2002 Ford Escort ZX2 from North America - Comments

I just bought a 2001 ZX2 with 48,000 miles. My 3rd Escort, plus I've owned a Mazda GLC and 323. All had vibration when stopped in Drive at idle. This car is the absolute worse as far as the level of vibration: very disconcerting. Thanks Mateo for the TSB. I will buy the parts and do it myself. The salesman was right up front about the vibration. Based on my past experience, I was comfortable that a new set of NAPA engine mounts would do the trick. Let's see how it works.

Rich (rrozansk@yahoo.com)

I have an '02 that yes, vibrates like an automatic massage chair. It only does it in drive (or reverse) at idle. If I put it in park the idle bumps up and it evens out. The car has 62000 on it right now. The rough idle has gotten worse through the years (I bought the car new). I will say however, that recently I started using Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas, and the idle has improved GREATLY. I recommend giving it a shot if you own one of these cars. It's cheap, and a three dollar bottle lasts for several tanks - you only use four ounces for ever ten gallons.

Other than the idle, the car is fine. Little things break or fall apart here and there, but that's normal I guess. The weatherstripping around the upper side windows have developed a horrible looking corrosion though. Also had a wheel bearing go out.

I have a 2002 ford zx2. If its stopped in any drive gear it vibrates like its off time. It was totaled before I got it so it had all new front body parts and drivers side door and wheel assembly (hit a guardrail at 75, the little buggers fly don't they!) Since I've had it I've gotten rear ended and rear ended someone. I thought it was because of this car having mix-n-match parts on it and getting the crap beat out of it, but it appears now that it's the drive train design on it.

My advice:

It's nice, but get rid of it while its still worth something!

They'll eventually rattle themselves apart!

I agree with all of you. We bought a 2003 Ford Escort brand new only 53 miles on it. Just a couple months later the vibration started. I took it into the dealership and they just said "that's the way these cars are" They sure don't tell you that when you are buying it. It's been 5 years now that we have had it and the vibration in horrible!!! My steering wheel shakes bad and makes my hood shake and it's loud. NEVER again would I buy another one. I agree there should be something they should have to do to fix it. I think it would be some type of defect.

I have a 2003 ZX2,and it has vibrated since day one. I bought the car brand new and it is terrible. I recently had a problem with the transmission and the Ford dealer put some part in it and claimed they fixed it. It is now worse than ever, and the Ford dealer claims there is nothing wrong with it. I only have 50,000 miles on it. Anyone else have problems with this?

I have a 2002 Ford Escort & it shakes like nobody's business!! A friend of mine is a mechanic and there is a plate that can be inserted so it idle's better, thus will not shake so much!!

Last commenter mentioned a plate. I figure he is referring to something you can stick by the idle screw to adjust the idle up some. Perhaps you can use a longer idle adjuster screw? I just slide a little piece of wood in that area.

Also on "auto forums.com" and on some Escort forums I've read many solutions to try. A lot of owners say it was a 'vacuum leak". Also the motor mount solution was mentioned.

BTW the car I'm talking about is the "4 door sedan" type escort. I'm surprised the ZX2 is doing it also.

e-mail= jamesmetairie@yahoo.com if any one finds a solution that works. Thanks.