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: power train
115 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 28, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, 51000 MILES. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CD4E. OWNER'S MANUAL AND INFORMATION FROM FORD STATES THAT ONLY MERCON TRANSMISSION FLUID IS TO BE USED, AND THAT USE OF MERCON V TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL DAMAGE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, COVER ON TRANSMISSION DIP STICK SAYS "USE MERCON V." DEALER FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AT 32000 MILES AND REPLACED WITH MERCON V FLUID. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 51000 MILES, REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION. FAILURE HAPPENED DURING FREEWAY DRIVING, BUT FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. HE DEALER SHOULD HAVE KNOW WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION FLUID TO USE, REGARDLESS OF INCORRECT STATEMENT ON DIP STICK CAP. HOWEVER, THE MISLEADING DIP STICK COULD CAUSE THE OWNER OR OTHERS TO USE INCORRECT TYPE OF FLUID, WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE COMPLETE TRANMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Power train, Sep 20, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, 51,000 MILES. DURING FREEWAY DRIVING, O/D LOCKOUT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. TRANSMISSION BRIEFLY ACTED AS IF IT WAS SHIFTING BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND DRIVE, THEN IT FAILED COMPLETELY. TOWED TO FORD DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. FORD DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT HAS NOT DIAGNOSED CAUSE OF FAILURE. FROM RESEARCHING USER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, I'VE LEARNED THAT FORD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (OASIS #16717) IN MARCH 2003 ADVISING THAT THE PCM BE REPROGRAMED TO CORRECT A TRANSMISSION SHUDDER PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE A PRECURSOR TO TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PCM REPROGRAMING IS ALSO REQUIRED BY SAFETY RECALL 04S13, ISSUED APRIL 2004. I WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THIS RECALL WORK DONE BY THE DEALER, BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED BEFORE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. FROM READING USER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT TANSMISSION FAILURE AT 50-60,000 MILES IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR 2001-2003 ESCAPES WITH A CD4E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AT LEAST FOR ONES WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THE PCM REPROGRAMED AS CALLED FOR IN THE 2003 SERVICE BULLETIN OR THE 2004 SAFETY RECALL.*AK
Power train, Sep 13, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT HAS STALLED WITHOUT WARNING TWICE. ONCE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THE OTHER AT 10 MPH. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP (COWLES FORD, WOODBRIDGE, VA) SINCE MY FIRST MAINTENANCE CHECK ABOUT MY ESCAPE HESITATING/SKIPPING. DOES NOT SEEMS TO BE GETTING THE PROPER GAS. FIRST COUPLE OF MAINTENANCE CHECK MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW, 2 1/2 YEARS LATER, THEY KEEP REPLACING SMALL PARTS THAT DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT SHOW UP ON DIANOSTICS TEST NOR ON THE VEHICLE COMPUTER. I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE THE FIRST ENGINE STALL (40 MPH) THAT MY ESCAPE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. AGAIN I HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MY SUV IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I HAVE NO ADVANCED WARNING WHEN THE MOTOR WILL CUT OFF. I HAVE EMAILED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO HIGH MANAGEMENT AT FORD IN MICHEGAN BUT HAVE YET TO EVEN GET AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY COMPLAINT. FORD SEEMS TO BE SO WILLING TO LET CUSTOMERS BE INJURED OR KILLED IN THEIR PRODUCTS. ON FELT LIKE A "VALUABLE FORD CUSTOMER" BEFORE I SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE AND AFTER THAT I FEEL LIKE A "VICTIM". SHAME ON FORD.*AK
Power train, Seats, Sep 12, 2004
DRIVERS SEAT MOVES FOWARD APPROX 1/2" ON ACCELERATION AND STOPPING. VEHICLE HAS NOISE POSSIBLE BEARING, TRANSMISSION, OR DRIVESHAFT LIKE A LOPE AS IF SOMETHING WAS OUT OF ROUND OR HAS A HIGH SPOT. IT IS NOT THE TIRES.*AK
Steering, Power train, Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2004
HAD BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING; CHECKED THE NHTSA SERVICE BULLETINS AND FOUND A BULLETIN FROM JUNE 1, 2003 NOTING THIS SAME PROBLEM; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ON AGAIN; I MADE AN APPT AT DEALER TO CHECK OUT THESE ISSUES (4/7/04). TOOK VEHICLE IN ON 4/9/04. DEALER FOUND THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THE WIRING FOR THE HORN WAS PULLED OUT AND RUBBING ON THE CONTACT PLATE; ADDITIONAL NOISE FOUND AT LOWER END OF STEERING COLUMN DEALER DEACTIVATED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONTACT; ALSO FOUND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN BOOT, WHICH HAD TO BE ORDERED AT THE SAME TIME, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE; DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FROM 4/9 - 4/14 AND DEALER HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR STEERING COLUMN BOOT WAS ORDERED AND I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DEALER ON 4/23/04 TO HAVE THEM INSTALL IT. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER ON THE 23RD, I REALIZED THAT MY HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND LEFT BRAKE LIGHT WERE ALL INOPERABLE, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DEALER ON 4/26/04. DEALER FOUND THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT MAKING CONTACT, SO THEY HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE AIRBAG AGAIN TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING; FOR THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE BULB ELEMENT VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALER FOR TWO DAYS AND THEY HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR ME AGAIN, *AK
