Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    MPH driven has a big effect on Gas mileage. Ford does not do the MPH tests, the EPA does. The highway mileage is figured on a test loop that does not exeed 50 MPH. So on a vehicle that is not particularly aerodynamic (Most SUV's) there can be quite a difference to Government results. The Government also buys these vehicles on the open market so the manufacturers can't tune one up special to juice the number. That said, there are production tolerances that can lead to different vehicles having different real life MPG numbers.
  • jordan29jordan29 Member Posts: 20
    i don't think there is any problem with the fuel guage. i have an older corolla that seems to do the exact opposite.

    after filling up, the needle stays full for almost 100 miles then it steadily drops to half tank. then at half tank, it quickly drops to near empty.

    thing is, these guages are NOT LINEAR at all.
  • sunflower6sunflower6 Member Posts: 5
    I bought a tribute LX last Nov.. I loved it so much until yesterday. Last night, I was driving downhill when the car suddenly stopped without any notice in advance. Fortunately, I was able to pull the car to the road side by its initial speed. I restarted the car. It was working except the indicator, that small square, around the shift was gone. I have no means to tell if I was on the parking or driving or neutral but intuition. Carefully, I drove it back home. Then I shut down the engine and restarted it again. Then everything was back to normal. I made appointment with the dealer for Monday's check. But my feeling is that dealer probably won't be able to find any problem. Has anyone encountered the same problem before? Thanks.
  • lulucatlulucat Member Posts: 3
    To jmlagasca, my dealer replaced my fuel gauge too but the new gauge does exactly the same thing the original one did. Please advise on your results once yours is replaced. (My replacement gauge was on backorder for 3 weeks.)
  • sam1960sam1960 Member Posts: 3
    I'm buying a Ford Escape pretty soon, and I would like to know what are all the fuzz about Escape having 5 recalls already. Any information would be appreciated! :) Sam1960
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    5 recalls! Oh my God! LOL. I guess its a matter of perspective. I've been on this bulletin board for the past 3 or 4 months. I have seen the gamut between "Your out of your mind"! to "Its new car blues". Read the previous post(s) & make your own decision. The recalls are @ NHSTA.com. I ordered mine ( Black/tan 4WD/XLT) Jan.15 & just got my "vin" last week. I guess that means that it's coming "soon".
    The base price just went up $186.00 so I guess I lucked out in that regard.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Edmunds has Links to NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
    .
    I find it easier to search the recall database by year (instead of make/model/year).

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • sam1960sam1960 Member Posts: 3
    Thank you everyone for your info. I went to NHTSA and found out recalls info. Some recalls seems serious, but, I hope Ford did take necessary steps. I will continue shopping for Escape and hope that the ones I'm getting is manufactured after Nov. 2000. Once again, thanks!!!!
  • jayliujayliu Member Posts: 17
    Yeah. I had the same problem, one week after I got the car in Aug of last year. I was not applying any pressure on the gas and going downhill as well, and all the sudden "engine check", "oil check", "battery check" lights come up and the car just die. I was lucky to pull to the side of the street and shut the car completely off, and then "restart" the engine. Then it seems to be back to normal.
    Took the car directly to the dealer and let them check it there for 3-5 days... it's being awhile. But as usual they said, everything is "OKAY" no record on the onboard computer about engine shut down.

    I hope your dealer are any better than mine.

    P.s. unless the engine is also design by Microsoft, you need to restart every now and then?!

    Let me know if your dealer found anything about your car.

    Thanks
  • jayliujayliu Member Posts: 17
    I posted this problem about my tribute two months ago, but got very few responds, now I'll post again to see if any of new tribute owner has this problem.

    When ever I have my AC turn on, "AC, Max AC, Defrost" position.
    When ever I accelerate lightly or hardly. As soon as I let go the gas peddle or during the accerlration, I will hear this gas leaking sound coming from the engine compartment. It sounds completely different from a AC compressor kick in. It's like a sudden hiss very brief, but very noticable.

