Four problems related to vehicle shudder have 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.
Vehicle steers to right and vibrates. Dealer diagnosed as failure of sub frame and right axle. Vehicle was repaired under recall 14s02 at 89372 mi on 9/23/2014 and had crossbrace installed per recall. Vehicle stored in heated garage, on 7/20/2017 with 105199 mi backing out of parking spot wheel off center and vehicle shaking badly, grinding noise. Flat bed to dealer who diagnosed failed sub frame and broken right axle. Requested Ford repair under original recall which allowed for replacing sub frame and was denied for elapsed time. Safety issue, could have been catastrophic at speed.
Backing out into empty road, stopping and turning vehicle with steering wheel is very difficult applying pressure to turn, straighten wheels. While driving and applying brakes to stop, the car shakes and the amount of pressure applied to brakes is enormously difficult to make car stop. With normal driving there is a grinding sound in the bottom of vehicle (drive train?). All these issues have been addressed with no apparent help!.
The vehicle shutters and vibrates between 30 to 50 mph. The driver has to slow down for vehicle to stop vibrating.
Had shifted into reverse and it started to backup. Then, it hesitated when brakes were applied, sounded funny. Rpms revved up, and vehicle started to shake. Vehicle suddenly accelerated while still in reverse.