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.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 8, 2004
3 YEARS OLD, 60,000 MILES - TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY BLOWN. ITS IN THE SHOP CURRENTLY. THE OIL PAN IS LEAKING. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING IS LEAKING FLUID. *JB
Steering, Electronic stability control, Dec 3, 2004
FRONT END TROUBLES WITH FORD ESCAPE 02 XLT. CONSTANT NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT. DEALER CHANGED STABILITY BAR, ENGINE MOUNTS AND NOW NEED TO CHANGE TIE RODS AND FIX STEERING WHEEL NOISE BUT THERE IS NO FIX AS OF YET PER THE DEALERSHIP. CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN ON SUBURBAN ROADS AND NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD.*AK
Steering, Dec 2, 2004
THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH ONLY 37000 MILES RECENTLY BECAME LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING.THE VEHICLE'S 36000 MILE WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP (COWLES PARKWAY FORD) TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN (A $400+ COST). BEFORE MAKING A DECISION I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 630120). THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 2001 FORD ESCAPE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 00V223001 )BUT NOT THE 2002 MODEL. I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, BUT I WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND WOULD HAVE TO PAY $400+ TO GET IT FIXED. I ALSO HAVE CALLED FORD COSTUMER SERVICE AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY ARE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS BECAUSE I HAD EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART.I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE OTHER FORD ESCAPE ON THE HIGHWAYS WITH THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEED TO BE RECALLED. THANK YOU. MICHAEL ESTES . *AK
Vehicle speed control, Nov 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS. CONSUMER CANNOT MAKE A SMOOTH ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, YOU HAVE TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL SO FAR UNTIL IT GIVES, THEN THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD, AND THE TIRES SPIN. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE REPAIR. WAS TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY HAS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 14, 2004
I OWN A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH 42,600 MILES. MY PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING IS A SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL AT FIRST, THEN PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, AND THEN YOU GET A PULSATING, GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT BRAKES AND ALSO IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. ROTORS ARE NEW; BRAKES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION, NO BRAKE FLUID LEAKS. BRAKES WERE BLED WITH NO CHANGE IN PROBLEM. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SUCKING AIR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 13, 2004
FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. *JB
Air bags, Nov 10, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Air bags, Nov 10, 2004
RESTRAINT SYSTEM - AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUALLY ON, POTENTIAL FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2004
THE ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP WHILE PUMPING THE BRAKE THREE TIMES, AND DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, Oct 14, 2004
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES. *JB
Air bags, Oct 8, 2004, crash
DRIVING WESTBOUND APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME RESULTING IN FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, TREATED AT HOSPITAL AND RELEASED. CONTINUING CARE WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY TO REPORT AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED AFTER VEHICLE REPAIRS ARE MADE AND RESULTS SENT DIRECTLY TO FORD AT MY COST. FORD THEN REFERRED THE COMPLAINT TO THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT. SITUATION CURRENTLY ONGOING. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING UNDER 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE REAR ENDED.
