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: engine and engine cooling
296 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HER DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS, BUT WAS NOT TOWED FROM THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER (LITHIA FORD OF MISSOULA, 3943 BROOKS ST, MISSOULA, MT 59804) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. .*BF *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jan 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (BLACKWELL FORD, 41001 PLYMOUTH RD, PLYMOUTH, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS FRAME, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND EXHAUST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 185,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER WERE ACTIVATED, THE AMOUNT OF EXHAUST FUMES INCREASED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2014
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM DETACHED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. JCC
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2012
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD TAKE ALONG TIME TO START. VEHICLE CHECKED NOTHING FOUND, NO TROUBLE CODE. CHANGED THINGS LIKE FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER AND OTHER SIMPLE THING. NOW VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING BUT THE VEHICLE WILL START BACK UP IMMEDIATELY. AGAIN NO TROUBLE CODES. THE TRUCK STALLED IN TRAFFIC 5 TIMES IN LESS THAN ONE MILE, A ROAD THAT IS TRAVELED SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BURNING ODOR WAS EXHIBITED FORM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO LEAKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE BURNING ODOR REMAINED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF HER HOME WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE SMOKE CLEARED WITHIN MOMENTS, BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD REACH THE VEHICLE AND INVESTIGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN AND LEFT WITH THE DEALER. THE DEALER LATER CONTACTED THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE TO INFORM HIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPLODED WHILE AT THE DEALER AND DAMAGED FIVE OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 05/24/12*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2012
THE CAR HAD THE ORIGINAL PLUGS IN IT AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST INCIDENT. IT HAD ALWAYS RAN GREAT SO WE HAD NO REASON TO CHANGE THEM. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT WENT FROM FINE TO A LOUD BANG AND RUNNING TERRIBLE SOUNDING LIKE IT HAD OPEN HEADERS. THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD BREAKING THAT CYLINDER 3 COIL PACK AS WELL. WE HAD IT HELI COILED AND CHANGED THE PLUGS TORQUEING THEM TO SPEC WITH A TORQUE WRENCH AND CHANGING ALL THE COIL PACKS AS WELL JUST BECAUSE, ABOUT 30000 MILES LATER (2-21-12) IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON CYLINDER 6. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A CASTING ISSUE WITH THE HEAD BEING TOO THIN AT THE PLUG THREADS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS EXTREMELY COMMON ONLINE. PLEASE HAVE THEM RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2012
RECEIVED NOTICE FROM FORD REGARDING SAFETY RECALL 11S24 FOR ESCAPE 2002 DATED JANUARY 2012. ADVISED NOT TO PARK CAR NEAR ANY STRUCTURES TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE FROM SPREADING IN UNLIKELY EVENT THAT YOUR ABS MODULE DEVELOPS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. FORD DEALER INSPECTION PERFORMED 2/9/2012 STATES CAR WILL NEED SAFETY RECALL PARTS BUT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 45 DAYS OR LATER. CONTACTED FORD MFG, CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR TRIED TO LOCATE PARTS- UNAVAILABLE. SUPERVISOR SAYS NOTICE IS NOT OFFICIAL YET, THERE ARE NO IMPLEMENTATION PLANS OR PARTS AVAILABLE FOR OLDER CARS, NO REPAIR PROCEDURES AVAILABLE. OFFERED TO HELP ME QUALIFY FOR A NEW CAR AND WORK WITH LOCAL DEALERSHIP. 2ND OFFER TO PLACE AFTERMARKET PARTS AT MY COST AND APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT/PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT/NO REIMBURSEMENT BASED ON IF THE RECALL IS GOING TO GO THROUGH. IS THIS OFFICIAL OR NOT OFFICIAL, AND IS FORD RELEASING THEMSELVES OF LIABILITY IF THERE IS PROPERTY DAMAGE AND THAT IS THE NATURE OF THE LETTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, BURNING OIL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED AND THAT HE WAS CONSTANTLY REPLENISHING THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2011
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. PROBLEM BEGAN LAST WEEK WHEN DPFE TUBES CAME OFF AND DPFE SENSOR MELTED. THE NEXT DAY THE VALVE NEXT TO THE DPFE SENSOR BLEW A HOLE AND ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED. THE NEXT DAY ONE OF THE DPFE TUBES CAME OFF AGAIN. THIS WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR DID NOT HAVE GOOD GAS POWER. WHEN GOING UP A SMALL INCLINE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO PAST 40 MPH. WENT TO CAR REPAIR SHOP AND O2 SENSOR WAS REMOVED TO SEE IF IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CAR HAS 3 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. THIS CAR IS AT ANOTHER CAR REPAIR SHOP NOW TO SEE WHAT THE CAUSE IS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER(S) TO GO BAD. ONE REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPES. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WENT OUT TO THE FORD FORUM AND THERE ARE ENTRIES FROM 2007 TO PRESENT WITH MANY 2002 ESCAPE OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I AM EXPERIENCING. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NO ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME SINCE THE DPFE TUBES AND SENSOR AND VALVE WAS REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE INITIATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER FIWAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 8, 2011, fire
