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.
Power train, Nov 1, 2007
BEGINNING OF 2006, I PURCHASED MY USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AROUND 70,000 MILES, ABOUT 9 MONTHS LATER, THE ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR WAS UNBEARABLE. I PUT ALL NEW TIRES,I PUT ALL NEW BRAKES THINKING THIS WAS CAUSING THE NOISE. FINALLY I WENT ONLINE TO FIND THE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR END NOISE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 10/20/07, I HAD THIS DIAGNOSIS DONE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE, OR DRIVE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT COULD CEASE UP WHILE DRIVING, AND CAN BE A SAFTEY ISSUE IF UNIT FAILS. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR, PARTS AND LABOR IS ABOUT $1200. IS FORD WAITING FOR THIS TO CEASE UP, CAUSING INJURIES OR DEATHS BEFORE THEY DEEM IT A SAFTEY ISSUE, AND RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR REPAIR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND NEED MY VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Oct 31, 2007
DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, TURNING ON INTERIOR LIGHTS AND LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION TO BEING DISTRACTING, IT IS PARTICULARLY UNSAFE AT NIGHT TO SUDDENLY HAVE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND UNABLE TO KEEP DOORS LOCKED. FORD SAYS ISSUE IS A DOOR SENSOR, BUT CANNOT TELL WHICH ONE IS BAD. THIS USED TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY, NOW IT HAPPENS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 29, 2007
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER 4 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS AT 64,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2007
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE COLUMN BROKE IN 1/2 WHILE PASSING INTO THE NUETRAL POSITION. BROKEN PIECE IN POSSESSION. TRUCK WAS THEN STUCK IN NUETRAL WITH SHIFTER HANGING BY A WIRE. FOUND 2ND 2002 EXPLORER AT DEALER # 2 WITH GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING IN 1/2. *TR
Air bags, Oct 16, 2007
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. DEALER SAYS AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. HE WANTS ABOUT $400 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED FREQUENTLY ON THE INTERNET. *JB
Power train, Oct 6, 2007
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD ESCAPE 2 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS CARFAXED AND ALL AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. THREE WEEKS AGO THE ENGINE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE OR WHEN I WAS DRIVING, I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD GAS, SO I FIXED IT. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I THOUIGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, SO I FIXED IT. I WAS FRUSTRATED AND WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON OCT. 3RD, 2007 IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS SCARED AND UPSET, AND I ENDED UP TAKING IT IN AGAIN! WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES FOR THE PCM ON DECELERATIONS BELOW 40 MPH BECAUSE OF FUEL-AIR MIXTURES BEING SENT TO THE ENGINE. IT WAS ISSUED IN APRIL OF 2004. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MY DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM, AND ANOTHER DEALER CLOSE TO ME; THEY ALL SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY ESCAPE. I LOOKED IT UP MYSELF AND THEY WERE CORRECT, BUT IF THIS RECALL WAS ALREADY FIXED THEN IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE EXACT DEFINIATION OF THE RECALL IS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY ESCAPE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I THINK FORD NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY EXCEPTION AND KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THE ENGINE NEEDS TO "RE-PROGRAM" ITSELF FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT IS A RECALL AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR FREE, LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T LIKE TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY AND LOOSE CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND EVERYTHING WITHIN MY CAR. *JB
Power train, Oct 3, 2007
PULLED 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO COVERED SPACE AT APARTMENT COMPLEX AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE CAR INTO THE PARK THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NOT USED AND NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS DID I EVER IMAGINE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON A CAR. LATER I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I CAN'T START THE CAR SINCE IT IS NOT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THE REPLACEMENT PART IS BACK ORDERED UNTIL MID NOVEMBER. SO, FORD IS OK WITH HAVING A PRODUCT ON THE ROAD THAT I CANNOT DRIVE FOR 1.5 MONTHS BECAUSE OF A BAD PART? IT APPEARS THE BAD PART IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS SHOCKING. WILL HAVE TO GET A RENTAL FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I AM WITHOUT THE CAR. THIS KIND OF FAILURE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Sep 28, 2007
AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING WHEN I STARTED VEHICLE BLINKED FOR ABOUT 30 SEC THEN WENT SOLID, TOOK ESCAPE TO FORD DEALER AND THE GOT A CODE FROM THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND INFORMED ME I HAD FAULTY WIRING ON THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR AND THERE WAS A REPLACEMENT WIRING HARNESS I NEEDED TO INSTALL . TOLD THEN TO ORDER IT AND WAS INFORMED THAT AIR BAGS WERE FUNCTIONING OK EVEN THOUGH LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE SAID I JUST MISSED THE WARRANTY BY 4 DAYS SO I HAD TO PAY THE $200.00 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. YOU WOULD THINK FORD WOULD GIVE A LITTLE LEEWAY SINCE THIS IS A FAULTY PART FIRST INSTALLED ON PRODUCTION LINE. PLEASE ADVICE FORD OF THIS THANK YOU. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2007
(1) DRIVING TO WORK ON ROUTE 18 SOUTH (2) LOST USE OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL (3) CABLE BROKEN TO PEDAL THAT WAS REPLACED AT FORD DEALER IN SHREWSBURY/RED BANK NJ. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. SHE QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, BUT HE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER PICKING UP HER VEHICLE FROM BEING SERVICED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STOPPED BLINKING AND REMAINED LIT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE MADE A TURN. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE CONNECTOR HARNESS NEEDED REPLACING. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000.
