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.
Air bags, Dec 10, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT 45-50 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION CROSSED OVER INTO HER LANE. THE VEHICLES STRUCK HEAD ON AND BOTH WENT DOWN A 15' BANK INTO A DITCH. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS A OLDER CHRYSLER AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS STILL GOING TO THERAPY FOR X-RAYS. *PH
Steering, Dec 8, 2003
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 4, 2003
STALLING AT LOW SPEED AND DECELERATING WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 3, 2003
FIVE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE, THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Tires, Dec 2, 2003
THE 2002 FOR ECAPE THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR 16 MONTHS HAS A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE THAT HAS MADE IT UNOPORABLE AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO WARN YOU OF ENGINE TROUBLE NEVER WORKED. *AK
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2003
VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, IT EFFECTED THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE.*AK DEALER WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY. IN THE TSB THAT WAS ISSUED, THE DIAGNOSTICS ITEMS WERE FINE. FORD THINK THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE ITEMS ON THE TSB. *PH
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 10, 2003
VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. VEHICLE HAS ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED 4 TIMES. DEALERSHIP MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY UPDATING THE IAC VALVE, AND REPROGRAMMING THE PCM. *AK
Air bags, Nov 7, 2003
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED SOMETHING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF, BUT MONTHS LATER IT WAS ON AGAIN. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2003
2002 FORD ESCAPE STALLS WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST WEEK, SPEED 30 MPH. LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING & BRAKES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Nov 5, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE CONTROLS. OTHER PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWED: BOTH REAR DOOR'S BODY WEATHERSTRIPS HAD COME LOOSE AND WERE WARPED AND THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL WINDOW. *SCC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 4, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THERE WAS A DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2003
MY FORD ESCAPE STALLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN EXIT RAMP. I LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITY. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 28, 2003
EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR WEAR: AFTER 34,600 MILES, THE ROTORS ARE 70% WORN ACCORDING TO THE DIMENSIONS GIVEN BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL EVEN THOUGH HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE BRAKES WILL BE WORN OUT BEFORE 50,000 MILES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2003
FORD ESCAPE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME!!! *LA
Visibility, Oct 17, 2003
THE WINDSHIELD ON MY 2002 FOR ESCAPE XLT LEAKS INSIDE EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE WINDSHIELD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE CAR BUT FORD WILL NOT COVER IT AS A DEFECT. THIS IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY MANUFACTURER. FILED COMPLAINTS WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND WILL BE TALKING TO THE MEDIA. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2003
TODAY, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:45 AM EST, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT THE STEERING TIGHTEN UP AND THE BRAKES AS WELL. I WAS UNAWARE THAT MY CAR HAD STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I COASTED OFF OF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT. I HAD NO PROBLEMS AFTER THAT. THIS IS THE SECOND STALL THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. THE LAST ONE WAS IN MAY 03. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2003
BETWEEN JULY AND AUGUST OF 2003 VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK BUT THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 1, 2003, fire
PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTORS CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS SERVICING THE R.V WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A SOUND UNDER THE ENGINE COVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING. (CHATEAU MOTORHOME ON A FORD CHASSIS) *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2003
STIFF ACCELERATOR PEDEL. CANNOT MAKE A SMOOTH ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE PEDAL DOESN'T SEEM TO "GIVE" UNTIL IT'S PUSHED TOO MUCH. WHEN IT'S PUSHED TOO MUCH. THERE IS A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND USUALLY THE TIRES JUST SPIN, WHETHER IT'S RAINING, SNOWING OR JUST PLAIN DRY OUT.
Air bags, Sep 23, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING 40/45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.*AK *PH *JB
Tires, Sep 17, 2003
ALL FOUR TIRE SIDEWALLS WERE THIN AND PUNCTURED EASILY. THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2003
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE ON 07/04/02. THERE WAS A LITTLE OVER 500 MILE ON THE VEHICLE AT DATE OF PURCHASE. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD THE SUV AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS 6 TIMES FOR PROBLEM RELATING TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL. #1 THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY, #2 SHORT IN THE HEATER WIRING CAUSING AN ARCH SOUND AND FOUL ODOR. #3 VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN PARK, #3 & #4, VEHICLE WAS STRANDED WITH THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING AND #6 BECAME STUCK IN PARK FOR THE SECOND TIME. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 16, 2003
THE ENGINE ON MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY. IT STALLS WHILE SHIFTING GEARS AT A STANDSTILL AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS LAST CONDITION ESPECIALLY IS QUITE DANGEROUS AS THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING AND POWER STEERING. SOMETIMES IT WILL STALL UP TO 5 TIMES BEFORE GETTING IT OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IT STALLS WHEN THE ENGINE IS BOTH COLD AND HOT. I HAVE HAD IT TO MY FORD DEALER, WHO HAS EVEN HAD IT STALL WHILE HOOKED UP TO THEIR COMPUTER. AND STILL THEY HAVE NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD IT IN ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS SINCE JULY 2003. IT ONCE STALLED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT AROUND A HAIRPIN TURN. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. IT HAS BEEN STALLING SINCE BEFORE JULY 11, WHEN IT WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Tires, Sep 11, 2003
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE'S TIRE (MANUFACTURER CONTINENTIAL TIRES) HAD SEPERATED AND HAD CAUSED 2 OTHER TIRES TO WEAR IMPROPERLY. THOUGH ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED AND DOCUMENATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE DEALERSHIP, FORD OF VICKSBURG, I WAS TOLD THAT "IT WASN'T FORD'S PROBLEM OR RESPONSIBILITY". I THEN CONTACTED CONTINENTIAL TIRES, WHO ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO SEARS, 40 MILES AWAY FROM THE TOWN I LIVED IN. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AND INSPECTED, CONTINENTIAL TIRE ADVISED SEARS "THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF OF THE SEPERATED TIRE AND THAT WAS IT." I THEN SPOKE WITH THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, CARRIE, OF THE TIRE MANUFACTURER ON THE PHONE WHO ADVISED THAT "THE SITUATION WAS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY." I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE (NEW), DECEMBER 2001. I CONDUCTED THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE AS ADVISED. I HAD APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES IN JULY, 2003 WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED, WHICH WAS SHORTLY AFTER I HAD AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN LOUISIANA. I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM THAT OCCURED AND WAS GIVEN "THE BUSINESS" OF "IT'S NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY", SO IT BECAME MY PROBLEM ON A VEHICLE "SUPPOSEDLY" UNDER WARRANTY. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE RUN AROUND I RECEIVED FROM FORD AS WELL AS CONTINENTIAL TIRE REGARDING SOMETHING THAT I HAD NOT CAUSED OR HAD ANY CONTROL OF, AFTER HAVING THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE PERFORMED ON MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AND WILL ENSURE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE TIRES MANUFACTURED BY CONTINENTIAL.