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.
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Service brakes, Aug 30, 2013, fire
MY ESCAPE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN WE WENT TO GO TO TOWN AND IT WAS SMOKING THEN ON FIRE THIS WAS IN THE EVENING ABOUT 8 IF WE HADN'T GONE OUT WE WOULD HAVE HAD A HUGE FIRE WITCH COULD HAVE INVOLVED 3 OTHER CARS NOT TO MENTION OUR HOUSE WE LIVE IN RAMONA CA 92065 AND ITS FIRE SEASON WE ARE IN A RURAL AREA..
Engine, Aug 7, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM UNDER THE CARPORT AND FLAMES SURFACED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Child seat, Aug 7, 2013
CONCERN THAT ONLY ONE CONNECTOR STRAP LOCKS ON GRACO AFFX BOOSTER SEAT AFTER CONNECTOR CLIPS ARE ATTACHED TO LATCH BRACKETS. OTHER ONE DOES NOT LOCK IN SO SEAT CAN BE PULLED OUT ON ONE SIDE. CALLED GRACO A BIT AGO AND THEY SAID THIS IS "NORMAL" AND NOT A DESIGN FLAW. HOWEVER, INSTRUCTIONS SUGGEST PULLING ON STRAPS WILL HOLD SEAT IN TIGHT UNTIL RELEASE BUTTON IS PUSHED. I AM READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN ON-LINE REVIEWS AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO SAY THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM....WHICH SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A PROBLEM!. BOTTOM LINE: WITH ONE SIDE OF THIS SEAT NOT LOCKING TIGHT LIKE THE OTHER SIDE AND ABLE TO SLIDE LOOSE FROM FLUSH AGAINST THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE SEAT, IS THIS BOOSTER SEAT SAFE FOR MY CHILD TO USE, I.E., DOES IT RETAIN ALL ITS APPROVED CRASH SAFETY FEATURES WHETHER THE SEAT IS LOCKED IN TIGHT (AS SOME USERS APPEAR TO BE ABLE TO DO) OR SLIDES LOOSE ON ONE SIDE WITH SLIGHT PULLING, SUCH AS MAY OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT?? NOTE: COULDN'T FIND DESCRIPTION OF BOOSTER IN DROPDOWN LIST FURTHER ON. IS GRACO AFFIX BOOSTER, MODEL 1839168 (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=ESCAPE). *TR
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY, THE CAR TURNED ON ABS LIGHT ALL OF SUDDEN AND IN A LESS THAN A MINUTE THE CAR'S ELECTRICITY ALL SHUT OFF, ENGINES SHUT OFF, STEERING SHUT OFF, BRAKES SHUT OFF, RADIO SHUT OFF. I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY MORE THAN 6 TIMES, BUT BEFORE, IT WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, BUT THIS TIME, IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAPPENED WHILE PUTTING ON MY BREAKS, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS ONE OF THE RECALL PROBLEM THAT THE CAR STOPS WHILE DECELERATING. HOWEVER, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT RECALL WORKS HAVE BEEN ALREADY DONE ON THE CAR BEFORE IT HAPPENED. SO I SUSPECT THAT THE DEALER DID NOT FIGURE OUT THE MAIN REASON WHY THE CAR IS STOPPING WHILE DECELERATING OR JUST DIDN'T WORK ON THE RECALL AND LIED. *TR
Structure, Jun 20, 2013
WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HINGES BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW HANGING. ANALYZING WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED (WHICH WAS THE SAME PLACE ON EACH HINGE), THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED EVEN IF THERE WAS NO ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE SCREW INSIDE OF THE CAR HOLDING THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW WAS RUSTED, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE PARTS NOT MAKING A WATER TIGHT SEAL ON THE WINDOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDOW COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BROKEN COMPLETELY OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND/OR PERSONS THAT WERE FOLLOWING. THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE PART # IS 420A68. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Wheels, May 17, 2013
LOWER CONTROL ARM RIPPED OFF UNDER CRADLE & RIPPED PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OFF THE TRANSMISSION - THE WHEEL FELL OFF THE CAR. IT APPEARS UNDER CRADLE RUSTED FROM INSIDE. I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT OF THAT HAPPENING WHEN MY WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY, INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. *TR
Service brakes, May 16, 2013
HAD POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RE-CALIBRATED, RE-PROGRAMMED PCM, ABS MODULE CONNECTOR REPAIR AND INSPECTION, ABS RELAY INSTALLATION AND MASTER CYLINDER CAP REPLACED, ALL RE-CALLS. FIND OUT HCU HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT IS FAILING WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKES FAILING AND POSSIBLE DEATH FROM LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. THANK GOD THIS HASN'T HAPPENED BUT FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FIX THIS ISSUE WITH SO MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 14, 2013
THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH FORD ESCAPES. AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AREA. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW, AND ONE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THE FAILURE HAPPENS AT HIGH SPEED. I THINK THE FORD RANGER FRAMES WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR RUSTING ISSUE, PERHAPS THE TWO ARE RELATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PROMPT ATTENTION. *TR
Visibility, Apr 24, 2013
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE PARKED UNATTENDED IN A PARKING LOT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER HAD BEEN ON PRIOR TO INCIDENT. SECURITY CAMERAS REVEAL THEE WAS NO HUMAN TAMPERING PRIOR TO EXPLOSION.
