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, Sep 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS LIGHT AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER. WHILE BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE ABS WIRING AND THAT ALL THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1600. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE OWNER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR COSTS OUT OF POCKET. DEALER THEN REFUSED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO OWNER WITHOUT REPAIR DUE TO FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALER ASSISTED THE OWNER WITH THE PURCHASE OF A 2006 MERCURY MARINER BY PAYING OFF THE REMAINDER OF THE LOAN BALANCE ON THE FORD ESCAPE UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2006, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *KB THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BOOSTER, HCU AND HCU HARNESS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THIS SWITCH HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 1994-2002 FORD F150'S, NAVIGATORS AND EXPEDITIONS. . *NM
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2006
FOLLOW UP TO AN EARLIER REPORT REGARDING A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH IGNITION COIL PROBLEMS. ON MAY 30, THE VEHICLE LOST ANOTHER IGNITION COIL (3 PREVIOUSLY HAD DIED) AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT IN A RAINSTORM. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO MANIFEST ITSELF WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING OR VERY HUMID. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO MACQUIRE FORD AND WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED NUMBER 1 IGNITION COIL. THE COIL WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $390. THE TRUCK WAS PICKED UP FRIDAY, JUNE 2, DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. WHEN WE WENT TO DRIVE THE TRUCK AT 6PM THAT NIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK RAN ROUGH. THE DEALER WASN'T HAPPY TO SEE US BACK SATURDAY MORNING. THIS TIME COIL NUMBER 3 HAD GONE. NO ONE KNOWS WHY 5 COILS HAVE NOW FAILED AT THE COST OF $1300. THE FINAL ORIGINAL COIL HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. NO ONE AT FORD CAN GIVE AN ANSWER AND I AM OUT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY AND I SOMEHOW DOUBT THIS PROBLEM WILL BE RESOLVED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING THE NIGHT, THE VEHICLE ALARM SOUNDED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALERTED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED IT OCCURRED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMAL PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. LAST JUNE, I DID NOT USE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS DURING WHICH TIME IT RAINED. WHEN I WENT TO START THE ENGINE, IT RAN SLUGGISHLY AND SHUDDERED. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER, VARNEY FORD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE #3 "SPARK PLUG COIL" (IGNITION COIL) HAD BURNED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT MOISTURE HAD ENTERED THE COIL. NO EXPLANATION FOR HOW THAT WAS HAPPENING WAS GIVEN. COST $180 TO REPAIR. YESTERDAY, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF RAIN, I WENT TO ONCE AGAIN START MY TRUCK. IT EXACTLY REPEATED THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT. THIS TIME HOWEVER, I DROVE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER...IT COULD NOT TRAVEL MORE THAN 30 MILES AN HOUR. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS TIME COILS NUMBER 4 AND 6 HAD FAILED. COST THIS TIME $325. ONCE AGAIN I WAS TOLD MOISTURE HAD SOMEHOW GOTTEN INTO THE COIL SYSTEM. SO IN OTHER WORDS, I OWN A TRUCK THAT CANNOT SIT IDLE FOR EVEN A DAY IN RAINY OR DAMP WEATHER WITHOUT A COIL BURNING OUT. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM READING THE TRAVAILS OF OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS IS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. FORD SAYS "THERE MUST BE A PIN HOLE SOMEWHERE THAT THEY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FIX". WHILE THIS WOULDN'T PRESENT A PROBLEM IF I ELECTED TO LIVE IN A DESERT ENVIRONMENT, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN EXPENSE AND RENDER THE TRUCK USELESS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THANK YOU. HEIDI ROBBINS. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2005
HAVE 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND 3 YEARS AND 7 MONTHS LATER THE ODOMETER LCD LIGHTS GOES OUT. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONTACT STATED 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 4-4-05 IN FRONT OF THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE BOUGHT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DAY BEFORE ON SUNDAY SHE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING THE CAR. HER BROTHER HAD TO JUMP IT TO GET IT STARTED; HE THEN DROVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK. WHEN HE TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. SHE PUT THE KEY BACK IN, PUT IT IN GEAR, AND PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION AND TOOK THE KEY OUT. SHE DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE BOUGHT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF WHEN SHE LEFT. THE NEXT DAY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED HER AND TOLD HER THE CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOTALED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID TELL THE CONTACT THEY THOUGHT THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL.*AK
