2002 Ford Escape XLT from North America - Comments

Went through 2 transmissions. 2001-2004 escapes have a problem with the pump in the transmission. It does not work is severely cold weather (below zero).

The escape has the benefit of 4x4 but handles much more like a car. So you have the reliability of four wheel drive in the snow, but you don't have to sacrifice the smooth handling of a car.

It is very scary how the transmission will quite on you and leave you stranded on the side of the road when it's -20 degrees F. Ford will only put in a new transmission and not fix the actual reason that it has left you stranded. If you live in a cold region I do not recommend buying a 2001-2004 escape. I was told that they fixed the problem in the 2005 with a newly designed transmission.

If it was not for the transmission this would be an almost perfect vehicle. It looks sharp, runs great, and is a good price.

I completely agree with you. I had a similar experience.

The engine block cracked within the one year warranty period. I was very disappointed and swore to never buy Ford again.

Now, its two years later and I have decided to buy another Escape. Hope the 2005 is problem free.

I have an 02 escape and I need a new transmission too. I am wondering how many out there are having the same issue and how can we can get ford/mazda to make it right. anyone with a similar story can contact me at mykeeboy34@yahoo.com. let's see if we can get the critical mass needed for a recall.

I, too, have had problems with my 2003 Ford Escape. It began when I drove the vehicle off of the lot (literally!) and the "computer module" went. I was without any guages (speedometer, odometer, gas gauge, etc.) for approximately 1 week. I have also had to take it in no less than 4 times in 2 months for problems with the airbag system. Shortly after this, I had to have the CD player replaced. During this time, I have reported problems with the ignition and the vehicle not starting, to which I have been told that they cannot find anything wrong. At 50,000 kms, the transmission went (leaving me stranded in the middle of an intersection!) and I was told that it was a problem in cold areas and that the pump was faulty. Ford has put in a new transmission and I am taking it back (1 week later) for the same transmission problems (lagging, slipping and a high pitched noise).

Unfortunately, I have leased this vehicle and I am currently exploring all of my options with respect to getting rid of this car.

Just a point of fact: although Ford insists on having cost replacement insurance on the vehicle (this ensures that no "used" parts are put on the vehicle in the event of an accident) I was told by a Ford service representative that my transmission is a rebuild, as would any other parts be if they were to be replaced.

I would strongly encourage any other Ford customers to report ANY problems so that potential buyers can make an informed decision... that being never to purchase from a company that produces such a poor excuse for a "Quality Is Job 1" vehicle.

I also have a Ford 2001 Escape which like very much except for the transmission. First one went at 55,000 miles. Rebuilt installed and at 97,800 miles that went also. Car is well cared for. It's in the shop now...I'm going to ask for ford to pay at least half the cost... I know, Ha Ha Ha. Well I can try. kevkat52@cox.net.

I purchased my 2002 Ford Escape 4X4 from the dealership used with 14,000 miles. The transmission went at 30,000 miles. I live in NY. My brother also owns an Escape. His transmission went at 60,000 miles.

I own a 2001 Escape. It has been very pampered by my husband and myself in regard to maintenance. It has just over 37,000 miles on it. My local mechanic with whom my husband's family has dealt with and trusted for 30 years says that it needs a new transmission. I am dumbfounded that a 4yr. old car with low mileage needs a new transmission. When I was younger I am embarrassed to say... ran my Honda Accord into the ground because I didn't know how to properly maintain it and it never needed a new transmission and lasted for over 100,00 miles.

When I contacted FORD, they said that they have no other complaints of this. They also eluded to the fact that my mechanic could be lying to me and that I should take it to a Ford dealer. If more people post there transmission concerns, then perhaps Ford will do something about recalling the vehicle and reimburse those of us who have already paid a significant amount of money.

I also had a problem with my coolant light which would not go off. The whole bottle needs to be replaced in order to reset the light. This cost under $100.

I am disappointed to tell you that I purchased a brand new 2006 Ford Escape XLT on September 2, 2005. I had had it less than 24 hours when at 75 miles per hour on the interstate it went in to neutral. Fortunately, by the grace of God my family did not suffer an auto crash, by getting run over by a semi truck. We were able to coast off the highway and to a gas station. It could have been much more serious. We called the road side service and were picked up by the tow truck who took us back to the dealership. They gave us a new Escape to drive while they try to figure out what is going on. They said they would get right on it on Tuesday (today) when the dealership reopens after the holiday. They did not look at it yet. Perhaps they will tomorrow. Ironically the reason that I bought a new car was that I drive a lot on the highway and do not want to get stranded by driving something unreliable. I will let you know how it all turns out, but I am extremely disappointed to say the least.

I just bought a used 2001 Ford XLT Escape in Aug. 2005. My wife and I had noticed in previous days when starting the car it was sometimes taking 1 or 2 trys to get it started. Today we went to start the car...and nothing. It does not turn over or anything. All electrical works, lights come on, sun roof and windows work. So I do not think it is a battery problem. Could this be just a starter problem or a part of the overall complaints I've been reading on posts like these? Any suggestions

Mike.

