Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
I am not sure if I am using the correct website or correct form. I was involved in a very weird car accident. My Ford Escape suddenly run to the side (as I was driving on ice) is there any help to fix this?. I was driving north direction. The posted speed was 25 and mine was 20. This happened on north leland st in san pedro, ca 90731. Looks like a mechanical fault. I am not sure what was wrong. I have a police report. Thank you very much!
I was driving my car on I-75 near gainesville, florida last week. I was in the passing lane when I heard and felt the left rear tire tread beating on my car. It had separated from the tire without warning. It all happened so fast, I immediately attempted to get onto the shoulder safely. My car began to pull to the left uncontrollably, crashed into the guard rail at over 60 MPH, bounced off and sent me sliding sideways for about 100 feet. By the grace of god, my children and myself were not physically injured. The damage to my car is estimated to be around $6,000.00. The tires were the original factory tires on my 2001 Ford Escape and have only 26,000 miles on them. From what I have read on the internet, this is not an isolated case but appears as though the manufacturers are aware of the tread separation but choose to do nothing about it. …
July 9, 2019 travel in 80 MPH on I-95 south about 23 miles from miami. Left passenger new vanderbilt cooperp235/70r16 turbo tech a/s radial blew in half in the middle.someohow was able to stop without causing me or anyone else serious accident.. Have not yet determined vehicle drum or other possible damage. Had just had 4 like tires rotated and air pressure checked prior to trip.
I have had three different tires exchanged on my vehicle since the purchase date of feb. 7 2001. I have taken my car in every 5000 miles for service and everytime I have left the dealership the car pulls immediately to the right. I have gone back to the dealership eveytime and voiced my complaint. At 15000 miles the tire manager explained it was my tires and had me purchase a set of 4. At 35000 miles the dealership replaced the tires again this time at no charge. I am now at 64000 and third set of tires. I was on the freeway going approx 55 MPH when the truck began to shake and the tread fell off the front driver's side tire. I immediately pulled to the side and will be visiting the dealership on Monday. I am not sure what the exact number of the tires is but it is the grabber tire.
While driving at highway speed driver heard a thumping noise. Driver pulled over, and noticed rear passenger side tire tread separated. Two weeks later, front driver's side tire tread separated. Consumer felt tires should have lasted longer than 20, 000 miles. General, grabbers aw, 225/70r15. Consumer also felt severe vibration on steering wheel when tread separated from steel cord. Also, it was measure by a tire dealer that other tires were worn as well and has a 400 tread wear rating stamped on them.
Going approx. 25 MPH, slowing to a stop sign. Applied brakes and passenger tire made noise and u joint busted. Rim//tire was positioned incorrectly. Rust is visible. I need to know if this is related to Ford recall of Escape suvs due to rust that could cause the separation of the lower control arm from the subframe of the vehicle.the recall covers vehicles sold in states where high corrosion is likely to occur. My vehicle was purchased in bradley, il. What do I do??
While driving steering wheel would perform erratically. Took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic indicated that tires were the cause of the problem. Had noticed some tread separating on the tires. All four tires showed excessive wear at or around 14,000 miles. Two showed the steel tread, as a result vehicle was unsafe to drive. Vehicle was routinely serviced with additional repairs.
While driving, mainly on the interstate maintained speed of 70mph I feel the steering go very limp. It's been much like hydroplaning. Like there is air between my tires and the road. It lasts just a few seconds. I notice the steering column is rusted. The truck swerves in the lane and often going over line. The steering wheel is very loose when this happens.
New Firestone tire in regular passenger vehicle usage. Four destination le tires p23570r16 purchased as replacements of OEM tires. Within 10,000 miles the sidewall bubbles forming two large blisters on one tire. No external damage caused this condition. Firestone replaced the tire. Defect was left at the Firestone outlet.
Rotated all 4 tires at 5,000 / 10,000 miles. Front tires showed signs of excessive wear. Both tires had tread wear of 2-1/2 inch wide. Dealership stated was due to low tire pressure and was not willing to do anything. Dot# aeuu44w3900. Ts
Related recalls
Wheels › Hubcap/cover
Vehicle description: some 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock braking system May have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4x2 vehicle, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. Owner notification began September 25, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2001 Ford Escape, 4% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Escape wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V260001 (hubcap/cover, Sep 12, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Escape wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.