Friday, August 7, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

2002 Ford Escape engine problems

36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2002 Ford Escape4% of all complaints for this model year.

36
Engine complaints
4%
share of all complaints
150,000 mi
median reported incident mileage
2 / 8
crash / fire reports

What owners report

  • I have had to replace my engine/transmission several times and the problem keeps repeating itself. The engine will just die for no reason which is an extremely severe safety risk.

    filed Aug 12, 2024

  • Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford escape. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed that there was water in the fuse box. The contact called friendly ford (2800 n telegraph rd, monroe, mi 48162, (734) 243-6000) however, the vehicle…

    filed Feb 11, 2021

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Related service bulletins

  • Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only. *tt

    04208 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006
  • Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip. *tt

    19016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006
  • Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt

    041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
All 2002 Ford Escape TSBs →

Engine problems in other Escape years

YearReportsShare
2025 Escape524%
2024 Escape1317%
2023 Escape2830%
2022 Escape3214%
2021 Escape4012%
2020 Escape1127%
2019 Escape29952%
2018 Escape1,11664%
2017 Escape1,54358%
2016 Escape19518%
2015 Escape23622%
2014 Escape71935%
Escape engine problems by year →

Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.