Sounds like a recurring theme. My 2001 Ford Escape transmission seized and died at 29,500 miles. Fortunately that was covered under the original 3 yr/30K warranty. Now here I am at just over 60K and the trasmission has died again. So aggravating! The dealer says that the warranty on the first replacement only covered me until the original 30K warranty would have expired, so I am left with no option, but to spend $3500 or so on my THIRD transmission (and with no sense of irony they reassure me that this transmission will carry a new warranty good for another 3yrs/36K). I have enjoyed this vehicle in every other way, but the expense of this tranny problem may push me away from Fords for good. Has anyone had any luck getting Ford to accept part/all of the cost for these obvious design flaws???

I bought my Escape used in February '05. I loved it. It was great. I wanted a truck to feel safer then my tiny little car that I owned previously. In September of '05, my engine blew. This Escape was pampered... tuned up, regular oil changes, every 4000km...etc. My brother was driving it and it blew. I had it towed and was told that the engine's oil pump was shot, and the engine was not getting oil. Got a new engine. Ever since September my engine light has been on at least twice every month. IT goes in to be checked, and it's "fixed" and then the next month I deal with the next problem. over $4000 has been sunk into this car, and it is now in again. The engine is in pieces on the floor of a shop...I'm deciding what to do with it now. The colour of my escape is yellow... and it's suiting. IT'S A LEMON!!

We have a 2002 Ford XLT Escape since new. It has 71,000+. It has been largely trouble free. My wife drives it daily for about a 20 minute commute each way (mostly highway) and it is our main weekend vehicle. Soccer mom's car and weekend (camping) get away. Use infrequently to pull 17.5 Sea Hunt boat and snowmobile trailer. No issues pulling either.

Pros: decent acceleration, plenty of interior room and ammenities for decent comfort.

Cons: I never liked the "ticking" (like a tappet valve) sound we have had with this engine since the day we got it, but the engine doesn't use much oil and has always been trouble free. Don't know why we couldn't have just gotten "another one without the tapping sound".

We HATE the gas mileage.

Neither my wife and I like how "difficult" shifting into reverse or drive can be at times, but it wasn't until I read this forum that I realise we may be the lucky ones as we haven't had any "real" problems YET with our transmission.

The check airbag light has been coming on intermittantly now, but from what I hear, this is typically related to wiring under the passengers seat, so we have largely ignored the light, but certainly can't trust our airbags. I grew up with autos back in the 70's BA (before airbags), so we'll deal.

And last, but not least, since day one I am amazed the sun roof has enough power to close or open all the way. It usually takes several pushes on the button to finish either task.

I too own a 2002 Escape that has a ticking sound. Don't know if it's harmful to the engine and am getting the Dealer to check it out tomorrow. It has actually been there a long time, but is getting louder. I take good care of my car.

Since ownership I have had to have the dashboard replaced due to electrical problem, the sunroof switch (I too had to keep pushing the button to close), the brake rotors (shortly after purchase), and my airbag light goes off and on- depends on how may folks are riding in the car (I ignore that too-not covered under warranty). This was my first new car ever and I am glad I paid for the 100,000 extended warranty, as all of the above were covered, I have 40,000 to go before it's over!

I own a 2002 Escape XLT. It really do like the car to drive and in bad weather, but it has not been reliable.

I too am now faced with a transmission problem that looks like it means a $3000+ bill. Since I bought the car new, it has had a series of problems. First it was the air bag sensor, ($200) then the cap on the brake reservoir leaked ($15). Next a sensor on the ABS brakes failed ($450). There was a recall for stalling while going 45mile/hr which did happen a few times, but has not reoccurred since the fix.

Now the check engine light is on and the OD light flashes and the transmission is shifting rough. It still goes so I guess that is lucky, but I have had it to a dealer and to a private shop and both are unsure of what to fix, but said that a new transmission would fix the problem.

Wow, I was amazed to see all of the complaints about Ford Escape. I am now facing putting in a new transmission in my 2002 Ford Escape XLT too!! It is going to cost me $3000 to fix it. I do have a lot of miles (130,000). I have had several problems with sensors with the car too.

I own a 2005 Ford Escape, and around 1,700 miles my transmission started to make grinding noises. Since it was under warranty Ford replaced the tranmission and now at 17600 miles everything is OK. I even was able to get ford to get me an extended warranty just in case something like this happened again to me. What I did was call the dealer where I bought the car and they got me in touch with customer rep at Ford that extended the warranty for free. Even when you think that you cannot do anything you would be surprised. Also for other people that are having repeated problems with you transmission, remember that almost all states have a lemon law on the books, that means that if you have to have your car repaired several times for the same exact problem, the maker of the car has to pay you to replace the car with a similar kind of car. Although they will not pay for a brand new car.