    Took my car back to the deal "FOUR" times for the problem, it had cumulated almost 30 days at the dealer's possesion for these four attempts. Each time they either told me, all the test come out fine, everything is normal or there is nothing wrong with my car. At one time a service consultant even tells me it could be a normal break in sound.
    And my salesman actually told me just to turn the music up, then I won't hear the gas leak sound!!! Well, I might as well stick two needle into my ear, then I won't even hear the enigne noise or wind noise, right?!

    I had to shut the AC off, most of the time because I hate to hear that sound.

    I am very frucstrate, and finally I took my car back into the same car dealer I bought the car and ask the service center to take one last look. They could not do anything until Monday, because when I arrive it was Friday evening.

    Does anyone of you has any suggestion or solution for my problem?!!! HELP ME, Please!

    What can I do if they still can not find the problem?
  • jmaterojmatero Member Posts: 253
    Wow, I haven't been here in a while but you have ALL helped me realize what my Dad told me years ago... NEVER BUY THE FIRST YEAR.

    I'm thinking that the 2003 Escapes will be awesome
  • sunflower6sunflower6 Member Posts: 5
    Thank you for sharing your information with me. I just got the phone call from the dealer. They said they finished the check for me. They found out that a sensor which can detect the car gear wasn't working properly. I believe this makes sense. So they replaced the sensor for me. It's all in the warranty. I wish this one will work. You may ask your dealer to do the same thing. Actually, they found out this problem through a computer record. I bet it's not MS product.:) Anyway, I will let you know what happens next.
  • vsl888vsl888 Member Posts: 4
    See #575. After 12 calendar days, my Differential Pressure Feedback Sensor was replaced. All is well.

    Sunflower6, how long before your sensor was replaced? Three days?
  • knorman2knorman2 Member Posts: 3
    Wow, I have had this same thing happen to me - three times, all while going downhill, speed 30 - 35 mph. Little or no pressure on accelator. Last week it happened to me on two consecutive days on the same place on the road at the same time of day. I have learned just to shift to neutral and turn key. Had it to the dealer after the first occurrence and they couldn't find the problem. I have shared this on the Ford Escape message board, and another person has had the problem there too. Am going back to the dealer this week with the info from this board. Thanks for saving me some time and aggravation. Please post again if you continue to have problem
  • sunflower6sunflower6 Member Posts: 5
    To vs1888

    I dropped by car in the dealership yesterday morning. Luckily, they found out the problem and replaced the part for me right away. Probably because they have the parts in stock. The Mazda manufacture will send me the survey for the dealer service in two weeks. You probably will get it,too. What impressed me most is that the dealer told me yesterday that they were unable to reproduce the problem on site. But they found out the problem through the computer record. Let's hope that this one works.

    To Knorman2

    Yes, it's really a good idea to go to the dealer and let them check it out. It made me feel really frustrated when the problem happened. I have to drive across two hills every day to commute. The idea of the engine will stop at anytime when going down hill really scares me. With the experience that vx1888 and I had, I bet your dealer will have a better chance. Please keep us posted on the way how your dealer fix the problem.

    Thank you all.
  • kfwilsonkfwilson Member Posts: 3
    Reg. mgr. also recommended a brand new vehicle But, only if I was willing to accept a tribute without ABS. They weren't expecting any ABS production until late spring. That's an offer
    I could not accept. This explains why I was compensated financially instead.
  • jordan29jordan29 Member Posts: 20
    just got my tribute about a week ago and noticed that when i operate the power windows, the door panel (not the door, just the panel where the controls are located) seems to move a little due to the torque of the window motors.

    is this normal? this is my first car with power windows so i don't know if this is normal.

    any of your observations on your tributes would be appreciated.