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2005
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. I PURCHASED THE VEHCILE USED IN MARCH OF 2005 WITH 23K MILES. IT NOW HAS 30K. PLEASE NOTE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER I FEEL THE VEHCILE IS RIDDLED WITH PROBLEMS TO DATE: THE CD4E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 4500 MIULES BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER(PERFORMED BY FORD) ALONG WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND RETAINER RINGS. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE: 1. THE VEHCILE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ALONG. THE PCM WAS RE-FLASHED BY FORD, HOWEVER IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT WILL STALL AT CERTAIN TIMES. 2. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAKED ANTIFREEZE AND TOOK THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO FIX IT. 3. THE ACCERLERATOR CABLE WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL. 4. THE REAR GLASS RATTLES AS THE LATCH LOOKS WORNS OUT ALREADY. 5. THE ENGINE HAD VALVE TRAIN NOISE AND THE CAMSHAFT RETAINERS WERE REPLACED 6. THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL DUE TO THE DEALERS FAULTY REPAIR 7. THE FAN ASSEMBLY/BLOWER MOTOR BEARINGS HAVE FAILED AND A NEW PART IS ON ORDER. I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE AND I QUESTION IT AS I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IT IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, ON THE FREEWAY, AND AT MANY INOPPORTUNE TIMES!!!!! I HAVE BEEN QUITE SCARED TO DRIVE MY SUV ANY MORE. IT STARTS TO CHUG LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, AND THE SUV WILL IMMEDIATELY DIE. I LOSE MY POWER STEERING, MY BRAKES, MY EVERYTHING! AND ALMOST GET HIT. I HAVE TAKEN MY ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY CLAIM THAT IT IS JUST A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER, AND RESET IT. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NEVER GET IT DO WHAT I WAS SAYING, SO I HAD TO COME IN RIGHT WHEN IT WAS DOING IT, OR THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HELP. IN THE MEAN TIME, I HAVE STALLED OUT SEVERAL MORE TIMES, GONE IN, AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MANY FORD ESCAPES, AND I AM SCARED THAT THE SITUATION WILL ESCALATE TO ME BEING IN AN ACCIDENT, OR MY SUV STARTING ON FIRE WHEN IT GETS SO WARM.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005, fire
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN DRIVER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVER PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY DUE TO SMOKE COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER GOT OUT AND WATCHED THE VEHICLE BURN WITHIN 7 MINUTES. *AK THE WHITE SMOKE SEEMED TO INDICATE A FUEL LINE. *SC
Electrical system, May 27, 2005, fire
AFTER A SHORT ERRAND, VEHICLE WAS PARKED. MINUTES LATER, FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, APPARENTLY FROM A WIRING HARNESS. MOTOR AREA APPEARS TO BE A COMPLETE LOSS. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULATOR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCIDENT AND HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RECOUP THEIR MONEY. *NM
Electrical system, May 12, 2005
IN WATCHING THE NEWS ABOUT FORD SUV'S CATCHING ON FIRE, ONE OF THE WARNING SIGNS WAS A BRAKE LIGHT GOING OUT OR THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASH. I HAVE A 2002 ESCAPE, AND RECENTLY HAVE REPLACED TWO BRAKE LIGHTS GOING OUT. I ONLY HAVE 40000 MILES, YET I DID NOT SEE A RECALL ON THIS CAR CONCERNING THIS. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANY ESCAPES MODEL YEAR 2002 ??
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2005
THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS IN THE WARM MONTHS. THAT I DESCRIBE AS A URINE ODOR. THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A FAN IN THE AIR CONDITIONER THAT COMES ON 15 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF TO DRY OUT THE AIR UNIT.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2005
AIRBAG LIGHTS CONTINUOSLY FLASH. WAS TOLD BY FORD SERVICE DEPT AT DEALER THAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY MEAN THAT THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK. COST TO FIX IS $609
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT - 38,000 MILES. RADIO TURNED OFF BY ITSELF, DASHBOARD GAGES ILLUMINATED AND THEN CAR DIED. CAR WAS ABLE TO BE RE-STARTED BUT THEN DIED SHORTLY AFTER. FORD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAS BLOWN. AS 38,000 IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CORPORATE HAS DECLINED PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, IT SEEMS THAT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED SO EARLY IN THE VEHICLES LIFE. OF COURSE CONSIDERING THE MANY, MANY ISSUES I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT WERE COVERED I GUESS I SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED. AS A SIDE NOTE, I SUPPLY COMPONENTS TO THE AUTOMOTIVE OEM'S INCLUDING FORD. THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT A FORD. AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE AND SEEING HOW FORD WORKS INTERNALLY I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER BE ABLE TO BUY ONE AGAIN. ALAN GOLDENSTEIN. