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, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 19, 2007
I TOOK MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO A FORD DEALER TO SEE IF THE RECENT RECALL OF THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AFFECTED MY CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH WAS DROPPING ONTO THE ABS MODULE. MAYBE THIS IS WHY THE CARS ARE CATCHING FIRE TO BEGIN WITH. IF I HADN'T TAKEN MY CAR IN TO BE CHECKED THE OIL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND MY CAR ONLY HAS 70K MILES ON IT. I HAVE NEVER REPLACED ONE ON ANY CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I HAVE DRIVEN THEM OVER 150KMILES. IT COST ME 278 DOLLARS..THIS CAR ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACED WHEN I REPLACED THE BRAKES AT 42K. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT 34614 MILES,THE COOLANT RECOVERY TANK WAS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE LIGHT WAS ON. AT 51K MILES CK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. #4 COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 282.17. AT 70K THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE GAS CAP FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED . THIS COAST 97 DOLLARS BECAUSE IT HAD TO GO ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS GOING TO BUY A FORD ESCAPE HYBRID BUT NOW I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2006
VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME, WHETHER GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE OR DURING CITY DRIVING. STEERING WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT AND BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER WE HAD PURCHASED OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 42,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE FOURTH "STALL", WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT. THEY CONNECTED A "BLACK BOX" UNDERNEATH THE DASH AND HAD US DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, WHICH IT DID A COUPLE DAYS LATER. THEY TOWED IT BACK TO THE GARAGE. APPARENTLY OUR PROBLEM WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH, I BELIEVE, OUR HARMONIC BALANCE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN, WHATEVER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO NOT KNOW WHICH CYLINDERS ON THE ENGINE WAS FIRING AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND WE NOW HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD NO OTHER STALLING PROBLEMS. THE WORK ORDER READS AS FOLLOWS: DIAG, EEC TEST, NO CODES PRESENT, FOUND STICKY NG, R&R IAC, RETEST ALL OKAY AT THIS TIME; ALSO, WHILE THEY WERE PERFORMING THE MAINTENANCE THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THAT OUR POWER STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING, WHICH WAS COVERED BY OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF REPAIRS WAS 44,546. I'M VERY THANKFUL FOR THE FOLKS AT OUR DEALERSHIP IN OMAHA. THEY GAVE US A RENTAL CAR WHILE DIAGNOSING OUR PROBLEMS AND STUCK WITH IT UNTIL THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM(S). THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE HAD PURCHASED COVERED ALL REPAIR COSTS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED TO BE COMING FROM BEHIND THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. THE TYPE OF FIRE WAS CLASSIFIED AS FUEL. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO DETERMINED THAT A ROD SHOT THREW THE ENGINE AND MADE A LARGE HOLE THAT CAUSED THE FIRE IN THE MOTOR. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR IF THE CONTACT WOULD MAKE A CO-PAYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THIS OCCURRED IN STATE OF ARKANSAS.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2006, fire
I HAVE A 2002, FORD ESCAPE WITH 92,000 MILES ON IT. THERE HAS BEEN NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH ETHE VEHICLE LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE THAT I AM DESCRIBING IN THIS STATEMENT. ON OCTOBER 31, 2006 I WAS DRIVING EAST-BOUND ON M59, JUST EAST OF SCHOENHERR ROAD IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MI. I WAS APPROX.15 MILES FROM MY HOME IN AUBURN HILLS, MI AND HAD APPROX. 10 MINUTES LEFT UNTILE I WOULD HAVE REACHED MY DESTINATION. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE ALL DAY. IT WAS APPROX. 47 DEGREES FARENHEIT AND ABOUT 3:35PM. IT WAS NOT RAINING, BUT A LITTLE WINDY. UPON MAKING A STOP JUST PAST THE TRAFIC LIGHT (DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC DLAYS), I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN A MINUTE OF NOTICING THE SMOKE OUTSIDE, SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE DASH OF MY VEHICLE AND INTO THE INTERIOR CAB. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS AND MADE IT INTO A PARKING LOT, WHER I HAD TO EVACUATE THE VEHICLE. UPON PUTTING OUT THE FIRE AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE TODAY AND WE ARE STILL AWAITING THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S OPINION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND WHAT THEY WILL BE WILLING TO DO ABOUT IT.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY DURING NORMAL BRAKING SITUATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST OIL PRESSURE DUE TO SCORING IN THE CAM JOURNALS. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE VEHICLE MISFIRED ON CYLINDER #1 AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 25, 2006
FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS, WHILE DECELERATING TO STOP, MY VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF, ALSO OCCURRING WHEN I DECELERATE IN BUSY TRAFFIC. ON ONE INSTANCE WHILE PULLING ACROSS A HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE SIDE BY AN ONCOMING CAR BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. *JB
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2005, fire
DT: FORD 2002 ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 27, 2005. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED IN THE VEHICLE. THE WALLS IN THE GARAGE HAD HEAVY SMOKE DAMAGE. THEY HAD TO CUT THE GARAGE DOOR TO GET IN. THE CONSUMER CAN'T SLEEP IN THE HOUSE DUE TO THE SMOKE DAMAGE. *AK *JB *SC PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (NOVEMBER 7, 2005): DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWO HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE TOWN HOUSE GARAGE FOR AN HOUR BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE HEAVIEST DAMAGE WAS AT THE DRIVE SIDE FIREWALL AREA. THE YELLOW ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON THREE WEEKS AGO; THE DEALER SAID BRING THE VEHICLE IN WHEN THE NEXT OIL CHANGE IS DUE.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2005
DT: VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THOUGHT IT WAS FUEL INJECTORS. PUT FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER AND BETTER GAS BUT A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER. THE MECHANIC SAID THE THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR WAS*AK BAD. THE MECHANIC DID REPLACE IT AND HAVE THE PART. THE VEHICLE STARTED DOING THIS AROUND JUNE 1, 2005. HAVE NOT CONTACTED DEALER.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I SAW ON THE NEWS THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS OF IDDLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I REVERSE AT TIMES IT REVS UP EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED THE ENGINE RPM ALL THE SUDDEN IDDLES FAST ANS REVS THE ENGINE UP I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. THIS PROBLEMS HAS ONLY LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IDDLE FAST ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM TWICE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN TO REVERSE.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2005
THE ENGINE LIGHT IN THE CONSUMER'S 2002 FORD ESCAPE ILLUMINATED. *NM THE ERROR CODE READ P0401. FORD RELEASED AT LEAST FOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS COVERING THIS ISSUE. THE MAIN PROBLEM WAS WITH THE EGR/DPFE PRESSURE SENSOR. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE RAN FINE. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED TWO PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE ON TWO SEPARATED OCCASIONS. FIRST, VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTARTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. SECONDLY, WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. AFTERWARDS VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT A HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, AND THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE SNAPPED. THE HEAD GASKET, AND SPEED CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2004
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 9,000 MILES HAS A TENDENCY TO STALL WHILE COASTING AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED. HITTING A SLIGHT SPEED BUMP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST OF THE OCCURRENCES. MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 12 TIMES DURING THE LAST 4 WEEKS. THE PROBLEM MAY BE RELATED TO AN INFREQUENT TENDENCY OF A DEAD INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN STARTING WITH A KEY. IF I GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND GET BACK IN, IT WILL EVENTUALLY START EXCEPT FOR ONE TIME WHEN IT HAD TO BE TOWED. BUT, MY COMPLAINT IS THE STALLING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN FIXING ANYTHING AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT STALLED ON THEM AS WELL. WHILE NOBODY HAS HIT MY DEAD VEHICLE YET, IT IS A CONCERN. THUS FAR, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESTART AFTER STALLING, IT IS NOT AN EASY RESTART. THE STALLING HAS MOSTLY OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN 3-6 MILES AND SLOWED FOR PARKING PURPOSES AND STALLS WHEN I SHARPELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL FOR PARKING. THERE IS A LITTLE SPEED BUMP 20 FEET FROM MY PARKING SLOT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. I JUST WISH MY VEHICLE WOULD IDLE FASTER. *AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 8, 2004
3 YEARS OLD, 60,000 MILES - TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY BLOWN. ITS IN THE SHOP CURRENTLY. THE OIL PAN IS LEAKING. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING IS LEAKING FLUID. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING UNDER 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE REAR ENDED.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2004
