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, Jan 10, 2009
WARPED ROTORS ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE. HAS BEEN ONGOING PROBLEM. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS SEVERAL TIMES BUT ROTORS KEEP WARPING DEALER SAYS TO HAVE ROTORS TURNED. THIS ONLY WORKS FOR A SHORT TIME. I HAD BRAKES COMPLETELY REDONE IN OCT.08, PROBLEM RECURRING IN JAN. 09. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Dec 1, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2001. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. HE LATER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM OUTSIDE AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION HE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS SUCCESSFUL AND EXTINGUISHING SOME OF THE FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND EXTINGUISHED THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRE. THE SHERIFF STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 100,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 25, 2008
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 50,000 MILES. EXCESSIVE BLACK BRAKE DUST ON WHEELS A FEW DAYS CLEANING THEM. OTHER FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR DON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED ANY HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Nov 17, 2008
I RECENTLY HAD $2,900 WORTH OF REPAIRS DONE TO MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT IN JULY. MY VEHICLE WAS BUCKING AND ALMOST STALLED WHEN I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS CLOGGED CAT CONVERTERS. THE CAR HAS THREE SETS OF THEM. THIS IS THE EFFECT OF THE CAUSE WHICH HE BELIEVED WAS FAULTY OXYGEN SENSORS AS WELL AS BAD SPARK PLUGS. AT THE END OF SEPT THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING WELL AND I WENT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO SAID THE EGR VALVE WAS BLOWN AND THEIR WAS BROKEN BOLTS WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I WAS FURIOUS AND PROCEEDED TO RETURN TO THE MERRICK BELLMORE SERVICE CENTER. HE TOLD ME IF THE PROBLEM WAS ON HIS END THAT HE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND THEN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATS WHERE CLOGGED AGAIN. HE DIDN'T PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE CATS GETTING CLOGGED THE FIRST TIME. THE MECHANIC HAS SINCE REPLACED THREE SETS OF CAT CONVERTERS AND HE HAS A BILL FOR $1600 AND HAS HAD MY CAR AT HIS SHOP FOR TWO MONTHS NOW. THE SHOP IS "TRYING" TO GET FORD TO PAY FOR THE EXHAUST PARTS. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK WITH THE OWNERS OF THIS SERVICE STATION TO NO AVAIL (THE CLERKS TELL ME 5 DIFFERENT SET OF NAMES AS TO WHO IS THE OWNER) ALL I WANT IS MY CAR BACK AND LET THIS SERVICE STATION "EAT" THIS CURRENT BILL DUE TO THE FACT THAT ON THE BILL THAT I PAID IN JULY THE WARRANTY ON PARTS IS ONE YEAR OR $12,000 MILES. I AM FRUSTRATED, ANGRY AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Nov 11, 2008
I HAD PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FOR SAFETY RECALL NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE06048, WHICH WAS ISSUED TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING CONNECTORS TO THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THEY INSPECTED THE ABS MODULE CONNECTION AND APPLIED DIELECTRIC GREASE. APPROXIMATELY 7,000 MILES AND 15 MONTHS AFTER BRINGING IN MY CAR FOR THE SAFETY RECALL, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS OF THE ABS MODULE WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED, SHORTED OUT, AND REQUIRED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. FORD WAS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE 12 MONTHS HAD PASSED SINCE BRINGING MY CAR IN TO THEM. I WANTED TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN THAT THE ACTIONS TAKEN (DIELECTRIC GREASE APPLICATION ONLY) WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR THE SAFETY RECALL WERE INSUFFICIENT OR AT BEST A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION TO THIS ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND PICTURES TO SHOW THE SEVERITY OF THE CORRODED AND SHORTED CONNECTIONS IN BOTH THE ABS BRAKE MODULE AND THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR THAT WERE TAKEN FROM MY AUTOMOBILE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2008, fire
I HAD A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR ABS MODULE. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER IN LOS LUNAS AND THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T ON THE LIST TO BE FIXED. TWO MONTHS LATER MY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF NOW? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2008
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOOR. WHEN I HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT, THEY NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS SEVERELY FRAYED AND THAT IF I KEPT DRIVING IN THAT CONDITION, IT WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 22, 2008, fire
THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPE LAST YEAR(2007) ON THE ABS UNIT. CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V156000. MY PROBLEM IS THAT ONE DEALERSHIP TURNED IN THE RECALL AS BEING COMPLETED ON 4/24/07. THEY STATED THEY PUT GREASE ON THE ABS MODULE. ON 10/19/2008 I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE MODULE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP THAT SUPPOSEDLY DID THE RECALL IS NOW NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. SO I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A FORD SERVICE DEPT AND IF THEY DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE A DEFECTIVE MODULE THEN IT WOULD BE COVERED. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE MODULE. SO THEY CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO VERIFY THE CLAIM AND THEN FORD TURNS IT DOWN. THE REASON WAS THAT IT HAD BEEN MORE THAN 12 MONTHS SINCE RECALL WAS DONE. THEY SAID THAT PARTS AND LABOR ARE COVERED FOR ONLY 12 MONTHS. BUT I HAVE THE RECEIPT THAT SHOWS ALL THE FIRST DEALERSHIP DONE WAS INSPECT AND APPLY GREASE. NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. IF THEY HAD ACTUALLY REPLACED THE MODULE THEN I COULD UNDERSTAND. THE RECALL CAME OUT AFTER THE CAR WAS ALREADY 5 YEARS OLD. SO THE RECALL DIDN'T STATE ANYTHING ABOUT THE AGE OF THE PART AND I DON'T SEE HOW GREASE COULD FIX A 5 YEAR OLD PART. EVEN SO IF ALL THEY REPLACED WAS GREASE THEN HOW DOES THE 5 YEAR OLD PART FALL UNDER A 12 MONTH PART AND LABOR WARRANTY? I THINK THE PART SHOULD BE REPLACED SINCE IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE. I WOULD GLADLY PAY FOR THE GREASE SINCE IT IS OVER 12 MONTHS OLD.( THAT'S THEY ONLY PART THEY REPLACED) WHAT DO I DO NOW? FORD ADMITTED THE PROBLEM WHEN THEY ISSUED THE RECALL, AND NOW THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT BECAUSE OF SOME GREASE (BAND-AIDE) THEY PUT ON IT? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2008, fire
A FORD RECALL NOTICE (#07S51) HAD BEEN MAILED INFORMING ME OF A RECALL TO OUR 2002 ESCAPE . THE RECALL, AS THE LETTER STATES, HAD TO DO WITH DISLODGED WIRE SEALS THAT COULD EFFECT THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL NOTICE WENT ON TO STATE THAT IF LEFT UNFIXED, THE ABS MODULE COULD OVERHEAT DUE TO THE RECALL PART AND CAUSE, IN SOME CASES, THE CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE EVEN WHEN OFF. THIS DESCRIPTION FIT OUR CAR'S PROBLEM, SINCE OUR CAR'S ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON UNEXPLAINABLE. LOGICALLY, WE TOOK OUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE ON THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIR DONE, WE CHECKED THE CAR AND THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WERE STILL ON. I CONFRONTED THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO HAD ADMINISTERED THE REPAIR AND HE ASSURED ME THAT THEY HAD REPAIRED THE PROBLEM TO THE EXTENT THAT FORD HAD ALLOWED THEM. HE HAD TOLD ME THAT ALL HE HAD DONE WAS CHANGE WAS A CONNECTOR AND NOTHING ELSE. THEY HAD NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM; THEIR REPORT ENDED WITH TELLING ME THAT THE ABS LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT WERE STILL ON AND A DIAGNOSTICS WAS STILL NEEDED. THE MECHANICS DID NOT ONLY LEAVE THE PROBLEM UNFIXED, BUT WERE UNWILLING TO ADMIT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FROM THE RECALL PART. INCIDENTALLY, THREE DAYS LATER AFTER THE MECHANICS HAD WORKED ON MY CAR, THE FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED ON THE CORNER OF CENHER DRIVE IN CHULA VISTA CA. FORTUNATELY, MY SPOUSE WAS NOT INSIDE THE CAR. THE FIREMAN WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE IN ORDER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE FIRE LEFT MY CAR A TOTAL LOSS. I CONTACTED FORD COSTUMER SERVICE OF THE INCIDENT AND THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD TAKE 10 BUSINESS DAYS TO ANSWER MY REQUEST. *TR
Tires, Sep 22, 2008
WE DRIVE FORD ESCAPE 2002. IN JANUARY 2006 WE BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES FROM FIRESTONE P23570R16 WITH 60,000.00MILES GUARANTEE. WE HAVE DRIVEN ONLY 30,000 ON THIS FIRES. WE NOTICED VERY OFTEN AIR LEAKING FROM THESE TIRES AND WE DECIDED TO USE THE GUARANTEE AND GO TO FIRESTONE SERVICE FOR REPAIR. THE TIRES ,ALL FOUR, HAVE CRACKS AL OVER THE TIRE WITH NEXT WHITE COLOR LAYER VISIBLE. WE ARE AFRAID TO USE THE CAR. WHEN WE WENT TO THE SERVICE THEY TOLD US THAT THE REASON OF THIS KIND OF DAMAGE IS WEATHER. JOKE. NONE OF THE CARS DRIVING AROUND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE LIVE ON THE SAME EARTH AND THE WEATHER IS THE SAME TOO. WE HARDLY BELIEVED THEM AND EVEN CONVERSATION WITH PEOPLE FROM THE MAIN OFFICE DIDN'T HELP. THEY FIX ONE TIRE,CHECKED THE REST AND THEY STILL ARE SURE THAT THESE TIRES ARE OK AND SAFE TO DRIVE. BUT WE STILL HAVE THE CRACKS ON THE TIRES AND WE ARE WAITING FOR MOMENT WHEN THEY BLOW OUT. WE ARE NOT GOING TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT EVEN 1$ ,SPECIALLY BECAUSE THIS IS FIRE STONE AND ALSO BECAUSE WE FOUND ARE TIRE ON RECALL LIST. BY THE WAY FOR THAT RECALL THEY ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN EXPLANATION OF COURSE. WE DON'T HAVE TO ADD THAT THEY WAS VERY NOT NICE DURING THE SERVICE AND IGNORING. PLEASE GIVE US SAME IDEA ABOUT OUR RIGHTS,SPECIALLY THAT NOTHING HAPPEN YET AND ME,MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTERS ARE ALIVE. *TR
Power train, Sep 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2002, IT BEGAN STALLING AND LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN APRIL OF 2004 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE). SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER AND RECEIVED HER FREE REPAIR. IN AUGUST OF 2008, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER; HOWEVER, IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. ON AUGUST 11, 2008, WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, NO FAILURES COULD BE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THEY ALREADY REPAIRED HER VEHICLE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,007 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 12, 2008
MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING ALONG THE INSTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROLL SET AT 75 MPH. WE WERE GOING UP A SMALL HILL AND ABOUT TO GO INTO THE PASSING LANE. THE CAR SOUNDED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED IN OVER DRIVE AND THE RPMS WENT THROUGH THE ROOF. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR SERVERAL MINUTES AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLICKERED ON AND OFF AND THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE SCREECHING NOISE. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS FULL. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WERE HE THEN INFORMED US THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. HE STATED THE THE CATALYTIC CONVERETED HAD GONE OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CAR ALSO WILL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TOTAL COST TO FIX THIS IS AROUND $8000.00. I CONTACTED FORD TODAY TO TELL THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED AT A FORD SERVICE STATION CONSISTANTLY SINCE THE CAR WAS FIRST PURCHASED AND THAT THEY HAVE HAD NO OTHER SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VECHILE. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WHERE EVER ONE HAS SEEMED TO CONTACT FORD AND THEY SAY THE SAME THINGS TO THEM. I ALSO HAVE HAD SOME SMALLER PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE LIKE THE ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON AND THE EMERGENCY BREAK LIGHT GOING ON AND BROUGHT THEM IN TO THE SHOP AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SENSORS. RIGHT NOW I AM NOT ABLE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE DUE TO FINICIAL REASONS.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2008
2002 FORD ESCAPE STALLS WHEN BACKING UP, GOING FORWARD GOING DOWN THE ROAD. GOING AROUND A CORNER. WENT TO FORD DEALER AND THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND FOUND NOTHING. I CAN'T DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT'S UNSAFE. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jul 23, 2008
I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES, BOTH BACK DOOR WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN OFF TRACK AND WON'T STAY UP. THIS HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 07 AND A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SECOND REAR WINDOW DID THE SAME. I HAVE TO USE CLEAR PACKAGING TAPE TO HOLD THEM UP. THE KEY TO THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN UNLESS I USE SOMETHING WITH A HARD END AND TAP IT SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE IGNITION PROBLEM FIRST HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED TAPPING THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES AND SAID THEY HAD A GROWING COMPLAINT OF THIS. MY TRUNK LOCK LATCH OFTEN GETS STUCK TOO. JAN OF 2003 THE RADIO SHORTS IN AND OUT, I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO STAY ON. LASTLY THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOOK DOESN'T LATCH, I THINK THIS HAPPENED IN LATE 2003 OR EARLY 2004. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Air bags, Jul 14, 2008
AIR BAG LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2008, fire
I OWN A FORD 2002 ESCAPE. WHILE VISITING MY MOTHER ON 06/25/08, I HAD PARKED MY CAR IN HER DRIVE AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION. I HAD BEEN AT MY MOTHERS FOR APRX. 30-40 MINS WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. I RAN TO THE DOOR AND LOOKED OUT AND MY VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPT. SEEMS TO THINK THAT IT WAS ELECTRICAL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH SEVERAL FORD VEHICLES. MY CAR IS TOTALED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A RECALL REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT IT FROM CATCHING FIRE. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR TWO MINUTES. FORD STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,653.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 4, 2008
THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK WAS SCRAPING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT BECAUSE THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK AND SHIELD IN PLACE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN IN HALF CAUSING THE GAS TANK TO FALL DOWN ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. LUCKILY I DID NOT DRIVE VERY FAR WITH THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE DRIVE SHAFT WOULD HAVE PUT A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK AND COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A FIRE. *TR
Tires, Jun 4, 2008
I PURCHASED (4) TIRES ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO FROM A BRIDGESTONE TIRE DEALERSHIP. THE TIRES ARE: 062065 DUELER H/L D683 OWL P225/70R15 100S. LATE APRIL '08, AS I WAS WASHING THE TIRES I NOTICED "CRACKS" ON THE SIDES, AROUND AND IN BETWEEN THE TREADS OF ALL FOUR TIRES. ON MAY 3, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE BRIDGESTONE DEALER AND FILED THE COMPLAINT THAT I BELIEVE THE TIRES ARE NOW UNSAFE AND REQUESTED REPLACEMENT. THE SERVICE MANAGER (DAN HILBORN) PROMISED TO INVESTIGATE WITH FIRESTONE AND GET BACK WITH ME. ON MAY 23, 2008, DAN CALLED ME AND SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE IN AND I CAN BRING IN MY CAR TO REPLACE THE TIRES. SAME DAY, I TOOK MY CAR IN AND THEN DAN TELLS ME THAT THE SAME TIRES ARE NO LONGER INSTOCK AND THAT I NEED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $288.54 FOR UPGRADED TIRES TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE TIRES. DAN ALSO STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE TIRES WERE FROM AN "OLD STOCK" THAT WERE ACTUALLY SOLD AS NEW TO MOVE THEM. DAN REFERRED ME TO "BILL" FROM BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE TECHNICAL SERVICE DEPT IN WOODBRIDGE, ILL. BILL ALSO REFUSED TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE TIRES AT NO COST TO ME. HE STATED THAT THESE TIRES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE ON THEM WITH CRACKS BETWEEN AND AROUND THE TIRE TREADS. BILL STATED THAT THERE MAY BE SAFETY CONCERN IF YOU "CAN DRIVE A HEAD OF A BALL POINT PEN IN THE CRACKS"!!! I BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS I BELIEVE THAT AN AVERAGE CONSUMER WOULD NOT NOTICE THESE CRACKS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE ON THEM WHICH IS A SAFETY RISK TO THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE. I HAPPENED TO NOTICE THE CRACKS IN TIRES BECAUSE OF MY BACKGROUND IN QUALITY CONTROL IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION IS MOST APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, May 23, 2008, crash
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FEBRUARY 2006. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE SEATBELT PRETENSER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY ALMOST $500. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT BECAUSE I CAN'T HAVE IT FIXED, MY AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE FORD COMPANY AND GOT NO HELP. SO, BASICALLY THEY ARE SAYING THAT I DESERVE TO BE HURT OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THE PRETENSER FIXED. I FOR ONE DO NOT THINK THAT IS FAIR. *TR
Air bags, Apr 19, 2008
AIR BAG TROUBLE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE ON ONE MORNING. A SERIES OF BLINKING......6 TIMES, 4 TIMES, 6 TIMES, 4 TIMES AND THEN REMAINED ON. ONLY WENT OFF WHEN TURNING ENGINE OFF. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAID ONLY DEALER COULD HANDLE THIS. DEALER QUOTED PRICE TO JUST INVESTIGATE. AND THAT IT WOULD DEPEND ON WHAT THEY FOUND IF THE QUOTE WOULD BE APPLIED TO THE TOTAL REPAIR COST. HMMM. DEALER ALSO SAID THAT MOST LIKELY WHILE THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I HAVE SEEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE AT THIS WEBSITE AND ELSEWHERE AND MERELY WANT TO ADD MINE TO THE GROWING LIST. THE MORE WE COMPLAIN MAYBE WE'LL GET SOME RESULTS. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2008
VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR EXCEPT PARK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Apr 16, 2008
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XL, THREW A ROD AT ABOUT 47,000 MILES DUE TO A PROBLEM THAT BECAME A RECALL CONCERN ( FORD RECALL ID# 42319 DECEMBER 7, 2004), I WAS SENT A RECALL NOTICE 2 MONTHS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT BY A USED ( 43,000 MILES), ENGINE WHICH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY CHOSE OVER A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE THAT I WANTED. IT ALSO THREW A ROD AFTER THE ACCELERATOR STUCK, ( THE RECALL ITEM) 40,000 MILES LATER. BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, NO REPAIRS WERE COVERED AND I ENDED UP PAYING REPAIRS, RENTAL COST AND LOSING WAGES BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET TO MY NEXT ASSIGNMENT. *TR