2001-2007 Ford Escape: Throttle Body Failure

1. OVERVIEW

• The NHTSA data provided for the 2001–2007 Ford Escape with the issue "Throttle Body Failure" shows no owner complaints and no official recalls in the database for this specific make/model/year/issue combination. Based on 0 owner reports, the data is limited and cannot establish a frequency or fault pattern from real-world complaints alone.
• The problem statement includes a moderate severity designation and a repair cost range of $400–$800. Because the NHTSA dataset here contains no complaints or recall details, this guide uses the supplied price range as a baseline reference for budgeting a diagnosis and repair, while clearly noting the data limitations. If you’re pursuing this issue on your vehicle, verify current conditions and any applicable campaigns at NHTSA.gov.
• Data limitations note: Limited NHTSA data available for this issue. No complaints documented in the provided dataset. No recalls found. Check NHTSA.gov for current recalls and VIN-specific information.

2. SYMPTOMS

• No NHTSA owner complaints are documented for this combination (Ford Escape 2001–2007 with throttle body failure) in the provided data. Based on 0 owner reports, there are no verifiable, complaint-derived symptom descriptions to list here.
• If you are experiencing throttle-related symptoms on this generation Escape, consider using a broad diagnostic approach (see Diagnostic Steps) and cross-check with a professional scan to verify throttle-by-wire operation, air intake cleanliness, and related sensors.

3. ROOT CAUSE

• In general automotive practice, throttle body failure can arise from several root causes:
  • Carbon buildup or varnish on the throttle plate or inside the throttle body, leading to sticking, poor idle control, or irregular airflow.
  • Failure of the throttle actuator motor or its position sensor (TPS) providing incorrect position feedback to the PCM.
  • Electrical wiring harness or connector corrosion/damage, causing intermittent or failed throttle control signals.
  • Vacuum leaks around the throttle body or intake tract, altering measured mass air flow and destabilizing idle.
  • Contamination or failure of related sensors (e.g., MAF, MAP) that influence PCM air/fuel calculations and throttle control.
  • Mechanical binding or mechanical wear in the throttle linkage or electronic throttle control (ETC) mechanism.
• Because the provided dataset has 0 complaints and no recalls, there is no observed frequency or confirmed pattern from owner reports to pin down a single predominant cause for this specific vehicle/issue. The root-cause discussion here reflects standard mechanical and electronic throttle system failure mechanisms and should be validated against live data from a vehicle scan and physical inspection.

4. WHY THIS AFFECTS FORD ESCAPE

• The throttle body (part of the air intake and electronic throttle control system) governs the amount of air entering the engine. If the throttle body fails or operates abnormally, the PCM may see incorrect air-fuel demand, producing symptoms such as unstable idle, hesitation or surging, reduced power during acceleration, or stalling in certain conditions.
• On a Ford Escape from 2001–2007, throttle control issues can disrupt idle control strategies and overall drivability. With no documented NHTSA complaints for this exact combination, the impact cannot be quantified from complaints alone, but the generic risk to drivability and engine response remains a plausible concern if the throttle body is faulty or contaminated.

5. OBD2 CODES

• Complaint data shows varied codes - professional scan recommended.
• No specific codes are cited in the provided NHTSA data for this issue. If you are diagnosing this condition, a professional scan tool should be used to retrieve any stored trouble codes and live sensor data related to the throttle body, throttle position sensor (TPS), mass air flow (MAF), and related systems.

6. TSBS AND RECALLS

• RECALLS: No recalls found in NHTSA database. Verify at NHTSA.gov for your VIN. Check NHTSA.gov for current recalls.
• TSBS (Technical Service Bulletins): The provided data does not include any TSB numbers. Check with your Ford dealer or service center for any TSBs that may apply to throttle body cleaning, calibration, or ETC system updates for the 2001–2007 Escape. Do not assume specific bulletin numbers without verification.

7. DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

• Step 1: Verify symptoms and safety: If there is stalling, limp mode, or rough idle, note driving conditions (speed, load, engine temperature) and whether CEL is illuminated.
• Step 2: Visual inspection:
  • Inspect the throttle body mounting, intake piping, and vacuum lines for cracks, leaks, or loose connections.
  • Check wiring harness and connectors to the throttle control motor and TPS for signs of wear, corrosion, or disconnection.
• Step 3: Scan for codes and real-time data:
  • Read any stored/pending codes, plus live data for throttle position (TP), throttle sensor status, mass air flow, engine load, and RPM.
  • Look for throttle plate movement when commanded, and verify there is full range of motion without binding.
• Step 4: Assess throttle body cleanliness:
  • If carbon buildup is visible or throttle plate is sticking, plan for cleaning.
  • If the throttle motor or TPS readings appear stuck or inconsistent, plan for further testing or replacement.
• Step 5: Check for vacuum integrity:
  • Inspect the throttle body gasket, intake manifold seals, and surrounding vacuum hoses for leaks, as vacuum leaks can mimic or exacerbate throttle control issues.
• Step 6: Compare commanded vs actual throttle angle:
  • With the vehicle in run or test mode, command throttle position using the scan tool and verify that the actual throttle angle tracks the commanded angle smoothly.
• Step 7: Functional test:
  • If allowed by the vehicle, perform a controlled test drive to observe idle quality, acceleration response, and any rev/idle fluctuations while monitoring live data.
• Step 8: Decide on service path:
  • If clean throttle body and sensors test within spec but symptoms persist, consider deeper electrical diagnosis or sensor replacement.
  • If binding, sticking, or damaged components are found, plan for throttle body cleaning or replacement as appropriate.

