2002 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA has received 1,397 complaints about the 2002 Ford Escape, and 24% of them involve engine. Next are brakes (15%) and electrical system (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 1,397 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 24% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 96 and 147
- Injuries and deaths
- 57 and 3
- Typical mileage
- 89,000 miles 889 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 115 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 107 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 83 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 82 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 108 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 98 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 99 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 63 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 59 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 40 |
| 200k+ miles | 35 |
What the data shows
Of the 889 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 89,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 66,000 miles (152 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 96 complaints mention a crash; 147 complaints mention a fire; 57 injuries reported; 3 deaths reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2002 ranks 11th most-complained-about out of 25 model years of the Ford Escape with enough data (708 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 8 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Attorney for driver's family and media reports indicate that the vehicle was being driven immediately after purchase in the phoenix / mesa area along arizona state route 87 towards payson. The final approach to payson involves a prolonged upward grade, which would have required heavy accelerator use by the driver. Along the way, the driver was unable to disengage the accelerator or otherwise bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
[xxx] was driving her 2002 ford escape when, while accelerating up a hill, the speed control throttle guide rotated up into the appearance cover and became latched in a rib. This resulted in a wide open throttle, and [xxx] was unable to slow or stop the car. The brakes then overheated and failed, and she sped through town until she swerved to avoid another car and crashed. Her car rolled several times, and [xxx]was killed.
When driving at any speed the vehicle stalls. There are times when trying to start the vehicle takes at least seven minutes. This vehicle has been to the dealer three times, and is at the dealers at this time.
Had been having a problem with a loud squeaking noise coming from the steering column when turning; checked the NHTSA service bulletins and found a bulletin from june 1, 2003 noting this same problem; check engine light was also on again; I made an appt at dealer to check out these issues (4/7/04). Took vehicle in on 4/9/04.