    thanks
  • dana2020dana2020 Member Posts: 1
    I have been looking at the Escape and was told that Ford stopped production last fall to address some of the problems (recalls). Does anyone know what problems were fixed? As I read through the other messages, it sounds like there is still a problem with fuel odor and the engine stopping. Were any of these built after Jan. 1, 2001?
    Thanks!
  • vsl888vsl888 Member Posts: 4
    knorman2,

    Glad to help! Getting a sensor may be another struggle. If it's the same sensor, I'd like to know when you receive it.

    sunflower6,

    Which state are you in? I waited 12 days because a sensor could not be found on the west coast. But I was persistent. We may be referring to a different sensor. Also, what do you mean by "they found out the problem through the computer record"? Are you referring to a central data base for problems?
  • jordan29jordan29 Member Posts: 20
    i've been doing a little research on wind noise and found that even audi's and bmw's have similar wind noise issues. audi even has a technical service bulletin out for this.

    tried taping up (covering) the all the spaces between the mirror and the mount on my tribute, in effect producing a 'one piece' mirror. this DID quiet down the wind noise considerably, but did not totally eliminate it.

    next is how to do this and make it pretty.
    any other possible fixes would be welcome.
  • sunflower6sunflower6 Member Posts: 5
    I'm in NJ. The sensor that dealer replaced for me is called neutro safety detector/gear sensor. As how they found out the problem, I was not quite sure. My understanding is that the computer in the car recorded down that there was something wrong on Friday and dealer found it out according to it. I don't know about the details. But I wouldn't think they found out the problem by checking Oracle tables.
  • drjoe2drjoe2 Member Posts: 1
    I'm new at using this service. I have found it to be very informative and plan on being a regular user. My wife would like to buy an Escape. I'm thinking that the inaugural year is not the time to buy. Keep up the good work fellow Edmundites.
  • eng6ineeng6ine Member Posts: 29
    I am reading all of this bad stuff about the Trib., was womdering if I should reconsider my next vehicle purchase. My wife drives a Honda Civic, cannot say anything bad about it, it runs great for such a small car, never thought I would like it but I do! Should I look at or consider a CR-V? I drive a Pick-up now and like being high, well not that high it's only a B2300(small truck). I like the look of the Mazda Tribute more than the Ford Escape, I understand they are having the same problems.

    I was wondering how the Trib. handles as far as city driving, high-way driving as far as noise goes. I am used to a little road noise from my wifes Civic, does not really bother me to much.

    I am also considering just getting the 2WD LX, scince it is front wheel drive, I live in Philadelphia. So no problem with snow. I do plan to drive to the mountains(well thats what we call them on the east coast) but not to go off road, paved high way only. We do occasionally get hit with a snow storm here and there, Never had a problem all of my other front wheel drive vehicles though.

    Was wondering if the people that had the problems with the engine shutting off if they have the AWD or FWD. Maybe there is a problem with that trans on the AWD. I Know that they are using practically the same drive train as the Taurus, is Ford having simular problems with the Taurus?

