Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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 owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While driving at various speeds and attempting to engage the brakes, the rear end of the vehicle started to shake violently and became difficult to stop. In addition, the rear latch activator failed to work intermittently. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 8/28/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the key fob failed to function properly. As a result, the contact was unable to unlock and lock the hatch door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
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. …
No crash - no injuries yet! Think there May be a possible product liabity safety issue: Ford Escape, 2001, w/ power door locks, serial# [redacted]. Rear doors on both sides do not latch, properly. They do not work properly. Once opened they will not close and latch securely. One door failed within one week of the others failure. Found out the parts are on national backorder and have been revised 3 times by manufacturor. In 50 years I have never seen an automobile with this type of failure. I've sold hundreds of cars in my life time and have owned plenty. My question is is there any other complaints of this simiilar type on the same type of vehicle? Any injuies? Is it something the NHTSA can look into for consumers.
Driver's side outside door handle fails to work. Upon disassembly, we found that the part that connected the handle mechanism to the lock mechanism was a flimsy thin metal washer, which had broke in half. This component is definitely substandard for the constant use it gets. Upon conferring with other 2001 Escape owners at Escape-central.com (tech. Tips ), not only does this part fail, but the same part on the interior door eventually fails too, thus you cannot open the door from either the outside or inside.' the passenger side door also has this problem as posted by other owners. This creates the possiblilty of being trapped inside during an emergency situation, such as a fire, accident, etc. These cars should be recalled and Ford should fix this problem with a more substantial part.
On occasion the drivers door and back passenger door latches will not release to allow door to open when pulling handle to open. Multiple attempts are required to have door open. Now, front passenger latch will not release at all, causing the door to not be usable. I spoke with Ford at 18003923673 and was told they were not willing to do anything to help fix the problem. I am concerned that my young children, who ride in the back, will not be able to get out of the vehicle. If we were ever in an accident emergency help May not be able to reach them in a timely manner and the children May become trapped. In the event that the front door would not longer open the passenger , myself, had to climb over the seats to get out of the vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While the vehicle was in park or idling at a stop light, the engine revved. The contact would have to shut off and restart the vehicle in order to reset the throttle. In addition, the rear hatch door would open intermittently. After several weeks, the rear hatch does not function at all. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 00V210001 (vehicle speed control) and 04V602000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The vehicle is currently at the dealer, but has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
Both back doors of my 2001 Ford Escape: I do not use my back doors very often since there are only 2 members of my household. I unlocked then tried to open both back doors, both were stuck shut, the handles were loose on the outside. It was not a freezing cold night. I locked and unlocked the doors a bunch of times, then tried to open again. They finally opened, but would not latch shut. The outside handle doesn't seem to be attached to the in door mechanism. My husband finally got the doors to stay shut. I have not opened them since. I am afraid they might open while driving!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the contact attempted to brake and the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the brake lines needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the rear hatch, rear passenger door and the driver side doors would not open. The contact was able to lock and unlock the doors however. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The current mileage was 227,691 and the failure mileage was 198,000.
I own a 2001 Ford Escape. The locks on the hatch door and hatch glass window do not open consistently, particularly when it is hot outside (I live in fl). There are no other ways to open the door or window as there are no handles on the inside and no key lock on the outside. Ford has not issued a recall for this. I would think this would be some type of safety issue. From blogs I see that other owners have the same problem. It seems the actuator May be at fault.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utiity vehicle having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on March 31, 2005. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2001 Ford Escape, 3% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Escape door lock & latch problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-602 (latch, Dec 20, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Escape door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.