Power train, Jul 20, 2004
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. VEHICLE WILL START BUT WILL NOT IDLE. WILL STALL UNLESS GAS IS APPLIED AT ALL TIMES. WILL STALL IF DECELERATING. FIRST TIME PROBLEM OCCURRED, POWER RELAY SEARCH WAS ADDRESSED. THEN PCM RECALL WAS APPLIED, AND PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW DEALER SAYS AIR BYPASS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS 42,000 MILES ON IT. *LA
Power train, Equipment, Jul 17, 2004
POWER TRAIN SLIPPING. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TRANSMITTION FOR THIS 3 YEAR OLD CAR. THE FIRST WENT OUT AT 30,000 AND NOW THE OTHER ONE IS GOING. THE VEHICLE IS HIGH MILEAGE, BUT IT IS ONE OWNER AND 90% OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES.*AK
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004, crash
DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT SOME OBJECTS HEAD ON INSIDE OF THE GARAGE BEFORE STOPPING. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK THE DRIVER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PLACING GEAR FROM DRIVE TO PARK WHEN VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. UPON IMPACT, THE SHIFTER IS BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE. *LA
Power train, May 19, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE V6. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS THE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SHUDDERING, AND NOW A TOTAL FAILURE. FOR THE SHUDDERING THE FLUID WAS FLUSHED AND REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE, AND NEW CODES PROGRAMED. *AK HAVEN'T TAKEN IT IN FOR THE TOTAL FAILURE YET. (TOMORROW)
Power train, May 17, 2004
RECALL NOTICE FOR 2002 FORD ESCAPE ARRIVED A MONTH TOO LATE. *MR THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE A MONTH BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 04S13 OR 04V-165000. PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SUGGESTED A GAS TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR THE FUEL INJECTION, BUT THE STALLING PERSISTED. THE CONSUMER REQUEST COMPENSATION FOR THE TREATMENT, TIME LOST AND STRESS FORD PUT HER THROUGH WITH THE ESCAPE. *NM
Power train, Mar 11, 2004
OUT OF WARRANTY TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 49K MILES. *PH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SHUDDER SINCE 37K MILES WHICH ONLY OCCURRED A COUPLE TIMES PER MONTH. FORD FAILED TO ALERT THE CONSUMER OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. SERVICE BULLETIN#16056636254 *SC
Power train, Equipment, Feb 28, 2004
TWO TRANSMISSION FAILURES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED @ 18,118 MILES AND THEN AGAIN @ 39,933 MILES.*AK
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
WITH NO WARNING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON OUR ESCAPE FAILED COMPLETELY AT 44,130 MILES. SO FAR, NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN OFFERED BY FORD OR THE REPAIRING DEALER DISPITE ATTEMPTS BY ME TO GET RELIEF FOR THE $2700 REPAIR BILL! WE HAVE HAD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVETRAIN SINCE ABOUT 18,000 MILES AND HAD IT CHECKED AT 25,000 BY OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT IT WAS ONLY TIRE NOISE...WHICH WHILE VERY SCEPTICAL, WE ACCEPTED WITH THE CAVEAT THAT WHEN WE EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE TIRES, THE NOISE WOULD BE GONE OUR WE EXPECTED THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE. SINCE THE TRANSMISSION'S VERY PREMATURE FAILURE, WE HAVE REVISITED THE POWERTRAIN NOISE AS WE NOW SUSPECT ITS SOURCE MAY HAVE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN CHANGED, THE WHEELS AND TIRES HAVE BEEN SUBSTITUTED AND THE VERY LOUD NOISE CONTINUES. TWO FORD DEALERS HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE YET HAS AN IDEA OF WHAT THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE IS NOW! THIS TRUCK IS A TRUE LEMON AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE TO FIX AND PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS ALL OR MOST OF THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR!!!!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 10, 2003
VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. VEHICLE HAS ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED 4 TIMES. DEALERSHIP MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY UPDATING THE IAC VALVE, AND REPROGRAMMING THE PCM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Sep 4, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DRIVE, THE HORN BEGAN TO BLOW, AND THE LIGHTS STARTED TO BLINK. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE OR HAD TOUCHED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR IT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLED AWAY WITH THE IGNITION LOCKED, KEYS REMOVED AND VEHICLE IN PARK. ALSO THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK ON FOUR OCCASIONS. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOLD THE CONSUMER THE REASON WHY THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY, WAS BECAUSE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED. *PH *JB
Power train, Jun 30, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND NO WITH WARNING THE LEFT AXLE SNAPPED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN A ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Power train, Jun 4, 2003
2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS A TRANSMISSION SLIP PROBLEM THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THIS HAPPENS IF PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. ALSO, IF TURNING IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE ONCOMING AND IT STALLS YOU COULD GET HIT FROM THE SIDE. *NLM
Power train, May 31, 2003
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS FROM FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE TRUCK STARTING WITH ALL MY CD'S GETTING JAMMED ONE AT A TIME EJECTING FROM MY 6XCD INDASH CHANGER I ALSO THEN PROCEEDED TO HAVE TROUBLE WITH STARTING THE TRUCK IN COLD OR HOT WEATHER OR EVEN HUMID WEATHER PROCEEDING WITH CONSTANT BREAK NOISES FROM FIRST WEEK WHICK MULTIPLE TIMES ITS BEEN WORKED ON BUT NO LUCK FIXING ALSO NOW LEFT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT CASING STARTED PRESENTING A BAD SEAL IN HEADLIGHT WHICH IN RETURN CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO REPLACE SET OF HEADLIGHTS WITH INSTALLATION FOR 90 DOLLARS ALSO MY SUNROOF IS STICKING WHEN YOU GO TO SHUT IT AND HODING DOWN BUTTON AND OUT OF ALL THESE DEFECTS YOU THINK IT WOULDNT BE ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH TRYING TO GET FIXED WHEN YOU WORK TWO FULL TIME JOBS AND HAD NO TRANSPORTATION FOR WORK AND YET FORD DEALERSHIP DID NOT WANT TO ASSIST ME IN ANY WAY WITH RENTAL FOR THEIR DEFECTS OF VEHICLE LEAVING ME STUCK WITH NO TRANSPORTATION FOR WORK DUE TO RELOCATING TO DALLAS THEN ATLANTA AND NOT KNOWING ANYONE WHOM COULD HELP ME WITH GETTING TO EMPLOYMENT AND HOME LOCATIONS BUT TO TOP IT OFF MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT IS ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM WITH LEATHER SEATS WEARING EXTREMLY BAD YET I TRY TO KEEP THEM AS CLEAN AND REPLIISHED AS POSSIBLE BUT YET SEATS ARE OF POOR QUALITY WHICH ALSO THE LEATHER STEARING WHEEL IS FADING WITH SPOTS OF DARKER AND LIGHTER LEATHER WRAPPING AND SAME FOR THE DASH AND RADIO CONTROLS, ALL ARE FADING WITH DARK AND LIGHTER BLACK SPOTS ALL OVER YET I KEEP MY TRUCK SPOTLESS AND I TAKE EXTREME CARE OF IT FOR MY VEHICLE IS MY BABY BUT SEEMS TO BE WITH FORD IM GOING TO BE FORCED TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE WITH ALL THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THE ENGINE STALLING NOT STARTING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT IN GEAR AND FORCING THE VEHICLE IGNITION TO BE SWUTCHED OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO START BACK UP (IF IT WILL START THE NEXT TIME)
Power train, Apr 9, 2003
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED. I AM CONCERNED WITH ALL OF THE UPDATES THAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE SAFETY ISSUE OF THE VEHICLE SIMPLY SHUTTING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. THE PROBLEM I AM DEALING WITH IS THE 4WD IS STUCK IN 4WD. THE 4WD LIGHT ISN'T ON, BUT WHEN I TURN SHARPLY, I CAN FEEL THE WHEELS GRABBING FOR TRACTION. IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW (ONLY HAD 2 WEEKS) AND THEY HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Apr 4, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE ENGINE WOULD REV WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER BUT THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. *JB *NLM
Power train, Apr 2, 2003
THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. *JB *NLM
Power train, Wheels, Feb 24, 2003
NAR 02/28/2003 MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL. *CB
Power train, Feb 7, 2003
THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE'S CLUTCH AND IT WOULDN'T GO INTO 1ST OR 2ND GEAR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PH THE TRANSMISSION FAILED , AND THE CLUTCH BURNED. THE CABLE WAS REINSTALLED. THERE WAS A CHATTERING IN THE CLUTCH, AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAD GONE TO THE FLOOR BEFORE BEING ABLE TO SHIFT. THE ENTIRE CLUTCH SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. ALSO THE SLAVE CYLINDER WAS BLED. SCC
Power train, Feb 4, 2003
I HAVE NOW HAD MY ESCAPE FOR 9 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 01/10/03 BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 2ND GEAR (NO MATTER HOW FAST I WAS GOING). THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT EVEN THE NEW TRANSMISSION DID NOT WANT TO SHIFT. NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAVE NOT HAD MY VEHICLE FOREVER AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CONTACT ME ABOUT MY VEHICLE OR RETURN MY CALLS.
Power train, Jan 13, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THE GEAR SHIFTER DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE. SHIFTER IS ATTACHED TO STEERING COLUMN AND IS TOO LONG. WHENEVER CONSUMER TURNS ON RADIO GEAR IS KNOCKED INTO NEUTRAL.*JB