TL - the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 5 mph, the entire exhaust system detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the exhaust system and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 97,000. Jcc

- Catawissa, PA, USA

We have a 2002 Ford Escape XLT we bought new in Sept of 2002. It has 90,000 miles on it. Last week my husband was coming home when it lost power and would not go over 50 miles an hour there was also a whirring sound. He got home and to our mechanic. There was a hole in the egs valve (?) which it turns out was caused by the catalytic converter getting clogged, building up pressured and causing it to blow. Based upon my research on the net, this is fairly common. I am wondering if there is anything being done towards a recall. Our dealer is trying to get a new cc from the East coast (we are in the seattle area) but it may take up to 2 weeks.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

Replaced cracked catalytic converter asy 5L8Z*5G232* catalytic at 121,000 miles. Cracked in 2 places. Ford told me it was 2nd Ford Escape in 2 weeks with same problem with cracks in same location. Bill cost $1126.91 to repair.

- Winchester, VA, USA

(1) ce light on again (2) vehicle not idling normally (3) vehicle not advancing from stop (4) smell burning oil from engine when shut off, no visible oil leak found on driveway (5) rattling from lf of the vehicle; speed of rattling directly related to speed of vehicle; starts around 25 mph. (6) driver's seat lurches forward on seat track when braking; only occurs with lighter weight drivers. Took vehicle to dealer for the 30K mile check & to have them address the issues. Dealer did the following - issues 1-4: engine covered in oil upon inspection (second oil leak); leak coming from the front cover & oil pan; dealer replaced the front cover gasket, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, upper intake gaskets, & oil filter; dealer replaced the catalytic converter monitor sensor again (third time). Issue 5: dealer did not hear noise coming from lf of vehicle; heard a noise from rear of vehicle; rear lift door latch loose; adjusted/oiled it. Issue 6: dealer compared problem with other Escapes; found to be a normal condition of power driver's seat to have some play in it (this is very unsafe; seat lurches forward 1-2in when braking; I'm a short female who struggles to sit a min of 10in from the sw for the ab; moving me forward another 1-2in in a crash is not safe). Dealer found front brake pads/rotors below specs; stated that this is normal for 30K miles; seems too soon. Several complaints filed to NHTSA regarding excessive brake/rotor wear. Vehicle was in the shop 7/16-7/23. Dealer paid for a rental car (third time). Picked up vehicle & drove it off lot; heard rattling from the lf of vehicle. Took it back & a mechanic went on test drive with me, heard noise. Took it back & inspected vehicle together. I noticed the weather stripping on the left side of the windshield was cracked & detaching from vehicle. Had been slapping outside of apillar when driving, making noise. Dealer stated they would order new part & I'd have to bring vehicle back again to have it installed.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

The check engine light was on again! aving problems with the engine while driving; it will surge and buck. T idle, vehicle would not advance forward once foot was removed from brake. Ook vehicle into the dealer; dealer replaced the catalytic converter monitor sensor again!

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Check engine light came on; took vehicle into dealer; found a faulty catalytic converter monitor sensor; ordered part (10/02/03) took vehicle in again about a week later to have new sensor installed, and an engine oil leak was found; rack and pinion unit was leaking; unit was replaced, and was still found to be leaking so a third unit was installed (10/14/03).

- Gilbert, AZ, USA