Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Submission from re Ford Escape 2001 safety recall notice 11s24 the consumer received a recall notice in jan 2012. The notice indicated she would be informed when the parts required to complete the safety recall would become available, which wouldn't be until the second quarter. The vehicle caught on fire while parked, which was prior to the recall, but was quickly extinguished. Shortly after the fire, the vehicle was repaired. Several months later, the consumer was partly compensated by Ford in the form of a check for $1900 accompanied by a document which stated by accepting the compensation, she would also be signing off on any other claims. The consumer also stated the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, master cylinder, wiring harness, ABS, brake line booster, power steering rack and pinion, tie rods, intake manifold as well as the air bag were all replaced. …
While driving, the vehicle stalled. The consumer restarted the vehicle and pulled over. The consumer drove the vehicle to the auto service for inspection and the mechanic informed the consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. There was grinding and a round metal object snapped and broke off of the ac compressor. There were also problem with the air bag and the steering.
I purchased 2001 used vehicle from hertz car sales with 27,000+ miles. Transmission had to be replaced second week we had vehicle. Also realized that ac/heating system had "whistle" which could not be turned off. Major problem has vehicle stalling while driving, losing all power, brakes, etc. Fortunate not to have been rear-ended. Ford dealer has worked on problem, replacing transmission, fixing ac/heat system and attempted to repair the "stalling" problem. Thought it had been repaired, however, it happened again yesterday. Car at Ford dealer once again. It is strange to me that they do not comment that this has happened not once but many hundred times! I definitely feel there is a major problem with the Escape stalling and being unable to control. As we drive on mountain roads, this could cause a major accident. …
The air conditioner from the very beginning has a very foul smell of mildew and mold. If you use the ac for an extended period of time the smell is worst then ever. Both my son and I are allergic to mold and mildew and when I turn on the ac, we both begin to sneeze, cough, runny nose and eyes. I cannot not use the ac. I have brought the truck back 3 times for a total of 12 days and now have it in the shop again. There is also a constant rattle on the drivers door side and the rear tailgate door/window. These problems were reported on the first visit also. Each time I was told the problem has been taken care of, I drive off and the problems are still very evident. The third time as I was pulling out of there driveway after having just been told the problems were solved. These have been an ongoing problems. …
Tires make a humming noise. Consumer feels that they May be leaving ground like hydroplaning, and at 65 MPH vehicle wobbles, vehicle is not stable at high speeds with window down. The vehicle hesitates when A/C unit is in operation and A/C make a loud cyclic clicking sound. Transmission makes sound. The vehicle was unstable at 65 MPH with a slight wind and front end makes tumbling sounds on rough roads. The alternator light comes on intermittently. The cruise control turns off automaticaly by itself. The front brake has excessive dust. The vehicle had numerous interior system failures and malfunctioning.
While driving only at low speeds, steering column will make a loud noise and it could cause future steering problems. Dealer notified. The cover on the bottom of the steering wheel was broken. The vehicle shimmys when applying the brakes. The brakes were inspected and the front rotor was machined and the front pads cleaned. Consumer states there is a pecking noise in the engine. Consumer states the accelerator pedal is hard to push because the throttle body needed replacing. The air conditioner stops while at idle. Also, when coming to a stop, the heater is not warm.
The blower on my A/C will start blowing thru the defrost when the vehicle is under power. I live in a mountainous suburb, so I'm constantly climbing hills. The air will blow thru the defrost for ~10 seconds when it first started a week ago; now it lasts ~20 seconds. Phil long has had my truck twice. The first time, the vehicle acted up for them and they found a crimped vacuum hose, yet the 2nd time, they couldn't get the vehicle to act up for them. As soon as I got to my suburb, it started cutting out on me.
Since driving vehicle off lot, I've notice a fuel odor coming from the underhood area into the passenger cabin through the heating/cooling vents. This regularly occurs during warm restarts and when idling in traffic with a warm engine. Odor is more noticable with dash vents blowing. Fuel line recall was acted upon but didn't provide solution.
There is a gasoline odor that comes through the HVAC system during a warm re-start; never on cold start. Outside air temperature also seems to have a bearing on the odor. The gasoline odor is not apparent when outside temperature is below 32 degrees. The odor seems strongest on the right hand (passenger) side of the engine compartment.
Foul odor coming from airconditioning vents. Took it to the shop the first time, and they stated that there was a moisture build up in the airconditioning vents and all they could do was disenfect the airconditioning vents with a spray. I took it back a second time and they stated they could not find the problem.
AC & Heater complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2001 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Escape ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 2001 Ford Escape, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Escape ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.