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, Sep 10, 2009, fire
WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS EATING DINER AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT, HER 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF. ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER ALL RECALL WORK ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN COMPLETED. I HAVE LEARNED TODAY THAT THIS MODEL FORD HAS A HISTORY OF FIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
Structure, Aug 31, 2009
REAR FENDERS RUSTING THROUGH, PAINT BUBBLING BADLY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2009, fire
ABS LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS PARKING TO HAVE DINNER AND AN HOUR LATER UPON RETURNING I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FROM UNDER THE HOOD... SMELLED WIRES OR ELECTRICAL TYPE BURNING SMELL AND HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FROM THE TERMINAL TO STOP FURTHER DAMAGE... IT WAS A WIRING HOUSING ATTACHED CLOSE TO THE ABS MODULE... I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS TO BE A RECALL ON OVER 446460 VEHICLES AND DESCRIPTION MATCHED MINE EXACTLY... I HAVE PICTURES TO VERIFY THIS CLAIM... UPON FURTHER REVIEW OF THE OTHER 4 RECALLS IM EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: 04S2S NHTSA:04V574000/ 04C09 NHTSA: 04V602000//NHTSA: 07E023000 WHICH IS THRU CARDONE INDUSTRIES SO IM CONTACTING THEM.... MY VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN BRAKE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS LOW BRAKE FLUID BUT NO HYDRAULIC LEAKS.. BUT SHOWING FLUID TO BE ON RESERVOIR AND MASTER CYLINDER... 2002 FORD ESCAPE V6 ENGINE.... THE ONLY ELIGIBLE RECALL IM LISTED FOR IS NHTSA: 04V165000 PCM RECALIBRATING... ALL OTHER RECALLS IM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ALL STATE UNDER DEFECT CONSEQUENCES AS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH OR FIRE WHICH I'VE JUST ENCOUNTERED AND THE TAILGATE ONE STATES MAY OPEN WHEN A CRASH OCCURS... IM CONCERNED AND WONDERING WHY MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THOSE RECALLS.... *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 12, 2009
MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS APROX 40K ON IT THE STEEL COVER THAT GOES OVER THE PLASTIC GAS TANK IS ROTTING AWAY AND DROPPING OFF RUSTY PARTS I HOPE THAT EMISSIONS WOULD COVER THIS. THE STRAP HAS SOME RUST BUT I AM CONCERNED WE LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST WITH SALT ON OUR ROADS. *TR
Seat belts, Aug 9, 2009
THE FRONT SIDE HARNESS SEATBELT FELL APART. ONLY THE LAP BELT RESTRAINT WORKS NOW. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, NOTICED THE HARNESS FELT VERY LOOSE, ONCE ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, WENT TO UNFASTENED THE SEAT BELT AND IT FELL APART IN MY HANDS, THE ENDS ARE FRAILTY LIKE IT BECAME UNSEWN. IT APPEARS TO HAVE COME UNRAVELED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST AROUND $300 TO REPAIR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2009, fire
I WAS ALERTED TO A PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHEN I HEARD THE CAR ALARM SOUND. I TURNED OFF THE ALARM BY UNLOCKING THE DOORS, BUT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD, AND RAN WATER IN THE AREA WHERE THE SMOKE ORIGINATED. AFTER DISCOVERING THAT WATER WASN'T STOPPING THE SMOKE, I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE SMOKE CLEARED AND IT APPEARED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD ORIGINATED IN THE AREA OF THE ABS SYSTEM/MASTER CYLINDER. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP AS A SHORT IN THE ABS MODULE, CAUSING A WIRING HARNESS TO BURN. THESE TWO PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED, AND THE OLD PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY, PEMCO. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2009, fire
2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE AROUND 3:00 AM, HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE 5:30 PM ON PREVIOUS DAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 19, 2009
CATALYTIC CONVERTER CRACKED ALONG WELDS AT AROUND 84000 MILES. RESEARCH ON OPEN SOURCES ON THE INTERNET AS FOUND AT THE V-6 EQUIPPED FORD ESCAPES ARE PRONE TO THESE FAILURES OVER AND OVER. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME REPORTED CASES OF VEHICLES LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLES COMPLETELY DYEING WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Jun 18, 2009, fire
HI; I JUST WANT TO REPORT MY INCIDENT WITH MY SUV FORD ESCAPE, MODEL 2002 , THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE FORM THE FRONT SIDE OF IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2009