Power train, Apr 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS RUSTED AND BECAME FRACTURED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2013
2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND BURNED OUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND THE INTAKE VALVES CRACKED AS WELL.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2013
TO START OFF THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE WHEN YOU PUSH THE CLUTCH IN IT DIES AND YOU LOOSE ALL POWER , ANOTHER IS THE BUSHING IN THE CONTROL ARM SLIPPED OUT OF THE ARM MOUNT SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT AND ANOTHER THAT JUST HAPPENED IS THE GAS TANK STRAP AND SUPPORT PAN BROKE AND PLASTIC GAS TANK HIT THE GROUND ON ONE END AND THE OTHER IS GRINDING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX ANYTHING CAUSE IT AIN'T CONSIDERED POWERTRAIN. *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2013
MY 2002 ESCAPE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL ISSUED A FEW YEARS BACK. THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED THE DEALER SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS BAD- $900 TO FIX IT!! THEY SAY IT IS NOT RELATED BECAUSE IT DIDN'T CATCH FIRE OR BURN UP/MELT THE WIRING HARNESS?? I HAVE TO WAIT FOR PARTS TO MELT OR CATCH FIRE BEFORE THEY WILL FIX THE PART IT PLUGS INTO?? EVERY VEHICLE WE HAVE PURCHASED NOW IN THE LAST 20 YEARS HAS BEEN A FORD. WE PAID OFF BOTH OUR FORDS AND WERE READY TO PURCHASE AND HAND DOWN THE ESCAPE TO MY 16 Y/O DAUGHTER.IT IS NOT SAFE! MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ALL SAFETY RELATED ON THIS VEHICLE. OUR F150 GOES IN FOR A FEW RECALLS AND SPARK PLUGS- A WHOPPING $500 TO CHANGE SPARK PLUGS BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE AND AN EXTRA HOUR OF LABOR FOR EACH ONE THAT BREAKS OFF...LOVELY! AT THE MERCY OF FORD AND ONCE AGAIN, TOTAL DISSATISFACTION AND DISAPPOINTMENT. NOW THEY COULD CARE LESS WHO GETS HURT,I'M NOT GOING TO RISK MY DAUGHTERS LIFE OR ANYONE'S FOR THAT MATTER. FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS. ALSO, IT SAYS 'MODIFIED ABS SYSTEM' IN RECALL WITH MASTER CYLINDER CAP (NOT EVEN REPAIRED SEE BELOW)NOW THEY WANT TO CHARGE IS $900 TO REPAIR. SOMEONE OR MANY WILL END UP INJURED OR WORSE! MY 2002 ESCAPE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL ISSUED A FEW YEARS BACK. THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM (NOT GOOD) WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED THE DEALER SAID THE ABS MODULE WAS BAD- $900 TO FIX IT!! THEY SAY IT IS NOT RELATED BECAUSE IT DIDN'T CATCH FIRE OR BURN UP/MELT THE WIRING HARNESS?? MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ALL SAFETY RELATED ON THIS VEHICLE THE NEWEST BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL IS THE MASTER CYLINDER FLUID CAP (DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE AND IT WAS NOT FIXED AND MY FLUID IS LEAKING ALL OVER THE PLACE. *TR
Air bags, Feb 21, 2013
I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SINCE JUNE 2002. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAGS BEFORE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. ALL OF A SUDDEN IN EARLY JANUARY 2013, I STARTED TO NOTICE MY CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD ILLUMINATE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD SINCE IT HAD NEVER DONE SO BEFORE AND I HAD NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS SO I DIDN'T REALLY THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND THOUGHT THE LIGHT WOULD JUST GO OFF. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO ON AND SO I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 15, 2003. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT BOTH OF THE PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS THAT CLIP TO THE WIRE HARNESS THAT MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WORK HAD HIGH RESISTANCE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT A FIX, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKED. THEY CLAIMED THAT OVER TIME WITH THE WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE, THIS WILL HAPPEN AND THE CLIPS WILL NO LONGER CLIP AS THEY SAID. