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, Structure, Oct 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UPON MAKING A TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED, BUT THE WHEELS REMAINED STRAIGHT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TECHNICIAN INSTALLED TWO BRACKETS BUT NOT THE ENGINE MOUNT BRACKETS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT PERFORMED ACCURATELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 19, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DETAILS OF THE FIRE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE IN THE FRONT. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON A SECOND OCCASION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO CUT THE HOOD OPEN AND INSPECTED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,703.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2015
I WAS MAKING A RIDE AN MAPLE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A SORT OF POPPING NOISE ALMOST LIKE A FLAT TIRE. THATS WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS SO I KEPT DRIVE TO WHERE I LIVE.ON THE WAY HOME ALL I HEARD WAS A SCREECHING. WHEN I GOT HOME HOME I CHECK AND THE SUSPENSION HAD SNAPPED BECAUSE OF RUSTING
Structure, Oct 14, 2015
THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND IS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE PAST SINCE I NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET OR YOUR NHTSA WEBSITE. THE FORD DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ALSO MENTIONED TO ME THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE PAST BY FORD. SERVICE FEE IS $500 IF THE REPAIRMAN IS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT BREAKING IT AS SOMETIMES IT DOES BREAK CAUSING AN EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB FOR A JAMMED LOCKING MECHANISM THAT SHOULD EASILY BE WORKING PROPERLY. GOD FORBID I AM INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY WIFE, OTHER FRONT PASSENGER OR MYSELF IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AS ANY PASSENGER THAT WANTS TO SIT IN THE FRONT HAS TO LEAP THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR TO SIT IN THE FRONT. MY WIFE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 130,000 MILES. ALL CAR DOORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO WORK WITHOUT JAMMING AS THIS OBVIOUSLY POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY NHTSA HAS NEVER BOTHERED TO ESCALATE THIS PROBLEM TO A RECALL IS BEYOND ME WHEN THERE ARE OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WITH THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM? PLEASE ADVICE, THANKS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2015
MY CAR JERKS WHEN DRIVING VERY BADLY HED MANY REPAIRS DONE TO NO AVAIL 118,000 MILES HAVE A DISABLED HUSBAND CAR IS UNRIEABLEDRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND LOCAL STREETS TO GET HOME.
Structure, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CROSS BAR REINFORCEMENT WAS INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,946.
Suspension, Aug 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD AND ALL STEERING CAPABILITY WAS LOST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED AND THE VEHICLE DRAGGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND LEFT SIDE AFTER LEAPING FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE POLICE INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK CONTINUED TO REV AFTER THE CRASH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2015
THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP RUSTED THROUGH AND BEGAN DRAGGING ON THE HIGHWAY SENDING UP A SHOWER OF SPARKS. UPON INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE METAL SHIELD AROUND THE TANK DISINTEGRATED INTO RUST FLAKES, AND THE SHIELD WHERE IT PASSES OVER THE DRIVESHAFT HAD FALLEN AND WAS RUBBING ON THE MOVING DRIVESHAFT. I RECOGNISED THE PROBLEM AND WAS ABLE TO SECURE THE TANK AND SHIELD TEMPORARILY TO LIMP HOME, BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR DISASTER IS CATASTROPHIC, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE NORTHEAST WHERE THESE PARTS ARE CONTINUALLY SUBJECT TO SALT AND SNOW.
Structure, Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A STRANGE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/2 *CN
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 21, 2015, crash
ON JULY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM I WAS DRIVING UP BEAR CREEK MOUNTAIN AND HEARD A LOUD POP THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING BEFORE I FINALLY GOT IT TO STOP. I SLIDE ABOUT 50 FEET AND IF I'D SLIDE ABOUT 3 MORE FEET I WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. THE SUB FRAME HAD SNAPPED IN TWO AND IT PULLED THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE OUT. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT ON A ROLL BACK AND TAKEN AWAY.ALSO DAMAGED WAS THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND ,MOLDING AROUND THE FENDER. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE WITH THIS VEHICLE MY FAMILY WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED THE WRECK. IT IS LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T GO OVER THE MOUNTAIN. I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE SUB FRAME TO BREAK AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. I SPOKE WITH THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT UNDER THE 2002 ESCAPE RECALL AND THAT THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIRE OR LARGE CRASH THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE SUB FRAME BREAKING. MY INSURANCE CARRIER HAS ALSO CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I ASKED THE LADY AT FORD IF SOMEONE HAD DIED IN THE WRECK WOULD I STILL BE TOLD THE SAME THING AND SHE REPLIED YES. ACCORDING TO FORD THEY CAN'T GIVE OUT TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO LEGAL DEPARTMENT OR ADDRESSES OR EMAIL ADDRESSES. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I COULD NOT SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT TRANSFER CALLS. I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE LADY I WAS SPEAKING TO BY ANOTHER LADY. GO FIGURE. I THINK THAT FORD IS LIABLE FOR THIS STRUCTURAL FAILURE AND NEEDS TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2015
FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE LATEST RECALL FIXED REGARDING THE RESERVOIR CAP. FORD COULDN'T GET THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO TURN OFF...SO, HENCE THE LIGHT STILL INTERMIDANTLY COMES ON AND OFF. ALSO, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN I START MY CAR AND WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN. I JUST HAD MY MECHANIC CHANGE THE OIL A WEEK AGO AND AND STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM. ONE LAST THING, THE AIR BAG ILLUMINATION LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO TURN OFF. AM I SAFE IN THINKING THAT MY AIR BAG WON'T DEPLOY JUST FOR THE HECK OF IT? NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? BUT IT SCARES ME.