APRIL 25, 2001 I DROVE THE CAR 5 MINUTES TO THE LOCAL POOL AND CAR WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. |THEN DROVE FRIEND BACK HOME FROM LOCAL POOL TO HER HOUSE ABOUT A 5 MINUTE DRIVE, I THEN TURNED THE CAR IGNITION WAS OFF, SUDDENLY THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA. TRIED TO OPEN HOOD, GREY SMOKE BILLOWED OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THEN SPARKS FELL ON THE PAVEMENT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND THEN FLAMES BURST OUT THROUGH THE OPEN CRACK OF THE HOOD. THE FIRE SEEMED SPONTANEOUS, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL LIKE DIRTY AIR JUST BEFORE THE SMOKE STARTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT, POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED. IT HAD NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP AND WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER LOCATION BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I KNOW THAT RECALL WORK WAS DONE ON THE CAR TWICE AND CAN VERIFY WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THAT WORK WAS DONE ON THE BRAKES AND THE GAS PEDAL AS INSTRUCTED IN THE RECALL NOTICES. I BELIEVE THE CAR IS STILL BEING EXAMINED BY THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS AS OF MAY 8, 2011. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY THE INSURANCE APPRAISER THAT THE VEHICLE IS A COMPLETE WRITE OFF. *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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 13, 2011
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD WHICH ALSO BROKE THE IGNITION COIL HOUSING. I TAPPED THE SPARK PLUG HOLE IN THE HEAD TO ACCEPT A "HELI-COIL" INSERT AND REINSTALLED THE SPARK PLUG. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE COIL TO SECURELY MOUNT THE IGNITION COIL. FIX APPEARS TO BE WORKING... FOR NOW.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AS SMOKE BEGIN EMITTING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AS FLAMES POURED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BUT INDEPENDENTLY RE-IGNITED . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2010
WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING, A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND WHITE SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE IGNITION WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A DAMAGED DECORATIVE COVER OVER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND SHATTERED INTAKE MANIFOLDS. TWO SPARK COILS WERE LATER FOUND TO BE DAMAGED BY THE EXPLOSION. THE HEADS WERE RECONDITIONED AS IGNITION LEAKAGE THRU THE UNSEATED VALVES WAS A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE IGNITION OF THE RESIDUAL GASES IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SECONDARY CONTRIBUTION WAS THE ORIGINAL INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS OF AN OLD STYLE AND NOT CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING THE BACKFIRE FORCE. A NEW, MODIFIED COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS AVAILABLE BUT NOT ON A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ERUPTED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FOR AN UNKNOWN REPAIR REGARDING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR FIVE DAYS TO PERFORM THE SERVICE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DECLARE WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED; AND TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I AM REQUESTING THAT YOU OBTAIN A HISTORY ON THE *FLEX HOSE* FOR THE FORD ESCAPE. MY DAUGHTER OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND ON FRIDAY MARCH 5,2010 NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR TRAGEDY. SHE WAS TRAVELING WITH HER TWO CHILDREN WHEN SHE WAS REQUIRED TO STOP AT A RAILWAY CROSSING AS A TRAIN WAS APPROACHING. SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, HOWEVER, AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT HER BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ALE TO MOVE HER VEHICLE OUT OF HARMS WAY. WE WENT TO A NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND REQUESTED THE MECHANIC MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TOW THE VEHICLE AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. WHEN WE INFORMED HIM WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED, HE INFORMED US (WITHOUT HAVING SEEN THE VEHICLE) THAT HE HAD NO DOUBT IT WOULD BE THE *FLEX HOSE*. HE INFORMED US THAT THE FORD ESCAPE WAS NOTORIOUS FOR THAT PROBLEM. HE RESEARCHED AND CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO CALL BACK. WHEN HE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO US, HE SHOWED US WHERE ONE OF THE FLEX HOSES HAD BLOWN, WHERE ANOTHER ONE SHOULD HAVE BLOWN AND THAT THE OTHER TWO WERE WITHIN KILOMETERS OF BEING BLOWN. THIS IS A TERRIBLE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM AMAZED NO ACCIDENTS HAVE NOT ALREADY HAPPENED DUE TO THE *FLEX HOSE* SAFETY ISSUE. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CONCERNED, PLEASE ENSURE THAT THIS MATTER IS RESEARCHED AN APPROPRIATE STEPS TAKEN. [XXX] *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2010
2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, REAR EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKS. DRIVE THIS CAR REASONABLY, NOT LIKE A TEENAGER, AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED. SINCE THIS MANIFOLD HAS BUILT-IN CATALYSTS, REPAIR IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. FORD HAS NOT RECALLED, BUT THE EXHAUST FUMES THAT BUILD UP IN THE VEHICLE ARE EXTREME (WE GET HEADACHES). ALSO, MPG HAS FALLEN TO 14 MPG, AND STILL NO CEL-ON CONDITION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2009, fire
WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS EATING DINER AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT, HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF. ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER ALL RECALL WORK ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN COMPLETED. I HAVE LEARNED TODAY THAT THIS MODEL FORD HAS A HISTORY OF FIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR