2002 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 1,070 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 68 involved a crash and 108 involved a fire. 45 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersApr 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Campaign 14V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 26, 2012
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleJan 9, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 22, 1999, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002, EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP THAT COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS FROM THE CAP, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
CORROSION CAN DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING TO MELTING, SMOKE OR A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP AND THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL BE MODIFIED. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON JANUARY 20, 2012. DUE TO A PARTS DELAY, HOWEVER, THE REMEDY MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE CURRENTLY. IF PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO 07V-156.
Campaign 12V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V156000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesDec 7, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 04V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
125 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 23, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN SPARKS STARTED TO SHOOT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RAPIDLY MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM OFF THE ROADWAY AND AS THE HOOD WAS LIFTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE DISPATCHED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FIRE BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT THE FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 9/16/11 *CN UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 27, 2011
MY AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON EVERY TIME I START MY FORD ESCAPE. UPON REVIEW OF THIS IT'S BEEN ON COMPLAINT WEBSITES SEVERAL TIMES BY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE. HOW MANY OF THESE PEOPLE NEED TO DIE DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BAGS BEFORE WE HAVE A RECALL. THIS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. ALSO MY WINDOW STOPPED GOING UP. THE DIPSTICK CAN'T GIVE A CLEAR READING OF THE OIL AMOUNT. THESE THINGS LEAD TO DEATH, CONSTANT AND COSTLY REPAIR, AND CONSTANT PROBLEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2011, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE ELECTRICAL FIRE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN THAT DAY, BUT HAD GONE LESS THAN A MILE WHEN IT WAS NOTED THE SUV HAD A SMOKY SMELL AND WE PULLED OVER. WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS INVOLVED. IT APPEARED TO START NEAR THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY WAS APPROXIMATELY 8 WEEKS OLD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2011, fire
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHILE TURNING THE IGNITION TO START, THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE EXPLOSION. THE HOOD LARGELY CONTAINED THE FIRE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE FIRE DID NOT LAST LONG AND DID NOT SPREAD TO THE SURROUNDINGS. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AND THE REPAIR SHOP TECHNICIAN FOUND THE "INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD BLOWN TO PIECES". A CODE ON THE SYSTEM INDICATED A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 5. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR $1720, INCLUDING CAM POSITION SENSOR, INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND IGNITION COIL, RELATING TO THE INCIDENT.
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE COLD PARKED, KEY-OFF VEHICLE FIRE - TOTAL LOSS UNINSURED AND FORD SO FAR HAS REFUSED COMPENSATION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 15, 2010
MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I WENT TO THE LOCAL AUTOZONE TO GET A REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT PLUG, IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS MELTED. I REMOVED AND INSTALLED A NEW LIGHT BULB. I THEN TESTED THE NEW BULB TO MAKE SURE IT WORKED. IT DID NOT TURNED ON. THE HEADLIGHT PLUG SEEMS LIKE IT MELTED AT SOME POINT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2010, fire
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND WAS RECORDED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. UPDATED 06/23/10 *TR
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2010, fire
I DROVE MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING, ABOUT 5 MILES, WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN THAT DAY. WE PARKED THE CAR AND WENT IN FOR SERVICES THAT MORNING AND AT THE END OF MASS WERE CALLED TO THE BACK BY THE PRIEST WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. SURE ENOUGH THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE AND HAD EXTINGUISHED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OFFICIAL REPORT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL/ BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AREA. THE ESCAPE WAS A TOTAL WRITE-OFF. ALL RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE ABS/CRUISE SYSTEMS WERE SERVICED ABOUT 2 YEARS PREVIOUS TO THIS EVENT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2010
MY SISTER'S MAZDA TRIBUTE & MY FORD ESCAPE ARE THE SAME VEHICLE AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT PLUG MELT. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2009
FOR THE CURRENT FORD RECALL, THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE FORD ESCAPES. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE; MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL (CRUISE WILL JUST DISENGAGE ON THE FREEWAY OR WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN START ACCELERATING), BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH, AND DIFFICULTLY WITH DISENGAGING VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THEY ISSUED ME A "CASE NUMBER". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 10, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT USED TWO FULL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A WATER HOSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND SUCCESSFULLY EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE MARSHALL VERIFIED THAT NUMEROUS FORD VEHICLES HAD CAUGHT FIRE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE GRASS OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACT'S HOUSE, A LARGE TREE, AND THE DRIVEWAY ALL SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 89,000.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVEWAY AND SURROUNDING TREES WERE DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 06/24/09 *BF UPDATED 06/30/09.*JB
