2002 Ford Escape Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,027 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Ford Escape, 3% of the 1,027 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear liftgate glass support broke while opening the rear window. I was able to quickly grab the rear window before it could break. I would note that the falling rear windshield can strike the operator and/or bystander and could cause significant injuries that could include bruises to the head, neck or back, and possibly cuts to the face, arm or hand. I took my Ford Escape to my local Ford dealer (friendly Ford of monroe, mi) to have this issue repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551762, filed 2013-11, 182,000 miles“Our rear hatch window on our 2002 Ford Escape xls exploded overnight while sitting undisturbed in our garage. It had been sitting for 10 hours in our enclosed garage when it exploded for no reason. The temperature outside was in the single digits. I'm wondering if the rear defrost wasn't cut off when the car was shut off? When I started the car after the window shattered the rear defrost was on. There are other reports on the internet with similar occurrences. Rear window exploding on Ford escapes sounds common. …”
NHTSA complaint #10376628, filed 2011-01, 115,000 miles“The windshield on the Ford Escape cracked when I rinsed it with a regularly garden hose. Since I rinse all my cars frequently and have never had this problem my mechanic suggested that the glass was very thin and likely cracked from the cold water hitting the warmer glass. I contacted the Ford dealer, who indicated that there was no known problem with their windshields. I have scheduled a glass company to replace the windshield this friday, june 22 at my house. Please contact me, if you need additional information. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10193676, filed 2007-06, 32,000 miles“For the second time, the rear window on my company-owned Ford Escape has shattered. The truck was parked in a garage during this second occurance, during a night when the temperatures were in the teen's. I'd blame the cold weather, but this also happened less than 6 months ago during the summer while driving at 65mph on a highway. In both cases, the shocks that hold the rear window up when open, have extended to full length, and as a result, scratched the paint on the rear tailgate.”
NHTSA complaint #10054516, filed 2004-01, 54,000 miles“On two separate occasions, the rear window exploded while parked unattended in a parking lot. The rear window defroster had been on prior to incident. Security cameras reveal thee was no human tampering prior to explosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10511113, filed 2013-04, 112,489 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 26 | 7% |
| 2020 | 71 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 13 | 1% |
| 2017 | 15 | 1% |
| 2016 | 20 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 27 | 1% |
| 2013 | 38 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 3% |
| 2011 | 45 | 3% |
| 2010 | 90 | 4% |
| 2009 | 13 | 1% |
| 2008 | 29 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 4% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 34 | 3% |
| 2001 | 36 | 4% |
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 complaintsSteering
70 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsOther or unknown
36 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