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Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

4133 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 5:59 AM

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Messages Page 384 of 414

#3829 of 4133 01 Ford Escape Maintenance and Repair by boaterbill

Nov 03, 2009 (8:37 pm)

Bought my 01 Ford Escape 4x4 XLT Sport new in Nov., 2002. I have about 152,000 miles on it; mostly highway miles. Michigan-driven for five years and Florida for two years. Ford dealer-maintained, except for Amsoil program from 2007-2009. Converted back to Motocraft all-synthetic 5W20 oil in September. Tire wear exceptional (third set in September). Original tires, and second replacement (SUV) set got noisy after 50K miles. Always rotated tires at 7,500 miles. Front end alignment has been within spec since new. Noted leaking around oil pan at latest dealer service (September). Replaced oil pan gasket. Had noisy front suspension, even though struts, shocks, and brakes were new in September. Found upper engine mount failed, along with worn right and left inner-outer tie rods and lower control arm bushings. Only abnormality at present is dampness underneath power takeoff housing. 3L V6 runs very well; no oil consumption. Milege is close to new; 18-23 in warm weather.
 
I have the highest-milege Escape 4x4 that my Lincoln (Florida) and Ford (Michigan) dealers have seen. Been with Ford since 1992, and quite satisfied with their service.
 
Thanks

#3830 of 4133 Ford Escape Maintenance and Repair by boaterbill

Nov 06, 2009 (7:42 am)

November 5:
2002 Ford Escape XLT Sport 4x4 V6 (152K miles):
Inspecting the engine/transaxle/suspension area, I noted dampness underneath the power take-off housing (transfer case). Took it in to my local Ford (Lincoln-Mercury) servicing dealer, and determined that the unit had failed internally, and was venting lubricant. Ordered new unit ($1,350), and will have it replaced November 11. This is in addition to the $1,960 invested in engine mount, suspension, steering, and oil pan gasket replacement October 14. The vehicle has performed very well since new, but recent events (150K miles) have dramatically increased maintenance costs. Will continue to operate this vehicle into the distant future to recoup these costs. Fortunately, we replaced the shocks, struts, brakes, and tires in September.

#3831 of 4133 2010 Escape XLT 4WD by eleteacher08

Nov 15, 2009 (12:45 pm)

I was told to post and search in this section...so here it goes!
 
Hi everyone,
  
My husband and I are military and will be based in Minot, ND. We have been doing alot of research and test driving small-midsize SUVs. So far, our first choice is an Escape XLT with 4WD. However, I want to know if anyone has had problems with the reliability of their Escapes? I had a terrible experience with my previous Ford, a 2003 Ford Focus ZTS. I just had to have a rebuilt transmission put in it 6 months ago with 91,000 miles on the car. I've also had problems with my alternator/battery, due to inexperienced Ford mechanics. However, I am willing to put this negativity aside if I can get some positive feedback about the Escape. This will be our first SUV and we think this vehicle suits our needs the best (i.e. driving in snow, towing, hauling/moving things, etc.). Also, I just read in a previous post about the engines in Escapes stalling? That is a major concern to me and if I am getting myself into a trap, please let me know now versus after I purchase an Escape. Many Thanks!!!!

#3832 of 4133 Re: Mazda Tribute Stalling in Reverse [sogg] by pumpkin09

Nov 15, 2009 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: sogg (May 31, 2006 2:03 pm)
Just started having this problem, did you ever find out what caused this to happen or how to fix this problem?

#3833 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [eleteacher08] by motrcyclr

Nov 15, 2009 (5:44 pm)

Replying to: eleteacher08 (Nov 15, 2009 12:45 pm)
Have you asked this question of the local mechanics where you will be living? try a goodyear service store, or Mr. Goodwrench, and local transmission repair places, ask them how often they service the Escape 4wd. what they have to say about local vehicles would be helpful, I would think.

#3834 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [eleteacher08] by nitrous93

Nov 15, 2009 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: eleteacher08 (Nov 15, 2009 12:45 pm)
Ok Here goes. I have a 2002 Ford Escape. but it is 2WD. I have 101,900 miles on this vehicle, which I bought new! At 32,000 miles my A/C Compressor went out. Had it replaced under warranty. At 65,000 miles. I had 2 Coil Packs go bad..... that's it!! (Knock On Wood). The rest is up to you!. I change my Oil every 3,000 miles, every 40,000 miles I change my transmission fluid. Rotate tires every other oil change. flushed radiator every 40,000 miles. Yes I am very Anal when it comes to PREVENTIVE Maintenance on my vehicles. Now don't get me wrong, I have had to do general maintenance on stuff that wears out(brakes, battery, wipers, tires, shocks) but its really how you take care of your vehicle. You cant just get in it and forget about it! I guarantee you, if you follow your owners manual on Maintenance schedule, it will last you for a long time. keep in mind on 4WD's you have to change the differential oil more if you off road it alot! I hope this helps. And thank you for a future buy from the ONLY Auto Manfuacturer in the world that didn't take any Government Bail out money.

#3835 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [eleteacher08] by beachstringer

Nov 16, 2009 (9:26 am)

Replying to: eleteacher08 (Nov 15, 2009 12:45 pm)
Hi- Bought a 2003 Escape new in October 02. Have been very pleased except for 2 issues. At about 73,000 I had 3 cylinders which had the coils go bad. 2 weeks apart. Each plug has a coil, with a boot over them. The plugs are to be changed every 100,000 miles, but the boots failed, so the coils blew. $1200 later I replaced all the boots, the 3 bad coils and new plugs all the way around. Ford denied any responsibility- I requested they pay half and documented everything- but understand they changed the composition of the boot - so??? Any rate the other thing , both my wife and I find bad about the Escape, is the shortness and hardness of the front seats. They may have changed the firmness and length by now, but if not the legs really tire on a long trip. Other than that I think it is the best small SUV on the market. Oh and do not get a 4cyl. Get the 6. Hopes this helps.......

#3836 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [motrcyclr] by eleteacher08

Nov 16, 2009 (5:52 pm)

Replying to: motrcyclr (Nov 15, 2009 5:44 pm)
Didn't even think of that! I'll call an AAMCO repair center and Goodyear or Firestone store tomorrow! Thanks!!!

#3837 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [beachstringer] by eleteacher08

Nov 16, 2009 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: beachstringer (Nov 16, 2009 9:26 am)
Thank you for letting me know about the coils. I will also mention this to the dealership. I am just nervous about it because this is the first car my husband and I have bought. I think that I just had a bad experience with my Focus. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed driving it but having to deal with it breaking down alot is a mess. Hopefully, this time we will have a better experience! *Crosses fingers*!!!

#3838 of 4133 Re: 2010 Escape XLT 4WD [nitrous93] by eleteacher08

Nov 16, 2009 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: nitrous93 (Nov 15, 2009 7:46 pm)
Thanks so much for your positive feedback! I will definitely stick to the manual and take good care of my Escape, just like I did with my Focus. I guess I just need to stick to my first choice then and get an Escape!!!

Messages Page 384 of 414

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