CarModelProblems.com

2002 Ford Escape Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline — runs 2.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
1,027Complaints
10Recalls
66Crashes
104Fires
42Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline (13.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline complaints here are 2.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

5 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 1 rests on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline135 · 13.1%RecalledRecall 12V353000
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine76 · 7.4%RecalledRecall 12V353000
Vehicle Speed Control74 · 7.2%RecalledRecall 04V574000
Electrical System66 · 6.4%No official action
Engine And Engine Cooling63 · 6.1%RecalledRecall 12V353000
Suspension62 · 6%RecalledRecall 15E045000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION62 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC60 · 5.8%
AIR BAGS51 · 5%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION44 · 4.3%
SERVICE BRAKES41 · 4%

Percentages are the share of the 1,027 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 10 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 2015 · reported 09/29/2015

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:frame And Members

NHTSA campaign 14V165000 · 2014 · reported 04/02/2014

A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V353000 · 2012 · reported 07/26/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 12V005000 · 2012 · reported 01/09/2012

CORROSION CAN DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING TO MELTING, SMOKE OR A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 07V156000 · 2007 · reported 04/10/2007

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

NHTSA campaign 04V574000 · 2004 · reported 12/07/2004

AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

NHTSA campaign 07E023000 · 2007 · reported 03/29/2007

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 04V602000 · 2004 · reported 12/20/2004

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 04V165000 · 2004 · reported 04/06/2004

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE WILL STALL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.”NHTSA complaint 8014197 — filed 07/18/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
“THE CAR HAD STALLED TWICE ONCE AT 65, ONCE AT 40. NO POWER BAKES, NO POWER STEERING. ENGINUE HAS STOPPED FOR NO REASON. DANGEROUS ON…”NHTSA complaint 764410 — filed 07/18/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
“VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED PCM RELAY AT 1,475 MILES. VEHICLE STILL STALLING WHEN FOOT IS OFF OF GAS AND GOING DOWNHILL OR ON…”NHTSA complaint 8013952 — filed 07/15/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

11120125184201471342016323320181882020842022112024132026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Escape?

Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline issues are the most-reported category, cited in 135 of 1,027 NHTSA complaints (13.1%), followed by engine and engine cooling:engine (76), vehicle speed control (74), electrical system (66). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2002 Ford Escape have?

1,027 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 66 involved a crash, 104 involved a fire, and 42 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2002 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V606000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Ford Escape's reported problems?

5 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.