Air bags, Jun 24, 2015
THE AIR BAG READINESS SYSTEM ON THE CAR IS TROUBLING. THE RED LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASH EITHER FLASHES, OR REMAINS ON. THE MANUAL SAYS THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN MY TOWN AND THEY SAY THEY WON'T PAY FOR IT. HAVE THERE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/ YEAR? SINCE IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WOULDN'T THE MANUFACTURER BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT?
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 24, 2015
DRIVING ABOUT 25MPH HEAR A LOUD CLUNCK LOST CONTROLL OF VEHICLE BREAK PEDLE TO THE FLOOR TRUCK STILL MOVING HAD TO USE ER BRAKE TO STOP. GOT OUT PASSANGER FRONT TIRE WAS TURNED COMPLETLY DIFF WAY, THE BALL BEARER WAS DETACHED, THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME IF I WAS ON FREEWAY! CALLED FORD THEY CONTINUED TO TELL ME THIS WASNT PART OF RECALL CALLED MEHCANIC SAID THE SUBFRAME SO RUSTED IT HAS COMPLETLY DETACHED FROM BALL BEARERS CAUSING TIRE TO BASICALLY FALL OFF. FORD WILL NOT FIX IT, GAVE ME EVERY OTHER ALTERNITIVE ON WHAT IT COULD BE. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE, FORD WONT HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOT TO LOOK AT IT AND ON TOP OF THAT WONT SEE IT FOR A WEEK IF I DO GET IT TOWED UP THERE! WHAT A MESS. ILL NEVER SHOP WITH THEM AGAIN. THEY WONT CARE UNTIL THIS KILLS SOMEONE.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE WHEEL DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT CORROSION FROM THE SUBFRAME CAUSED THE WHEEL BEARING TO DETACH AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, May 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 7/16/15*CN
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2015, crash
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED, HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HI, BECAUSE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, THE CRASH WAS NOT AS VIOLENT AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN. TWO OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SHOULDER INJURIES. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. *JB
Structure, May 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERBODY FRAMING AND THE CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INSTALLED A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT; HOWEVER, THE FRAME AND THE CROSS MEMBER WERE RUSTED AND NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Apr 20, 2015
RECEIVED NOTICE IN MAIL MY FORD WAS RECALLED DUE TO CORROSION RELATED SEPARATION OF FORWARD ATTACHMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM SUBFRAME. THIS WAS FIX WITH JUST REINFORCED CROSSBAR...AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC JUST RECENTLY CHECK MY VEH DUE TO STEERING AND FRONT END ISSUE I HAVE BEEN HAVING AND DISCOVERED THE AREA WHERE THE CROSSBAR HOLD ON TO IS RUSTED OFF..I CAN NOT DRIVE VEHICLE...THIS RUST THEY TELL ME WAS/OR WOULD HAVE BEEN NOTICE OF TIME CROSS BAR WAS INSTALL AND SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME THAT MORE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. PERHAPS CORRECT/REPLACE THE WHOLE THING...I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT FORDS REQUEST,,,THE DEALERSHIP DENIED DUE TO RECALL FIXED ACCORDING TO FORD. HAD I BEEN AWARE IF THIS RUST ISSUE AT TIME OF REPAIR I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DEAL WITH IT AND NOT BE AT RISK DRIVING ALL THESE PAST MONTHS.... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2015
ON 4/10/2014, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SLOWING...AS IF I WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I HAD TO USE THE BRAKE TO MAKE THE CAR SLOW DOWN. ON 4/12/2015, I WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND LET MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL TO COAST TO THE PARKING POSITION, WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND I ALMOST HIT OUR FENCE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2015
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE APPEARS TO HAVE GONE OUT. THE GAS PEDAL GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND THE ENGINE IS AT 6RPM'S. CALLED FORD AND EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD NEARLY 500K CARS RECALLED DURING THE EXACT YEAR MY CAR WAS BUILT THEY WILL NOT CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IN THE MEANTIME MY TWO CHILDREN WERE HURT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T ACCELERATOR ON TO THE HIGHWAY AND THEN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. FORDS SOLUTION WAS FOR ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP AND PAY THEM TO FIX MY VEHICLE, BUT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS JUST IN CASE THEY ARE "FORCED" TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY COSTS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WALKED OUTSIDE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS NOT TURNED ON AND THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE DEALER WAS TO INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE FOR THE UNINTENDED DETACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. A SHORT TIME AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANOTHER SERVICE, WHO NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 27, 2015
MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE HAS BEEN TO MULTIPLE DEALER SERVICE CENTERS AND MECHANICS TO TRY TO PINPOINT A BANGING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR POTHOLES AT LOWER SPEEDS. TO DATE I HAVE HAD TIE RODS, SWAY BARS, SWAY BAR LINKS, BALL JOINTS REPLACED AND ALL BODY MOUNTS, ENGINE MOUNTS, CONTROL ARMS, SHOCKS AND STRUTS ALL CHECKED AND ALL NUTS AND BOLTS TIGHTENED. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A MECHANIC TELL ME WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I KNOW MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE, HOWEVER I CANNOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE REPLACING PARTS IN HOPES THAT WE MIGHT FINALLY FIND THE CAUSE OF THE SOUND. I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHATEVER IT IS THAT IS FAILING BEFORE SOMEONE ENDS UP SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE ABS AND THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE OVER HEAD LIGHT IN THE VEHICLE ALSO INDEPENDENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,337.