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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,116 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Ford Escape transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Apr 172012

Escape

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V165000 (power train). While driving in reverse, the vehicle lost power and stalled. When driving in hot weather or after a certain amount of time, the vehicle would stall in the middle of traffic. A mechanic stated that the PCM/tcm power train need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #20

Feb 032005

Escape

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 20-30 mph on normal road conditions, the engine stalled without warning. Immediately, the contact shifted into neutral and restarted the engine. The vehicle was able to resume normal operation. The check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The failures occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the failures could not be duplicated. On two separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for identical failures, but there were no resolutions. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V165000 (power train; automatic transmission; control module), although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 70,000.

- Boynton Beach , FL, USA

problem #19

Jun 012007

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle would loose power when at a stop. In addition, she was unable to depress the brakes unless the idle was low. The dealer replaced the alternator and the battery on two occasions; however, the failure continued to occur. There is a recall for the power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (NHTSA campaign id # 04V165000) however, the manufacturer stated her VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 107,447.

- Dry Creek, LA, USA

problem #18

Nov 052006

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled completely, however was able to be restarted immediately. The vehicle had previously been taken to a private repair shop for the same issue, where the mechanic determined that the transmission control module may have been faulty. The work for NHTSA recall #04V165000, pertaining to the automatic transmission control module had previously been performed, but since then the problem persisted and became progressively worse.

- River Ridge, LA, USA

problem #17

Oct 162006

Escape 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles
: the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. It was maneuvered off the road and restarted however, the vehicle would not accelerate past 20 mph and stalled again when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the PCM, six ignition coils and six spark plugs needed to be replaced.

- East Hanover, NJ, USA

problem #16

Jul 282006

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles
: the contact stated the vehicle stalled numerous times while traveling at various speeds. On 08/24/06, the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined that the automatic transmission module was not operating correctly. There was a NHTSA recall, #04V165000, regarding the power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (tcm, PCM). The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #15

Jul 252006

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

For the past 3 months, while decelerating to stop, my vehicle will cut off, also occurring when I decelerate in busy traffic. On one instance while pulling across a highway, my vehicle stalled and I was almost hit in the side by an oncoming car because I could not get the car started again.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #14

Aug 242005

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,400 miles
My 2002 Ford Escape with 52000 miles on it was great until last week when it stalled in the middle of a busy road with no shoulder late at night. I had to have it towed to the dealer where they told me that I needed a new battery because it was leaking acid (huh?) and that they would kindly put in the two recall parts one of which might be causing the problem (PCM I believe). The strange thing was about two hours after I had stalled I could start the car again fine but I figured they would still want to see it since it could be a dangerous situation. However, they did not find anything wrong with the car and sent me on my way. Then last night my car wouldn't start...sounds were very similar to the time before only this time I wasn't driving I was in a parking garage. So I gave up and called a friend and decided to have it towed in the morning when the dealer was open. Only in the morning my car started fine again. I drove to the dealer anyway though because this was not very safe and figured they would want to look it over. Problem. They said they can't do anything unless the problem is actually occuring so I would have to wait until it happens again. This didn't sit well with me so I called Ford and they said the same thing. Then I went online and did a search and it seems I am not the only one with this problem but no one seems to have an answer. I am nervous because I sometime drive on busy highways and if it stalls I might end up in a crash but Ford didn't seem to care about this scenario. I am at a loss and want a better answer then wait until it happens again but I thought I should file a complaint in case others are having the same problem and to warn other drivers about following too close to a Ford Escape.

- Reston, VA, USA

problem #13

Jul 202005

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
My 2002 Ford Escape has had too many problems since I have owned it. I purchased the vehcile used in March of 2005 with 23K miles. It now has 30K. Please note it is still under warranty, however I feel the vehcile is riddled with problems to date: The cd4E automatic transmission was replaced at 4500 miules by the previous owner(performed by Ford) along with the front wheel bearings and retainer rings. Since I have owned the vehicle: 1. the vehcile stalled while driving along. The PCM was re-flashed by Ford, however it still feels like it will stall at certain times. 2. the thermostat housing leaked antifreeze and took three trips to the dealer to fix it. 3. the accerlerator cable was replaced under recall. 4. the rear glass rattles as the latch looks worns out already. 5. the engine had valve train noise and the camshaft retainers were replaced 6. the engine leaked oil due to the dealers faulty repair 7. the fan assembly/blower motor bearings have failed and a new part is on order. I am very upset and disapointed in the quality of this vehicle and I question it as I have no confidence it it.

- Fall , MA, USA

problem #12

Jul 062005

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. He states that the dealership was refusing to do the recall repair. He has contact the Ford manufacturer and they told him he would have to take this matter up with the dealership. The NHTSA campaign id number is 04V165000. The recall was because the car would decelerate rapidly. The dealership that he is having the problems with dublin Ford dublin, ca.

