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, Aug 1, 2005
THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE OF MY VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE WAS THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHICH IN TURN WOULD TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE FAILURE WAS A SHOT TRANSMISSION AT ONLY 60,000 MILES. A PROBLEM THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT FROM THE HUNDREDS OF TECH BULLETIN'S I'VE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO ADAMSON FORD IN BIRMINGHAM,ALA. AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TROUBLE CODES,P0733,P0735,P0775 AND A FAULTY POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. AFTER RECEIVING MY CAR AND ALMOST $800.00 LATER,THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING TRIGGERING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER RETURNING TO THE DEALER WHOM THEN INFORMS ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BUY A REMANUFACTURER TRANSMISSION AT OVER $2200,00 PLUS LABOR. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A LATER MODEL CAR THAT I CAN'T USE, AND A HIGH CAR NOTE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN PERIOD. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2005
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. I PURCHASED THE VEHCILE USED IN MARCH OF 2005 WITH 23K MILES. IT NOW HAS 30K. PLEASE NOTE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER I FEEL THE VEHCILE IS RIDDLED WITH PROBLEMS TO DATE: THE CD4E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 4500 MIULES BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER(PERFORMED BY FORD) ALONG WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND RETAINER RINGS. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE: 1. THE VEHCILE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ALONG. THE PCM WAS RE-FLASHED BY FORD, HOWEVER IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT WILL STALL AT CERTAIN TIMES. 2. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAKED ANTIFREEZE AND TOOK THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO FIX IT. 3. THE ACCERLERATOR CABLE WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL. 4. THE REAR GLASS RATTLES AS THE LATCH LOOKS WORNS OUT ALREADY. 5. THE ENGINE HAD VALVE TRAIN NOISE AND THE CAMSHAFT RETAINERS WERE REPLACED 6. THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL DUE TO THE DEALERS FAULTY REPAIR 7. THE FAN ASSEMBLY/BLOWER MOTOR BEARINGS HAVE FAILED AND A NEW PART IS ON ORDER. I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE AND I QUESTION IT AS I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IT IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I SAW ON THE NEWS THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS OF IDDLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I REVERSE AT TIMES IT REVS UP EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED THE ENGINE RPM ALL THE SUDDEN IDDLES FAST ANS REVS THE ENGINE UP I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. THIS PROBLEMS HAS ONLY LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IDDLE FAST ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM TWICE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN TO REVERSE.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2005, crash
7/5/2005. I WAS IN BALTIMORE, MD IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE. TRAFIC WAS MODERATELY HEAVY. I STARTED TO CHANGE LANES AND NOTICED A CAR IN THE LANE SO I PULLED BACK INTO MY LANE AT WHICH POINT, THE THROTTLE ON MY VEHICLE STUCK OPEN. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AND ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE WERE USELESS. I THREW THE MOVING VEHICLE INTO PARK WHERE IT CONTINUED TO MOVE. I THEN TRIED TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN HOIPES OF REGAINING BRAKING, BUT I HIT REVERSE FIRST, AT WHICH POINT MY CAR RAPIDLY REVERSED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLES WAS LIMITED AS I HIT A 3500 CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCK, HOWEVER, IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST UNNERVING EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AS THE OTHER VEHICLE BELONGS TO THE CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. NO TRAFFIC REPORT WAS WRITTEN BY THE POLICE OFFICER, HOWEVER, THE BALTIMORE CITY EMPLOYEE (DARELL POWERS) DID FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT REPORT FOR THE CITY. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARMAX IN WHITE MARSH MD, WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD FRAYED, CAUSING IT TO BUTTERFLY AND HOLD OPEN THE THROTTLE. THE ESCAPE HAS 53,002 MILES ON IT, AND CRUISE CONTROL IS RARELY USED. I DO HAVE THE REPLACED PART AND THE BILL I PAID FOR $291. ONE OTHER NOTE, IHAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED ON THIS SAME CAR 45 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT LAST JULY. CARMAX PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST, CLOSE TO $4,000 AND THE MECHANIC WHO SERVICED IT THIS TIME INSISTS THIS IS NOT RELATED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jul 11, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE, MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH 66,000 MILES ON IT. COMING HOME FROM A WEEKEND TRIP THE CLUTCH STUCK AND WOULD HAVE TO BE PULLED UP WITH YOUR FOOT WHEN HAVING TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE AND TOWING TO A GARAGE WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD WENT OUT.THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL FOR IT TO HAPPEN TO A CAR THIS NEW. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THIS?
