I had the same problem on my Escape a few years ago. I took the car into the dealership several times and they checked it out on the computer and they found nothing. After talking to an airline mechanic he suggested it probably was the starter. I had well over 100,000 miles on the car and used the car in my business. My business entails making short trips 10 to 20 times a day, a lot of turning on and off the car. The airline mechanic said that the starter had something like a wheel inside of it with teeth. Every time you turn the key that wheel turns and at times it may be stopping on a worn-out area, tooth, and this prevented it from starting. It did not try to turn over and it didn't always happen and I was left stranded many times. Frustrated I had the starter replaced and never had the problem again. This was one of many problems I had with that car and will never buy a Ford again.

 

I have a 2003 Ford escape with a 3.0 V6 liter engine, and this morning it started fine but later I tried to start it and it turned over but didn't fire, I can smell gas, so it's getting fuel and the lights turn on. When I first tried to start it it wanted to but only one cylinder was firing but now neither of them are. I have had electrical problems before so I believe it's the computer chip.

 

Good info. My daughter's 2004 Escape was doing that very thing and I found I was able to start it buy pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor and feathering it back to an idle. The problem first appeared after some overnight downpours and since it is parked on the street I attributed it to moisture. Found the EGR inlet pipe loose at the EGR valve and tightened that.

Problem recurred with unseasonably cold weather. Removed the AIC and cleaned it by allowing throttle body cleaner to soak the carbon away. (A soft bristle toothbrush helped a little) Gave it a good rinse with throttle body spray to wash away any fine particles. Stuck it back on and started the car by reaching through the window to turn the key without even stepping on the gas.

 

I found out what was wrong, some how I managed to fry my computer of all things, at least that's what they told me at the dealership! Doesn't make any sense why information wouldn't show up on the diagnostic machine other than if the computer was toast. All fuses and wires seemed fine after I and my mechanic checked.
Still don't feel great about it.