Review: Ford BA Escape (2001-03)

Overview

Released in March 2001, the Ford BA Escape was a four-wheel drive, compact SUV. Jointly developed and mechanically similar to the Mazda J14 Tribute , the BA Escape was initially manufactured in Hofu, Japan. The BA Escape was powered by a 3.0-litre ‘Duratec 30’ V6 petrol engine that had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and roller finger followers. Furthermore, a four-speed automatic transmission – with a lockup torque converter and overdrive – was fitted as standard.

The Escape had unibody construction and was 4415 mm long, 1825 mm wide, 1775 mm tall and had a 2620 mm long wheelbase. The Escape had MacPherson strut front suspension with rearward facing L-shaped lower control arms and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, double lateral links and coil springs located between the trailing arm and the body.

4WD system

The Escape was fitted with Ford’s ‘Control Trac IITM’ 4WD system with a rotary blade coupling and clutch pack. In ordinary conditions, the Escape was front-wheel drive, but could re-direct torque to the rear axle when slippage was detected. The Escape also had a ‘4×4 Lock’ mode for permanent four-wheel drive with a 50:50 front/rear torque split.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners; the XLT was also fitted with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, while the Limited added front side airbags.

Brakes

The Escape had 277 mm by 25 mm front brake discs and 229 mm rear drum brakes.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2001 Tribute fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 engine – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67. Due to its similarity, these results were also applied to the Ford Escape. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver as the footwell deformed. In the side impact test, however, the Tribute received a maximum score.

Features

Standard features for the Escape XLS included 15-inch steel wheels with 225/65 R15 tyres, four speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking, air conditioning tilt adjustable steering wheel, power windows, roof racks and immobiliser. From October 2001, the XLS was also fitted with power door mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, new interior trim and seat back pockets.

Beyond this, the Escape XLT added 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R16 tyres, six-stack CD player, cruise control, and front fog lamps. The range-topping Limited was distinguished by its leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power-operated sunroof.

2001 Escape Summer editions

In March 2001, Summer editions of the XLS and XLT variants were released, adding a colour-coded rear spoiler, front and rear skid plates, scuff plates and carpet mats.

Review: Ford ZA Escape (2003)

Overview

Released in March 2003, the ZA Escape introduced improved safety equipment and additional features. The range, however, was unchanged.

Safety equipment

Compared to its BA predecessor, standard safety equipment for the ZA Escape was extended to include ABS and electronic brake force distribution (previously omitted from the entry-level XLS).

Features

The Escape XLS gained 16-inch steel wheels, though alloy wheels were offered for free until June 2003.

The Escape XLT and Limited were further equipped with a six-disc in-dash CD player (previously an auxiliary unit) and the centre console had a ‘warm steel’ finish. The Escape XLT was also fitted with velour seats and, until June 2003, a free sunroof.

Review: Ford ZB Escape (2004-06)

Overview

Released in January 2004, the ZB Escape introduced a four-cylinder petrol engine, improved features and updated styling. Visually, the ZB Escape could be identified by its painted bumpers, side cladding and wheel arches.

The 2.3-litre ‘Duratec 23’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium engine block, cast-in iron cylinder linders, an aluminium double overhead cam cylinder head, four valves per cylinder, fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and a one-piece cast crankshaft.

Safety equipment

With respect to safety equipment, the newly introduced 2.3-litre models were fitted with mechanical brake assist, though the 3.0-litre V6 models missed out.

Features

Compared to their ZA predecessors, the ZB Escape XLT and Limited variants were fitted with a seven speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an overhead console with a sunglasses holder and reading lamps. The Limited was also fitted with privacy glass (i.e. tinted glass for rear door, rear quarter and back windows).

2004 Escape Bad Boy edition

In June 2004, a ‘Bad Boy’ edition of the 2.3-litre Escape XLS was released, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, side steps, stainless steel scuff plates and faux chrome bumper inserts and door mirror covers.

Review: Ford ZC Escape (2006-08)

Overview

Released in June 2006, the ZC Escape was manufactured in Jhongli City, Taiwan, and introduced a revised line-up, improved interior and subtle facelift. The 3.0-litre V6 was upgraded for Euro II emissions compliance and the V6 range was reduced to the newly introduced XLT Sport and range-topping Limited.

Visually, the ZC Escape could be identified by its three-bar horizontal grille, new bonnet with front edge garnish, new bumpers, rear fog lamps and combination LED tail-lights; the XLT Sport and Limited were also fitted with circular fog lamps and front and rear skid plates.

Safety equipment

Compared to its ZB predecessor, safety equipment was enhanced with front seatbelt pretensioners and rear disc brakes fitted as standard across the range.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, a 2006 3.0-litre V6 Mazda Tribute with dual front airbags achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67 out of 37; this result was also applied to the Escape due to the similarity of the models.

Features

Inside, the ZC Escape was fitted with a conventional handbrake and floor-mounted gearshift, a new sound system, rotary dials for the sound and climate control systems (fitted to all variants other than the XLS), steering wheel audio controls and an updated instrument cluster with metallic-rimmed dials and blue backlighting.