Power train, Sep 28, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, 51000 MILES. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CD4E. OWNER'S MANUAL AND INFORMATION FROM FORD STATES THAT ONLY MERCON TRANSMISSION FLUID IS TO BE USED, AND THAT USE OF MERCON V TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL DAMAGE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, COVER ON TRANSMISSION DIP STICK SAYS "USE MERCON V." DEALER FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AT 32000 MILES AND REPLACED WITH MERCON V FLUID. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 51000 MILES, REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION. FAILURE HAPPENED DURING FREEWAY DRIVING, BUT FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. HE DEALER SHOULD HAVE KNOW WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION FLUID TO USE, REGARDLESS OF INCORRECT STATEMENT ON DIP STICK CAP. HOWEVER, THE MISLEADING DIP STICK COULD CAUSE THE OWNER OR OTHERS TO USE INCORRECT TYPE OF FLUID, WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE COMPLETE TRANMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2004
AFTER DRIVING THE ESCAPE FOR A FEW HOURS...RUNNING ERRANDS AND WHAT NOT...WE PARK THE CAR FOR A SHORT TIME...THEN THE CAR WON'T START. IT WILL TURN OVER, BUT IF THE GAS ISN'T KEPT ON IT STALLS. HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER 4 TIMES NOW AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE SITUATION. USUALLY AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR SEVERAL HOURS, IT WILL START UP AND RUN FINE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO MONTHS NOW. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2004
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE REGULARLY AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING AND PUT INTO DRIVE. UNTIL RECENTLY WAS ABLE TO RESTART ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. UPON LAST STALL WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. THIS IS STILL OCCURRING AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL 04S13, AND A FLIGHT RECORDER WITH 4 RECORDINGS OF REVERSE STALLS LED TO REPLACEMENT OF IAC VALVE, MASS AIR SENSOR, THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY, EEC RELAY, DPFE SENSOR, AND A RESET OF KEEP ALIVE MEMORY. THE MOST RECENT STALL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND REMAINS AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG OR MAKE ANOTHER GUESS. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING AND SEEMS TO BE PROGRESSING SINCE SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE PURCHASE.*AK
Steering, Air bags, Sep 21, 2004, crash
STEERING COLUMN. HIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE STEERING COLUMN COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE DASH. I AM UNAWARE IF THIS CAUSED FURTHER INJURY TO THE OPERATOR. I AM A LICENSED AUTO DAMAGE APPRAISER AND THOUGHT THIS TO BE VERY UNUSUAL AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE.*AK
Power train, Sep 20, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT, 51,000 MILES. DURING FREEWAY DRIVING, O/D LOCKOUT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. TRANSMISSION BRIEFLY ACTED AS IF IT WAS SHIFTING BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND DRIVE, THEN IT FAILED COMPLETELY. TOWED TO FORD DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. FORD DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT HAS NOT DIAGNOSED CAUSE OF FAILURE. FROM RESEARCHING USER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, I'VE LEARNED THAT FORD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (OASIS #16717) IN MARCH 2003 ADVISING THAT THE PCM BE REPROGRAMED TO CORRECT A TRANSMISSION SHUDDER PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE A PRECURSOR TO TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PCM REPROGRAMING IS ALSO REQUIRED BY SAFETY RECALL 04S13, ISSUED APRIL 2004. I WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THIS RECALL WORK DONE BY THE DEALER, BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED BEFORE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. FROM READING USER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT TANSMISSION FAILURE AT 50-60,000 MILES IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR 2001-2003 ESCAPES WITH A CD4E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AT LEAST FOR ONES WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THE PCM REPROGRAMED AS CALLED FOR IN THE 2003 SERVICE BULLETIN OR THE 2004 SAFETY RECALL.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 19, 2004
WENT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN GARDEN GROVE, CA. I WAS GETTING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A COMPLETE BRAKE OVERHALL. I BALKED AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE FORD ASSOCIATE. I STATED "MY ESCAPE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT AND YOUR TELLING ME IT NEEDS NEW ROTORS, PADS ON THE FRONT, AND SHOES AND DRUMS IN THE REAR". HE LOOKED STRAIGHT AT ME AND SAID YES YOU DO. I WENT HOME TOOK OFF THE TIRE AND DISCOVERED IT TO BE TRUE.. THE BRAKES ON MY 2002 ESCAPE ARE WORN OUT AFTER 23,000 MILES. WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE IS THAT. I'M NOT HARD ON MY BRAKES EITHER. IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN AT 43,000 MILES I AM GOING TO BE VERY PISSED OFF. IF IT DOES HAPPEN. I WILL BE TRADING IT IN, AND IT WON'T BE FOR ANOTHER FORD.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2004
