- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Ford Escape Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1,070 complaints about the 2002 Ford Escape with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (332) and the brakes (198). Those complaints describe 68 crashes, 108 fires, 45 injuries and 2 deaths. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in September 2015 for the floor shift. For comparison, the 2001 has 1,027 and the 2003 has 598.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Escape year, for its age
#6 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1,070
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 68
- Fires
- 108
- Injuries
- 45
- Deaths
- 2
Most common 2002 Ford Escape problems
Share of all 1,070 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Ford Escape recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles built with 3.0L v6 engines, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
- The risk
- An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 10, 2005. Owners should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
- The risk
- Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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1,070 complaints about the 2002 Ford Escape
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 43.
I bought a vehicle that has recalls on it. I contacted a dealer. Im told the car is to old to fix the recalled abs relay. Now I have a vehicle thats on the road a fire hazard. The ford dealership have left me my with and kids and grand kids in danger
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifted in park(P), the key failed to release while the engine was running. The contact drove to a local O'Reilly's where one of the employees was able to remove the key from the ignition. The failure had gotten progressively worse. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the ignition lock cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
I have had to replace my engine/transmission several times and the problem keeps repeating itself. The engine will just die for no reason which is an extremely severe safety risk.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and started drifting to the left. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a rusted subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing forcefully on the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal got stuck. The contact was unable to disengage the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he did not attempt to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact shifted the ignition to off to stop the vehicle. The contact was unable to move the vehicle safely out of the road. The contact stated a bystander...
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called the police department to assist with traffic. A police report was filed. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and disengaged the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle was manufactured 04/2002 recalls state that from oct99 to jan04 multiple states had issues with rusting with suspension causing the car to crash. My vehicle was made in one of the states and has alot of underbody rusting. Back hatch latch gets stuck often and will not open. Drums on the back are sticking causing the vehicle to drag at take off, abs had a recall ford dealer "fixed" the issue abs light stays on. Radiator light stays on constantly even though fluids are at correct level radiator is not...
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damaged. Battery light constantly stays on as well brand new battery and alternator wire are connected free of corrosion. Interior lights caught on fire and melted the plastic housing so I had to take out the small bulbs. Everything is available for inspection if needed.abs was looked at by Ford dealer and "fixed" but problem is still there. Problems have not been inspected by anyone other than the abs, no warnings at all. Events happened at different times during the time I got the vehicle. 2022 Jan
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer, he was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number 14V165000 (Structure) however, the remedy failed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
The passenger side flashes with the Air bag symbol and has the seat belt too. Sometimes the symbol just stays on the dash board.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the suspension of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the control arm needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced in 2014 under NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (Structure) however, the failure still occurred. The...
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manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist and that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed that there was water in the fuse box. The contact called friendly ford (2800 n telegraph rd, monroe, mi 48162, (734) 243-6000) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,002.
Vehicle was in motion on the highway when heard a loud bang when hitting a bump. Steering became almost impossible but was able to safely get off the highway and to a shop. Upon inspection, the sub-frame on the passenger side had broken and was hanging 6 inches lower than it should. Upon calling ford, I was told the vehicle had already been serviced for the recall for the rotting, witch I questioned and got non answers and was told they could do nothing for me, even though there was a recall on the sub-frame for the exact issue I am currently experiancing.
Gears is hard to shift to the right gear and lights went out early like a drain in electrical and my stearing is becoming hard to turn on streets and out my drive way
When I drive, there is a loud almost like grinding noise. It started making that noise, four days after I bought it. As soon as I heard the noise, I immediately pulled off the road, called and had a flatbed come pick my vehicle up too take it back home. Iv replaced the front driver side cv axle. I took it on a short ride. It still makes that news. I've been trying too find any information I can, see if can figure out what's going on. I'm having no luck.