Review: Ford ZD Escape (2008-12)

Overview

Released in April 2008, the ZD Escape introduced a significant facelift and revised line-up. The ZD Escape range comprised a single, unnamed variant powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Visually, the ZD Escape could be identified by its new front mask – with new bumpers, headlights, grille and bonnet – tail-lights and side mirrors.

Safety equipment and features

The ZD Escape was similarly equipped to the ZC 2.3-litre Escape XLT, but also fitted with front side airbags.

Related links

• Brochure: Ford ZD Escape (July 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Ford Escape

Recalls: Ford Escape

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally. 

Recalls: Ford Escape

• In October 2001, a recall was issued for certain Ford BA Escape models manufactured from 1 February 2001 to 19 September 2001 inclusive. For the affected vehicles, the union nut (locknut) which attached the fuel delivery module to the fuel tank may not have been completely engaged when installed, resulting in fuel leakage and a potential fire hazard (PRA 2001/5021).
• In February 2004, a recall was issued for certain Ford BA Escape models manufactured from 22 January 2001 to 30 October 2001. For the affected vehicles, a post within the front safety belt buckle cover could fracture, resulting in either no latch or partial latching. For the latter, the buckle tongue could be inserted into the buckle and appear to be functioning normally, though the risk of seatbelt failure remained (PRA 2004/6786).
• In November 2012, a recall was issued for Escape vehicles that were available for sale from 1 November 2001 to 1 February 2006. In these vehicles, inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the cruise control cable could cause the engine to be stuck at full power when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed – this could result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle. Please note that this risk exists regardless of whether cruise control is being used or not (PRA 2012/13352).

Problems and faults: Ford Escape

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Ford Escape

• For Ford Escape models fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 engine, the ‘low coolant’ warning light may illuminate because the float in the coolant recovery tank sinks; a revised float assembly was subsequently released.
• For Escape models with automatic transmissions, harsh or late upshifts may occur after the transmission has been repaired due to a problem with the turbine-shaft speed sensor.
• For automatic models, the engine may stall when coming to rest after cruising at highway speeds because the lockup torque converter fails to release.
• The air conditioning compressor front seal may leak, causing a loss of refrigerant.
• The fuel tank may fill slowly and the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate if the fuel tank vent line becomes clogged by debris or, potentially, ice. If so, the line needs to be cleared and possibly relocated to prevent recurrences.
• A whining noise from the front of the vehicle when traveling at 30-70km/h may require the half-shafts to be replaced with units that have dampers.
• Clunking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle may be due to a problem with the power steering return line; a revised hose was subsequently released.
• A high-pitched squeaking noise from the rear suspension may be caused by the shock absorber bushings moving out of position.
• For early models, some heater cores experienced recurring failures that were attributed to electrolysis. If so, the coolant may need to be flushed and replaced, while additional ground connections to the engine may also be required.
• If the door handle was pulled while trying to unlock the door with the remote locking, the doors would not open and new door latches may need to be installed.

Released in March 2001, the Ford BA Escape was a four-wheel drive, compact SUV. Jointly developed and mechanically similar to the Mazda Tribute, the BA Escape was initially manufactured in Hofu, Japan. The BA Escape was powered by a 3.0-litre ‘Duratec 30’ V6 petrol engine that had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and roller finger followers. Furthermore, a four-speed automatic transmission – with a lockup torque converter and overdrive – was fitted as standard… Read full Ford Escape review

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Images: Ford ZA Escape (2003)

Released in March 2003, the Ford ZA Escape introduced improved safety equipment and additional features. The range, however, was unchanged.

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Images: Ford ZB Escape (2004-06)

Released in January 2004, the Ford ZB Escape introduced a four-cylinder ‘Duratec 23’ petrol engine, improved features and updated styling. Visually, the ZB Escape could be identified by its painted bumpers, side cladding and wheel arches. The 2.3-litre ‘Duratec 23’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium engine block, cast-in iron cylinder linders, an aluminium double overhead cam cylinder head, four valves per cylinder, fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and a one-piece cast crankshaft.

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Images: Ford ZC Escape (2006-08)

Released in June 2006, the Ford ZC Escape was manufactured in Jhongli City, Taiwan, and introduced a revised line-up, improved interior and subtle facelift. The 3.0-litre V6 was upgraded for Euro II emissions compliance and the V6 range was reduced to the newly introduced XLT Sport and range-topping Limited. The Ford ZC Escape could be identified by its three-bar horizontal grille, new bonnet with front edge garnish, new bumpers, rear fog lamps and combination LED tail-lights; the XLT Sport and Limited were also fitted with circular fog lamps and front and rear skid plates.

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Images: Ford ZD Escape (2008-12)

Released in April 2008, the Ford ZD Escape introduced a significouldt facelift and revised line-up. The Ford ZD Escape range comprised a single, unnamed variant that was powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The ZD Escape could be identified by its new front mask (with new bumpers, headlights, grille and bonnet), tail-lights and side mirrors.

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ANCAP: 2001 Mazda Tribute crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, a 2001 Mazda Tribute fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 engine – and equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67. Due to the Tribute’s similarity with the Escape, these results were also applied to the Escape. For further information about this testing, please go to the ANCAP website.