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: hydraulic
152 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING 15 MPH. THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SERVICE SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE BUT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE DAY BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,689.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jan 13, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO FLOOR CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A LIGHT POLE AT 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS CERTAIN THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 07V156000, SERVICE BRAKES UNIT CONTROL MODULE; HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE CRASH AND THE REPAIR CAUSED THE CRASH TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 220,000. UPDATED 3/8/11 *CN UPDATED 12/14/11 *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 23, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN SHUT OFF WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ABS BRAKE MODULE WAS MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE, AND NOTICED THAT THE SMOKE INITIATED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS BURNED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 07V156000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK, CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,900.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WENT TO GET IN THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 07V156000 (ABS CONTROL UNIT MODULE). THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS EXAMING AND A LUBRICANT WAS INJECTED AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAD NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR EXPENSES WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT HEARD THE ALARM, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE IN THE ABS AREA. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE ABS WIRING HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHEN HE AS ADVISED THAT THE ABS NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, AND FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,130.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2010
RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPE FOR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE RECALL NUMBER 07V-156 I HAD THIS RECALL DONE AT LONG FORD IN EUREKA, MO. OCTOBER 13, 2008. ON AUGUST 7, 2010 THE WIRE BURNT ON THIS AND WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. FORD SAID THAT THEY HAD ALREADY FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION AND WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. UPDATED IVOQ 09./08/10*JB *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 11, 2010, fire
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS ASLEEP. LUCKILY A NEIGHBOR SAW THE FIRE AND STARTED TO WET DOWN MY HOUSE AND WE THEN BOTH ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO AND HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION AND THE FIRE MARSHALL POINTED ME TO FORD RECALL (# 07S51) OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED OF. I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR MY ABS/BRAKE LIGHT ON. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2010, fire
ABS CONNECTOR MELTED AND FORD CANT FIX PROBLEM BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE {WIRE LOOM} THIS CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2007 BUT RECALL WAS JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SPREAD TO A SECOND VEHICLE. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE CONTACT LOCATED A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI LOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN HIS VEHICLE AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS RECALLED FOR SEVERAL REASONS. SOMETHING WITH THE POWER TRAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE ABS SYSTEM..... FINALLY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS MELTED. FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY JUST SAID WE WILL RECORD YOUR CALL ON YOUR PROFILE. DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW LIVES AND PROPERTY HAVE BEEN LOST AND FORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE MODULE, I TRIED TO GET FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I HAD TWO CERTIFIED MECH,TELL ME FORD HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE MODULE AND IT IS A DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURE. I ASKED FORD TO JUST REPLACE THE PART AND I WOULD PAY FOR THE LABOR,THEY REFUSE TO HELP. IHAD TO FIX MASTER CYCLINDERALSO. PLUS ALL FOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTS WHICH WAS ON A RECALL I PAID FOR REPAIRS MYSELF. I WANT FORD TO PAY ME FOR ALL RECALL REPAIRS. FORD NEEDS TO STOP LYING TO THE PEOPLE AND JUST FIX THE MISTAKES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. LAST DRIVEN 5 HOURS EARLIER. THE ALARM SOUNDED ALERTING MY HUSBAND INSIDE. HE LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND SAW SMOKE ROLLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HE RAN OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. HOPEFULLY, THIS IMMEDIATE DETECTION OF THE FIRE LIMITED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. WE WERE MORE FORTUNATE THAN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE ABS MODULE APPEARS TO BE WHERE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED. THIS IS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL 2002 ESCAPES BEGINNING IN 2007, BUT WHEN CHECKING ONLINE WITH FORD, MY VIN NUMBER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I DIDN'T RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD, AND HAVE ON OTHER OCCASIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE. I INVESTIGATED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS PREVIOUSLY FILED INVOLVING 2002 ESCAPES, AND THEY ARE HAUNTINGLY THE SAME SCENARIO. ALSO, THE VIN NUMBERS ON SEVERAL OF THESE ARE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE. OBVIOUSLY, THEY HAVE MISSED SEVERAL OF THESE DANGEROUS COMPONENTS, OR THE WEBSITE IS INCORRECT. I WAS UNABLE TO PHONE FORD, AS IT IS A WEEKEND AND WILL FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. MY ECU ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN COTTAGE GROVE, OR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE ABS LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE NO MENTION TO THE LIGHT AND I WRONGLY ASSUMED THAT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD MUST CORRECT THIS SITUATION FINANCIALLY AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL 2002 ESCAPES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MANY COMPLAINTS I VIEWED WERE RECENT, SO I CONCLUDE THAT THE DANGEROUS SITUATION IS NOT REMEDIED. *TW *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. LAST DRIVEN 5 HOURS EARLIER. THE ALARM SOUNDED ALERTING MY HUSBAND INSIDE. HE LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND SAW SMOKE ROLLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HE RAN OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. HOPEFULLY, THIS IMMEDIATE DETECTION OF THE FIRE LIMITED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. WE WERE MORE FORTUNATE THAN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINANTS. THE ABS MODULE APPEARS TO BE WHERE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED. THIS IS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL 2002 ESCAPES BEGINNING IN 2007, BUT WHEN CHECKING ONLINE WITH FORD, MY VIN NUMBER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I DIDN'T RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD, AND HAVE ON OTHER OCCASIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE.I INVESTIGATED SEVERAL COMPLAINS PREVIOUSLY FILED INVOLVING 2002 ESCAPES, AND THEY ARE HAUNTINGLY THE SAME SCENARIO. ALSO, THE VIN NUMBERS ON SEVERAL OF THESE ARE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE. OBVIOUSLY, THEY HAVE MISSED SEVERAL OF THESE DANGEROUS COMPONENTS, OR THE WEBSITE IS INCORRECT. I WAS UNABLE TO PHONE FORD, AS IT IS A WEEKEND AND WILL FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. MY ECU ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN COTTAGE GROVE, OR IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. I WRONGLY ASSUMED THAT WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH THAT THERE WASN'T ANY PROBLEM SINCE NO MENTION OF IT WAS MADE BY THE DEALER. I BELIEVE FORD MUST CORRECT THIS SITUATION FINANCIALLY AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL 2002 ESCAPES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MANY COMPLAINS I VIEWED WERE RECENT, SO I CONCLUDE THAT THE DANGEROUS SITUATION IS NOT REMEDIED. *TW *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR. WHILE DRIVING HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ABS UNIT IN THE ENGINE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT ABS MODULE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2009, fire
ABS LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS PARKING TO HAVE DINNER AND AN HOUR LATER UPON RETURNING I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FROM UNDER THE HOOD... SMELLED WIRES OR ELECTRICAL TYPE BURNING SMELL AND HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FROM THE TERMINAL TO STOP FURTHER DAMAGE... IT WAS A WIRING HOUSING ATTACHED CLOSE TO THE ABS MODULE... I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS TO BE A RECALL ON OVER 446460 VEHICLES AND DESCRIPTION MATCHED MINE EXACTLY... I HAVE PICTURES TO VERIFY THIS CLAIM... UPON FURTHER REVIEW OF THE OTHER 4 RECALLS IM EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: 04S2S NHTSA:04V574000/ 04C09 NHTSA: 04V602000//NHTSA: 07E023000 WHICH IS THRU CARDONE INDUSTRIES SO IM CONTACTING THEM.... MY VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN BRAKE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS LOW BRAKE FLUID BUT NO HYDRAULIC LEAKS.. BUT SHOWING FLUID TO BE ON RESERVOIR AND MASTER CYLINDER... 2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 ENGINE.... THE ONLY ELIGIBLE RECALL IM LISTED FOR IS NHTSA: 04V165000 PCM RECALIBRATING... ALL OTHER RECALLS IM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ALL STATE UNDER DEFECT CONSEQUENCES AS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH OR FIRE WHICH I'VE JUST ENCOUNTERED AND THE TAILGATE ONE STATES MAY OPEN WHEN A CRASH OCCURS... IM CONCERNED AND WONDERING WHY MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THOSE RECALLS.... *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2009, fire
I WAS ALERTED TO A PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHEN I HEARD THE CAR ALARM SOUND. I TURNED OFF THE ALARM BY UNLOCKING THE DOORS, BUT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD, AND RAN WATER IN THE AREA WHERE THE SMOKE ORIGINATED. AFTER DISCOVERING THAT WATER WASN'T STOPPING THE SMOKE, I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE SMOKE CLEARED AND IT APPEARED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD ORIGINATED IN THE AREA OF THE ABS SYSTEM/MASTER CYLINDER. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP AS A SHORT IN THE ABS MODULE, CAUSING A WIRING HARNESS TO BURN. THESE TWO PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED, AND THE OLD PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY, PEMCO. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2009
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 25, 2009
BRAKE PROBLEM - 2002 FORD ESCAPE, VEHICLE ID # (131,287 MILES) BRAKES WITH EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL SUBSEQUENT TO MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT (4X). DEALER (MCCAFFERTY FORD,1939 EAST LINCOLN HIGHWAY, LANGHORNE, PA 19047, (800) 590-8702) AGREES THAT TRAVEL IS EXCESSIVE BUT SAYS BRAKE PEDAL CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND BRAKES ARE SAFE. I BELIEVE THEY ARE UNSAFE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD BE REPAIRABLE. DEALER STATED THAT FORD MOTOR WAS CONTACTED AND IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 25, 2008
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 50,000 MILES. EXCESSIVE BLACK BRAKE DUST ON WHEELS A FEW DAYS CLEANING THEM. OTHER FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR DON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED ANY HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2008, fire
I HAD A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR ABS MODULE. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER IN LOS LUNAS AND THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T ON THE LIST TO BE FIXED. TWO MONTHS LATER MY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF NOW? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 22, 2008, fire
THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPE LAST YEAR(2007) ON THE ABS UNIT. CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V156000. MY PROBLEM IS THAT ONE DEALERSHIP TURNED IN THE RECALL AS BEING COMPLETED ON 4/24/07. THEY STATED THEY PUT GREASE ON THE ABS MODULE. ON 10/19/2008 I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE MODULE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP THAT SUPPOSEDLY DID THE RECALL IS NOW NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. SO I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A FORD SERVICE DEPT AND IF THEY DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE A DEFECTIVE MODULE THEN IT WOULD BE COVERED. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE MODULE. SO THEY CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO VERIFY THE CLAIM AND THEN FORD TURNS IT DOWN. THE REASON WAS THAT IT HAD BEEN MORE THAN 12 MONTHS SINCE RECALL WAS DONE. THEY SAID THAT PARTS AND LABOR ARE COVERED FOR ONLY 12 MONTHS. BUT I HAVE THE RECEIPT THAT SHOWS ALL THE FIRST DEALERSHIP DONE WAS INSPECT AND APPLY GREASE. NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. IF THEY HAD ACTUALLY REPLACED THE MODULE THEN I COULD UNDERSTAND. THE RECALL CAME OUT AFTER THE CAR WAS ALREADY 5 YEARS OLD. SO THE RECALL DIDN'T STATE ANYTHING ABOUT THE AGE OF THE PART AND I DON'T SEE HOW GREASE COULD FIX A 5 YEAR OLD PART. EVEN SO IF ALL THEY REPLACED WAS GREASE THEN HOW DOES THE 5 YEAR OLD PART FALL UNDER A 12 MONTH PART AND LABOR WARRANTY? I THINK THE PART SHOULD BE REPLACED SINCE IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE. I WOULD GLADLY PAY FOR THE GREASE SINCE IT IS OVER 12 MONTHS OLD.( THAT'S THEY ONLY PART THEY REPLACED) WHAT DO I DO NOW? FORD ADMITTED THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY ISSUED THE RECALL, AND NOW THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT BECAUSE OF SOME GREASE (BAND-AIDE) THEY PUT ON IT? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2008, fire
A FORD RECALL NOTICE (#07S51) HAD BEEN MAILED INFORMING ME OF A RECALL TO OUR 2002 ESCAPE . THE RECALL, AS THE LETTER STATES, HAD TO DO WITH DISLODGED WIRE SEALS THAT COULD EFFECT THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL NOTICE WENT ON TO STATE THAT IF LEFT UNFIXED, THE ABS MODULE COULD OVERHEAT DUE TO THE RECALL PART AND CAUSE, IN SOME CASES, THE CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE EVEN WHEN OFF. THIS DESCRIPTION FIT OUR CAR'S PROBLEM, SINCE OUR CAR'S ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON UNEXPLAINABLE. LOGICALLY, WE TOOK OUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE ON THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIR DONE, WE CHECKED THE CAR AND THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WERE STILL ON. I CONFRONTED THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO HAD ADMINISTERED THE REPAIR AND HE ASSURED ME THAT THEY HAD REPAIRED THE PROBLEM TO THE EXTENT THAT FORD HAD ALLOWED THEM. HE HAD TOLD ME THAT ALL HE HAD DONE WAS CHANGE WAS A CONNECTOR AND NOTHING ELSE. THEY HAD NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM; THEIR REPORT ENDED WITH TELLING ME THAT THE ABS LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT WERE STILL ON AND A DIAGNOSTICS WAS STILL NEEDED. THE MECHANICS DID NOT ONLY LEAVE THE PROBLEM UNFIXED, BUT WERE UNWILLING TO ADMIT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FROM THE RECALL PART. INCIDENTALLY, THREE DAYS LATER AFTER THE MECHANICS HAD WORKED ON MY CAR, THE FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED ON THE CORNER OF CENHER DRIVE IN CHULA VISTA CA. FORTUNATELY, MY SPOUSE WAS NOT INSIDE THE CAR. THE FIREMAN WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE IN ORDER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE FIRE LEFT MY CAR A TOTAL LOSS. I CONTACTED FORD COSTUMER SERVICE OF THE INCIDENT AND THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD TAKE 10 BUSINESS DAYS TO ANSWER MY REQUEST. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MEXICO. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. WHEN HE RETURNED TO MEXICO, HE NOTIFIED A FORD DEALER AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABOUT TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE ANY REPAIRS COULD BE MADE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,300. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF THE RECALL WAS REGARDING THE ABS MODULE. BEFORE THE CONSUMER COULD GET THE VEHICLE FIXED, IT CAUGHT TON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON BEFORE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/19/08