2002 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (33% of complaints); the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* 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 crash, the vehicle accelerated while the brakes were being applied. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was 144,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2017
“2002 ford escort. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle stopping and dying while driving *tgw the consumer stated the battery and alternator were replace three times, as well as other components. However, the stalling continued. No one has been able to determine the reason for the stalling. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2011
“Tl*the 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 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford escort. While driving approximately 10 mph to make a left turn, both frontal air bags deployed without an impact or crash. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The windshield on the passenger side was shattered and the passenger compartment became engulfed with smoke. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and has not been driven since. The dealer has not been notified. The manufacturer stated that they would contact her by letter or phone within 15 days. The current and failure mileages were 59,890.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. For one month, the key didn't fit into the ignition and when it was in the ignition, it would not turn. Due to the failure, the vehicle will not start. As of march 16, 2008, the vehicle will no longer start. The vehicle will be towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 98,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2008
“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. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2007
“Tl*the 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 have struck something in the road to cause the blow out. She informed them that she did not drive over any potholes. The contact stated that the tread on the tires still looks brand new and there is less than 10,000 miles left on them. The dot number may not be accurate. The tire failure mileage was 9,500 and the vehicle current and failure mileages were 97,000.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2007
“Both rear springs broke. This is the second time in less then 6 months for the 2002. This seems to be a major design flaw in ford escort. I have a 1998 & 2002 and both have broken rear springs. Also every technician I have talked to knows the problem. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2006
“Dt*: 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 dealer replaced the shift lock system. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford escort. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated when idling. As of september 14, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. NHTSA technical service bulletin number 042410 regarding the engine was referenced. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 85,000. Updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated she began hearing squeaking noises coming from the engine. Updated 12/12/07”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escort by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 56,200 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Ford Escort have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.