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2002 Ford Escape Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Ford Escape has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Door and liftgate latch failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Ford Escape.

Reported to NHTSA

Door and liftgate latch failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2018-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CURRIE MOTORS FORD OF VALPO, 2052 W MORTHLAND DR., VALPARAISO, IN 46385, (219) 464-3523), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102674
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552273
“THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO AN INTERNET SEARCH. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND MY CAR WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION UNLESS IT IS FIXED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10574155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank strap and shield corrosion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2018-09

“FUEL GAS TANK STRAPS ROTTED OUT CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO FALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11127979
“METAL TRAY SUPPORTING THE FUEL TANK HAS RUSTED. BRACKETS SUPPORTING THE TRAY HAVE RUSTED AND FALLEN OFF EXPOSING THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10887914
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHIELD WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO BE EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609298

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Subframe and lower control arm corrosion

SUSPENSION

58 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2023-01

“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and started drifting to the left. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a rusted subframe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503115
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE AND CAUSED THE ALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MALFUNCTION. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906926
“MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE UNKNOWN NOISES WHEN DRIVING, AND STEERING CONTROL BECAME VERY LOOSE. I PROMPTLY TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THE SUBFRAME WAS SO BADLY ROTTED THAT THE PASSENGER WHEEL CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND CAN NOT BE REATTACHED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10547293

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck throttle

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

24 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2018-06

“BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, PUT INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR THROTTLED AND ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALED. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10610777
“I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. I WENT TO TAKE MY EXIT AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AT ALL. IT KEPT ACCELERATING ALL THE WAY UP TO 90MPH. I TAPPED THE BRAKES BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10555830
“VEHICLE IDLES FAST IN PARK AND ACCELERATES QUICKLY WHILE DRIVING AND REMAINS IN HIGH CONSTANT ACCELERATION MODE. BUCKS FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING POTENTIAL VEHICLE IMPACT WHILE BEHIND STOPPED TRAFFIC, PARKING OR TRAILING OTHER VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011150

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire after brake system failure

SERVICE BRAKES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2022-05

“NEIGHBOR WOKE ME SAYING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. CAR WASN'T ON, THE KEY WAS NOT IN, AND IT HAD SAT OVERNIGHT. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE PUT OUT. CAR IS TOTALED BECAUSE THE FIREMEN HAD TO BREAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ENGINE AREA BURNED WITH NOTHING BUT METAL VISIBLE AND A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10660158
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10679391
“ARRIVED HOME, PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AND SHORTLY AFTER MY WIFE TOOK OUR PUPPY OUTSIDE AND SAW MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES AND SPARKS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FIREWALL AREA, CALLED FIRE DEPT AFTER MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10551228

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2021-06

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. IT CONTINUES TO STAY ON AND BEEPS FIVE TIMES REPEATING FIVE TIMES. THIS OCCURS DURING START UP OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT ALSO OCCURS ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER CONTINUOUS DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021164
“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES; CABLE COUPLING UNDER PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT WHICH TRIGGERS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN ALL WEATHER AND DRIVING CONDITIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019333
“THE CABLE CONNECTIONS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IS FAULTY CAUSING THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT TO COME ON OCCASIONALLY INDICATING THAT THE CONNECTIONS ARE LOSE. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10636962

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

231 crashes 1990–2024

How the 231 occupant deaths break down

155

driver deaths

72

passenger deaths

4

not recorded by seat

231

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

68

complaints mentioning a crash

108

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Ford Escape reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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