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2001 Ford Escort

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Ford Escort do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 101.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

31 reports with mileage · 37 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports3 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

68 reports
180,000 miles · Mar 4, 2014
Tires

I PURCHASED ALL FOUR MICHELINS ABOUT A YEAR AGO. SINCE THEN I HAD TWO BLOWOUTS ON THE REAR DRIVE-SIDE TIRE AND ONE ON THE FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE. ALL THREE BLEW OUT ON THE SIDEWALLS, TWO OF WHICH WERE ON THE INNER SIDE SIDEWALL AND ONE ON THE OUTER SIDE SIDEWALL. THERE WERE NO NAILS, GLASS, OR OTHER DEBRIS RESPONSIBLE FOR THES…

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I PURCHASED ALL FOUR MICHELINS ABOUT A YEAR AGO. SINCE THEN I HAD TWO BLOWOUTS ON THE REAR DRIVE-SIDE TIRE AND ONE ON THE FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE. ALL THREE BLEW OUT ON THE SIDEWALLS, TWO OF WHICH WERE ON THE INNER SIDE SIDEWALL AND ONE ON THE OUTER SIDE SIDEWALL. THERE WERE NO NAILS, GLASS, OR OTHER DEBRIS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE BLOWOUTS. THE FIRST ONE NOT ONLY LEFT A GAPPING HOLE ON THE INNER SIDE SIDEWALL, BUT IT GOT SO HOT IT ALSO BLEW OUT THE TIRE STEM AND WAS SMOKING FOR A GOOD HOUR AFTERWARDS. THEY REPLACED THAT TIRE WITH A BRAND NEW MICHELIN OF THE SAME TYPE. THEN THE SECOND BLEW OUT HAPPENED ON THAT NEW TIRE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER ALSO LEAVING A GAPPING HOLE ON THE INNER SIDE SIDEWALL AND IT WAS SO HOT THE GUYS COULDN'T EVEN TOUCH IT TO FIX IT UNTIL THEY DOUSED IT WITH WATER. THEY REPLACED IT WITH A BRAND NEW MICHELIN AS WELL. THEN SEVERAL MONTHS LATER (TODAY) THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW SIMILARLY. I DID NOT CRASH AND THERE WAS NO FIRE, HOWEVER THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE AND THESE INSTANCES COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A LOT WORSE SINCE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY EACH TIME, BUT I'M LUCKY THEY WERE NOT. I DEFINITELY FEEL WE ARE DEALING WITH SOME DEFECTIVE TIRES HERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566917

13,400 miles · Jan 21, 2013
Electrical System

I WAS AT THE STORE WITH MY SON (12 YEARS OLD) AND MY GRANDSON (3 YEARS OLD), WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. IT WAS VERY COLD OUTSIDE, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR I GOT AHOLD OF SOMEONE TO COME PICK US UP. WHEN I GOT HOME I DID SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE…

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I WAS AT THE STORE WITH MY SON (12 YEARS OLD) AND MY GRANDSON (3 YEARS OLD), WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. IT WAS VERY COLD OUTSIDE, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR I GOT AHOLD OF SOMEONE TO COME PICK US UP. WHEN I GOT HOME I DID SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND NO RECALL? NO CAR, CAN'T PICK MY DAUGHTER UP AT HER FRIEND'S HOUSE (SHE IS STRANDED), CAN'T TAKE MY GRANDSON HOME AND HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO WORK TOMORROW. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED WITHOUT WARNING. ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE HEALTH ISSUES OR CHILDREN INVOLVED. MY DAD IS 73 AND LOVES FORD, HE WAS SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THIS ALSO. WHAT IS FORD THINKING?.. GREED AND MONEY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493631

75,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Power TrainSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT ANTI- LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OCTOBER 24, 2003 WHEN THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFTER AND THE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT ANTI- LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OCTOBER 24, 2003 WHEN THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFTER AND THE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THAT THE SHOULDER STRAP WOULD NOT BUCKLE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE ABS LIGHT WOULD RANDOMLY ILLUMINATE. UPDATED 12/15/11 UPDATED 12/28/11*LJ THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED, WHICH MADE IT INOPERABLE, THE BRAKE SHIFT INTER-LOCK MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. UPDATED 03.12.12

NHTSA ODI #10437580

35,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Power TrainSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER ENGINE STARTUP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHIFTER AND SHIFT CONSOLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED AND CAUSING…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER ENGINE STARTUP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHIFTER AND SHIFT CONSOLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED AND CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO NOT LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10437578

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 FORD ESCORT ZX2. IVE HAD IT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW. THIS REOCCURRING PROBLEM IS GETTING VERY FRUSTRATING. WHEN I START MY CAR IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS GETTING READY TO DIE. IT JUST STRUGGLES AT VERY LOW RPM. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A WAY TO ADJUST THE IDLE BUT IS THERE A FIX? *CN

NHTSA ODI #10322750

60,000 miles · Jan 14, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN 2006 THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 02/02/10 *BF UPDATED 02/05/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10299709

59,000 miles · Nov 5, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT PURCHASED APRIL 2002. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND EGR VALVE WERE PLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $870.00. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, AND STRUTS FAILED, THEY THEN ADDED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR HER MODEL TYPE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 59,000. UPD…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT PURCHASED APRIL 2002. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND EGR VALVE WERE PLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $870.00. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, AND STRUTS FAILED, THEY THEN ADDED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR HER MODEL TYPE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 59,000. UPDATED 11/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 11/24/09

NHTSA ODI #10291068

162,353 miles · Aug 14, 2009
Air BagsCrash

I WAS IN A ACCIDENT ON THE 105FWY WEST, GOING BETWEEN 15-25 MPH IN MODERATE MORNING TRAFFIC. I HIT THE BACK OF A CAR, SLAMMED MY FACE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL, AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY FRONT HOOD, BUMPER AND ENGINE, WHICH HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT! MY AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY! ITS A 2001 FORD ESCORT, NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT, AND…

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I WAS IN A ACCIDENT ON THE 105FWY WEST, GOING BETWEEN 15-25 MPH IN MODERATE MORNING TRAFFIC. I HIT THE BACK OF A CAR, SLAMMED MY FACE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL, AND SEVERELY DAMAGED MY FRONT HOOD, BUMPER AND ENGINE, WHICH HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT! MY AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY! ITS A 2001 FORD ESCORT, NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT, AND I HAVE NECK, BACK, AND SEVERE JAW PAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280479

69,000 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Electrical SystemVisibilityFire

I CURRENTLY OWN 2 (TWO) 2001 FORD ESCORT SE. BOTH HAVE THE SAME ELECTRICAL FIRE HAZARD AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR CONNECTOR, BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR AS WELL AS THE WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTOR, THE CONNECTORS MELTED AND WIRING BURNT UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234345

115,000 miles · Jun 23, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE COIL SPRING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALONG WITH OTHER COSMETIC REPAIRS. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ESCORT. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE COIL SPRING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALONG WITH OTHER COSMETIC REPAIRS. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE, IT SURGED FORWARD AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO A PIPE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM HER INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN THE PROCESS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #10231999

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.