2002 Ford Escape Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 294about this part
- Share
- 29%of 1,027 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 294 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Escape, 29% of the 1,027 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 31 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recently as I was leaving work I went to start my 2002 Ford Escape. When I turned the key there was a slight hesitation followed by what sounded like a really bad backfire followed by smoke pouring out from under the hood. When I lifted the hood, the plastic engine cover and intake were blown to pieces under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #10269591, filed 2009-05, 109,000 miles“While my daughter was eating diner at a local restaurant, her 2002 Ford Escape caught fire while parked with the engine off. According to our local Ford dealer all recall work on the vehicle has been completed. I have learned today that this model Ford has a history of fires in the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #10283555, filed 2009-09, 85,000 miles“Complete engine seizure at 17,000 miles. Number 2 and 5 cylinders are destroyed. We changed the oil every 5,000 miles and Ford is fighting us on replacing the engine. After searching NHTSA, I come to realize we are not along. Burt Ford arapahoe had been helpful, providing a rental car for free; however, they have not been forth coming on how many escapes have had similar problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10025503, filed 2003-07, 17,000 miles“Engine started making a ticking sound - dealer said it has to be replaced. They also said they have replaced several others as the engine blew at high altitude - I bought this 2002 Ford Escape in colorado. The won't tell me exactly what's wrong and whether the new engine from the factory may also blow inthe future.”
NHTSA complaint #10023802, filed 2003-06, 14,500 miles“Today, at approximately 11:45 am est, I was driving about 35 MPH when all of a sudden I felt the steering tighten up and the brakes as well. I was unaware that my car had stalled out in the middle of the road. I coasted off of the road into a parking lot where I turned off my vehicle and restarted it. I had no problems after that. This is the second stall that has happened to my vehicle. The last one was in may 03.”
NHTSA complaint #10041813, filed 2003-10, 15,990 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 | 94 | 16% |
| 2018 | 345 | 19% |
| 2017 | 509 | 19% |
| 2016 | 57 | 5% |
| 2015 | 44 | 4% |
| 2014 | 187 | 9% |
| 2013 | 175 | 6% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 17 | 1% |
| 2010 | 35 | 2% |
| 2009 | 37 | 2% |
| 2008 | 38 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 90 | 6% |
| 2004 | 18 | 4% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 294 | 29% |
| 2001 | 282 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Escape
195 complaintsElectrical system
123 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
100 complaintsBody and structure
87 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsAir bags
79 complaintsSteering
70 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology