The 2001 Ford Escape has 25 recalls, the most serious involving steering wheel detachment, a stuck throttle that prevents slowing the vehicle, and fire risks from the ABS module and fuel system.
Several recalls involve throttle control: on 3.0L V6 models with speed control, the throttle can stick wide open when the accelerator is nearly floored, and a separate speed control cable defect can also jam the throttle when cruise control is disengaged. On the steering side, a fastener attaching the steering wheel to the column can be installed incorrectly or arrive cracked, allowing the wheel to loosen or detach entirely.
The ABS module connector can admit moisture and corrode, causing overheating, smoke, or fire. A leaking brake master cylinder cap can drip brake fluid onto that same connector, compounding the risk. Damaged fuel filter o-ring seals can drip fuel near ignition sources, also raising fire risk.
Two chassis recalls cover the lower control arm attachment point corroding and separating from the subframe, causing sudden loss of steering, and incorrect rear hubs on certain 4x2 models allowing rear wheels to loosen or detach. There are also recalls for a shift lever that can disengage from a remanufactured transmission, an engine that can stall on deceleration on V6 models, front seatbelt buckles that can fail to latch in a crash, a rear liftgate that can swing open in a crash, and windshield wipers that can suddenly stop working.
