One problem related to steering anti-theft device has been reported for the 2001 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2001 Escape.
Driving down a slight grade the engine just quit on six occasions at the same location adjacent to a cellular antenna tower. Took vehicle to dealer who said the diagnostic computer code indicated interruption in the anti-theft Smart key system. When the same problem reoccurred, the dealer had the car for a week and Ford's service hotline told them to shield the ignition and add grounding to that electrical system. The engine has shut down once again and dealer wants us to bring car back so they can try to duplicate failure while hooked up to their service computer. Occurred.