Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 Ford Escape xlt wires under the hood burned while sitting in the garage of her home. She drove the vehicle one hour prior to the fire. The alarms in her house warned her of the fire. She called the local fire department, and they found no fire in the house. They then checked the garage and they smelled something burning. The fireman opened and noticed the wires that were burning under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to town and country, and they informed her that old brake fluid leaked on the ABS, which was the cause of the wires burning. The vehicle was serviced for the ABS light coming on, and off at the local Firestone, they replaced the master cylinder . The wires burned within 24 hours of the repair. The town and country dealership gave the contact a loaner vehicle, and she felt this was odd. …
There were problems with the vehicle shutting down while in traffic. The idle gauge kept dropping and going up until it eventually dropped below 1, then it cut out immediately . The consumer had taken the vehicle back to the dealer and attempted to fix the problem on numerous occasions but were unable to verify. The dealer said there was water contamination in the gas tank, and the consumer was told that a rat had bitten through the wires. The consumer had taken the vehicle back in for the stalling problems and gas fumes were coming through the A/C vents. Later on that day the vehicle caught fire. The consumer requested a refund and or exchange for a new vehicle.
In 2001 Ford escapes a misfire occurs and cause the fuel mileage to decrease. It also causes the car to shutter at idle when it is cold. After checking message boards it appears that more than a handful are having the same exact issue and despite changing any parts accept the connectors and PCM the issue still occurs. The number of cars effected by this is more than just a coincidence and should be listed as a factory defect.
While stopped at driveway waiting to turn right into a 2 lane street, I proceeded to press on the accelerator to proceed into the right turn, when taking my foot off the accelerator pedal to brake, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward causing the vehicle to proceed across the street and impacting a parked vehicle. My vehicle is a 2001 Ford Escape v6.
The vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. Before the event occurred it was taken to the technician and suggested that the car May have been on recall for the fuel connecter. Later the consumer was told the vehicle was fixed, however a few days later the car caught on fire because of the engine and fuel system overheating.
Vehicle had small fire and was towed by Ford road side assistance. The service tech at dobbs Ford in memphis was told of the fire. He then tried to start the car and the car caught fire again and is now a total loss. The vehicle involved was a 2001 Ford Escape.
2 months after I bought my car brand new I went out to start it, it would not start and the emission light came on. The car sounds like it is trying to start, the only way I could get the car to start is hold the ignition. I smelled gas after the car started. I informed Ford about the problem, they found nothing but replaced my starter even though it wasn't the problem. I have had this car almost 3yrs my warranty is ready to expire and Ford still cannot fix/find the problem. This car has left me stranded more then once, I even had it towed to the dealership after working hrs. I was told by their service manager the car started, we found nothing wrong. I even told the dealership this car has been in the shop over 3x's it is a lemon and I want a new car or my money back. …
One week prior to fire, there was a unusual smell that was almost like a "funny woodstove' smell. This smell was only present until the car heated up and the air freshener would cover the odor. It got very strong the afternoon before the fire happened. It was more of a stale tin can is the best way that I can describe it. I came home in the evening and at 5:30 am of the 30th my mother and I heard a loud explosion which we found out was later the rear tire on the driver side of my 2001 Ford Escape bursting due to the intensity of the fire and the origin, the rear left side of the vehicle. The Ford Escape is destroyed and burned at over 1400 degrees and spread so rapidly that by the time the fire department arrived there was nothing they could do but control the fore and put it out. My parents vehicle was in the driveway next to my Escape and was also destroyed. …
The first incident happened on 05/01/06 after driving at least 30 min to 45 min. At a speed of around 50 MPH, the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer where they diagnosed a loose gas cap. On 5/22/06 after driving again at least 30 min to 45 min. After returning home and backing out of the driveway my Escape stalled and would not start, after about an hour it started again did not take it to the dealer. The third incident happened May 30 after driving 30 min to 45 min the check engine light came on again. I took it to the dealer where they replaced the vapor management valve which is still not correcting the problem, so they are talking about replacing the fuel tank. The dealer has been very helpful, but after five years I would think I would not have this problem.
2001 Ford Escape has repeatedly stalled during normal driving. Car currently has 33,000 miles; however, I began having problems early on. Car has stranded me several times. Car has been towed in several times and dealership can find nothing wrong it. Dealership has replaced alternator, transmission, fuel hoses, sensor, computer, etc. And car still stalls. This week it had to be towed from my garage to the dealership because it would not start. Dealership again could find nothing wrong with car. I love the car, but am terrified to drive it as when it stalls everything locks up and I have had a couple near miss accidents trying to get off the road. I have an infant and this is unacceptable.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. Owner notification began September 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Fuel System complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Ford Escape, 6% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Escape fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V277001 (delivery, Sep 18, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Escape fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.