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2002 Ford Escort Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Ford Escort, most often about the engine (33% of complaints, typically around 41,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Escort model year since 2000.

Complaints33
Recalls0
Crashes reported4
Fires reported1
Injuries reported9

Most common 2002 Ford Escort problems

  1. Engine

    11 complaints · 33%

    Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.

    Car has a hesitation when accelerating under load. This is most noticable when the car is warm and especially when using the air conditioning. Automobile was taken to a general mechanic and they were unable to find the cause of the problem. On this date, vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer indicated that…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 40,000 miles
    No warning light when oil pump failed. This non-action LED to my entire engine needing to be repaired. Mileage was at apx. 45,000. Warranty ran out, must pay on my own. I feel that Ford should have some responsibility with this since my warning light did not inform me of the problem.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 42,000 miles

  2. Wheels and tires

    5 complaints · 15%

    Parts named most often: rim, bead, tread/belt.

    Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Escort. The contact purchased two bridgestone potenza g009 (na) summer tires (size 205/40/r17) on may 12, 2007. One of the tires exploded as the contact's wife was driving 25 MPH. The tread separated from the tire and the sidewalls separated from the beads. Bridgestone stated that she must…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 97,000 miles
    12/01/05, 03/08/07.11/19/07 had to replace tie-rod ion my 2002 Ford Escort. Noticed thumping, took to mechanic. He said had I not brought it in, there could have been very serious consequences. This frequency of these incidents seems to indicate a serious and dangerous defect in this car.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 56,200 miles

  3. Transmission

    5 complaints · 15%

    Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, driveline.

    When driving at any speed, the vehicle let off a howling noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer stated the front axle prematurely failed. The left wheel bearing on the front went out prematurely, per mechanic.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 15,900 miles
    : the contact stated while having routine tire maintenance done at a garage, the mechanic determined the rear spring was fractured. The contact did not have any problems with the vehicle. Updated 11/21/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacture but they did not respond. The vehicle would not shift from park. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 47,000 miles

  4. Brakes

    4 complaints · 12%

    Parts named most often: foundation components, pedals and linkages.

    Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Escort. Whenever the brakes were applied, the contact would hear a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the front rotors and pads. The current and failure mileages were 7,367.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 7,367 miles
    The contact owned a 2002 Ford Escort. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. The driver of the contact's vehicle and four occupants in the other vehicle were injured. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The air bags deployed on impact. Prior to the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 144,000 miles

  5. Suspension

    4 complaints · 12%

    Parts named most often: rear, front.

    When driving at any speed, the vehicle let off a howling noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer stated the front axle prematurely failed. The left wheel bearing on the front went out prematurely, per mechanic.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 15,900 miles
    : the contact stated while having routine tire maintenance done at a garage, the mechanic determined the rear spring was fractured. The contact did not have any problems with the vehicle. Updated 11/21/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacture but they did not respond. The vehicle would not shift from park. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 47,000 miles

  6. Steering

    3 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: column locking.

    We have a 2002 Escort zx2 . The car was bought february 2002 . I have had some real problems with the tie -rods having to be replaced. But the problem now is the wiring to the tail lights. We have had a few problems with the fuse blowing and we replace it , then the light bulbs blow then we replace them . We had a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 116,402 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2002 Ford Escort recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2002 Ford Escort

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Escort?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (11 complaints, typically around 41,000 miles); wheels and tires (5 complaints); transmission (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Ford Escort. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2002 a bad year for the Ford Escort?
It is the 3rd most complained-about Escort model year since 2000, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Ford Escort years

Ford Escort problems by year