- Danville, CA, USA

problem #11

Apr 092002

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. Dealer found the following problems: Noise was coming from the upper steering column because the wiring for the horn was pulled out and rubbing on the contact plate; additional noise found at lower end of steering column dealer deactivated the airbag system to remove and replace the steering wheel and contact; also found that they had to replace the steering column boot, which had to be ordered at the same time, a recall was issued for this vehicle regarding the power train control module; dealer performed the recall vehicle was in the shop from 4/9 - 4/14 and dealer had to pay for a rental car steering column boot was ordered and I had to take the vehicle back into the dealer on 4/23/04 to have them install it. After leaving the dealer on the 23rd, I realized that my horn, cruise control and left brake light were all inoperable, so I took the vehicle back into the dealer on 4/26/04. Dealer found that the clock spring was not making contact, so they had to deactivate the airbag again to remove the steering wheel and replace the clock spring; for the rear brake light, the dealer had to replace the bulb element vehicle was in the dealer for two days and they had to pay for a rental car for me again,

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #10

Jul 172004

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles
Intermittent problem. Vehicle will start but will not idle. Will stall unless gas is applied at all times. Will stall if decelerating. First time problem occurred, power relay search was addressed. Then PCM recall was applied, and problem happened again. Now dealer says air bypass valve needs to be replaced. Car has 42,000 miles on it.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #9

May 172004

(reported on)

Escape 6-cyl

  • miles
Recall notice for 2002 Ford Escape arrived a month too late. The consumer sold the vehicle a month before the recall notice arrived. The vehicle began stalling prior to recall notice 04S13 or 04V-165000. Prior to the recall the vehicle was taken to the dealer to alleviate the problem. The dealer suggested a gas treatment system for the fuel injection, but the stalling persisted. The consumer request compensation for the treatment, time lost and stress Ford put her through with the Escape.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

problem #8

Nov 102003

(reported on)

Escape

  • miles
Vehicle stalled and lost power while driving between 40-45 mph. Vehicle has almost been rear ended 4 times. Dealership made three attempts to correct the problem by updating the iac valve, and reprogramming the PCM.

- North Royalton, OH, USA

problem #7

May 302002

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
I have had multiple problems from first day I bought the truck starting with all my cd's getting jammed one at a time ejecting from my 6xcd indash changer I also then proceeded to have trouble with starting the truck in cold or hot weather or even humid weather proceeding with constant break noises from first week whick multiple times its been worked on but no luck fixing also now left drivers side headlight casing started presenting a bad seal in headlight which in return caused me to have to replace set of headlights with installation for 90 dollars also my sunroof is sticking when you go to shut it and hoding down button and out of all these defects you think it wouldnt be enough to deal with trying to get fixed when you work two full time jobs and had no transportation for work and yet Ford dealership did not want to assist me in any way with rental for their defects of vehicle leaving me stuck with no transportation for work due to relocating to dallas then atlanta and not knowing anyone whom could help me with getting to employment and home locations but to top it off my 2002 Ford Escape XLT is also having a problem with leather seats wearing extremly bad yet I try to keep them as clean and repliished as possible but yet seats are of poor quality which also the leather stearing wheel is fading with spots of darker and lighter leather wrapping and same for the dash and radio controls, all are fading with dark and lighter black spots all over yet I keep my truck spotless and I take extreme care of it for my vehicle is my baby but seems to be with Ford im going to be forced to find something else with all the safety issues of the engine stalling not starting and not being able to shift in gear and forcing the vehicle ignition to be swutched off and then back on to start back up (if it will start the next time)

- Abilene, TX, USA

problem #6

Apr 022003

(reported on)

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
The engine stalled without warning. The dealer reprogrammed the PCM.

- Merriam, KS, USA

problem #5

Aug 022002

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle stalled twice at 40 mph. Dealer replaced PCM sensor and reprogrammed computer.

- Mason, OH, USA

problem #4

Jan 092002

Escape 4WD

  • miles
Bought vehicle 11/1/2001. The first time, 1/9/2002 with only 1547 miles, let off of gas, coasting down hill, approx 40 mph, car died, lost power steering and brakes. After coasting to a stop, car restarted. Dealer replaced powertrain control module relay. 2nd time, on 5/3/2002, with 3949 miles, similar conditions, car died, lost power steering and brakes, car restarted after coasting to a stop. Dealer changed the fuel mixture in the computer. I have serious doubts that this has fixed the problem.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

problem #3

Jan 292002

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle stalled at 35-40 mph. Dealer replaced ecc power relay. Mileage was 5162 miles. Vehicle stalled again at same speed on 15 April 2002, dealer reprogrammed tcm.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #2

Mar 262002

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle stalled causing the steering wheel to lock up and the system to shut down, after the vehicle sat for 30 min the vehicle could be restarted, the dealer has been contacted, consumer states the problem was the PCM. Nlm

- Thomasville, NC, USA

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