    Sorry to go on like this. The best thing I should do is to test drive, test drive, test drive!
  • a2esqa2esq Member Posts: 26
    I like the design of the Escape and, until a few weeks ago, had planned to order a 4wd XLT loaded. The price and options are very attractive but I am concerned about reliability and service. I live in Michigan and want an AWD/4WD SUV. I now am considering spending more for a Highlander, MDX or Pathfinder. Does anyone have opinions on how the 4WD Escapes handle in the snow/ice/rain? Have you been satisfied with your service/recall experiences? Thanks.
  • tronsr1tronsr1 Member Posts: 149
    Ford has issued the above TSB. I just called my dealer yesterday,... he is ordering the new "silicone gaskets" for the intake manifold and will repalce as soon as they arrive at his parts dept.
  • knorman2knorman2 Member Posts: 3
    My Escape is 2WD, XLT, V-6. Purchased off lot in October, currently 5000 miles. I have enjoyed driving it EXCEPT FOR: Bad gas mileage - last week was 13.8 city, 18.8 hwy. Fuel smell, which seems to have disapated slightly just recently, 3 engine shut-offs which have occurred in the past month. All in same circumstances - 30 - 35 mph, cruising a slight downhill. There have been many others who have experienced this same problem. I will be taking it to dealer next week for correction. Will let you all know diagnosis.
  • verscapeverscape Member Posts: 3
    To a2esq: We drove our 4wd XL off the lot on Jan. 2 We live in Vermont. We have a half mile dirt driveway which has been regularly covered in snow and/or ice since we've owned the car (approx. 3000 miles now). The car has been excellent through the snow/ice. On tough days, we just turn on the all time 4wd for the driveway, and then go back to the automatic setting once we're on the road. As for problems, I have regularly visited this discussion since we got the car to learn about any problems that we might run into, and am pleased to report that we have had none, which I suspect is the case with the silent majority of Escape owners. Nonetheless, I agree that this discussion has been an excellent resource and will continue to visit it regularly. Good luck.
  • sunflower6sunflower6 Member Posts: 5
    I posted before about the engine shut off on my Mazda tribute. But I should say I am still a happy owner. I used to live in Iowa and I know how the snow days look like in mid-west. I swore at that time that I would buy a WAD if I buy a new car. Then I moved to NJ. Usually, there isn't too much snow in this area. But I still bought my tribute LX last Nov.. So far it did excellent jobs in the recently two snow storms. I need to commute for an hour one way everyday. Yesterday and two weeks ago, I drove confidently in the snow with all wheel drive for four hours each time. I saw a lot of cars spin on the road. But tribute was great at that time. The storm two weeks ago was a big one. We got 12 inches. Yesterday's was a smaller one. But the temperature was very low so the road was very slippery. Just make sure you have gas in your tank before you leave. The all wheel drive is great except the low gas millage.

    I bought my tribute from Faukener Mazda dealer in Philadelphia. Their service is too good to be true! Though I don't use this dealer now because of the distance, I should say I am really impressed by their service on the purchase and things after that.

    I hope this is useful for our friends in Philadelphia and Michigan.
  • dude17dude17 Member Posts: 8
    We live in central NJ. Drive a LX V6 FWD Purchased in October. The Tribute Handles very good on city and HWY roads, under all conditions (even 16" of unplowed snow). City and HWY driving averages 21 MPG. I suggest anyone interested in comparing Tribute/Escape to other SUV's to pick up a copy of this months Car & Driver, It has Comparison Charts that are very informative.
  • boconnor1boconnor1 Member Posts: 2
    Are the interior lock controls and cruise control buttons supposed to be illuminated at night when the lights are on? My window controls are illuminated, but not these two. I'm somewhat used to it, because on my Honda, nothing is illuminated. But I thought it strange
    they would not illuminate the lock controls when they took the time to illuminate the window controls. Thanks
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Ford is coming out with a special edition Escape this year. Its going to have a special roof rack that hold both bikes, snowboards or skiis. Its also going to have privacy glass, 16" styled aluminum wheels and all terrain tires. Through December Frod sold 42,635 Escapes. "Sales are cranking" says Stu Smith (Ford mgr) "We have well over 100,000 dealer orders". This all comes out of an article from Automotive News.
    So, you may be waiting a while for your Escape.. Even with all the doom and gloom over the initial recalls looks like sales are booming.. The Escape is sure to pass the present favorite (Honda CRV) in sales this year no doubt. But with more players entering the market this year, the Saturn Vue, Jeep Liberty, Hyundia Sante Fe and Suzuki XL-7 competition is going to be fierce! Good for us huh? The consumer...
  • stormy9stormy9 Member Posts: 2
    Escape XLT V6 w/3800 miles:
    In the past week or two, I've noticed a very annoying rattle in the rear window when traveling over bumpy surfaces. Also, the window doesn't appear to be completely closed at the lower corners; they seem a little loose. Anyone else w/this problem?

    Otherwise, I LOVE this vehicle. Very zippy and handles very well. My 12-mile morning commute is half city/half freeway. I'm getting 22 to the gallon on my commutes.
  • farmertullfarmertull Member Posts: 14
    I just test drove a V-6 auto Escape and was really impressed by the drive and the room. I was really shocked at the screaming engine that doesnt allow conversation during acceleration. I am used to driving a farm truck and a tractor so I am used to noise. It is loud enough for me to not buy this very nice vehicle. What do others think?????
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    Hi! I read your post, but I couldn't find the article in Automotive News.Do you know the exact date? Thanks.
  • tronsr1tronsr1 Member Posts: 149
    There are supposed to be two ruber grommets at the bottom rear area and also the latch is adjustable.
  • susan66susan66 Member Posts: 1
    We bought a Tribute ES AWD on 12/4/00. We love it--it is a joy to drive. There are just a small problems, and I didn't notice anyone else mentioning them in prior messages.
    1) After we turn the engine off, it makes all sorts of popping and pinging noises under the hood. This lasts about 10 minutes or so. The dealer said they thought it was the relay system and replaced it but it is still doing it.
    2) After the engine is turned off, you are supposed to be able to open and close windows for several minutes. It usually works, but there have been two instances where it didn't. This last time I heard a high pitched electronic noise when I shut the engine off, similar to how the sunroof sounds as it is opening and closing. Its as if the electrical system is shutting itself down prematurely or something.
    3) There is a clunking noise coming from the driver's side door. I hear it when ever I speed up or slow down abruptly, as if whatever it is is knocking back and forth inside.
    4) We stalled one time, about two weeks after we bought it, while in traffic going about 20 mph. We pulled over and it restarted right away and haven't had the problem since. The dealer thought that it was the relay system, which was replaced. But I don't know if that truely fixed it or if we are just getting lucky.
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    Where do we start?
    I can only tell you what my past experiences were with other cars that I have owned or worked on.

    1)The "pinging" could be that the timing is off or you could have a load of bad gas. If it's the timing, the Ford computers should have picked it up.

    2)Sounds like the "electronics" are working but there's a loose connection that doesn't always engage when you close(or open) the window. Try it with the car "on". If it doesn't work than thats probably it.

    3) The "clunking" is probably the item (#2) thats preventing the window from opening (or closing).

    4)The stalling probably has something to do with #1. I've read about some stalling problems on this BB but haven't seen any fixes.

    I know a lot of things are done electronically with computers to regulate the specifications on new cars. Sometimes the "new" mechanics rely too heavily on this (like kids & calculators). LOL
    Listen I could be wrong but, it doesn't hurt to check out ALL the possibilities.
    Good Luck,
    K9cop1
  • hfdadhfdad Member Posts: 29
    I noticed the same noise while test driving an Escape. The Tribute did not seem quite as loud. Mazda dealers have been terrible to deal with though. I haven't purchased yet, but after hearing of all the problems some people are having I'm going to test drive a Santa Fe. You seem to get a lot of vehicle for the money and I can't find read anything negative about them.
  • jordan29jordan29 Member Posts: 20
    does the the pinging/popping noise sound lightly or very loud? if it sounds light, it could be metals cooling and contracting. where do you live? does this always happen? when it happens, what is the air temperature?

    just my 2cents.
  • melissannhmelissannh Member Posts: 8
    My 2 cents:

    Please understand first off where I came from - as the leassee of a 99 Explorer Sport, living in the rugged areas of Northwest NJ, hills mts, extreme weather. I really wanted out of the truckiness of my Sport - poor cornering ability -sluggish. I wanted to. If I had my own way without the family input, I woudl have gotten a Sebring Lxi - dont ask - its just what I really love. Okay - that out of the way -

