2001 Ford Escape Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 282about this part
- Share
- 28%of 996 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 282 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford Escape, 28% of the 996 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After driving for appx 19 miles, stopped at my destination and put car in park. Engine started racing to appx 3000-4000 RPM. Tapped gas pedal to see if I could make it stop, which I couldn't (it continued to race for a few moments). At this point I just turned ignition off. Started car back up and everything was normal again.”
NHTSA complaint #10466643, filed 2012-07, 176,450 miles“Ford failure to perform recall #04v-165 Ford #04s13 on my 01 Escape. Contacted Ford, provided VIN, Ford claimed no recall on my vehicle. However mt 01 Escape was produced in 10/2000 which was during the recall period. Has never been done. Vehicle now stalls and hard starts (long cranks) sometimes takes 2 or 3 tries.”
NHTSA complaint #10103047, filed 2004-12, 39,800 miles“The transmission on my 2001 Ford Escape, went out I had 58,000 miles on the truck. Had to put in a new transmission. Now 4 months later, the engine light comes on. The engine coolant warning light keeps coming on even though it is full. All of the lighters/sun roof have no power to them they all quit. I have replaced all fuses, with no luck. Now the all lights on the radio are gone, but the radio still works.”
NHTSA complaint #10090614, filed 2004-09, 58,000 miles“While traveling to work today, my 2001 Ford Escape stalled four times while driving. Each time, I was going between 20-35 MPH and the car just completely shut off. This is extremely dangerous as I have a young son who was riding with me at the time. The dealer stated they have had numerous cars do this.”
NHTSA complaint #10047158, filed 2003-11, 37,000 miles“My 2001 Ford Escape stalled while driving normally, about 35 MPH. Engine and oil lights illuminated, steering locked. Pulled over and restarted. I've discovered this is a common problem among Escape owners, and I am concerned about this serious safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10030369, filed 2003-07, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026389May 16, 2008Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for…
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 | 94 | 16% |
| 2018 | 345 | 19% |
| 2017 | 509 | 19% |
| 2016 | 57 | 5% |
| 2015 | 44 | 4% |
| 2014 | 187 | 9% |
| 2013 | 175 | 6% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 17 | 1% |
| 2010 | 35 | 2% |
| 2009 | 37 | 2% |
| 2008 | 38 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 90 | 6% |
| 2004 | 18 | 4% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 294 | 29% |
| 2001 | 282 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Escape
163 complaintsElectrical system
136 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
128 complaintsVehicle speed control
107 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsSteering
58 complaintsFuel system
55 complaintsBody and structure
54 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsTires
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology