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: structure
89 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Mar 22, 2014
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO AN INTERNET SEARCH. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND MY CAR WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION UNLESS IT IS FIXED. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR (I WAS QUOTED $700). *TR
Air bags, Structure, Mar 14, 2014, crash
ESCAPE WAS HIT ON FRONT LEFT BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING ESCAPE TO EXIT HIGHWAY AND CRASHING INTO AND SLIDING DOWN A CONCRETE OVERPASS PILLAR; DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER, LIGHT, AND COMPLETE LEFT SIDE OF ESCAPE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY! *TR
Structure, Service brakes, Feb 2, 2014, crash
ON NOV 26 I WAS DRIVING TO MY WORK AT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DISTANCE I KEPT FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW ME STOPPING ADEQUATELY. SUDDENLY, I NOTICED THAT TRAFFIC WAS APPROACHING TO A RED LIGHT SO I TAP ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES WERE NOT REDUCING THE SPEED SO IMMEDIATELY I STAMPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO LET THE CAR STOP WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY, I LOOKED TO REALIZE THAT I COULD NOT CHANGE LANES. AT THIS POINT I WAS LEFT WITH NO TIME TO GEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION OR TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. CONSEQUENTLY, MY FORD ESCAPE WAS FORCED TO STOP BY CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PRODUCING A DOMINO EFFECT INVOLVING A THIRD VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. FORTUNATELY, NO PERSONAL INJURIES WERE REPORTED FROM THE OTHER TWO DRIVERS WHOSE CARS WERE INVOLVED.. I DID SUFFERED SLIGHT NECK PAIN AND AFTER VISITING THE HOSPITAL I DID NOT HAD MAJOR INJURIES OR NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT SO FAR. IN REGARDS TO PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGES, THE TWO CARS IN FRONT OF MINE, HAD MINIMAL DAMAGES BUT, MINE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED TO THE POINT IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. ALL CLAIMS WERE REPORTED AND TAKEN CARE BY GEICO, MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ALSO A TRAFFIC CRASH CAR REPORT WAS FILED. I RECEIVED A DRIVING TRAFFIC CITATION FROM THE POLICE, WHICH I PLAN TO ESCALATE TO THE COURTHOUSE, AFTER KNOWING THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED RESULTED FROM MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS REPORTED BY FORD UNDER RECALLS 11S24 AND 12 S37. * PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WRITING IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES AND TO ALERT ANY OTHER DRIVERS TO PERFORM ON-TIME MAINTENANCE CHECK-UPS TO PREVENT SIMILAR OR WORST SCENARIOS. *TR
Structure, Nov 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,604.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 11, 2013
THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT BROKE WHILE OPENING THE REAR WINDOW. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY GRAB THE REAR WINDOW BEFORE IT COULD BREAK. I WOULD NOTE THAT THE FALLING REAR WINDSHIELD CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR AND/OR BYSTANDER AND COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURIES THAT COULD INCLUDE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, AND POSSIBLY CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND. I TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER (FRIENDLY FORD OF MONROE, MI) TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED. I MENTIONED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME EXACT DEFECT AND HE TOLD ME TO SAVE MY RECEIPT IN CASE MY VEHICLE IS RECALLED IN THE FUTURE. THE REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE COST $236.00 AT THE DEALER. I NOTED THAT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE OWNERS THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 955,732 VEHICLES, SPECIFICALLY 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND/OR HINGES. I'M SURE THESE HINGES WERE ALSO USED ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES. BEFORE BUYING THE ABOVE LISTED FORD ESCAPE, I TEST DROVE SEVERAL OTHER ESCAPES. ON ONE OF THE ESCAPES THAT I TEST DROVE, I OPENED UP THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AND NOTICED THAT ONE HINGE WAS BROKEN AND THAT THE GLASS WAS HANGING FROM JUST ONE HINGE. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD HIM THAT I WOULD NOT BE BUYING THIS VEHICLE. MY NIECE ALSO OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE AND HER HINGE BECAME RUSTED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEE "NHTSA RECALL" 04V442000 FOR DETAILS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AT 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN SIDE STREET. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR WITH THE FRONT DROPPING AND THE CAR GRINDING TO A STOP. INSPECTION REVEALED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS BASICALLY BROKEN OFF WITH THAT SIDE OF THE CAR SITTING ON THE GROUND. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION A-FRAME PULLED LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE DUE TO RUST ON THE CROSSMEMBER. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Oct 8, 2013
MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE UNKNOWN NOISES WHEN DRIVING, AND STEERING CONTROL BECAME VERY LOOSE. I PROMPTLY TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY ROTTED THAT THE PASSENGER WHEEL CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND CAN NOT BE REATTACHED WITHOUT REPLACING THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE IS NOW NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Jun 20, 2013
WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW HANGING. ANALYZING WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED (WHICH WAS THE SAME PLACE ON EACH HINGE), THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED EVEN IF THERE WAS NO ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE SCREW INSIDE OF THE CAR HOLDING THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW WAS RUSTED, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE PARTS NOT MAKING A WATER TIGHT SEAL ON THE WINDOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDOW COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND/OR PERSONS THAT WERE FOLLOWING. THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE PART # IS 420A68. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Wheels, May 17, 2013
LOWER CONTROL ARM RIPPED OFF UNDER CRADLE & RIPPED PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OFF THE TRANSMISSION - THE WHEEL FELL OFF THE CAR. IT APPEARS UNDER CRADLE RUSTED FROM INSIDE. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT OF THAT HAPPENING WHEN MY WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY, INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 14, 2013
THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH FORD ESCAPES. AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AREA. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW, AND ONE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THE FAILURE HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEED. I THINK THE FORD RANGER FRAMES WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR RUSTING ISSUE, PERHAPS THE TWO ARE RELATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PROMPT ATTENTION. *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS
Structure, Feb 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 25, 2013
WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND THE TIRE FELL SIDEWAYS. CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND THE GARAGE CALLED AND SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE COULD RUST SO BAD. FORD SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR TRAVELING @ A HIGH SPEED AND THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATES YOU CAN HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND CAUSE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 18, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY MADE A CLUNKING SOUND THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OR MOVE IT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND IT SEEMED FINE . I THEN WENT OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I FIGURED THAT I PROBABLY BROKE A TIE ROD. I CALLED AAA TO HAVE THE AUTO TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE TOW DRIVER ARRIVED HE TOOK A LOOK AT MY ESCAPE AND SAID THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT HAD SEPARATED IN TWO. BY DOING THAT MY WHEEL AXLE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. HIS OPINION WAS THAT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THIS HAD HAPPENED IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AUTO COLLISION AND MAYBE EVEN CAUSING MY ESCAPE TO ROLL OVER. THIS TO ME SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBFRAME AND I AM VERY FORTUNATE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE AND EVEN DEATH TO INNOCENT PEOPLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 27, 2012
DRIVING 15MPH DOWN HOME STREET AND HEARD A CLUNK. PUT IN REVERSE TO GET BACK TO DRIVEWAY AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SIDEWAYS AND DRAGGING. AFTER CALLING LOCAL GARAGE WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM THAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ABLE TO MANEUVER CAR ONTO FRONT LAWN WHERE IT STILL SITS. *TR
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 8, 2012
1 - REAR LATCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, THE LATCH WILL NOT OPEN THE BACK DOOR. 2 - WINDOW LATCH HAS RUSTED CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO DETACH FROM THE HINGE. NOT THAT I AM BIDDER, BUT AT 37K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW.... I DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH FORD AND MY DEALERSHIP ([XXX]). BOTH COMPANIES STATED THEY COULD NOT HELP ME AND THAT IT WAS ON ME TO PAY TO CORRECT. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF USING PROPER SUPPLIES. THEY COULD NOT HAVE CARED LESS. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HAVE THEM LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I WOULD REALLY HATE TO BE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT CANNOT USE THE REAR AS AN EXIT.... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGE PART NUMBER WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE HINGE BEING RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 1, 2012
MY CAR HAD A LOUD SQUEAK AND CREAK WHILE DRIVING THAT CONTINUALLY GOT LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK... I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. THIS ATTACHES TO THE CONTROL ARM, AND FORD HAS NO RECALL. HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND SAYS THIS PART SHOULD NEVER HAVE ROTTED. HE ADVISED TO CHECK WITH FORD FOR RECALL, HOWEVER FORD DENIES ANY RECALL WITH THIS PART.. SO NO ACTION FROM FORD ABOUT A ROTTED FRAME! VEHICLE IS NOW UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OF CONTROL ARM BECOMING UNATTACHED. *TR
Structure, Jun 10, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME STUCK IN THE LOCK POTION AND YOU CAN NO LONGER OPEN THAT DOOR AT ALL. YOU CAN'T UNLOCK THE ETHER. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE, OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, May 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THEIR MECHANIC THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000. UPDATED 05/23/12
Structure, Feb 3, 2012
APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO, FEB. 2011, I NOTICED THE TRUCK LIFT GATE AND WINDOW WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I THOUGHT MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE SNOW AND COLD WEATHER IT WAS FROZEN. THE NEXT FEW WEEKS IT WORKED ON AND OFF. THEN AFTER A MONTH OR SO IT STOPPED WORKING AT ALL. I SEARCHED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART AND THERE WAS ONE, I CALLED FORD BUT THEY SAID MY VIN WAS NOT ON THEIR LIST OF RECALLS FOR THAT PROBLEM SO I WAS OUT OF LUCK AND ONE YEAR LATER IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. I CANNOT OPEN OR CLOSE THE REAR LIFT DOOR OR THE WINDOW ABOVE IT. TWO MECHANICS LOOKED AT THE PROBLEM AND SAID ONLY FORD CAN REPLACE THE PART. THE PANELS ON THE DOOR MUST BE REMOVED TO GET TO THE MECHANISM. THE PART COSTS ABOUT $15.00 BUT LABOR COSTS WILL BE AROUND $400.00 I RESEARCHED THIS DEFECT AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. *KB
Fuel system, Other, Structure, Aug 12, 2011
METAL STRAPS HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK RUSTED AND BROKE ON JULY 28, 2011 WHILE FILLING THE GAS TANK. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TWO METAL STRAPS ON AUGUST 1, 2011. ON AUGUST 2, 2011 A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON SIMILAR FORD VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THE SAME YEAR. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS CITED IN THE RECALL AND STATED THAT I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL POINTED SIDEWAYS, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ UPDATED 03/13/12
Structure, Jun 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HINGE FOR THE TAIL GATE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE TAIL GATE WAS AJAR. THE GLASS WINDOW STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE HINGE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Structure, Jan 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE HEARD A METAL NOISE. WHEN SHE OPENED THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR, IT FELL ON HER FOOT. SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE DOOR BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PIN HAD BEEN INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR PIN AND HINGE ASSEMBLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 114,083. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ UPDATED 12/06/2011 *LN