    First Impressions:
    1. WHo the hell put that stick shift on the column in front of the radio - UUMMMM - accident waiting to happen anyone?!
    2. Interior is hollow feeling. Cabin is noisy - materials and knobs feel cheap - flimsy - not to mention the door locks (is that a white sticker?!). When its cold out - I dont like the thought of climbing into it - my Sport felt "warm" to climb into. The Escape - seems "cold", not plushy. Seems like there is no padding in the cabin -and they certainly didnt pad the seats. There must be two layersz between me and the hardware.
    3. Rearview mirror sucks compared to the elegance of the Sports automatic dimming rearview. As someone with bad night vision - this is a really important factor. One I hadnt thought of until I drove home.
    4. Okay - the rear window wipers and the front window wipers are on the same stick, and although I am college educated, its not all that nifty of a design. Of course, its wet, miserable and rainy when I picked up my new car - and i had NO IDEA how to work that dual control shift - and at one point I tried twisting the stick shift....!
    5. The radio at 300- watts is cool, and that RDS thing is cool, but because the inside of the escape is not as plush or well built as the explorer - the sounds seems to "leak" out of the cheap interior.

    I hate saying this trust me, from the bottom of my heart I wish these werent my impressions.

    6. Coming up a hill was nice - I didnt feel like I was tilting - cornering was incredible, responsiveness - yes that a great word- the engine was responsive - not powerfully sluggush like the sport.
    7. NO lighted vanity mirrors on the visors - I relied heavily on the three different positions of my Explorers visors - this was something I just hadn't checked either - just a standard thin visor.
    8. I do like the gawking - lots of people "check this truck out". Of course, it could be the Yello color I got it in!

    Either give me time - or give me back my Sport's quasi-luxury driver convienences. Not to mention the Escape is $75 more a month then my Sport to lease.........

    As far as recalls - I love Fords service. I love their service centers and tehir incredible level of customer care. My service center was incredible in helping me through the recalls - I had the fuel smell, and had to have my mainfolds replaced - which they did imemdiately - with a free loaner for my inconvience. And lots of follow up phone calls from National Ford and my local service center.

    I also had a loose bolt in my rear door which made a tremendous squeaking - which the service center identified and fixed immediately.

    I am VERY disappointed in the m.p.g. - I am averaging between 14-17.

    If I had to do it again - I wouldnt lease this Escape and three years seems a far way off. But its partly my fault for not remembering all the little conviences I prefer -(Like rearview mirrors, puddle lights, lighted vanity, quiet cabins), But the engine is incredible and it is fun to drive, I loved the yellow color and if I had to be stuck with a car company - I am glad its Ford, because the service I have gotten has always been incredible.

    Sorry for the long post - I didnt know how to say what I wanted to any "shorter".
  • jordan29jordan29 Member Posts: 20
    hi. drove the tribute last night and after i turned off the engine, yep pinging and poping sounds are coming from metals cooling off and not relays as the dealer thought.

    also happens to my corolla.
  • stecamstecam Member Posts: 15
    I agree with some of your comments. The Escape/Tribute is by no means a luxurious SUV - nor was it ever intended to be. My question to you is, did you actually test drive the Escape before you bought it? If so, how could you have possibly missed things like how the interior looks & feels, the position and uses of the sticks & knobs, the sound of the radio, etc. etc.?

    Maybe I'm just a little strange, but before I bought my Trib I test drove it, tried out all the functions, did some research on the net, and so on, to make sure I was buying something I liked. Just makes sense to me.

    Anyhow, as for your MPH, don't worry - it should improve over time. My Trib had a noticable improvement over the first 2 or 3 thousand miles. Hopefully your Escape will too.

    One question - what kind of deal did you get on your Explorer? I was looking at one up here in Canada a while back and even the base models were more expensive than a loaded Trib/Escape. Its too late for me, but a friend of mine is currently looking and having the same problem - any advice?
  • melissannhmelissannh Member Posts: 8
    I use blueovalnews too and have a smiliar sting running there - and I realized I opened myself up to criticism by stating that I am not the best test driver.