Power train, Jul 11, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. HE STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS REFUSING TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR. HE HAS CONTACT THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND THEY TOLD HIM HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THIS MATTER UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS 04V165000. THE RECALL WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD DECELERATE RAPIDLY. THE DEALERSHIP THAT HE IS HAVING THE PROBLEMS WITH DUBLIN FORD DUBLIN, CA. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, ON THE FREEWAY, AND AT MANY INOPPORTUNE TIMES!!!!! I HAVE BEEN QUITE SCARED TO DRIVE MY SUV ANY MORE. IT STARTS TO CHUG LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING ANY FUEL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, AND THE SUV WILL IMMEDIATELY DIE. I LOSE MY POWER STEERING, MY BRAKES, MY EVERYTHING! AND ALMOST GET HIT. I HAVE TAKEN MY ESCAPE IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY CLAIM THAT IT IS JUST A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER, AND RESET IT. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NEVER GET IT DO WHAT I WAS SAYING, SO I HAD TO COME IN RIGHT WHEN IT WAS DOING IT, OR THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HELP. IN THE MEAN TIME, I HAVE STALLED OUT SEVERAL MORE TIMES, GONE IN, AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MANY FORD ESCAPES, AND I AM SCARED THAT THE SITUATION WILL ESCALATE TO ME BEING IN AN ACCIDENT, OR MY SUV STARTING ON FIRE WHEN IT GETS SO WARM.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005, fire
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN DRIVER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVER PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY DUE TO SMOKE COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER GOT OUT AND WATCHED THE VEHICLE BURN WITHIN 7 MINUTES. *AK THE WHITE SMOKE SEEMED TO INDICATE A FUEL LINE. *SC
Power train, Jun 13, 2005
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ROUGHLY 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE TACHOMETER SUDDENLY SURGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE SPEED. THE TRANSMISSION HAD OBVIOUSLY FAILED TO ENGAGE. PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO 2ND GEAR ALLOWED THE TRANSMISSION TO RE-ENGAGE AND THE VEHCILE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP ABOUT 7 OR 8 MILES AWAY. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MILES. FINALLY, IT DISENGAGED ONE LAST TIME AND DID NOT ENGAGE AGAIN. SINCE IT WAS ON A MAIN STREET, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OF A SIDE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KREIGER FORD IN COLUMBUS OHIO. THIS TOOK PLACE A FRIDAY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPLAINT WAS MADE ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND THEN THUDDING INTO GEAR ON 1ST TO 2ND GEAR SHIFTS ON A SERVICE CALL PRIOR TO THE EXPERATION OF THE WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED THE OWNER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ON THIS INCIDENT, NOT ONLY DID THE CAR HAVE TO BE TOWED IN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR ON THE REAR WINDOW WIPER HAD FAILED AND THE CD PLAYER WOULD NO LONGER EJECT THE CDS. ON MONDAY THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TO INFORM THE OWNER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TOTALLY FAILED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3500. WITHIN AN HOUR THE DEALERSHIP CALLED BACK AND SAID THE FORD WAS WILLING TO PUT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION INTO THE VEHICLE, REPAIR THE WIPER MOTOR, DO THE 60,000 MILE MAINTNENACE, EXTEND THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES, AND REPAIR THE CD PLAYER FOR $1500. THIS IS PREPOSTEROUS. NO TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL AT 61,000 MILES. AND AFTER READING THE INCIDENTS REPORTED HERE, IT IS BECOMING APPARENT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION ON THE ESCAPE.