COMPLAINT REGARDING 2002 FORD ESCAPE.*MR THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE, SKIP AND CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A PART WHICH THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED WAS THE LATEST FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THE PART DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE E, SKIP AND STALL. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2004, crash
WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE ROARED. HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES WITH GREAT PRESSURE AND IT STILL HAPPENED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 3 OCCASIONS, AND EACH TIME, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETECT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO DENIED OF THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER SENT AN ENGINEER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND WHILE IN HIS POSSESSION, THE PROBLEM DID NOT DUPLICATE ITSELF. *AK
Equipment, Sep 15, 2004
WE DRIVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. IT IS DRIVEN BY BOTH MY HUSBAND (BILL) AND MYSELF. WHILE DRIVING WE STOPPED IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT TO EAT. WE PULLED INTO PARKING PLACE, FOOT ON BRAKE TO STOP AND CAR SUDDENLY ACCELLERATED AND WE ALMOST WENT INTO THE RESTAURANT WINDOW. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE CAR BACK BY USING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE. HE THEN REACHED DOWN AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. WE HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE ON 4 SEPARTE OCCASSIONS AND HAD THE CAR IN THE GARAGE ON 6 OCCASSIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 4 WEEKS AGO. I WAS DRIVING. I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE, HAD MY HAND ON THE GEAR SHIFT TO PUT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELLERATED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT AS MUCH PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AS MY HUSBAND AND WENT INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW OF A RESTAURANT THAT FORTUNATELY WAS NOT OPEN AND BEING REMODELED. I DID $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THE RESTAURANT IS CLAIMING $30,000 DAMAGE TO THEIR BUILDING. AGAIN WE HAD IT IN THE GARAGE. THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. WE HAVE HEARD FROM FORD THAT THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AS SOONER OR LATER, WHEN IT HAPPENS, SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. WE ARE JUST LOOKING FOR A CAR THAT WORKS PROPERLY. OTHER TIMES WHEN DRIVING ALONG IT WOULD ACCELLERATE ON ITS OWN BUT THEN CUT BACK. MOST OFTEN WHEN YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE FOR SOME REASON. FORD GARAGE CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG AND FORD CO. CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT SO THEY SAY. *AK
Power train, Sep 13, 2004
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT HAS STALLED WITHOUT WARNING TWICE. ONCE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THE OTHER AT 10 MPH. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP (COWLES FORD, WOODBRIDGE, VA) SINCE MY FIRST MAINTENANCE CHECK ABOUT MY ESCAPE HESITATING/SKIPPING. DOES NOT SEEMS TO BE GETTING THE PROPER GAS. FIRST COUPLE OF MAINTENANCE CHECK MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW, 2 1/2 YEARS LATER, THEY KEEP REPLACING SMALL PARTS THAT DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT SHOW UP ON DIANOSTICS TEST NOR ON THE VEHICLE COMPUTER. I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE THE FIRST ENGINE STALL (40 MPH) THAT MY ESCAPE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. AGAIN I HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MY SUV IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I HAVE NO ADVANCED WARNING WHEN THE MOTOR WILL CUT OFF. I HAVE EMAILED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO HIGH MANAGEMENT AT FORD IN MICHEGAN BUT HAVE YET TO EVEN GET AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY COMPLAINT. FORD SEEMS TO BE SO WILLING TO LET CUSTOMERS BE INJURED OR KILLED IN THEIR PRODUCTS. ON FELT LIKE A "VALUABLE FORD CUSTOMER" BEFORE I SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE AND AFTER THAT I FEEL LIKE A "VICTIM". SHAME ON FORD.*AK
Power train, Seats, Sep 12, 2004
DRIVERS SEAT MOVES FOWARD APPROX 1/2" ON ACCELERATION AND STOPPING. VEHICLE HAS NOISE POSSIBLE BEARING, TRANSMISSION, OR DRIVESHAFT LIKE A LOPE AS IF SOMETHING WAS OUT OF ROUND OR HAS A HIGH SPOT. IT IS NOT THE TIRES.*AK
Air bags, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK