I want to see if anyone knows of any problems with the Escape production line. I placed an order for an almost fully-loaded Escape XLT 4WD at the end of October with the assurance that delivery would be in about 6 weeks. The dealer said I could make changes to the order (color, options, etc.) at any time up to the start of production. Now I'm told it will probably be in March.

The justification I'm being given from the dealer was that they found a problem with the motors for the rear wiper and shut down the assembly line while they came up with a fix, and then fixed those units that had been delivered. The dealer says Ford issued a recall, but I can't find any info on a recall for the Escape.

Additionally a fully-loaded XLT 4WD in the same interior and exterior colors (lt parchment gold) came in over the holidays, and at first the dealer called to say mine came in. With the exception of the moonroof and step rails it was exactly what I ordered. Anyhow, they said it wasn't mine, that it had been ordered within a few days of mine. I get the feeling the dealer changed my order to add the moonroof and rails, promised it to someone willing to pay more than what I was paying, and then replaced my order.

Anyhow, that's what I think, no proof to back it up. But if any one has heard of any production problems and can point me to where I can find and read this info I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

It sounds like B.S. to me. I took delivery of my escape in late Oct. I got the recall notice near the first of the year. I took mine in for service and the problem was fixed quickly. I can't see how that would slow production so much. There have been a lot of rumors about production and quality control problems with the Escape. For the most part as far as I can tell, they are overblown. Excellent choice on the color by the way! If you are in a hurry as I was, you should just search the dealers far and wide and try to find the one you want on the lot. I was able to do that and took delivery of mine immediately. (Lt Parchment Gold XLT V6 Mach 6-CD) You may have to compromise a bit though. Frankly, I couldn't wait that long!

Good luck,

Jordan

 

Here's another place you could check:
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordescapeclub

 

You are not alone. Placed our order for a fully loaded XLT on 10/6/00. A few weeks later we were told our build date was 11/17/00. On 11/22/00 we were told our new build date was 1/8/01. When challenged, I was told that the delay was due to the fact that they could not get enough of the ABS brakes that are standard on XLT's. This info came from the Ford Zone Rep when I insisted that I talk to someone who had some answers. On 1/22/01 we were told that our new "locked in" build date is 2/5/01. Our dealer has been no help and provides info only when I force the issue. I am waiting for a call back from the zone rep for some confirmation, but I'm not holding my breath. Check the archives from Autoweek magazine - www.AutoWeek.com for an article about Escape "precall" effort. This seems to confirm that a lot of us are waiting. Ford is not doing a good job on this at all, and if 2/5/01 comes and goes with no confirmation on a build yet, we'll start looking at the competition AND spreading the word about the Escape delivery fiasco all over the net, naming names, dates and dealers. The dealer's and Ford's response to these delays is simply not acceptable!

 

Since posting my original message I paid another visit to my dealer. My salesman was off that day so I ended up talking to the general manager. He finally gave the the word about the shortage of ABS brake systems that are holding up production of the Escape XLTs. He showed me the information from the factory stating that the factory would not be producing any XLSs with the ABS option so that whatever ABS units the receive can go to the XLTs.

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that after 4 months of waiting my '01 XLT 4WD was delivered. Only options I didn't get were the step rails and moon roof. Check out the pict. I really love it!!

[https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3aae748c417ac891.jpg]

 

Just an update on our Escap"ade". Finally got our Escape on February 19,2001 after waiting 20 weeks from the date of order.I did write a letter to Jaques Nasser, Ford President relating our experience and dismay at the length of time and the lack of information forthcoming from Ford. Got a nice phone response from a Ford Marketing VP expressing his regrets for our experience, and promised that our suggestions for improving customer service were given serious consideration. Don't know if we'll go back to Ford in the future after this one, but we do love the Escape. It's everything we wanted in a "mini"SUV, and we still haven't seen anything in the price range that comes close to the Escape. Hoping that the reliability proves as good as the Escape seems to be at this point!

 

Thats a load,,,try what i did,,,in Sept I decided to buy one,, so i visited my local dealers and gave them all my order, as well as placeing an order with autonation's web site,, for a nearly loaded XLT everything exsept 4 wd and leather interiour, and told them all that the first one to find it could sell it to me,,, 3 days later the closest dealer to me called and said my truck was on a lot in alabama,,,I did the paper work and 2 days later it was trucked in, and after a couple days of prep I had it,, Minus the firestone tires.....I love it it has great interiour room and handles like a spors car,, and it will do 120 mph at 3700 rpm with lots of peddle left.....But if you give a dealer a choice,,,what yu get is pushed back in line behind the people that don't give them that option...