Visibility, Jun 9, 2005
WE RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE ON TWO OF OUR FORD EXPLORERS. IT WAS CONCERNING THE GLASS IN THE LIFT GATE. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT AND INJURE THE PERSON OPENNING THE WINDOW. WE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON TWO OF OUR VEHICLES. ABOUT 90 DAYS AFTER WE HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED THE GLASS DID FALL OUT ON ONE OF OUR DETECTIVES. WE HAD THE WINDOW FIXED AND FORD CHARGED US 1029.67 FOR THE REPAIR. OUR CONCERN IS TWO FOLD. OBVIOUSLY THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM STILL PERSIST AND THE SAFTY ISSUE IS A FACTOR. ALSO WE FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS STILL PRESENT AND STAND BEHIND THE REPAIR AND FIGURE OUT ANOTHER FIX. I HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE WITH FORD LOCALLY OR AT THEIR CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2005, crash, fire
IN MID APRIL 2005, AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HOME (HAD@32,000 MILES), THE CAR JUST DIED WITHIN 2 SECONDS. NO WARNING AT ALL. I LOST ALL POWER, THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED AND THAT WAS IT. FORD TOWED THE CAR (AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) AND SAID THAT THE FUEL PUMP WENT AND THAT CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN STARTED FOR ME. THANK GOD MY 3 YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME AND THAT I WASN"T HIT FROM BEHIND. AFTER THEY "FIXED " THE CAR AND AFTER WE PAID $600 FOR A 30,000 MILE MAINTENANCE, 6 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPPENS TO MY HUSBAND. HE'D JUST DRIVING ALONG, THE CAR LOSES POWER WITHIN SECONDS AND COMPLETELY DIES WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR EVEN ANY TIME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!!! (THE CAR NOW HAS 33,500 MILES). IT IS CURRENTL STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING "FIXED". EE FEEL LIKE WE'VE ESCAPED SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TWICE NOW, AS WE COULD HAVE SO EASILY BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND BOTH TIMES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.
Power train, Jun 1, 2005
JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE EXPIRED, I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION, SPECIFICALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN REVERSE WITHOUT REVVING THE ENGINE AND HAVING THE GEARS JUMP INTO PLACE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH BACKWARDS. WHEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE SUV, I EXPRESSED TO THEM MY DISPLEASURE IN HAVING TRANSMISSION TROUBLE AT ONLY 35,000+ MILES AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT UNUSUAL TO NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT THAT ODOMETER READING, AND, INDEED, THEY HAD REPLACED TRANSMISSIONS AS EARLY AS 12,000 MILES. I CONTACTED MY REGIONAL FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. ON THURSDAY, MAY 12, WHILE TRAVELING 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, WITH THE CAR SOUNDING LIKE I WAS REVVING THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL, AND I WAS LOSING POWER QUICKLY. I HAD TO GET OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY AND WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION IN ANY GEAR. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION FACILITY IN INDIANAPOLIS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM DID NOT ORIGINATE IN THE TRANSMISSION, BUT WAS THE RESULT OF A GROUND CIRCUIT PROBLEM. FORD CONSTRUCTED THE CAR WITH THE GROUND RUNNING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH MEANS THAT EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED THE HIGH VOLTAGE RUNNING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION MELTS THE GEARS TOGETHER. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING ONTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MEANT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THE TRANSMISSION COMPANY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS, AND ADDED AN ADDITIONAL GROUND SO THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, WHICH RESULTED IN A TOTAL COST OF $3655.
Power train, Jun 1, 2005
INTERMITTEN ENGINE IDLE/STALLING DURING ENGINE START AND DRIVING CONDITIONS EVEN AFTER PCM RECALL WORK. DEALERSHIP TEST DROVE AND BROKE DOWN ON SIDE OF ROAD, VERDICT IS SAID TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED. VEHICLE HAS 48,000 MILES.
Electrical system, May 27, 2005, fire
AFTER A SHORT ERRAND, VEHICLE WAS PARKED. MINUTES LATER, FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, APPARENTLY FROM A WIRING HARNESS. MOTOR AREA APPEARS TO BE A COMPLETE LOSS. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULATOR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCIDENT AND HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RECOUP THEIR MONEY. *NM
Tires, May 25, 2005, crash
DT: WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF ABOUT 62 MPH, IT WAS DRY AND CLEAR, THE CAR IN FRONT SLOWED DOWN ,AND AS CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES THE SIDE WALL OF TIRE BLEW OUT. THERE WAS CRASH, NO ROLL OVER. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE INSURANCE WAS GOING TOO. TOOK PICTURES, AND GOT ALL THE INFORMATION THAT ON THE TIRES.*AK
Seat belts, May 20, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH APPOXAMATELY 48000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL THAT I NEED TO BRING TO SOMEONES ATTENTION WHAT I HAVE LEARN AT MY LOCAL FORD AUTHORIZED SEVICE FACILITY (PUTNAM LINCOLN-MERCURY) ABOUT THE PRETENSIONERS. I MUST NOTE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY HIT IN THE REAR BUMPER CAUSING VERY MINIMAL DAMAGE AND NOT CAUSING THE AIRBAGS OR PRETENSIONERS TO GO OFF. HOWEVER, SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I WAS ON A 400 MILE TRIP AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK ON AND OFF, FLICKERING OFTEN TIMES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIIP UPON MY RETURN HOME FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT IS DUE TO BAD PRETENSIONERS, A PART OF THE SEATBELT, FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS AND ALSO THE HARNESS(S) NEED REPLACEMENT AS WELL. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMEN PROBLEM AND THAT FORD EVEN HAS A KIT FOR IT. THE PRICE THAT WAS QUOTED TO PROPERLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM WAS $460 PLUS TAX. THAT IS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR ANYONE, ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS SUCH A NEW CAR. I AM A CONCERNED THAT NOT REPAIRING IT COULD BE BAD IF THE CAR IS EVER INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE TECHNICIAN TELLS ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. I AM TOLD THAT THIS MAYBE DUE TO MOST ESCAPES ARE STILL UNDER WARRENTY AND HASN'T COME TO LIGHT YET AS MOST PEOPLE HAVEN'T HAD TO PAY FOR IT. SO FAR THERE HAS BEEN NO ONE HURT. THE ONLY NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCE IS THAT I WILL BE ABOUT $500 POORER AFTER GETTING IT REPAIRED. THE REPAIR WAS QUOTED $460 PLUS TAX (9.38%). THE REPAIR IS SUPPOSED TO CONSIST OF 2 KITS, DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE PRETENSIONER KITS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT MAY NEED NEW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, NOT INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE, BUT THEY MAY NOT BE NESSICARY. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO SAID THAT THE MILD REAR IMPACT HAD NO EFFECT ON THESE GOING BAD.
Electrical system, May 12, 2005
IN WATCHING THE NEWS ABOUT FORD SUV'S CATCHING ON FIRE, ONE OF THE WARNING SIGNS WAS A BRAKE LIGHT GOING OUT OR THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASH. I HAVE A 2002 ESCAPE, AND RECENTLY HAVE REPLACED TWO BRAKE LIGHTS GOING OUT. I ONLY HAVE 40000 MILES, YET I DID NOT SEE A RECALL ON THIS CAR CONCERNING THIS. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANY ESCAPES MODEL YEAR 2002 ??
Air bags, May 12, 2005
2002 FROD ESCAPE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAILURE CAUSES FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. SEAT BELT TENSIONERS (BOTH AT ONCE!) FAILED, PART NUMBERS 1L8Z78610E22AAA AND 1L8Z78610E23AAA.
Seats, May 9, 2005
SINCE TAKING POSESSION OF A NEW 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLS IN SEPTEMBER 2001, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CUSHIONING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS NOT AS DENSE AS THE CUSHIONING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE LEFT PORTION OF THIS SEAT HAS REMAINED COMPRESSED THROUGH NORMAL DAILY USE, AND WILL NOT SPRING BACK TO MATCH THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THIS HAS CREATED A SOMEWHAT UNLEVEL SEATING POSITION WITH RESPECT TO A DRIVER "LEANING" INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. I HAVE JUST NOTICED THAT BECAUSE OF THIS COMPRESSION, CRACKS AND TEARS HAVE FORMED IN THE VINYL UPHOLSTERY TRIM WHERE THE CREASES ARE MOST APPARENT, AND LOOK ONLY TO GET WORSE THROUGH REPEATED USE. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS TO THIS SEAT.
