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
1,070 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, BURNING OIL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED AND THAT HE WAS CONSTANTLY REPLENISHING THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED NOT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CONTACT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
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
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 2 MPH. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT NORMAL RATES OF SPEED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP WITHIN THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,448.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/ MODULE ); HOWEVER THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO STATE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RELATED TO THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS CONCERN OF THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 19, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON AN ICY SURFACE, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE HAD BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Visibility, Dec 18, 2011
YESTERDAY I DROVE AROUND TOWN RUNNING ERRANDS IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND IT WAS FINE. CAME HOME LAST NIGHT (TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 27 DEGREES OUTSIDE) AND PARKED IT IN GARAGE. WHEN I WENT OUT TO GARAGE NEXT DAY (14 HOURS LATER) TO LEAVE AGAIN I NOTICED MY FORD ESCAPE HAD IT'S BACK GLASS THAT WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED OUT OF IT AND ALL OVER THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. ALL DOORS TO GARAGE WERE SHUT AND LOCKED. THIS EXPLOSION OF GLASS HAPPENED ALL BY ITSELF AFTER BEING PARKED THERE THE NIGHT BEFORE. ALSO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH AIR BAG LIGHT AND CHECK FUEL CAP LIGHT THAT HAS BOTH BEEN STAYING ON AND CANNOT GET EITHER TO STAY OFF!! WORRIED VEHICLE IS GONNA FALL APART SOME DAY BEFORE I GET MY CHILD TO HIS SCHOOL ONE MORNING..NOT DEPENDABLE VEHICLE AFTER ALL!! :( SEEMS I HAVE READ MANY MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS FROM ESCAPE OWNERS WANTING TO KNOW..ARE THERE NO RECALLS FOR THE BACKGLASS?? OR EVEN ANYTHING ELSE FOR THIS VEHICLE?? FEELING UNSAFE FOR MY CHILD TO RIDE IN NOW!! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE OWNER RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO HIS HANDS FROM TRYING TO EXIT THE RESIDENCE SAFELY. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE HAD ORIGINATED FROM THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO ACCESS THE DAMAGES. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 01/13/12*LJ UPDATED 01/20/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2011, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN YARD WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE RAISED HOOD AND SAW WIRES ON FIRE UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE PUT THE FIRE OUT. WIRES FROM ABS SYSTEM CAUGHT ON FIRE *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE ACCELERATOR WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED SPEED AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE RPMS MAINTAINED AN ABNORMALLY HIGH READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 11/23/11*BF
Power train, Air bags, Oct 17, 2011, crash
IN MARCH 2004 WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, I CLIPPED THE CORNER OF A PARKED VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED MY FORD ESCAPE TO OVERTURN. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 WHILE ENTERING A FREEWAY DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM, DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE ESCAPE HYDRO PLANED, SLAMMED INTO THE CEMENT BARRIER RENDERING THE VEHICLE USELESS. DESPITE THE VEHICLE HAVING SPUN MULTIPLE TIMES AND BEING SLAMMED INTO THE BARRIER AT SUCH AN IMPACT THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM BUTTERFIELD FORD IN SALT LAKE, AT A COST OF $22, 200. IN THE 5+ YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I SPENT MORE THAN $10,000 IN REPAIRS - FOR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. DESPITE MY PLEAS TO THE DEALER SHIP, I WAS NEVER PROVIDED ANY REMEDY. DESPITE A DPF SENSOR GOING OUT 3 TIMES AND ONLY BEING COVERED ONCE BY WARRANTY, CALIPERS GOING OUT AND THEN BRAKES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLES WARRANTY EXPIRES WHICH FORD WILL NOT COVER DESPITE THE CALIPERS HAVING JUST BEEN REPLACED. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, THE LATCH TO THE TAIL GATE DID NOT WORK. THIS VEHICLE WAS A LEMON AND FORD NEVER EVEN TRIED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. MY PRIMARY CONCERN, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE THE VEHICLE TURNING OVER DURING THE FIRST ACCIDENT NOR WHEN I HIT A CEMENT BARRIER WITH SUCH FORCE THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED AN INSPECTOR WOULD GO OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THE TECHNICIANS STATED REPAIRS WERE NOT NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE BEGAN WHERE THE ABS MODULE WAS LOCATED AND BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE ABS MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Aug 4, 2011, fire
ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, 25A FUSE BLOWN- UPON REPLACEMENT SMOKE AND SPARKS FROM ABS MODULE CONNECTOR, INSPECTION REVEALS MELTED CONNECTOR COVER AND WIRING HARNESS, CORRODED WIRE TERMINALS AND ALSO A WIRE ARCING AT A BREAK INSIDE THE CONNECTOR COVER. THE 60A FUSE WAS REMOVED TO ISOLATE THE ABS SYSTEM FAULT FOR A LIMP HOME. ED MULLINAX FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGES ABS MODULE RECALL; HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP DENIES APPLICABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2011, crash