8. REPAIR SOLUTIONS (with 2025 costs)

• Baseline cost reference (from the data provided): $400–$800 for throttle body-related work on this issue.
• Practical repair paths:
  • Throttle body cleaning (non-replace): Often less than replacement; cost varies by labor rate and parts if any gaskets are reused. Safety-critical parts are frequently labeled “Professional Only” for replacement; cleaning can be a DIY-friendly option if you have the know-how and tools.
  • Throttle body replacement (ETC-enabled units): If the throttle body or motor fails, replacement is typical. Professional involvement is advised due to safety-critical nature of the ETC system.
• 2025 cost considerations:
  • Estimated 2025 range: $400–$800 (as provided). Costs may vary by region, shop, labor rate, and whether the work is limited to cleaning vs. full replacement and whether any ancillary components (gaskets, sensors, actuators) are included.
• Safety note: If replacement is required, treat this as a safety-critical repair and designate it as “Professional Only.” Ensure proper calibration and relearn procedures after installation.
• Additional notes: The throttle body may be contaminated with carbon or oil deposits; if cleaning is chosen, use appropriate cleaners and avoid damage to sensors or passages. Always verify that any related sensors (TPS, MAF) and connectors are clean and within specification.

9. EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE

• Since no recalls are listed for this issue in the provided data, there are no specific recall remedies to cite. Check with Ford for any manufacturer warranty extensions or service programs applicable to throttle body or ETC system components.
• Otherwise: Check with the manufacturer or dealer for any current warranty coverage or extended service programs that might apply to your VIN.

10. PREVENTION

• Preventive maintenance ideas based on general throttle-body care and typical intake system health:
  • Use quality fuel and keep fuel system components reasonably clean to minimize deposit formation on the throttle body.
  • Replace the air filter at recommended intervals to prevent intake contaminants from accelerating buildup.
  • Periodically inspect and clean the throttle body if you notice idle instability or surges (as recommended by service manuals and dealer guidance).
  • Address vacuum leaks promptly; ensure intake seals and hoses are in good condition.
  • If the vehicle frequently experiences short trips, consider periodic throttle body cleaning as part of preventive maintenance to limit buildup.
• Note: Specific preventative maintenance intervals for this model/year should reference the vehicle’s owner manual or Ford service guidance.

11. OWNER REPORTS & RELIABILITY DATA

• Based on 0 owner reports, there is limited data available for this issue in the provided NHTSA dataset.
• Data availability note: Limited NHTSA data available for this issue.
• Mileage information: Not provided in the supplied data; there is no documented mileage range from owner reports in this dataset.
• Reliability takeaway: With no documented complaints, it is not possible to quantify the reliability or frequency of throttle body failure for this specific vehicle generation based solely on the provided data.

12. RELATED ISSUES

• Related components or systems that commonly interact with throttle body performance (in general practice, not specifically documented in the provided data):
  • Throttle position sensor (TPS) and electronic throttle control (ETC) system
  • Mass air flow (MAF) sensor and intake air temperature (IAT) sensors
  • Intake manifold vacuum integrity and associated gaskets
  • Idle air control or related actuator if applicable to ETC-equipped engines
  • Air intake cleanliness and carbon buildup on the throttle body
• Since the dataset has no complaints or recalls, related issues are based on standard automotive knowledge of throttle body systems and their interactions with engine control.

Important data caveats

• This diagnostic guide is grounded in the limited NHTSA data provided. There are no documented owner complaints or recalls for the stated issue on the specified vehicle range within the supplied data.
• “Limited NHTSA data available for this issue” applies to the overall dataset. No specific complaint texts or recall campaign IDs are provided here.
• The Repair Cost Range is taken from the initial problem statement (not from complaint texts). The 2025 cost reference uses that same baseline figure, acknowledging regional and shop variability.
• If you are diagnosing this issue on a real vehicle, prioritize a professional diagnostic approach, especially given the throttle body’s role in safety-critical engine control. Use VIN-specific recall/TSB checks via NHTSA.gov and Ford service resources before performing repairs.