Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2001 Ford Escape

Air bag light has illuminated occasionally since vehicle was new(Nov 1, 2001). Seat belt buckle latch was replaced under warranty in Jan 03. Problem fixed. Next occurrence Nov 03. Connections cleaned and treated, problem fixed. In may 05 problem appeared again, with the addition of intermittent seat belt light illumination. Vehicle was returned to dealer. A TSB had been issued by Ford to replace the safety belt buckle pre-tensioner on both seats. The TSB was not covered by an extended warranty, and the repair would cost approximately $695. Repair was declined. However, owner was charged $75 to read the codes. Owner cleaned and treated electrical connections under both seats. Lights are no longer illuminated.

Airbag warning light iluminates intermittently during vehicle operation. Problem began after completion of Ford recall 04s13.

Maintenance.

Air bag sensor light illuminated and stayed on. Took vehicle to the dealer. However, problem recurred. Ford stated that they will not do anything to help.

This driver was driving on I-64 west and just passed exit 34 when a deer came jumping over a double high concrete barrier and in front of the Ford Escape. I was travelling about 75 miles per hour in a 70 zone. The only thing this driver had time to do was to begin ad turn the wheel. The hit was basically head on. The deer was a big buk that stood at shoulder height above the hood of the Escape. The entire front end was smashed in. The initial impact was just above the bumper and the grill radiator, fan assembly and condenser were destroyed. Every thing othe than the bumper is to be replaced and installed bumper cover, bumper brackets, etc. On the adjusters statement it says that bumper needs an overhaul. This event has been reported to Ford. Ford motor sees to be unconcerned saying that 2 of three sensors need to be deployed in order to engage the air bags. Two of these sensors are in the bumper and the other is on the left side of the radiator. The radiator on this 2001 Ford Escape was smashed like a pancake. Dave at turnpike Ford told me that upon visual inspection that there is a sensor on the left side of the radiator and it remained untouched. The main bulk of the deer did hit above the bumper and there was alot of him. I feel that at 75 mph that hitting an animal that big should have deployed the airbags. Isnt that what this safety feature about. How am I to feel sure that I am to be safe when involved in a collision. If a larger vehicle were to hit me and miss my bumper sensors does that mean that the same airbag system in this Ford Escape would not deploy?.

While starting the vehicle air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer notified dealer.