ON RT. 59, JUST SOUTH OF NORTHWEST HWY (RT. 14) IN BARRINGTON, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WAS INVOLVED IN A BIZARRE INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. WHILE SITTING STATIC ON LEVEL ROAD IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC WITH A TRAIN-CROSSING BARRIER ARM KEEPING TRAFFIC SAFELY WAITING FOR THE TRAIN TO PASS, MY VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD IN AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RACED AT >= 4000 RPM. WITH CONTINUED BRAKING ACTION ON MY PART WITH NO VEHICLE RESPONSE, THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE HIT THE 1988 FORD F150 TRUCK IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF ME. AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAD THE 2005 FORD RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON THE DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE, WITH THE CABLE REPLACEMENT AT PACKEY WEBB FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER IN WHEATON, ILLINOIS. THERE IS A SAFETY-HAZARD RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE EVEN IF THE APPROXIMATELY $4000.00 DAMAGES ARE REPAIRED, WHICH I HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED. I AM AN EXPERIENCE COMPUTER IT SOFTWARE/HARDWARE PROFESSIONAL, AS WELL AS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN CONTROLS EXPERT IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY, WORKING FOR A MAJOR PRODUCT MANUFACTURER (SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE). THERE IS A DEFINITE SAFETY RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL, AND I WANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE PROPER AGENCY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY, FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER HAVE DONE NOTHING TO IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTION ON DESIGN DEFECT; THEY ONLY TREAT THIS AS A LOSS AND DID NOT PERFORM INITIAL COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS PRIOR TO COMPROMISING THE VEHICLE IN THEIR ACTIONS TO APPRAISE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. I NEED THIS INCIDENT PROPERLY INVESTIGATED AND REPORTED TO THE PUBLIC IF A SAFETY RISK IS CONFIRMED. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 1, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE THE FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 29, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE WIRES THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE BRAKES MASTER CYLINDER HAD MELTED. THE MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER) AND THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THIS WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2011
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. PROBLEM BEGAN LAST WEEK WHEN DPFE TUBES CAME OFF AND DPFE SENSOR MELTED. THE NEXT DAY THE VALVE NEXT TO THE DPFE SENSOR BLEW A HOLE AND ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED. THE NEXT DAY ONE OF THE DPFE TUBES CAME OFF AGAIN. THIS WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR DID NOT HAVE GOOD GAS POWER. WHEN GOING UP A SMALL INCLINE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO PAST 40 MPH. WENT TO CAR REPAIR SHOP AND O2 SENSOR WAS REMOVED TO SEE IF IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CAR HAS 3 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. THIS CAR IS AT ANOTHER CAR REPAIR SHOP NOW TO SEE WHAT THE CAUSE IS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER(S) TO GO BAD. ONE REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPES. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WENT OUT TO THE FORD FORUM AND THERE ARE ENTRIES FROM 2007 TO PRESENT WITH MANY 2002 ESCAPE OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I AM EXPERIENCING. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NO ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME SINCE THE DPFE TUBES AND SENSOR AND VALVE WAS REPLACED. *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
Tires, Wheels, Jul 14, 2011
ONE ALLOY WHEEL RIM ORIGINAL TO MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAVE PIN-SIZE HOLES WHICH CAUSES AIR TO CONSTANTLY ESCAPE LEADING TO POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. INCIDENT DATE IS WHEN DIAGNOSTICS FROM SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS REPORTED TO ME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2011
ON OR ABOUT JUNE 17, 2011, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITITION WAS IN THE OFF POSITION WHEN MY CAR ALARM WENT OFF. WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE I OBSERVED SMOKE BELLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE NEXT DAY, I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE ABS MODULE HAS OVERHEATED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF $720.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK; CONTROL UNIT MODULE WAS RECALLED BY FORD (#07S51)ON APRIL 23, 2007 AND CONTINUES TO BE OPEN. I WAS IN CONTACT WITH SERVICE MANAGER FOR DEALER ON OR ABOUT JUNE 30TH TO FOLLOW UP ON THE WORK THEY HAD DONE IN MAY 2007 CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. HE INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE IN 5/07, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS PROPERLY INSPECTED, AND THEY PLACED GREASE ON IT , AND ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. ON OR ABOUT JULY 1, 2011, SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO THE FORD MOTOR CO. REGARDING THIS REPAIR AT NO COST TO ME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HAS ALSO DISCOVERED ANOTHER RECALL PROBLEM (NHTSA #07E023000)SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: MASTER CYLINDER AND THAT BRAKE FLUID HAS LEAKED FROM THE REAR OF MASTER CYLINDER AND HAS LEAKED ON THE VEHICLE INTO THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING NO BRAKES WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDEL. DESPITE THESE RECALL PROBLEMS BEING INVESITGATED, NEITHER FORD MOTOR COMPANY FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS AND HAVE TOLD ME I MUST BARE THE ENORMOUS COSTS FOR THESE REPAIRS ON MY OWN AND/OR DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNSAFELY. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN PRESCOTT, AZ FOR OVER 3 WEEKS, AND AM TIRED OF WRANGLING WITH ALL THREE DEALERSHIP/COMPANIES AND NEED YOUR HELP IN INVESTIGATING THIS SITUATION! THANK YOU! *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 30, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS RULED AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ABS MODULE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT MODULE) JULY 7, 2007. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 29, 2011
IN DECEMBER 2010 TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE INTO MY SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE THE BRAKES LOOKED AT WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKE PRESSURE FELT SLUGGISH. THEY FOUND AND REPLACED A BAD TONE RING ON THE LEFT FRONT AXLE. NOW SIX MONTHS LATER JUNE 2011 THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATING AT TIMES. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER AGAIN AND THEY HAD TO DO THE SAME THING ON THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF SOMEONE WOULD STOP SHORT IN FRONT OF ME OR CUT ME OFF AND I WOULD HAVE TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES, I FEEL THAT SOMEONE COULD BE SERIOUSLY HURT. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL THE 2002 ESCAPE FOR THIS REASON.
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.