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: suspension
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, May 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED UNDER A MANUFACTURE'S RECALL PERTAINING TO THE CROSSBAR, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Apr 26, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO WORK MY DAUGHTER NOTICED THE STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. IN ORDER FOR HER TO KEEP DRIVING STRAIGHT SHE HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE WENT OVER A PAIR OF ROUGH RAILROAD TRACKS & LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HER FRONT PASSENGER TIRE CONTROL BAR HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. IT WAS RUSTED THROUGH. LUCKILY SHE WAS DRIVING IN A 30MPH ZONE & THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT HURT BUT QUITE SHAKEN UP. WE WERE UNAWARE OF A VEHICLE RECALL ON THIS MODEL UNTIL A FRIEND OF HERS RECALLED SEEING AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWS ABOUT CONTROL BARS RUSTING THROUGH CAUSING STEERING PROBLEMS. HER FRONT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BALD AFTER THIS INCIDENT. (TREAD WAS GOOD BEFORE). I CALLED FORD AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE & REPORTED THE INCIDENT. THE REP TOLD ME THAT IN ORDER FOR A REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER & TO KEEP THE TOW BILL AS THEY WOULD COVER IT. RIGHT NOW THE SUV IS AT THE DEALER. IT HAS BEEN 2 DAYS SINCE THEY'VE HAD IT & I'VE HEARD NOTHING. I AM GETTING VERY IMPATIENT. BECAUSE IT'S A RECALL I HAVE A HUNCH THEY PUT IT ON THE BACK BURNER. THIS VEHICLE IS HER ONLY WAY TO SCHOOL & WORK. I ASKED ABOUT A LOANER & THEY EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE OF THE HUGE VOLUME OF RECALLS, A LOANER WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO COME BY. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE? I AM EXPECTING NOT ONLY THE VEHICLE TO BE FIXED BUT I FEEL WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THE 1 TIRE - MAYBE 2 DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OF THE OTHER SIDE. I DON'T NEED A SET OF NEW ONES - JUST SOMETHING TO PASS INSPECTION. IF ANYONE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES PLEASE POST SOMETHING BACK. THANK YOU ! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Apr 16, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING OUT MY DRIEVWAY THE SUBFRAME BROKE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FRONT. THIS LET THE WHEEL GO 90 DEGREES TH THE CAR AND PULLED OUT MY FRONT AXLE MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE.FORD SAYS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SUBFRAME RECALL.CAN YOU GET MY CAR ADDED TO THE RECALL SO THEY WILL PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TT
Steering, Suspension, Nov 7, 2013
CLICKING NOISE WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER IN THE STRAIGHT UP POSITION WHEN VEHICLE IS TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. APPROXIMATELY TURNED 20-25 DEGREES CLOCKWISE. INSPECTION OF THE FRONT END REVEALED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH AT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT MOUNT AREA. *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
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
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2013
TO START OFF THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN YOU PUSH THE CLUTCH IN IT DIES AND YOU LOOSE ALL POWER , ANOTHER IS THE BUSHING IN THE CONTROL ARM SLIPPED OUT OF THE ARM MOUNT SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT AND ANOTHER THAT JUST HAPPENED IS THE GAS TANK STRAP AND SUPPORT PAN BROKE AND PLASTIC GAS TANK HIT THE GROUND ON ONE END AND THE OTHER IS GRINDING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX ANYTHING CAUSE IT AIN'T CONSIDERED POWERTRAIN. *TR
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
Steering, Suspension, Nov 5, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. AFTER I STOPPED, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND ROLLED FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE RE-APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE SOUND REPEATED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. UPON INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY HAD RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HAD CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BECOME LOOSE THUS BENDING IT AND MAKING IT UNUSABLE. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND FEAR THAT IF OTHER FOLKS HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD BE A VERY BAD OUTCOME ! THIS ALLOWED MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO PULL OUTWARD HENCE PULLING THE CONTROL ARM LOOSE. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND THE WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED AT THE TIME OF BUYING THE VEHICLE WAS NO AVAIL. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE IS NO RECALL THEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM !! SORRY BUT IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THIS. HOW MANY INJURIES ARE REQUIRED BEFORE SOMEONE TAKES NOTICE ?? THE REPAIR BILL WAS $ 1160.96. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 7 MONTHS AT THAT TIME. IT STILL HAS MANY PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BEFORE IT IS PAID OFF. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN RUNS DOWN THIS AREA CAUSING IT PERHAPS ? JUST AN OBSERVATION FROM A RUNNING VEHICLE IDENTICAL TO MINE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED ON THIS MATTER AND HOPEFULLY IT GETS RESOLVED BEFORE ANY FATALITIES HAPPEN IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY !! THANK YOU ! *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