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED WITH SMALL KIDS IN THEIR CARSEATS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT LIMP AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL ACCELERATION. AFTER MOMENTS OF TERROR AND TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT DOWN BY FIGHTING THE ENGINE POWER WITH THE FOOT BRAKES AND HAND EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT'S A MIRACLE THERE WAS NO CRASH. AT MY EXPENSE THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HOUSING. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID, "LOOKING AT THE PART, I CAN SEE WHY IT GOES TO FULL ACCELERATION WHEN THAT PART FAILS" TO ME, THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND DESIGN FAILURE. I NOTICED OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS (OID ID # 10199728 AND 10128545). I LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND, NOT SURPRISINGLY, WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN OR WILL DO TO COMPENSATE ME. NOW I'M TRAPPED OWNING AN UNSAFE CAR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND REMEDY THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 10, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT USED TWO FULL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A WATER HOSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND SUCCESSFULLY EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE MARSHALL VERIFIED THAT NUMEROUS FORD VEHICLES HAD CAUGHT FIRE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE GRASS OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACT'S HOUSE, A LARGE TREE, AND THE DRIVEWAY ALL SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 89,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 9, 2009
2002 FORD ESCAPE REAR DOOR AND WINDOW ARE JAMMED AND CANNOT BE OPENED ALSO REAR DRIVERS DOOR. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVEWAY AND SURROUNDING TREES WERE DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 06/24/09 *BF UPDATED 06/30/09.*JB
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THIRTY MINUTES AFTER FUEL WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2009
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2009
RECENTLY AS I WAS LEAVING WORK I WENT TO START MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY THERE WAS A SLIGHT HESITATION FOLLOWED BY WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A REALLY BAD BACKFIRE FOLLOWED BY SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I LIFTED THE HOOD, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER AND INTAKE WERE BLOWN TO PIECES UNDER THE HOOD. *TR
Air bags, May 20, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING THEN IT WOULD STAY ON. I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE SIDE AIR BAG CONNECTORS UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAVE TRIED CLEANING THEM WITH CONTACT CLEANER. THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF BUT WILL COME BACK ON SOMETIME LATER. THE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE ENGINE OR JUST HAVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED!!! *TR
Power train, May 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IMMEDIATELY, THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; CONTROL MODULE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Air bags, Apr 27, 2009
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IS EXPERIENCING ITS SECOND MAJOR AIRBAG PROBLEM. THE WIRING UNDER THE SEAT HAS NOW "BURNT UP" FOR THE SECOND TIME AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AGAIN TO THE TUNE OF $450 SO I DRIVE WITHOUT ACTIVE AIRBAGS. THE WIRING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY JUST 4 MONTHS AGO BUT I LIVE IN A DIFFERENT STATE THAN I DID 4 MONTHS AGO SO I'M STUCK. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE I SEE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL WHEN IT INVOLVES A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS? *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 23, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE, AND THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGES HAVE BROKEN 3 TIMES [ONE TWICE, THE OTHER ONCE] IN NORMAL OPERATION. THIS IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM COVERED BY SAFETY RECALL 04S20, BUT FORD SAYS THAT ONLY APPLIES TO CARS BUILT IN DIFFERENT ASSEMBLY PLANTS, NOT MINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2009, fire
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS BLEW UP ON OUR 2002 FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 25, 2009
BRAKE PROBLEM - 2002 FORD ESCAPE, VEHICLE ID # (131,287 MILES) BRAKES WITH EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL SUBSEQUENT TO MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT (4X). DEALER (MCCAFFERTY FORD,1939 EAST LINCOLN HIGHWAY, LANGHORNE, PA 19047, (800) 590-8702) AGREES THAT TRAVEL IS EXCESSIVE BUT SAYS BRAKE PEDAL CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND BRAKES ARE SAFE. I BELIEVE THEY ARE UNSAFE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD BE REPAIRABLE. DEALER STATED THAT FORD MOTOR WAS CONTACTED AND IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 16, 2009
WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY FIRST THING IN MORNING, THE RPM'S WILL REV UP TO APPROX. 2000. THE VEHICLE BECOMES HARDER TO STOP... *TR
Structure, Feb 15, 2009
PAINT PEELING ON LEFT SIDE OF MY FORD ESCAPE 2003. *TR
Visibility, Jan 27, 2009
MY REAR WINDOW OF MY FORD ESCAPE SPONATEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY . *TR