    I figure people purchase/lease a car and avg of 4-6 times in their life. Some more - some less. And while I beleive there will be an incredible change in buying because of the internet - I stil belive the vast majority of buyers will have to deal with human emotions for some time to come. And lliving in NJ I live in a high pressure/high sales area - where any time you go to test drive you are inundated with pesky salespeople - and its nearly impossible to say your "just looking" and be left alone. Everytime I went to a new dealer - I was met by the worst of the salespeople. In my own case - my image does not fit my financial resources. And being a single woman shopper opened myself up to countless salespeople and their games.

    So, even though I had my checklists - I found being alone in a car to really inspect it - a task! Even in a good test drive scenario - how long do you really get to sit in the car? And even with all I knew - I hadnt thought about the rear view dimmer.... I thought I had it all down - what to look for - but the game is all different when emotions are running high - even when I try to NOT have them be.

    But I learned - and as I drive my Escape it is more and more fun.

    In the meantime - I can post my expereinces so someone else who goes car shopping can remember - 1) test drive as much as you can - for as long as you can. And test drive many different vehicles - 2) Sit in your current car - for at least 10 minutes and write down everything you like most about your current vehicle - and from there decide if there is something you really cant live wihtout - (or dont want to), and make sure those amentities are included in your next purchase. It makes sense to say this now - but I just hadnt though of it then.
  • melissannhmelissannh Member Posts: 8
    If you want to look at an Explorer - there is NO BETTER TIME THEN NOW!

    In all of Fords history - they have never offered more incentives/rebates then on their FOrd Explorer 4 door 2000 and 2001 models - nearly $10,000 on some models - they are trying to clear the way for the (finally!) shipped 2002 Explorer models and are also trying to deal with a slagging market admist tough competition.

    For any SUV buyer/leaser - GO WITH THE Explorer. (as long as you dont mind that everyones got one)
  • bruce317bruce317 Member Posts: 2
    I have read many posts with people discussing a similar fuel smell as I am experiencing. When I start my escape when the engine had been running and is still warm (i.e. a quick run into the store then restart engine) there is a distinct fuel smell from the defrost/heater vents that dissipates in a couple of minutes. I have heard many opinions but nothing official from ford. I took it to my local dealer but they couldn't "find" the smell. Does anyone out there have any real answers? BTW I absolutely LOVE the car. We've had it since November and over 4000 miles. Except for problem above it's been great.
  • tsturgelltsturgell Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone who has purchased an Escape/Tribute after January 1st, had either of these problems?
    I plan on buying an escape in the next month or so, but that stalling thing has me a bit skeptical. Thanks.
  • e2ee2e Member Posts: 54
    We purchased our Tribute February 1st. So far, no problems whatsoever.
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    There is supposed to be a TSB about the fuel smell .Allegedly the intake manifold gasket has to be replaced by a silicone one.
  • funokafunoka Member Posts: 13
    We've had our Tribute ES 2 weeks, no fuel smell, no problems, except for a very small screw that fell out of some place in the interior . . . I can't find where it's supposed to go.

    One thing I really like is the design of the back tailgate . . . it's so easy to use, with the latch for the window only on one side and the entire tailgate on the other. For all I know, Ford owners may have been enjoying this for years, but I have friends who've owned Blazers and other SUVs a long time who STILL struggle with the operation of their tailgates . . . and I look like a pro showing them how easy it is on the Tribute. I watched one guy BREAK his Chevy tailgate trying to get it open! Maybe I just have stupid friends . . .?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Sorry I have not been back to answer your question. This article was posted in The Saturday Oregonian paper last week. It stated that there is a sizeable back order of Escapes. A Manager was claiming over 100,000!! dealer orders alone.. This is incredible. I am patient and I think I am going to just sit tight and wait another year until all the hoopla calms down. The competition should also trim some of those back orders when the new Jeep Liberty, Toyota Highlander, Saturn VUE become available this year..
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