Your vehicle report
2002 Ford Escape
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 1,027
- Received Oct 2001 to Apr 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Engine suddenly shuts off while driving175 complaints · 17% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Vehicle catches fire from wiring84 complaints · 8.2% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Frame rusts and corrodes through52 complaints · 5.1% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #15V606000Ford 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.
- Recall #14V165000Ford 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.
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
No problems currently meet BrakeNews’s flagging criteria. This is not a safety rating.
How flags are identifiedComplaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 66 crashes, 104 fires, 42 people injured, 2 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 20 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
Driver assistance
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 16 |
| 2002 | 183 |
| 2003 | 123 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 57 |
| 2006 | 46 |
| 2007 | 47 |
| 2008 | 35 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2011 | 44 |
| 2012 | 85 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 (to Oct 2026) | 1 |
| Total | 1,027 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine suddenly shuts off while driving | 175 | 17% | – | NHTSA recall #04V165000 |
| Vehicle catches fire from wiring | 84 | 8.2% | – | |
| Frame rusts and corrodes through | 52 | 5.1% | – | NHTSA recall #14V165000 |
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 47 | 4.6% | – | NHTSA recall #04V574000, #12V353000 |
| Airbag warning light stays on | 39 | 3.8% | – | |
| Anti-lock brakes fail or lock up | 33 | 3.2% | – | NHTSA recall #07V156000, #12V005000 |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 32 | 3.1% | – | |
| Airbags fail to deploy in crashes | 25 | 2.4% | – | |
| Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips | 22 | 2.1% | – | NHTSA recall #15V606000 |
| Brake pedal sinks due to leaking lines | 21 | 2.0% | – | |
| Ford Escape engine overheats from coolant intrusion | 20 | 1.9% | – | |
| Steering wheel seizes or locks suddenly | 19 | 1.8% | – | |
| Glass shatters or cracks without impact | 15 | 1.5% | – | |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 15 | 1.5% | – | |
| Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline | 14 | 1.4% | – | |
| Suspension clunking or rattling noise over bumps | 14 | 1.4% | – | |
| Seat belt fails to latch or retract | 12 | 1.2% | – | |
| Power steering cuts out while driving | 11 | 1.1% | – | |
| Front brake rotors warp and wear early | 11 | 1.1% | – | |
| Check engine light comes on repeatedly | 10 | 1.0% | – |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #15V606000September 29, 201557 vehicles affected
power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl); power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #14V165000April 2, 2014348,950 vehicles affected
structure: frame and members
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #12V353000July 26, 2012529,719 vehicles affected
engine and engine cooling; vehicle speed control: cables
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #12V005000January 9, 2012244,530 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #07V156000April 10, 2007446,460 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #04V602000December 20, 2004262,113 vehicles affected
latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
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.
Remedy
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.
NHTSA recall #04V574000December 7, 2004470,245 vehicles affected
vehicle speed control: cables
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 10, 2005. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA recall #04V165000April 6, 2004321,903 vehicles affected
power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
Remedy
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.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2002 Ford Escape.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN