Ford · Escape · 2002
10
Recalls
1,027
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2002 Ford Escape has 10 recalls and 1,027 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: engine and engine cooling (231 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2002 Ford Escape has 10 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 1,027 owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Ford Escape.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2002 Ford Escape.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2002 Ford Escape are engine and engine cooling (231 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (96 reports), power train (67 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 10 recalls on record for the 2002 Ford Escape. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.