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Ford Escape - Engine Shutdowns

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Ford Escape • Engine problems • Unexplained shutdowns • Safety concerns --- • Ford

Unable to escape any longer, Ford finaly recalled 363,000 Escapes in April 2004 to fix the stalling problem described below.

Lynne of Austell GA (8/4/03):
As I was doing 40 mph down an incline my engine shut off and I lost power steering and brakes. If a car was in front of me there would have been a very ugly accident. This problem has been reported numerous times by other Ford Escape owners. I wound up on someone's lawn because of losing control of the vehicle. What does it take to have a recall on this before people start dying?

Lynne and other owners with this problem should immediately find an aggressive Lemon Law attorney.

Andrea of Garland TX (8/28/02):
Purchased Ford 2002 Escape from Rockwall Ford, Rockwall, Texas on January 5, 2002. On July 15, 2002, took vehicle to Rockwall Ford with complaint that vehicle died while driving. Rockwall Ford ran diagnostics and informed me nothing was wrong with the vehicle. On August 9, 2002 took vehicle to Rockwall Ford with complaint that vehicle died while driving. Ford informed me there was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on the Escape and that hitting a bump in the road could cause engine to shut off (this is on my invoice).

Also informed me that key ring should not weigh over 9 ounces. My key ring weights 3 ounces. I talked with Kevin Renner this date and he informed me that Ford had placed "flight recorders" in some Escapes to obtain data. I asked if he would keep me informed as to status on Escapes with Ford. On August 14, 2002 sent certified letter to Ford Customer Relations in Michigan requesting vehicle be replaced.

Fortunately, to date, no physical injuries. However, I am very uncomfortable driving this vehicle. I make 12 hour trips on the interstate from time to time but am afraid to do so because concrete barricades on the interstate are miles long (construction zones) and I'm very worried vehicle will die while driving. I consider this vehicle a serious safety hazard.

Lissette of Brooklyn NY (9/15/02):
I bought a brand-new Ford Escape 2001. On August 16, 2002 the vehicle broke down on the Cross Island Pkwy coming from Long Island. The vehicle shut down on the highway while driving at about 50 mph, almost getting into a accident with my 6 year old son in the vehicle.

The vehicle ever since has been out of commission for almost 30 days. I spoke with the dealer and said I don't want that vehicle anymore, I am so fearful of that vehicle that I could never drive it again. I don't want to put my life and my family's lives in danger because this brand-new vehicle shuts off on me while driving it.

I think my vehicle may fall under the lemon law. The dealer doesn't seem to want to help me and give me a new vehicle. I am a New York City police officer and it has caused me to miss and not have any means of transportation.

Shanean of Indianapolis (2/17/03):
In November of 2001 I purchased a 2001 Ford Escape. At the time of the purchase the vehicle already had 1300 miles. In December of 2001 the vehicle was returned to the dealer for an inspection due to a chemical odor. Whenever the engine was started a chemical odor consumed the vehicle. When the car was taken to the dealer the mechanics could not find a specific problem. However, the mechanic agreed to smelling the odor as well. To this day the car continues to create the same smell when ever the engine is turned on.

Oftentimes the car cranks over and the engine does not start. On 1/13/03 the car would not start. After being serviced at the dealership the auto mechanic ruled the problem as being the result of a bad battery. Which is rather unusual considering the car is only 2 years old. The mechanic replaced the old battery and installed a new battery.

A month later the engine light illuminated therefore indicating the engine needed to be serviced. The car was returned and the service tech had mentioned that there was a malfunction with the sensors. Currently a problem still exists when attempting to start the engine. The car cranks over but does not start until the gas pedal is pressed several times.

I am concerned that in the short amount of time that i have owned the car it has incurred several problems relating to the engine. To make a long story short i have taken this car to the dealership 4 times regarding engine related problems. I just recently found out that the car had 4 other owners prior to me. Which sends the message of a red flag. I wonder if the other owners were experiencing problems with the vehicle as well.

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