Power train, Apr 29, 2005
2002 FORD ESCAPE. VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN REVERSE IS SELECTED INTERMITTENTLY. REVERSE IS SELECTED AND IF LEFT IN THE SELECTION, IT WILL TAKE 3-5 MINUTES TO ENGAGE. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T ENGAGE AT ALL, AND IF YOU CAN PULL FORWARD ,THEN IT MIGHT GO INTO REVERSE. THIS OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. FORD CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BACK AWAY FROM A DANGEROUS SITUATION OR TO BACK OUT FROM A PULL IN PARKING SPOT.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2005
THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS IN THE WARM MONTHS. THAT I DESCRIBE AS A URINE ODOR. THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A FAN IN THE AIR CONDITIONER THAT COMES ON 15 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF TO DRY OUT THE AIR UNIT.
Power train, Apr 25, 2005, fire
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE. FLAMES CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE THEN THE VEHICLE DID FINALLY SHUT OFF AND IT WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP. IT CONTINUED TO BURN, TIRES EXPLODED, ETC. IN THE END MOST OF THE ENGINE WAS ON THE GROUND. THE TRANSMISSION BASICALLY FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT LEFT A TRAIL OF FLUID BEFORE COMING TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL BRANDON FORD BODY SHOP IS AT FAULT AND DID NOT PRPPERLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE AFTER AN AUGUST 2004 COLLISION. I BELIEVE THERE ARE ALSO BAD PARTS ON THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS HAVING THIS SAME FIRE PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPE AND FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2005
MY NAME IS [XXX], I PURCHASED A FORD ESCAPE SUV ON AUGUST 22, 2002 FROM DAY FORD IN PITTSBURGH, PA ON AUGUST 22, 2002. I HAVE BEEN HAVE MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. PRIOR TO MOVING TO FLORIDA IN JUNE, I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD I NEED NEW ROTORS, BRAKES AND TIRES.I MOVED TO FLORIDA, AND ON JANUARY 2005, I HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH BECAUSE IT HAD RUST AND CORROSION ON IT. THE SERVICE TECH QUESTION ALL THE RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE AND I TOLD HIM THAT I DID NOT KNOW WHY THERE WAS SO MUCH. N MARCH 18TH, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO MATTHEW CURRIE FORD, WHERE THEY SERVICE MY CAR. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON APRIL 20, 2005 AND WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT. I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD ON APRIL 21, 2005 THAT I NEED NEW SPARK PLUGS. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS NOT PAYING FOR IT AND THAT THEY NEED TO CALL AIG. ON APRIL 22, 2005 THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT MY CAR HAD WATER DAMAGE AND THAT IT WAS PURCHASED THIS WAY. I THEN GOT A RENTAL CAR AND I CALLED DAYFORD TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY AND HOW THEY WERE GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AT FIRST I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT SELL ME A CAR WITH WATER DAMAGE. THEN HE SAID HE WOULD CALL ME BACK. WELL I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. OVER THE WEEKEND I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM KANSAS CITY ON JULY 20, 2002 AND THEN SERVICED ON JULY 27, 2002 BY DAYFORD. THE SERVICES WERE ENGINE SERVICED, VEHICLE SERVICED, SUSPENSION SYSTEM SERVICED, BRAKES SERVICED, STATE INSPECTION COMPLETED, MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE PERFORMED, EMISSIONS SYSTEM SERVICED AND LUBED OIL AND FILTER CHANGED. THESE SERVICES WERE COMPLETED WITH ONLY 3 MILES ON THE CAR. I PULLED THE INFORMATION FROM CARFAX AND THAT WHAT IT SAYS. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2005
"RECALL CAMPAIGN" - RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED FOR 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN REFERENCE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE JAN. 2005. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEAL IN MARCH TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS TOO LATE TO GET THE REPAIR. THEY STATED IF THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN JAN OR FEB THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT. THE REPAIR WERE MADE AT ANOTHER DEALER. *BF *NM
Vehicle speed control, Apr 18, 2005
2002 FORD ESCAPE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR EVEN AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*MR RECALL CAMPAIGN, PERFORMED ON 02/07/05 AND STILL HAVING PROBLEM. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WIDE OPEN WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ON 03/22/05 THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN. *BF *NM