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.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. UPON TRYING TO MANUALLY "PULL" THE ACCELERATOR FREE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FASTER. SPEEDS REACHED 70 MPH AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. I SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, AND SLOWLY APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE KEPT RACING AT 6000 RPM'S. UPON FINDING A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND DRIFTED TO THE SIDE ROAD. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE NOT ADMITTING TO ANY PROBLEMS/ISSUES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. AS WELL TO NO AVAIL, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS OCCURRING ON THE INTERNET. I AM CONVINCED THAT IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH THE CHILDREN, SHE WOULD HAVE CRASHED THE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2010, fire
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND WAS RECORDED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. UPDATED 06/23/10 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MOVED SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,111. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BECAME STUCK. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/07/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 11, 2010, fire
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS ASLEEP. LUCKILY A NEIGHBOR SAW THE FIRE AND STARTED TO WET DOWN MY HOUSE AND WE THEN BOTH ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO AND HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION AND THE FIRE MARSHALL POINTED ME TO FORD RECALL (# 07S51) OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED OF. I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR MY ABS/BRAKE LIGHT ON. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2010, fire
ABS CONNECTOR MELTED AND FORD CANT FIX PROBLEM BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE {WIRE LOOM} THIS CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2007 BUT RECALL WAS JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SPREAD TO A SECOND VEHICLE. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE CONTACT LOCATED A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI LOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN HIS VEHICLE AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Service brakes, Electric, May 19, 2010, fire
MAY 9, 2010 MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK AT 9 AM. AT 2 PM A CO - WORKER CAME INTO MY STORE AND TOLD ME MY CAR ALARM WAS GOING OFF AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. I GRABBED MY KEYS AND WENT OUTSIDE. I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE ALARM AND UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE BUT IT WOULD NOT WORK. A MAN TOOK MY KEYS AND UNLOCKED IT MANUALLY AND OPENED THE HOOD. I GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE RESTAURANT KITCHEN AND TOOK IT OUT AND THEY USED IT TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES COMING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ENGINE. WE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES AND I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SENT A TRUCK TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE ON MAY 10TH. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY TOLD ME THE ABS MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND STARTED THE FIRE. I TOLD THEM IT WAS RECALLED IN 07 AND I HAD IT REPAIRED. THEY CALLED FORD AND FILED A CLAIM ON MY BEHALF BUT IT WAS DENIED BECAUSE I HAD IT REPAIRED ON THE RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS RECALLED FOR SEVERAL REASONS. SOMETHING WITH THE POWER TRAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE ABS SYSTEM..... FINALLY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS MELTED. FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY JUST SAID WE WILL RECORD YOUR CALL ON YOUR PROFILE. DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW LIVES AND PROPERTY HAVE BEEN LOST AND FORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2010, fire
I DROVE MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE TO CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING, ABOUT 5 MILES, WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN THAT DAY. WE PARKED THE CAR AND WENT IN FOR SERVICES THAT MORNING AND AT THE END OF MASS WERE CALLED TO THE BACK BY THE PRIEST WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. SURE ENOUGH THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE AND HAD EXTINGUISHED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OFFICIAL REPORT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL/ BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AREA. THE ESCAPE WAS A TOTAL WRITE-OFF. ALL RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE ABS/CRUISE SYSTEMS WERE SERVICED ABOUT 2 YEARS PREVIOUS TO THIS EVENT.
