Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-79
Recall Rotors on Ford escape / Mazda Tribute.
Don't waste your time with mazda like I did, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov and file a complaint on your mazda defects. I have a 2002 mazda tribute, and this is the second time I am having to replace the rotors, the first rotors and brake pads were replaced at 17,000 miles, now 10,000 miles later with 27,000 miles here we go again, warped rotors. mazda like most manufactures will deny, and not take any responsibilities to fix your vehicle, unless you file a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compiles the complaints, and are the ones to force the manufacture to issues recalls and remedy known problems the dealer keeps denying they are aware of. Besides the rotors this has been the most unreliable vehicle, I wasted my money on. This is the last mazda I will ever purchase. Buyer beware, check the website I posted and you can view all the complaints, issues and recalls affected with your vehicle.
My brother has a 2002 Ford Escape, it only has 86,000 miles on it.
We were coming home from vacation on the interstate when all of the sudden the car started decelerating, then the check engine light came on and then we heard a 'knocking' sound coming from under the hood. Luckily we were approaching a rest area that we were able to pull off the interstate.
It cost him $120.00 to have it towed to the nearest Ford dealership (he has an extended warranty). After two weeks they came to the conclusion that a rod in the engine blew and he needs a new engine at $7000.00!!! Of course the extended warranty company said they won't cover it because, get this, the catalytic converter went out, which caused the emissions valve to burn, which caused the rod to 'blow' in the engine, and in the extended warranty it states that the catalytic converter isn't covered, so out of luck!!
Every mechanic we spoke with (10 in all) says it absolutely is NOT true, we called Ford and got absolutely NOWHERE!!!I will go out of my way to tell people NOT to buy another Ford ever, because they DO NOT stand behind their product!
We own a 2006 FORD ESCAPE XLT which we purchased at the beginning of this year.
In the 7100 miles we have put on it since it was purchased new, the transmission has been acting up (it acts like its in neutral when you let off the gas and when you give it gas again it slams into gear) our local dealership says that's how its supposed to shift.
On 8/11/2006 I opened the rear hatch and proceeded to remove the items in the rear. The hatch came slamming down and hit me in the back of the head, knocking me out cold!! I came to face first inside the rear compartment with my legs outside and the hatch pinning me into the FORD ESCAPE. it was almost impossible for me (a grown man) to get the hatch off me and get out from under me.
One strut for the hatch was completely off and laying next to me inside the rear compartment and the other was half broke and dangling from the rear hatch.
After regaining my senses I took the FORD ESCAPE to our local FORD dealership and checked it in thinking they would fix it no problem, as we and do own many other FORD's in the past with no real problems. Well I was wrong FORD say it isn't there problem and they refuse to stand behind it and are trying to pass it off to our insurance company. our insurance company has sent one of their investagator's out to investigate.
I feel like the only way to protect other people is to come forward and possibly contact N.H.T.S.A.org and get an attorney.
After many years as a loyal FORD owner we will no longer purchase any more FORD's in disgust with FORD's unwillingness to stand behind their FORD ESCAPE's defects
Thanks
Warren
California.
Holy Buckets! First of all, I was also surprised to find how many 2001-200? Ford Escapes are having transmission problems. And unfortunately, I am ALSO finding myself with a possible $3500 bill facing me for a complete tranny replacement.
I have put in my share of miles (108,000) but have had been good about "pampering" it with regular oil changes, etc. UNFORTUNATELY my warranty only covered to 100,000 miles, so----what to do?
This year has been a bad one for this vehicle. I don't have my paperwork in front of me and I can't recall all the issues and exact prices, but a few consisted of a "Check Engine" light that resulted in a $800 bill; a "Break Light" issue that resulted in a $700 bill; New tires for $500 (but that's nothing against Ford).
This probably isn't the best time to be writing my comments, as my FORD mechanic just quoted me the price to fix the vehicle on the phone 10 minutes ago. I am searching on the net to get a cost for PARTS ONLY for a new transmission. SORRY, but this is just a bill that in unacceptable and impossible to pay for at this time. I trust my current FORD mechanic 100%--I have never had bad service at this shop. However, I will share some interesting information about FORD repair shops. I HAVE taken my vehicle to a different FORD shop in the past (twice) and WON'T go back. Come to find out, there isn't a "certified FORD mechanic" at the shop and awful customer service??!?! Hmmm...
Anyway, I think that's a different topic altogether. Unfortunately, I am finding myself with a dilemma: Fix it or buy a different used vehicle? And: will I ever buy Ford again? I'm just bummed! I too have a Yellow Escape, and must agree that lately it has become a LEMON.
Man, I thought I was the only one having problems with my 2002 Ford Escape XL!!! I have 83,000 miles and I will be getting a new transmission. I have spent well over $5,000 thus far on repairs and this only in the past 3 years. I plan on writing Better Business about this. everything else about the car is great (well, except for gas mileage).
I have a 2005 Ford Escape that I purchased in October of 2004 when it was brand new. I commute 35 miles to work (each way) and now have 47,800+ miles on my Escape. I change my oil regularly, rotate my tires, and had my transmission flushed around the 30,000 mile mark as recommended.
I just got my Escape back from the dealership on Saturday after having the transmission "overhauled". There was also a recall on the vehicle (I think it was the trunk latch which I see injured someone previously) and the dealership charged me for the recall! I didn't notice it until I was going over my bill and I am going to meet with them about it on Friday.
I will tell you that Ford does have a program where they will generally reduce the charges to the customer for service that is outside of the original warranty (I did not purchase an extended warranty, however, Ford now offers a 5 yar, 60,000 mile warranty instead of the 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty that was offered in 2005.) If your dealer doesn't offer to call and see if that is an option you can call Ford's Customer Service Division yourself (the number is in the warranty info that you can find online) and talk to them about it.
Also, the Lemon Law may vary from state to state, but in in my state you have to have the vehicle taken in for the same type of problem during the 1st 24,000 miles. Also, I think you have to take it in 4 times and/or it has to be at the dealership for a certain number of days. Since my problem started beyond that point I don't qualify, but a lot of people do. I honestly have loved Fords since I was younger and my entire family has several including the 3 at my house, but I am not planning to buy another Ford again. I had a Toyota Camry prior to buying my Escape and I plan to get another Toyota as soon as I can afford to.
From what I have read on other sites the transmissions have always been a problem for Ford Escapes.
Here I was thinking that I was the only one with transmission problems!! I have 78,000 kms (approx 50,000 miles) on my truck. Approx 9 months ago my stick started to stay in what ever gear I was travelling in. For example if I was running in third, I would have to literally wrestle with my stick to go up to 4th or back down to 2nd. Originally I thought it was just the cold weather here in Nova Scotia, but after taking it into my local shop, I was informed that the shift cables were worn. I 'd nvever heard of this, but my mechanic informed me that Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes were notorious for this. I ended up ordering the cables from my local dealership, and after 4 weeks, with still no delivery, I called them again, just to find out that they had in fact not ordered them (no reason!!!) so I reordered, and finally had them installed. During this time I had several near misses. When I contacted Ford customer service, they assured me that they had never encountered this and they were unwilling to assist in any way. To say that I was dissappointed in their service would be a understatement!!
Jim Miller
Halifax, N.S.
Another 2002 Ford Escape transmission victim:
I purchased my 2002 Ford Escape new in Fall of 2001. At approx 90K miles my transmission died with no prior warning. Paid over $2,000 to install a re-built. Now only 1 year later, my transmission is slipping again. What a horrible decision to make. Do you throw another $2,00-$3,000 into the "black hole" only to face the prospect of doing it a forth time in about a year? This vehicle has been a huge disappointment to me. My brother works for Ford at World Headquarters and I still have not been able to get anywhere with Ford. Even with the family plan discount, I will NOT be buying another Ford, ever!
I too am having transmission problems. I have a 2003 Escape limited. I bought it used with 43,000 miles on it and bought the gold extended warranty to cover bumper to bumper up to 90,000. miles.