Seat belts, Sep 3, 2007
WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT THAT HOLDS MY CHILD"S CAR SEAT IN PLACE BECOMES UNDONE. I HAD THE CAR SEAT INSTALLED BY A CERTIFIED CAR SEAT SAFETY SPECIALIST PRIOR TO GIVING BIRTH. THE SEAT BELT HAS COME UNDONE TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS WHILE MY BABY WAS IN THE SEAT. BOTH TIMES I LOOKED BACK IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE THE ENTIRE CAR SEAT LEANING OVER. IF MY 3 MONTH OLD BABY WASN'T STRAPPED IN HE WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2007
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE ACCELERATED FOR A HILL AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER FOOT REMOVED FROM PEDAL. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND GAIN SPEED UP HILL, HILL PEAKED AND SPEED EXCEEDED 80 MILES PER HOUR. FURTHER ACCELERATION DOWN HILL - TRANSMISSION PLACED IN NEUTRAL, AND ABLE TO BE STOPPED ON SIDE OF FREEWAY. ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV; TURNED OFF, AND THEN REVVED WHEN TURNED BACK ON. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT BEING USED AT ANY TIME. DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. *JB
Air bags, Aug 15, 2007, crash
MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS OPERATING MY 2002 FORD XLT ESCAPE AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT RECENTLY IN AUGUST 2007. AN INDIVIDUAL RAN A STOP SIGN AND SHE HIT HIS VEHICLE BROADSIDE AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS TOTALED AT 10K PLUS DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT NONE OF HER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT BUT RECEIVED INJURES INCLUDING A PARTIALLY COLLAPSED LUNG, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A DIRECT RESULT OF THE AIRBAGS NOT STOPPING HER FORWARD MOTION. *JB
Air bags, Aug 14, 2007
(1) AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON (2) CABLES DEFECTIVE - AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING CRASH (3) CABLES REPLACED - $450 TOTAL *TR
Air bags, Aug 4, 2007
2002 EXPLORER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OFF WAS WONDERING IF THERE'S A RECALL TO HAVE FORD FIX THERE MISTAKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND WHEN SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. AS OF AUGUST 2, 2007, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 27, 2007
(1) NOTICED ABS LIGHT WAS LIT, TOOK VEHICLE TO PALMER FORD IN CHELSEA MI TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE COULD BE. THEY GAVE A BREAK DOWN THE EXCITOR RING (FOR THE ABA BRAKING SYSTEM) THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE HALF SHAFT OF MY ESCAPE WAS BROKEN. THIS ALSO CAUSED THE ABS SENSOR TO FAIL (2)AS TO FAILURE....DID GET A SECOND OPINION FROM A DIFFERENT SERVICE STATION ABOUT THE EXCITOR RING...PALMER FORD IN CHELSEA MI SAID THAT THEY WHERE NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER ESCAPES HAVING THIS ISSUE....UNLIKE THE SECOND SERVICE STATION, WHICH HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN THE ESCAPES. (3)TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM...I HAVE HAD THE HALF SHAFT REPLACED (WHICH INCLUDES THIS EXCITOR RING FOR THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM)AND THE SENSOR.... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2007
(1) APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING LED UP TO (2) A LOSS OF POWER AT ALL SPEEDS WITH EXCESSIVE RPMS FOR GIVEN SPEED FOLLOWED BY A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FOLLOWED BY CONSIDERABLE ENGINE AND CABIN VIBRATION. (3) FORD DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A RARE INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE IN CYLINDER #4. NO REMEDY HAS BEEN PROVIDED. THE ENGINE CAN BE REPLACED FOR ABOUT $6,000. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. ON APRIL 12, 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE SAME DAY. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A RENTAL VEHICLE AND AS OF JULY 18, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON A PART TO ARRIVE. NO FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS INAPPLICABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE OR STOP. THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A DITCH, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED, THE RPM'S RACED TO 5 AND THE TIRES BEGAN SMOKING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING ON AN UNPAVED ROAD, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. HE THEN RELEASED THE BRAKE AND APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES FELT LOOSE AND THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. SHE DISCOVERED A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,063.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE IS EXPERIENCING THAT SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN NHTSA ACTION # PE06048. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY BEFORE THE FIRE COULD SPREAD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKES GRIND WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TWO FRONT AXLES AND TWO ABS SENSORS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 55,600 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,400.