2001 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (16% of complaints); the 2002 and 2003 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2010
“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”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2010
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2009
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2008
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“During a routine inspection, my mechanic noticed that the rear spring coils on my 2001 ford escort (59,000 miles) were noticeably worn down and needed to be replaced immediately, as to not puncture my tires. He said that this is a known problem in escorts and taurus and that tires can be punctured by these rear coil springs while the vehicle is in motion. I had the rear springs replaced, which is an expensive repair. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2008
“When shifting from park to drive, car sometimes is in neutral instead. Then must go back to park and to drive again. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2007
“On several attempts to fix my vehicle I still haven't found the trouble until I saw the recall list, I have had trouble with my shifter, air flow device for idle, to my back light on the top shorting out, to stall with engine light on and not be able to find the problem, I have spent a lot of time and money on these problems and was never notified about parts going wrong on my car, I have a escort 2001 zx2. Now it make a weird sound when driving slow! I have put new brakes on it and the problem is still there. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2006
“When shifting from park to drive, car sometimes is in neutral instead. Then must go back to park and to drive again. Flushed transmission and replaced fluid and this has cut down on occurrences. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escort by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,600 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Ford Escort have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.