Well my car just rolled 50,000 miles and my transmission is gone. Out of no where it just went while I was pulling out of a gas station after refilling. Thanks god the dealer just called and said I am covered, but reading all these transmission problems makes me think, that I will be getting rid of this car within the time frame of the waaranty of the transmission that they are putting in.
It's too bad, besides this problem I have really been very happy with this car (for the 7 months that I've owned it)
I have never had a transmission problem with Acura or Honda (what I've always driven up to this point)
This is the first American car that I've ever bought, and now unfortunately probably the last.
All these comments are similar to what happened to me with a Ford Taurus. The transmission went out at 55,000 miles and Ford wouldn't do anything about. The Taurus is also a front wheel drive and the transmission is very expensive. We went ahead and had the transmission replaced. After about a year Ford sent us a letter saying they would pay for the cost of replacing the transmission and the towing bill when it broke down. Also I heard from a lot of people that had the same problem. I have not bought another front wheel drive vehicle since, but I have bought Ford Explorers with rear wheel drive and had good service from them.
I have an escape, late 2001. the transmission has just gone at 90,000 Km. I believe the Hub has broken inside the box.
I first noticed the OD light flashing, stopped and found I needed a lot of revs to get going again, by the time I got home I was unable to get reverse or lock it into 1st. or 2nd.
A very expensive overhaul with what I thought was a very nice vehicle.
I yes love this escape although, it is a 2001 I have my problems no tranny problems yet, but am about to put the third engine in, yes the third, the first one went at 68,000 miles and this one at 75,000 miles. no it has never been beat up infact my wife just bought an 07 and they were gona give us 9,800 dollars for the trade it looks show room outside if it wasnt for the engine problems we would love them. I wish this would have happend to weeks ago, we wouldn't of bought the 07 oh well good luck all. oh and oil has been change every 300 miles or less1.
I also have an escape 2003 with 40,000 miles and I already have to replace the transmission, I took it to the dealer and they said that it would cost me around $3,000 dlls.
I have a 2001 Escape with guess what...? Transmission problems. I bought it used in 2005 as a "certified" pre-owned with the extended 7yr/70,000 mile warranty--luckily. It is in the shop as we speak---for the third time-- for this transmission noise that sounds like the noise reverb strips make when you drive over them. It usually occurs when I accelerate after slowing, not braking, like for a curve. The tachometer also jumps/vibrates when this happens. The previous times it was in for this this the assistant manager told me that unless they can reproduce the sound or it completely breaks they couldn't do anything about it.
Also broken on THIS visit--fuel gauge stopped working 3 weeks ago (when gas hit the roof), wiper fluid sprayer on drivers side just dribbles, ABS recall.
Other issues I have had--tie rods replaced, wiper fluid container replaced, check engine light issues and I'm feeling I'm missing something else.
Like others have stated, I love my car, but something is obviously amock here. I had planned on getting a Hybrid after paying this off, but now I'm not so sure.
I recently bought a 2002 XLT Ford Escape that is an accident recovery vehicle, from day one driving it off the lot went to fill with gas and I couldn't add any, the gauge read empty. So then I realised the gauge was wrong, then the check engine light went on my way home (2 hour drive) and so I drove it back to the dealer, where it was too much water getting into the sensors?? so that was fixed along with the gas gauge - it being the sending unit. Every time I turn to the left I get a sharpe squealing sound like metal on metal and then its gone, I' ve never heard that in a vehicle and people say I should get it fixed... more importantly bolds had come loose on the air compressor unit in the engine and were flying around so I had my mechanic fix that, some bolts were stripped and the proper ones had to be ordered b/c the ones he pulled off weren't even the correct bolts, so that was cheap... but reading all these reports makes me nervous about the transmission... I do notice the kick back in RPM's when you get up to about 80kms, it will kick when I go to a slow speed too, people say its normal.
All I want is a vehicle that will run good with the proper maintenance done regularly, I've had my fair share of being stranded and waiting for tow trucks, but I never imagined this model to be a problem like the ones I am reading about.