2002 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,027 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,986miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Escape, 7% of the 1,027 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,986 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Airbag light stays on and also I have a issue with the steering wheel and suspension there are other issues with the car and never was fixed by previous owner now im stuck with a car that has past recalled issues. If you own a car and just purchased it by previous owner make sure that recalls have been fixed on vehicle. Now I dont know what to do with my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11023506, filed 2017-09, 150,500 miles“My vehicle began to make unknown noises when driving, and steering control became very loose. I promptly took the car to my mechanic. I was told the subframe was so badly rotted that the passenger wheel control arm had separated from the subframe and can not be reattached without replacing the subframe. The vehicle is now no longer safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10547293, filed 2013-10, 119,000 miles“My engine coolant light stays on even after taking steps to fix it as it was a problem with the 2002 Ford escapes, and there is a problem with my power steering as fluid and all that is fine, which I read was a recall also.”
NHTSA complaint #11103674, filed 2018-06, 165,000 miles“While in motion, the lower control arm separated from the subframe due to corrosion. I lost steering but was able to skid to the shoulder. The same issue as recall 14s02 but my vehicle was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #11243003, filed 2019-08, 163,000 miles“Gears is hard to shift to the right gear and lights went out early like a drain in electrical and my stearing is becoming hard to turn on streets and out my drive way”
NHTSA complaint #11365092, filed 2020-10, 14,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013396Nov 15, 2004Steering gear squeak - when turning the steering wheel during low speed parking maneuvers.
- 10013366Nov 1, 2004Steering drift/pull - improved diagnostic and repair procedure - service tip.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 | 32 | 2% |
| 2017 | 49 | 2% |
| 2016 | 73 | 6% |
| 2015 | 81 | 7% |
| 2014 | 151 | 7% |
| 2013 | 303 | 11% |
| 2012 | 140 | 23% |
| 2011 | 411 | 31% |
| 2010 | 423 | 20% |
| 2009 | 828 | 49% |
| 2008 | 1,127 | 57% |
| 2007 | 15 | 6% |
| 2006 | 20 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 5% |
| 2003 | 44 | 8% |
| 2002 | 70 | 7% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Escape
294 complaintsBrakes
195 complaintsElectrical system
123 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
100 complaintsBody and structure
87 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsAir bags
79 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