Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
We took our vehicle to our mechanic for other work to be done. He noted that the suspension part (which has been previously remediated with the application of a bracket with a recall) is excessively rusted. While I surely understand that rust is a factor of time and miles, we have around only 90,000 miles on this vehicle. I believe that the bracket was the most cost effective solution for fmc to apply. As a result, I fear that there are many more drivers of this vehicle who May erroneously believe that the issue with the suspension had been addressed by the recall and May be under the illusion that they are driving a safe vehicle. I do not have photos at this time, but will provide them later.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the cross brace started to detach on the subframe. The vehicle was taken to ewald's venus Ford (2727 layton ave, cuday, wi) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The cross brace was tightened. The technician informed the contact that the repair was temporary due to corrosion. Four months prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Vehicle steers to right and vibrates. Dealer diagnosed as failure of sub frame and right axle. Vehicle was repaired under recall 14s02 at 89372 mi on 9/23/2014 and had crossbrace installed per recall. Vehicle stored in heated garage, on 7/20/2017 with 105199 mi backing out of parking spot wheel off center and vehicle shaking badly, grinding noise. Flat bed to dealer who diagnosed failed sub frame and broken right axle. Requested Ford repair under original recall which allowed for replacing sub frame and was denied for elapsed time. Safety issue, could have been catastrophic at speed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle veered to the right; however, the steering wheel turned to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded. The failure allowed the passenger side control arm to travel forward every time the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 235,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove erratically without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the bracket where the lower control arm connected to the subframe was severely corroded. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The vehicle was repaired; however, the repair failed to remedy the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure the approximate failure mileage was 140,779. Updated 06/13/17
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 while reversing out the drive way at approximately 10 MPH, the front passenger side lower control arm fractured. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the frame of the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The failure mileage was 153,127. ...updated 09/12/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the steering wheel would not move the wheels. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the control arms and the subframe experienced severe corrosion. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Backing out into empty road, stopping and turning vehicle with steering wheel is very difficult applying pressure to turn, straighten wheels. While driving and applying brakes to stop, the car shakes and the amount of pressure applied to brakes is enormously difficult to make car stop. With normal driving there is a grinding sound in the bottom of vehicle (drive train?). All these issues have been addressed with no apparent help!
My Ford Escape does not shift right anymore and it will not stay in park I have to have a brick put in front of it because my emergency brake does not even work. I received a recall letter but I cannot find my letter anymore. I was hit by a vehicle and I cannot walk and my son had clean the house so I have lost my letter I would appreciate it if I could get another recall letter so I can get mike's Escape fixed please.
Suspension complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford Escape, 4% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is front (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Escape suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.