I shouldn't have started reading the posts 'cause now I have a bunch of questions. It's looks like the fuel economy question isn't as big of an issue as I had originally thought although I don't think I'd feel comfortable driving around with my tires at 45 psi. I couldn't manage reading all 3367 posts but someone mentioned something about the gaskets. I read somewhere else that tightening them when the engine is warm may help with fuel economy. Is this what what he/she was referring to?<br><br>The other question I had was about the recalls. How many have there been to date and have they been all that serious?<br><br>Any help would be much appreciated. Who know's, maybe next time I post it will be to say that I'm now the pround owner of a bouncing, baby Escape ...

Escapes that have been built over the past 4 months or so have had no recalls.

The tightening when the engine is warm has more to do with the fuel smell some people have gotten. At first it was a big deal because they didn't know the fix, but now they do, so it's about a one hour job by the dealer. They didn't do a recall because some of us [me for one] don't get the fuel smell problem. <br>I want to mention the MPG thing you started to ask about. The MPG goes up as miles are put on the Escape. Some have started with good milage and gotten better. Some started not as good and got the better latter. Just to make sure you got the whole picture. if MPG is a big issue get the 4L. I have the V6 and wouldn't trade it for the 4L, but I haven't driven one so going by past experience with other brands.<br><br>Jan & Jewel

Hi, welcome to the club and thanks for your questions.<br><br>Just to add to some of the answers that you have been given.<br><br>First off, tire psi. The recommended psi is 29. Likely most of us have our tires at that. Some have boosted it up to 32 or 35 psi. Anyone over 35 psi is a very rare exception.<br><br>Fuel Economy - As Jan mentioned fuel economy improves as the engine breaks in. I was one of those who started off with good fuel economy. My city mpg surpassed the advertised 21 miles per imperial gallon (for a V6 4x4), but I have not yet reached the advertised 31 miles per imperial gallon for highway but this is more of a function of how fast I go. Janice and Katina have surpassed it.<br><br>The recalls that came out, were very early in the production and affected only a limited amount of vehicles on the road. As mentioned the vehicles that are being produced right now have all of the recall problems fixed.<br><br>I am close to 23,000 km (14,000+) miles on my Escape and I have had absolutely no problems. I have taken it on long drives through the mountains, off roading on cutlines and I absolutely love it. I hope that one day you will have your bouncing baby Escape.<br><br>Once again welcome.<br><br>Gary