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE OF A VEHICLE SUCH AS AIRBAGS WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU IN CASE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE THAT MIGHT WARRANT A MODEL RECALL IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE HE HAD TO DOWN SHIFT AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000. UPDATED 3/14/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. UPDATED 03/21/13
Structure, Feb 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Service brakes, Jan 31, 2013, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMALL HILL AND HAD A BLOW OUT THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER THE SIDE OF THE HILL.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 25, 2013
WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND THE TIRE FELL SIDEWAYS. CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND THE GARAGE CALLED AND SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LITTLE MILEAGE COULD RUST SO BAD. FORD SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR TRAVELING @ A HIGH SPEED AND THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATES YOU CAN HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND CAUSE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 18, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY MADE A CLUNKING SOUND THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OR MOVE IT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. I EXITED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND IT SEEMED FINE . I THEN WENT OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I FIGURED THAT I PROBABLY BROKE A TIE ROD. I CALLED AAA TO HAVE THE AUTO TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE TOW DRIVER ARRIVED HE TOOK A LOOK AT MY ESCAPE AND SAID THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT HAD SEPARATED IN TWO. BY DOING THAT MY WHEEL AXLE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. HIS OPINION WAS THAT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THIS HAD HAPPENED IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AUTO COLLISION AND MAYBE EVEN CAUSING MY ESCAPE TO ROLL OVER. THIS TO ME SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBFRAME AND I AM VERY FORTUNATE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE AND EVEN DEATH TO INNOCENT PEOPLE. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE BRAKE RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2012
AGAIN I OWN THREE OF THESE VEHICLES AND WHILE PUMPING GAS MY FUEL TANK STRAPS ROTTED OUT, SAME AS THE OTHER TWO. AGAIN DEALER WILL NOT WARRANTY AND THEY WON'T HELP ESPECIALLY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ALL THREE VEHICLES. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 5, 2012
I OWN THREE FORD ESCAPES AND ON THIS VEHICLE I'VE HAD THE RIGHT FRONT ABS RING SNAP SAME AS ALL THE OTHERS WITH NO WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 162,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 19, 2012
THE VEHICLE, AFTER BEING TURNED OFF, WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON, AND THE GEAR INDICATOR SQUARE THAT SURROUNDS THE ENGAGED GEAR WAS MULTIPLYING, FLASHING AND "DANCING" FROM GEAR TO GEAR. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME EXACTLY ONE WEEK LATER, AND THIS TIME THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED. AFTER QUITE SOME TIME ONCE THE KEY WAS REMOVED AND THE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE FLASHING INTERIOR LIGHTS CEASED AND WOULD ONLY CONTINUE AGAIN ONCE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. THOUGH REMOVING THE KEY CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO STOP FLASHING, EVEN ONCE THE KEY WAS REMOVED, THE INDICATOR SQUARE CONTINUED THE BEHAVIOR. PERIODICALLY DURING OPERATION THE LIGHTS STRENGTHEN IN AND OUT WHEN IDLING. *TR