2001 Ford Escort Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 15%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,119miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2001 Ford Escort, 15% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,119 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In aug. 2003, I purchased a 2001 Ford Escort, only a short time after having it (2 weeks) vehicle engine died while at stop light. This has happened repeatedly, it is now november, and my local dealership has had my car more than I have since purchase in august. Continually tell me there is nothing wrong with it. They installed a device to monitor the times when it dies, they serve people have driven it and it has died on them, they continue to say they do not know how to fix it. Also, I have been on the interstate with cruise control set and vehicle suddenly accelerates. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047337, filed 2003-11, 13,860 miles“Dt: the contact states while parked with the engine off vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle had been sitting for over two hours. He smelled smoke and checked in the garage where the vehicle was parked. The fire was coming from under the hood in front of the steering compartment. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was totaled. There was extensive damage to the garage and the contact's house. The preliminary report indicated the fire started in the engine compartment. Reports were taken by the police, fire department, and insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10143102, filed 2005-11, 58,000 miles“There was a fast idle, vibration in steering wheel, burning smell coming from the engine, and the vehicle stalled along with the fast idle. The service dealer stated the vehicle had run fine. After five attempts to remedy the problem, and after being told repeatedly the vehicle ran normally, the consumer would like a full refund. The pcv was replaced, and the vehicle had run perfect until the fast idle had returned along with the vibrations which irritated the consumer which caused headaches after 20 miles of driving. The valve assembly/crankcase ventilation regulator was replaced as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10015693, filed 2003-04, 20,238 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231999, filed 2008-06, 115,000 miles“While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle failed to accelerate. After applying the accelerator pedal numerous times vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Consumer noticed that the accelerator pedal was stuck. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the throttle body needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10101879, filed 2004-11Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 10 | 15% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 28 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 2% |
| 1993 | 49 | 13% |
| 1992 | 22 | 14% |
| 1991 | 19 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Escort
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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