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jul 23, 2008
I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES, BOTH BACK DOOR WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN OFF TRACK AND WON'T STAY UP. THIS HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 07 AND A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SECOND REAR WINDOW DID THE SAME. I HAVE TO USE CLEAR PACKAGING TAPE TO HOLD THEM UP. THE KEY TO THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN UNLESS I USE SOMETHING WITH A HARD END AND TAP IT SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE IGNITION PROBLEM FIRST HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED TAPPING THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES AND SAID THEY HAD A GROWING COMPLAINT OF THIS. MY TRUNK LOCK LATCH OFTEN GETS STUCK TOO. JAN OF 2003 THE RADIO SHORTS IN AND OUT, I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO STAY ON. LASTLY THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOOK DOESN'T LATCH, I THINK THIS HAPPENED IN LATE 2003 OR EARLY 2004. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Feb 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FAILED AND JAMMED THE THROTTLE COVER. THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DAMAGED WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE MANUFACTURER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST. ON NOVEMBER 25, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO REVERSE. THE DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY, FLUSHED THE INJECTORS, AND CLEANED THE UPPER INTAKE GASKET AND SPARK PLUGS. THE FUEL FILTERS, COIL BOOTS, AND IGNITIONS WIRES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, REPLACE FUEL FILTER, AND A/C IS NOT BLOWING COLD. UPDATED 03/31/08 *TR
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. SHE QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, BUT HE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT ODOR, BACK FIRED ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND RAN POORLY. IN OCTOBER 2005 THE VEHICLE HESITATE D AT 20 MPH. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE IGNITION COIL AND REPLACED IT FOR $400. IN MAY 2006 THE VEHICLE RAN POORLY AND BACK FIRED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE COIL ONCE AGAIN AND WAS REPLACED AT 52,980 MILES. IN JULY 2006 THE VEHICLE RAN POORLY FOR A THIRD TIME. THE FORD DEALER STATED THAT TWO COILS FAILED AT 53,011 MILES. IN APRIL O 2007 THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE RAN POORLY AGAIN, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, SUSPECTING COIL FAILURE FOR THE FIFTH TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 60,000 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.*AK
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2007, fire
OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN OR AROUND THE ABS MODULE. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO INITIAL SERIOUS INJURIES, THOUGH WE INCURRED SMOKE DAMAGE AND THE INCONVENIENCE OF A NON FUNCTIONING VEHICLE. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. ON FEBRUARY 9, 2007 THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE GARAGE AND BURNED TO THE FRAME. THE FIRE BEGAN ON THE ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE MARSHALL AND INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE PHOTOS. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE SWITCH OR SENSOR CAUSED THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BURNED 20 DAYS AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 86,000. *AK
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2007
ON MARCH 13TH 2007 MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ESCAPE AND THE HOOD. IT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE- I INVESTIGATED WHERE THE SMELL WAS AND IT ALL LOOKED FINE- I TURNED ON THE ESCAPE AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET AND SAW THAT SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM CATCHING ON FIRE. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2007, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE. PARKED> 3 HRS. CAUGHT FIRE. ENGINE AND FRONT OF CAR COMPLETELY DESTROYED. HAVE DETAILED PICTURES UNDERSTAND INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2006 WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE BEFORE CAR IS TOWED TO JUNK YARD. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING A BYSTANDER NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF SO THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO COLLISION FACILITY, WHERE IT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ONE DAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ABS MODULE AND A WIRING HARNESS. UPDATED 01/17/07. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE ABS MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED.
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2006
THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR QUITE A PERIOD OF TIME IN THAT IT ALLOWS ME TO TAKE OUT THE KEYS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. CAR HAS ROLLED ON SOME OCCASIONS. SO FAR I HAVE CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE ANYTHING IS DAMAGED BUT I KNOW FOR ALL THE CARS I HAVE OWNED IT IS NOT PROPER THAT THE KEYS CAN BE WITHDRAWN WHILE IN DRIVE. I JUST REPORTED IT TO THE FORD DEALER 10-22-06 AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT CORRECT BUT THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALL SO PROBABLY I WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR AT MY OWN COST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Oct 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH AND STALLED AGAIN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE PCM, SIX IGNITION COILS AND SIX SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2006
AT FIRST START UP OF MORNING, WHILE DRIVING THE IDLE KICKS UP TO 2000 RPM'S. WHEN I STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, THAT'S WHERE I NOTICE THE TACH REVVING TO 2000. AFTER DRIVING FOR 3 TO 5 MILES, IT FINALLY GOES TO NORMAL. IF I SHUT OFF CAR, AND RESTART IT, ITS FINE. I HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL, THE PUT A RECORDER DEVICE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM, I WAS TO PUSH THE BUTTON. THEY SENT THE BOX TO FORD, WHO IN TURN SAID IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. I AM AT A STANDSTILL RIGHT NOW, WITH NO FIX IN SITE. THE VEHICLE IS HARDER TO STOP IN THE MORNINGS DUE TO THE INCREASED IDLE. THIS STARTED RIGHT BEFORE THE 3 YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRED. IT IS CONTINUING TO HAPPEN TO DATE. THANK YOU. *NM