2002 Ford Escape Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 294 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2002 Ford Escape, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 32,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “steering brakes” (9% of reports).
- 294engine and engine cooling complaints
- 32,000median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 15%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering brakes: mentioned in 27 of 294 complaints (9%)
- Engine stalled: mentioned in 20 of 294 complaints (7%)
- Consumer states: mentioned in 18 of 294 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 124 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 294 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 31 a fire, 1 an injury.
Ford Escape engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 4 | 15% | 5,000 |
| 2024 Escape | 1 | 1% | 4,500 |
| 2023 Escape | 4 | 4% | 4,200 |
| 2022 Escape | 6 | 3% | 49,100 |
| 2021 Escape | 3 | 1% | 37,350 |
| 2020 Escape | 12 | 1% | 85,000 |
| 2019 Escape | 94 | 16% | 81,000 |
| 2018 Escape | 344 | 19% | 89,300 |
| 2017 Escape | 509 | 19% | 82,116 |
| 2016 Escape | 57 | 5% | 95,500 |
| 2015 Escape | 44 | 4% | 114,000 |
| 2014 Escape | 187 | 9% | 100,000 |
| 2013 Escape | 175 | 6% | 105,000 |
| 2012 Escape | 6 | 1% | 23,186 |
| 2011 Escape | 17 | 1% | 44,500 |
| 2010 Escape | 35 | 2% | 49,012 |
| 2009 Escape | 37 | 2% | 55,000 |
| 2008 Escape | 38 | 2% | 42,000 |
| 2007 Escape | 6 | 2% | 61,500 |
| 2006 Escape | 21 | 5% | 45,000 |
| 2005 Escape | 90 | 6% | 89,362 |
| 2004 Escape | 18 | 4% | 96,000 |
| 2003 Escape | 47 | 8% | 53,357 |
| 2002 Escape | 294 | 29% | 32,000 |
| 2001 Escape | 282 | 28% | 41,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 ford escape. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire while parked in her driveway. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The fire department stated that the master brake cylinder and the cruise control cables were melted. The vehicle was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. While driving 10 mph, the steering wheel shook without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (blackwell ford, 41001 plymouth rd, plymouth, mi) where it was diagnosed that the cross frame, lower control arm, and exhaust needed to be replaced. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. The contact stated that exhaust fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle. When the heater and air conditioner were activated, the amount of exhaust fumes increased. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to identify the cause of…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Ford Escapes have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 294 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the 2002 Ford Escape (29% of the 1,027 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Ford Escape engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems start?
The median reported mileage is 32,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2002 Ford Escape?
The most frequent phrase is “steering brakes”, in 27 of 294 complaints, followed by “engine stalled” (20).
Other 2002 Ford Escape problems
See all 2002 Ford Escape problems or engine and engine cooling problems across all Escape years.