximately 55 m.P.H. When the driver side rear wheels came off. The wheels struck another vehicle damaging that vehicle?S brake system. In this case, a fatality could have easily occurred to the other driver. That driver?S name is: keith culiver - 740 11th avenue north, payette, id (working for tnt forest products). We have replaced the lug bolts on all of our five vehicles in this classification as an attempt to avoid further problems. However, one accident occurred following this replacement. *Tr
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. *Tr
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.
During a routine inspection, my mechanic noticed that the rear spring coils on my 2001 ford escort (59,000 miles) were noticeably worn down and needed to be replaced immediately, as to not puncture my tires. He said that this is a known problem in escorts and taurus and that tires can be punctured by these rear coil springs while the vehicle is in motion. I had the rear springs replaced, which is an expensive repair. *Tr
The cruise control was disconnected by ford dealership in october of 2007 because of recall. They said in december that I should have new parts ready for install on my 2001 ford van. This is march of 2008 and no one can tell when this part will be replaced. I fell like I have paid for the comfort of cruise control and do not have it. I fell like I cant sell van with a defective part or cruise unplugged. How long does ford have to repair this part. *Tr
I am having the exact problem described in ea0515. The dealership has said it has seen the problem before. My leak has ruined the gem module according to the dealership. The total damage $980.00. My insurance company has the belief this is a manufactures defect and is not responsible either. *Tr
UPPER INTAKE GASKET MANIFOLD. *TR
Emissions light went on and off and the car seemed to misfire. Did not drive smooth. I was glad I was close to home. I felt the car would conk out while I was driving. *Tr
Whenever it rains my 2001 ford expeditions electrical goes crazy, I get a leak from wheat I am guessing is the windshield, and the floor gets wet, then my ac runs without the keys in the ignition and my lights come on and off, the radio goes on and off and keeps draining the battery, took it to ford, but all they say is it needs a new gem module but never says anything about the windshield. This has been an on going problem for about 6 months. *Jb
When shifting from park to drive, car sometimes is in neutral instead. Then must go back to park and to drive again. *Jb
2001 Ford expedition sitting in driveway catches fire. Fire spread to house. Car a total loss, house damaged. Yard also damaged. *Tr
During ~55,000 mile brake checkup it was found that both rear coil springs on my 2001 ford taurus are broken, seemingly in the same place. Parts are being replaced by local service center. *Tr
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 mph, he started smelling a burnt odor and suddenly all the lights on the 2001 ford focus started flashing. After 3 cycles of flashing all the lights went out, the engine was still running, but the contact had the vehicle towed home. He then had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they stated that the wiring harness had a short causing it to burn. The contact can provide invoice repair. The current and failure mileage were both 63500 miles.
When shifting from park to drive, car sometimes is in neutral instead. Then must go back to park and to drive again. Flushed transmission and replaced fluid and this has cut down on occurrences. *Jb
Ford Escort: every year compared
All Escort years2001 Ford Escort vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Ford Escort | 99 | 1 | F | |
| 2001 Ford Escape | 1,027 | 15 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Expedition | 609 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Excursion | 206 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Econoline | 175 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 | 117 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Crown Victoria | 84 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Ford EV Ranger | 43 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Club Wagon | 33 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Ford Escort
Does the 2001 Ford Escort have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Ford Escort: front (July 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Escort?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (18), transmission & drivetrain (15), acceleration & cruise control (14).
How many complaints has the 2001 Ford Escort had?
99 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 25, 2000 and the latest on March 4, 2014. Of these, 15 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Ford Escort a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Escort year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Escort years have the most complaints?
2001 (99), 2002 (88). See every Ford Escort year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Ford Escort has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data