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT STALLING (2 TIMES) AND HESITATING AND ENGINE SKIPPING. COMPLAINED ABOUT ENGINE PROBLEMS FOR 2 YEARS. ENGINE STALLED AT 40 MPH AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MY SUV WAS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE MOTOR CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING AT 40 MPH. THEY REPLACED WHAT THEY SAID WAS FORD'S LATEST PART FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE SINCE HAD ANOTHER CUT OFF AT 10 MPH. THERE SEEMS TO BE LITTLE EFFORT AND NO CONCERN FROM FORD ABOUT MY VEHICLES SAFETY PROBLEM. YOU WOULD THINK FORD HAS LEARNED A LESSON FOR IGNORING SAFETY PROBLEMS!!! WHEN I BOUT MY SUV I WAS LED TO BELIEVE I WAS FORDS MOST IMPORTANT CUSTOMER AND THEY WOULD STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY SALE. FOR SURE I AM NOT A VALUABLE CUSTOMER AND THEY ARE NOT STANDING BEHIND WHAT I THOUGHT WAS AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCT.*AK
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 3, 2004
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF THE SUN ROOF. COMPLAINT WAS ALREADY ON FILE. ALSO, DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2004
CHECK BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE; TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER; DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD COMES ON AND STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ENGAGED; TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER; DEALER REPAIRED THE SHORT TO GROUND IN THE BRAKE LAMP CIRCUIT. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2004, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AT MY RESIDENCE FOLLOWING RETURNING RENTLA MOVIES AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 PM ON 6/30/2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 AM ON 7/1/2004, I WAS AWAKENED BY THE CAR ALARM. LOOKING AT THE CAR FROM THE BALCONY OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM WINDOW, I COULD SEE THICK DARK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK THE CAR KEYS AND MANUALLY UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE TO GET THE HOOD RELEASE. AS SOON AS THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED, THE ALARM SILENCED. I THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND AS SOON AS I DID THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FIREWALL BURST INTO FLAME. I RAN INTO THE GARAGE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT, I COULD HEAR A STRONG ELECTRICAL HUM. AT THAT POINT I WENT BACK THE GARAGE AND GOT TOOLS TO REMOVE THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. AS SOON AS TERMINAL WAS REMOVED THE SOUND CEASED. THE CAR WAS LATER TOWED TO STEPP BROTHERS LINCOLN MERCURY WHERE IT REMAINS AS OF TODAY. STEPP BROTHER HAS ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND IT IS STILL ON BACK ORDER. *JB PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (NOV. 7, 05) FORD DID THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND KEPT THE OLD PARTS; THEY SAID THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ABS SENSOR SHORTED OUT. MR. EVERMON ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD TO FILL THE MASTER CYLINDER THREE TIMES SINCE HE PURCHSED THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2004
FORD ESCAPE ENGINES MAY STALL AT CERTAIN SPEEDS.*MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAS STALLED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL RELATED TO STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NM
Air bags, Electrical system, Jun 7, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER PRESSED DOWN THE HORN AND IT FAILED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Seat belts, Apr 29, 2004
THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A SLOW LEAK THAT PROGRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE LEAK MAY BE DUE TO A BAD CYLINDER CAP. THE CAP WAS REPLACED. ALSO AT 100 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SEPARATE FROM IT'S LINKAGE. A SCREW IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE SCREW AND PUT A PUNCH MARK INTO THE SIDE OF THE SCREW TO MAKE IT STAY IN PLACE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM THE MASTER PARTS WERE NOT WORKING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AFTER 50 MILES. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A SLOW LEAK, WHICH WORSENED OVER TIME AND TIGHTENING DID NOT FIX. THE CONSUMER FOUND THE BACK LIGHT BEHIND THE GEAR SELECTOR AND ODOMETER WENT OUT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO DID NOT START, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO START VEHICLE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BATTERY. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2004
BATTERY LIGHT IS COMING ON AND STAYING FOR UP TO 60 TO 120 SECONDS AND THEN TURNS OFF. HAD MECHANIC TEST FOR ERROR CODES BUT NO CODES ARE BEING WRITTEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER AND OVER AND MORE SO IN COOLER WEATHER BUT IS NOW OCCURRING IN WARM TEMPERATURES. ENGINE HAS STALLED PREVIOUSLY AS WELL. 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT 2WD. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2004
MODEL: 2002 FORD EXCAPE XLT.ENGINE STALL WITHOUT WARNING AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR. POWER STEERING AND BRAKE FAILED TO FUNDTION.THE LATEST ONE HAPPENED ON 3/31/2004. THE LAST ONE WAS IN LATE 2002.*AK I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM MICHIGAN (VILLAGE FORD AT DEARBORN), AND USE IT IN TEXAS CURRENTLY.