Structure, Mar 26, 2010
IN JANUARY OF 2010 I OPENED THE BACK HATCH ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN I SHUT THE DOOR THE GLASS SHATTERED. THEN 3 MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR GLASS SHATTERED. MY DOG WAS IN THE BACK AND LUCKILY HE WAS OK BUT IF THERE HAD BEEN A CHILD IN THE SEAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. GLASS SHOULD NOT JUST SHATTER LIKE THIS. SINCE THE INCIDENTS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH WINDOWS AND PAID FOR IT OUT OF POCKET.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2010
GAS GAUGE READS BETWEEN 1/2 & 1/4, CAR RAN OUT OF GAS THIS MORNING. AAA BROUGHT GAS, I WENT TO A GAS STATION AND FILLED THE TANK. GAS GAUGE STILL READS ONLY 1/2 FULL. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE MODULE, I TRIED TO GET FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I HAD TWO CERTIFIED MECH,TELL ME FORD HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE MODULE AND IT IS A DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURE. I ASKED FORD TO JUST REPLACE THE PART AND I WOULD PAY FOR THE LABOR,THEY REFUSE TO HELP. IHAD TO FIX MASTER CYCLINDERALSO. PLUS ALL FOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTS WHICH WAS ON A RECALL I PAID FOR REPAIRS MYSELF. I WANT FORD TO PAY ME FOR ALL RECALL REPAIRS. FORD NEEDS TO STOP LYING TO THE PEOPLE AND JUST FIX THE MISTAKES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I AM REQUESTING THAT YOU OBTAIN A HISTORY ON THE *FLEX HOSE* FOR THE FORD ESCAPE. MY DAUGHTER OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE AND ON FRIDAY MARCH 5,2010 NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR TRAGEDY. SHE WAS TRAVELING WITH HER TWO CHILDREN WHEN SHE WAS REQUIRED TO STOP AT A RAILWAY CROSSING AS A TRAIN WAS APPROACHING. SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, HOWEVER, AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT HER BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ALE TO MOVE HER VEHICLE OUT OF HARMS WAY. WE WENT TO A NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND REQUESTED THE MECHANIC MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TOW THE VEHICLE AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. WHEN WE INFORMED HIM WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED, HE INFORMED US (WITHOUT HAVING SEEN THE VEHICLE) THAT HE HAD NO DOUBT IT WOULD BE THE *FLEX HOSE*. HE INFORMED US THAT THE FORD ESCAPE WAS NOTORIOUS FOR THAT PROBLEM. HE RESEARCHED AND CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO CALL BACK. WHEN HE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO US, HE SHOWED US WHERE ONE OF THE FLEX HOSES HAD BLOWN, WHERE ANOTHER ONE SHOULD HAVE BLOWN AND THAT THE OTHER TWO WERE WITHIN KILOMETERS OF BEING BLOWN. THIS IS A TERRIBLE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM AMAZED NO ACCIDENTS HAVE NOT ALREADY HAPPENED DUE TO THE *FLEX HOSE* SAFETY ISSUE. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CONCERNED, PLEASE ENSURE THAT THIS MATTER IS RESEARCHED AN APPROPRIATE STEPS TAKEN. [XXX] *TR
Power train, Mar 3, 2010
I AM VERY UNHAPPY. I GOT IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE THIS MORNING AND WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OR SOMETHING IT WAS ROLLING I HAD TO PUT ON BRAKES I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEAR OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING AND I LOOK ON THE INTERNET AND ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET HOW DEFECTIVE IT IS. I AM A 50 YEAR OLD SINGLE WOMEN SO I AM SURE IT WAS NOTHING I HAVE DONE. WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IT COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THEY WERE IN THE PARKING LOT OF A PUBLIC PLACE!!!!!!! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. LAST DRIVEN 5 HOURS EARLIER. THE ALARM SOUNDED ALERTING MY HUSBAND INSIDE. HE LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND SAW SMOKE ROLLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HE RAN OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. HOPEFULLY, THIS IMMEDIATE DETECTION OF THE FIRE LIMITED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. WE WERE MORE FORTUNATE THAN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE ABS MODULE APPEARS TO BE WHERE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED. THIS IS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL 2002 ESCAPES BEGINNING IN 2007, BUT WHEN CHECKING ONLINE WITH FORD, MY VIN NUMBER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I DIDN'T RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD, AND HAVE ON OTHER OCCASIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE. I INVESTIGATED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS PREVIOUSLY FILED INVOLVING 2002 ESCAPES, AND THEY ARE HAUNTINGLY THE SAME SCENARIO. ALSO, THE VIN NUMBERS ON SEVERAL OF THESE ARE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE. OBVIOUSLY, THEY HAVE MISSED SEVERAL OF THESE DANGEROUS COMPONENTS, OR THE WEBSITE IS INCORRECT. I WAS UNABLE TO PHONE FORD, AS IT IS A WEEKEND AND WILL FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. MY ECU ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN COTTAGE GROVE, OR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE ABS LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE NO MENTION TO THE LIGHT AND I WRONGLY ASSUMED THAT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD MUST CORRECT THIS SITUATION FINANCIALLY AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL 2002 ESCAPES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MANY COMPLAINTS I VIEWED WERE RECENT, SO I CONCLUDE THAT THE DANGEROUS SITUATION IS NOT REMEDIED. *TW *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2010, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. LAST DRIVEN 5 HOURS EARLIER. THE ALARM SOUNDED ALERTING MY HUSBAND INSIDE. HE LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND SAW SMOKE ROLLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HE RAN OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. HOPEFULLY, THIS IMMEDIATE DETECTION OF THE FIRE LIMITED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. WE WERE MORE FORTUNATE THAN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINANTS. THE ABS MODULE APPEARS TO BE WHERE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED. THIS IS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL 2002 ESCAPES BEGINNING IN 2007, BUT WHEN CHECKING ONLINE WITH FORD, MY VIN NUMBER STATES THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I DIDN'T RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD, AND HAVE ON OTHER OCCASIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE.I INVESTIGATED SEVERAL COMPLAINS PREVIOUSLY FILED INVOLVING 2002 ESCAPES, AND THEY ARE HAUNTINGLY THE SAME SCENARIO. ALSO, THE VIN NUMBERS ON SEVERAL OF THESE ARE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE. OBVIOUSLY, THEY HAVE MISSED SEVERAL OF THESE DANGEROUS COMPONENTS, OR THE WEBSITE IS INCORRECT. I WAS UNABLE TO PHONE FORD, AS IT IS A WEEKEND AND WILL FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. MY ECU ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN COTTAGE GROVE, OR IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. I WRONGLY ASSUMED THAT WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH THAT THERE WASN'T ANY PROBLEM SINCE NO MENTION OF IT WAS MADE BY THE DEALER. I BELIEVE FORD MUST CORRECT THIS SITUATION FINANCIALLY AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL 2002 ESCAPES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MANY COMPLAINS I VIEWED WERE RECENT, SO I CONCLUDE THAT THE DANGEROUS SITUATION IS NOT REMEDIED. *TW *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2010
MY SISTER'S MAZDA TRIBUTE & MY FORD ESCAPE ARE THE SAME VEHICLE AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT PLUG MELT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2010
2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, REAR EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKS. DRIVE THIS CAR REASONABLY, NOT LIKE A TEENAGER, AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED. SINCE THIS MANIFOLD HAS BUILT-IN CATALYSTS, REPAIR IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. FORD HAS NOT RECALLED, BUT THE EXHAUST FUMES THAT BUILD UP IN THE VEHICLE ARE EXTREME (WE GET HEADACHES). ALSO, MPG HAS FALLEN TO 14 MPG, AND STILL NO CEL-ON CONDITION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service brakes, Air, Dec 7, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 35 MPH SHE SAW SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE FIGHTER CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER PLACED OF RESIDENCE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. IN FACT, SHE WAS REFERRED TO HER INSURANCE COMPANY. HER VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) .THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70000.
Air bags, Nov 7, 2009
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON I WAS TOLD IT WAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT PROBLEMS ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ALL RESULTING IN THE DEALER REPLACING MY SAFETY HARNESS WHICH WAS OH BY THE WAY NOT COVERED UNDER THE ELECTRICAL WIRING EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED THE SAFETY HARNESS AND GUESS WHAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS BACK ON. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAPPEN EVERY TIME I ADJUST THE SEAT. ( A DEFECT IN DESIGN). *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2009
2002 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 55,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON RT 95 THE CAR SUDDENLY APPEARED TO HAVE GONE INTO NEUTRAL, ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD 100 MILES FROM HOME. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR AND NOW REQUIRES A NEW TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND NO WARNINGS THAT ANYTHING MIGHT BE WRONG. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR. WHILE DRIVING HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ABS UNIT IN THE ENGINE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT ABS MODULE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2009
FOR THE CURRENT FORD RECALL, THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE FORD ESCAPES. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE; MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL (CRUISE WILL JUST DISENGAGE ON THE FREEWAY OR WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN START ACCELERATING), BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH, AND DIFFICULTLY WITH DISENGAGING VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THEY ISSUED ME A "CASE NUMBER". *TR