Suspension, Sep 24, 2012
FORD ESCAPE WAS MAKING SHARP JERKING MOTIONS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT HAPPEND RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE ESCAPE IN TO FORD DEALER TO GET THE ABS AND ENGINE COVER RECALLS. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT CASUE THE PROBLEM. I TOOK TO LOCAL MECH IN TOWN AND HE SAID ISSUE IS THE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS SEPERATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND IS RUSTED AWAY SO IT IS MAKING THE WHEEL WOBBLE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE JERKING MOTION. WONDERING IF RECALL IS ON FORD ESCAPE FOR SUBFRAME ISSUE WHERE CONTROL ARM BOLT IS ATTACHED . SEEN MANY SAME ISSUES WHEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. *TR
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
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
Suspension, Aug 3, 2010
2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 27, 2010
NO EVENTS LEADING TO THIS... IT JUST STARTED ABOUT 2 YRS AGO SUMMER OF 08. CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF CAR. CAN BE FELT BY THE STEERING WHEEL (WHICH ALSO HAS THE SQUEAKING PROBLEM). OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS WARM. WENT TO THE FORD DEALER SEVERAL TIMES COMPLAINING OF THIS... NEVER WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY HAD BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT ARM ASSEMBLY LINK, BOLT, HEX FOR FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED JUNE 09. ON SEPT 09 NOISE RETURNED AND HAD EVERYTHING TIGHTENED, LUBED. PROBLEM WENT AWAY UNTIL AGAIN THE WEATHER WARMED UP THEN IS NOW BACK WORSE THAN EVER. NOT ONLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL BUT WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 17, 2008
FRONT KNOCKING NOISE. HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. MANY MECHANICS, INCLUDING THE FORD DEALER, COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, AND STRUTS WERE CHECKED OR REPLACED. THE KNOCKING PERSISTED. ON 8/15/08, THE BALL JOINT FAILED AS MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH AROUND A CORNER CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO FLOP AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. STEERING WAS IMPOSSIBLE. LUCKILY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED SAFELY WITHOUT OUT ANY LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCES. FORD ESCAPE 2002 XLT. *TR
Suspension, Jan 1, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS I EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WHICH CUT OPEN LIKE A CAN OPENER ONE FRONT TIRES AND DAMAGED THE OTHER. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH TIRES AND SPRINGS REPLACED. IF I WAS TRAVELING MORE THAN 15 MPH I FEAR I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.*CN
Suspension, Nov 29, 2007
ALL FOUR WHEELS BEARINGS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE INCIDENT INCLUDED A WHEEL FALLING OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THESE BEARINGS. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 29, 2007
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR
Suspension, May 29, 2007
FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Air bags, May 24, 2007
IN APRIL 2007, I TOOK MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE BECAUSE OF CONSTANT CLICKING NOISE THAT I HEARD COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MY SWAY BAR END LINK, BUT THE RIGHT SIDE. THE LEFT END LINK HAD BEEN REPLACED IN APRIL 2006, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE RIGHT END LINK TO BE REPLACED. THE CLICKING NOISE PERSISTS. NOW, THE DEALER IS SAYING THAT IT IS THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM THAT IS MAKING THE NOISE AND I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO IT, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME NOISE AND STARTED ONLY 2 DAYS AFTER BEING SERVICED. ALSO, THE CAR HAS STALLED TWICE. THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND NEEDS A THIRD REPLACEMENT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AND REMAINS ON FOR MONTHS AT A TIME; STARTED IN 2004. THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS HAVE BEEN SERVICED FOR INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED.
Suspension, Apr 13, 2007
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS DEFECTIVE PARTS. FORD WAS WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK