Faults:

Transmission blew at 120,000 kms.

Air bag sensor under driver seat.

Alternator blew (twice).

Starter blew.

Hand brake broke.

Rear axle locks wheel while turning in 4wd mode.

Fan relay needed to be replaced when speed 1 and 2 stopped working.

General Comments:

If it was not for the transmission, I would really like this car.

Faults:

3 days after leaving the lot, when the brakes were applied, it would brake unevenly. 4 different shops told me 4 different things. Finally just took the fuse out for the ABS and that problem was fixed.

At 35000 had to replace both wheel bearings at over $600.

Air bag light came on at 40000, and Ford wants about $350 to fix a seat belt sensor at 45000.

I noticed the transmission is not shifting smoothly.

Have had truck about 3 years, replaced rotors 4 times, had to have 3 master cylinders put in because brake fluid keeps leaking on ABS module, and caused me to fail NYS inspection.

Has 58000 miles now and engine light is on, air bag light on and brake light is also on.

One more thing; living in Buffalo, winter is coming and 4x4 does not work either.

For having less than 60000 miles, I would never buy another Ford. I have put over $4000 into it, and still have many problems. Will most likely have to sell. Maybe for around $5000 if I am lucky.

Faults:

O/D light flashing on reverse.

Sudden surge in RPMs with foot on the brake.

Rough shifting.

Sudden surge in RPMs upon creeping forward or parking. All intermittent problems - never constant.

Ford put a rebuilt transmission in the other day, picked up thevehicle yesterday pm & the same problem this am! Brought back to Ford dealer.

I have Ford extended warranty so I did not have to pay for the transmission (only a deductible).

What can be the problem now? Ford computer will not read the code on O/D flashing light this am.

Very sad, I miss my Escape.

General Comments:

I really like my Escape & I'm anxious to get it back in good working condition.

Faults:

Lower control arm bushings @ 78000 miles ($260).

Rear axle seals & master brake cylinder @ 76000 miles ($750).

Driver's door window motor and switches @ 78500 miles ($250).

General Comments:

In two years, I have done about $1300 in work, way too much for even a 7 year old car... especially for the low miles. And now, my tranny is starting to make a noise and shift late and slowly (easily a $3000 repair).

I'm looking at a Grand Cherokee... probably won't ever buy a Ford again.

Disappointed with Ford.

Faults:

My sister has an 02 Ford Escape, with less than 50k miles, that has eaten the transmission despite following manufacturers maintenance schedule.

With only minor online research, I have found that this problem is pervasive, the number one complaint. Ford has denied any accountability (due to age, NOT mileage). This is a clear case of an inferior product being pawned off on an unsuspecting public.

When I spoke with the service manager at the Ford dealership, I was told that Ford was now upgrading their truck transmissions to use five pinion planetary gear sets as opposed to three pinion (he did not know if this was true for the Escape). To me, this indicates that there was a durability issue with their transmissions and they know it, yet refuse to offer any remedy for people with the problem units.

Transmission problems is the #1 complaint I have found in my research, by a two to one margin. There were no warning signs that there was any kind of transmission problem until it went completely out, eliminating any chance of getting a repair done while it was still a small problem instead of experiencing a catastrophic failure and being stranded hundreds of miles from home.

A person at Ford Customer Relations basically told me "Oh well, she was told when she bought the extended warranty that it was time or mileage whichever comes first, so she's on her own." I responded that transmissions do not go bad sitting in the garage and that 50k miles was not an acceptable lifespan for a major component, like a transmission." I was then told that Ford would do nothing, "is there anything else I can 'help' you with?"

Also, Brake rotors wore out before the pads. Dealer told me this is normal. REALLY?

General Comments:

Comfortable, nice amenities, good power, handles well, economical. Only downfall is reliability.