NHTSA Complaint #760013 — 2001 FORD ESCAPE

THE SHIFTER ON THE STEERING COLUMN JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THEY LOOKED AT IT THE LINKAGE CABLE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT & STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE. OTHER TIMES THEY STATE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER, AS OF THIS DAY THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST 2-3 A DAY. I HAVE A 16 YR OLD SON WHO JUST STARTED DRIVING AND USES MY CAR FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR ANY VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SHIFTER JUMP OUT OF GEAR. A FIELD ENGINEER TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR ON 3-18-2002. HE STATED THAT THE CONDITION DESCRIBED IS OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS VEHICLE AND IS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE SERVICE & PARTS MANAGER STATED THAT NO MATTER WHAT WE DO TO THE CAR NOTHING WILL MAKE IT ANY BETTER. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE HANDS ARE TIED AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS COULD CAUSE A REAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT FOR ME, MY 16 YR OLD AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. ALSO THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN ENGAGING THE GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND DRIVE TO PARK ETC, WHICH THEY ALSO STATE IS COMPLETELY NORMAL.