2002 Ford Escort Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,946miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Ford Escort, 6% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,946 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escort. While driving approximately 10 MPH to make a left turn, both frontal air bags deployed without an impact or crash. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The windshield on the passenger side was shattered and the passenger compartment became engulfed with smoke. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and has not been driven since. The dealer has not been notified. The manufacturer stated that they would contact her by letter or phone within 15 days. The current and failure mileages were 59,890.”
NHTSA complaint #10251511, filed 2008-12, 59,890 miles“The contact stated the vehicle was involved in a crash at 20mph, neither front air bags deployed. The front end of the vehicle was damaged while striking another vehicle. The vehicle was able to be driven 2 miles from the initial impact sight before the engine stalled. All three occupants of the vehicle received injuries to the neck and back. The police were at the scene of the accident and inspected the air bags. The police noticed the smell of the air bags were present, although the air bags did not inflate. The insurance also filed a report and deemed the vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10148736, filed 2006-01, 64,002 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 9 | 13% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 66 | 20% |
| 1998 | 75 | 20% |
| 1997 | 152 | 28% |
| 1996 | 18 | 9% |
| 1995 | 67 | 12% |
| 1994 | 54 | 19% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Escort
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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