Complain about a product or service

Ford Escape - Engine Problems

Ford Escape • Engine problems • Unexplained shutdowns • Safety concerns --- • Ford

Kevin of Concord Twp., Ohio (8/13/03):
I was driving on I-77N before the Ghent exit. My 2002 Ford Escape engine began to knock. I pulled off at the exit and had the vehicle towed to Ramey Ford. They told me it needed a new engine. The vehicle had only 47,502 miles on it. I opened a case with Ford. It was reviewed and rejected. This little incident has cost the following: Engine $4388, Rental $175, Towing $75, Extra gas around $50.

Charline of Long Beach CA (4/9/03):
Purchased a 2001 Ford Escape in Febuary of 2001. Since I have owned the car the engine has been replaced. Since then I have an extended warranty that covers the power train offered free of charge in exchange for my suffering.

After experiencing some strange noise coming from under my brake pedal I have taken it in to the dealer to have it checked out, with this as my response: "We can hear the noise/whistling sound but we don't know what is causing it, therefore we cannot fix it" ... "of course it continues you never fixed it."

I paid $220 for my 33k maintenance just a week before and asked them to look into the problem only to be told the same thing: "Pads are good, not sure what the sound is and it's safe for the road don't worry about it." When I took my car back into the dealer to have the brakes checked once and for all, while at the dealer my key is not working, seems the "theft" mode is on. Turn off the alarm and try again ... nope. Service attendant pops the hood, attaches a battery charger, set off the panic on the remote and then turn it off and yes it works. Then he turns it off, never to get it started again -- the ignition is completely locked and the key won't even turn.

They push the car into the garage and call me 6 hours later to tell me I need a new dash and cluster for no less than $600 and $70 to reprogram the keys. After my initial shock, I am told that they still don't know what is causing the brake problem and that even if I reprogram the keys there is no warranty this will fix any of the other issues, also that they won't be able to warranty the work!

I am well aware of the normal wear and tear of a car but they should not have all the issues mine has had. I am fed up and can no longer afford this mentally or financially.

Charline should consult a Lemon Law attorney.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top | Automotive Section