Breaks make scrap sound like metal grinding and it's hard to break I almost have to push the breaks all the way down and you feel it in the peddle if you drive around 40 mph and go to put on the breaks the scraping sound happens and sometimes the peddle try's to lock up. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns 2002 ford escape. The contact stated while reversing of the parking lot, the passenger's side wheel turned into the wheel well. The contact turned off the vehicle after hearing an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to contact residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to nhtsa campaign number 14v165000 (structure). The vehicle was towed to ford country (280 n gibson rd, henderson, nv 89014) where it was diagnosed and it was...
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stated that the parts to fix the vehicle was the same parts of the recall. The dealer stated that due to the mileage and age of recall the repair was declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,158.
My car jerks, and swerves because of the lower control arm on the drivers side. It and the subralframe are messed up. It will cost me too much money to fix and no one wants to touch it. I dont want to sell it to anyone be cause of the safety of the vehicle. It jerks at low speeds and gets worse at high speeds.
I had just purchased used a 2002 ford escape nov 27 2019 deciding to take the kids and go to grocery store that I did but on the way home the vehicles steering locked up when I realised it I mashed the brakes they wouldnt work so I slamed it in park there were no dash warning lights it lost all power we skirted to side sliding but safe the suv cranked right back up as nothing happend but cut off a couple more times but I was at a stop sign the last two times and it cranked up no problem every time I havent looked at the veh but theres was a vibration after that dont know if it broke something in motor or not
On 12/20/2013 I had the lower control arms replaced, and had to pay 1,279.79. In april 2014 you announced a recall for this same item. For some treason you excluded my car. Considering my car required the exact item replaced only 4 months prior, I am requesting to be reimbursed for the cost of that repair. Also a complaint I have is the warning light for the airbag will not go out. A defect that does not seem repairable. In light of the airbag recall I am concerned I am sitting in front of a loaded gun. I will keep this complaint where my family can find it and respond accordingly if something happens to me after you have been notified of this complaint
While in motion, the lower control arm separated from the subframe due to corrosion. I lost steering but was able to skid to the shoulder. The same issue as recall 14s02 but my vehicle was not included.
The mounts that the engine sits on rusted away, causing the engine to drop onto the steering system while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. The contact stated that on four separate occasions, the front driver's side lower control arm loosened and needed to be torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired several years ago per nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure); however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed a state inspection due to the failure listed in the recall. The dealer was not contacted; however, the manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 234,074.
IT'S DIFFICULT TO STEER OR KEEP STRAIGHT
My vehicle will randomly lock up and when I start it and try to move it into drive or reverse from park. And when I try to turn off my vehicle so that I can restart it my vehicle won't evem attempt to turn over or start but my electrical will still work just fine
Frame rusted out. Ford has taken over 2 weeks to attempt to fix. I'm having to rely on friends and family for a ride. No communication within dealer and customer
Rusted subframe- while getting an oil change I was told that the subframe was so rusted that the vehicle could not be placed on a lift. The mechanic said it was the worst he had ever seen and the car was unsafe to drive
Ford Escape: every year compared
All Escape years2002 Ford Escape vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Escape | 1,070 | 10 | D | |
| 2002 Toyota RAV4 | 555 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Kia Sportage | 237 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Subaru Forester | 92 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2002 Honda CR-V | 0 | 16 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 3,613 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport | 3,613 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 3,613 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford F-150 | 955 | 10 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Ford Escape
Does the 2002 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2002 Ford Escape: floor shift (September 2015); wheel bearing (June 2015); frame and members (April 2014); engine and engine cooling (July 2012) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Escape?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (332), brakes (198), electrical system (125).
How many complaints has the 2002 Ford Escape had?
1,070 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 10, 2001 and the latest on April 18, 2026. Of these, 68 describe a crash and 108 a fire, and together they report 45 injuries and 2 deaths.
Is the 2002 Ford Escape a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 31 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford Escape year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Escape years have the most complaints?
2013 (2,757), 2017 (2,708), 2008 (2,417). See every Ford Escape year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Ford Escape has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data