AFTER DRIVING THE ESCAPE FOR A FEW HOURS...RUNNING ERRANDS AND WHAT NOT...WE PARK THE CAR FOR A SHORT TIME...THEN THE CAR WON'T START. IT WILL TURN OVER, BUT IF THE GAS ISN'T KEPT ON IT STALLS. HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER 4 TIMES NOW AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE SITUATION. USUALLY AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR SEVERAL HOURS, IT WILL START UP AND RUN FINE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO MONTHS NOW. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2004
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE REGULARLY AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING AND PUT INTO DRIVE. UNTIL RECENTLY WAS ABLE TO RESTART ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. UPON LAST STALL WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. THIS IS STILL OCCURRING AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL 04S13, AND A FLIGHT RECORDER WITH 4 RECORDINGS OF REVERSE STALLS LED TO REPLACEMENT OF IAC VALVE, MASS AIR SENSOR, THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY, EEC RELAY, DPFE SENSOR, AND A RESET OF KEEP ALIVE MEMORY. THE MOST RECENT STALL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND REMAINS AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG OR MAKE ANOTHER GUESS. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING AND SEEMS TO BE PROGRESSING SINCE SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE PURCHASE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2004
COMPLAINT REGARDING 2002 FORD ESCAPE.*MR THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE, SKIP AND CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A PART WHICH THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED WAS THE LATEST FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THE PART DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE E, SKIP AND STALL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2004
INTERMINTANT SCREECHING NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALER REPLACED DRIVE BELT, STATING DRIVE BELT HAD GLAZE; FIXED 12/2003 PROBLEM HAS REOCCURED 08/2004. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Aug 4, 2004
(1) CE LIGHT ON AGAIN (2) VEHICLE NOT IDLING NORMALLY (3) VEHICLE NOT ADVANCING FROM STOP (4) SMELL BURNING OIL FROM ENGINE WHEN SHUT OFF, NO VISIBLE OIL LEAK FOUND ON DRIVEWAY (5) RATTLING FROM LF OF THE VEHICLE; SPEED OF RATTLING DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPEED OF VEHICLE; STARTS AROUND 25 MPH. (6) DRIVER'S SEAT LURCHES FORWARD ON SEAT TRACK WHEN BRAKING; ONLY OCCURS WITH LIGHTER WEIGHT DRIVERS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR THE 30K MILE CHECK & TO HAVE THEM ADDRESS THE ISSUES. DEALER DID THE FOLLOWING - ISSUES 1-4: ENGINE COVERED IN OIL UPON INSPECTION (SECOND OIL LEAK); LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT COVER & OIL PAN; DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT COVER GASKET, OIL PAN GASKET, VALVE COVER GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS, & OIL FILTER; DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR AGAIN (THIRD TIME). ISSUE 5: DEALER DID NOT HEAR NOISE COMING FROM LF OF VEHICLE; HEARD A NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE; REAR LIFT DOOR LATCH LOOSE; ADJUSTED/OILED IT. ISSUE 6: DEALER COMPARED PROBLEM WITH OTHER ESCAPES; FOUND TO BE A NORMAL CONDITION OF POWER DRIVER'S SEAT TO HAVE SOME PLAY IN IT (THIS IS VERY UNSAFE; SEAT LURCHES FORWARD 1-2IN WHEN BRAKING; I'M A SHORT FEMALE WHO STRUGGLES TO SIT A MIN OF 10IN FROM THE SW FOR THE AB; MOVING ME FORWARD ANOTHER 1-2IN IN A CRASH IS NOT SAFE). DEALER FOUND FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTORS BELOW SPECS; STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR 30K MILES; SEEMS TOO SOON. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FILED TO NHTSA REGARDING EXCESSIVE BRAKE/ROTOR WEAR. VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP 7/16-7/23. DEALER PAID FOR A RENTAL CAR (THIRD TIME). PICKED UP VEHICLE & DROVE IT OFF LOT; HEARD RATTLING FROM THE LF OF VEHICLE. TOOK IT BACK & A MECHANIC WENT ON TEST DRIVE WITH ME, HEARD NOISE. TOOK IT BACK & INSPECTED VEHICLE TOGETHER. I NOTICED THE WEATHER STRIPPING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED & DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. HAD BEEN SLAPPING OUTSIDE OF APILLAR WHEN DRIVING, MAKING NOISE. DEALER STATED THEY WOULD ORDER NEW PART & I'D HAVE TO BRING VEHICLE BACK AGAIN TO HAVE IT INSTALLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2004
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN! AVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING; IT WILL SURGE AND BUCK. T IDLE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT ADVANCE FORWARD ONCE FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM BRAKE. OOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER; DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITOR SENSOR AGAIN!*AK