2002 Ford Escort Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 33%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Escort, 33% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles.
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.
“No warning light when oil pump failed. This non-action LED to my entire engine needing to be repaired. Mileage was at apx. 45,000. Warranty ran out, must pay on my own. I feel that Ford should have some responsibility with this since my warning light did not inform me of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10131867, filed 2005-08, 42,000 miles“Shaking in steering wheel. Most noticable during acceleration and deceleration. Was mentioned to salesperson at time of test drive. He stated he would have the tires balanced and an alignment done. At no time prior to purchase did anyone state it was a built in defect. When we met the service people they were told the type of vehicle being purchased and the fact we would be bringing it in for the shaking. This was intentionally dishonest. We attempted to trade in on another vehicle and the same dealership offered us $7500. …”
NHTSA complaint #10003179, filed 2003-01, 1 miles“Car has a hesitation when accelerating under load. This is most noticable when the car is warm and especially when using the air conditioning. Automobile was taken to a general mechanic and they were unable to find the cause of the problem. On this date, vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer indicated that there are no service bulletins regarding this issue and there were no error codes in the computer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100581, filed 2004-11, 40,000 miles“While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated and shook violently, then stalled. The vehicle had been to the dealer ten times for this problem. The vehicle remained to experience the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10058013, filed 2004-03, 4,000 miles“2002 Ford escape stalled while going down-hill at 35-40 MPH. Engine stopped. Lost power steering and brakes. Engine restarted immediately after placing in neutral position. Fuel tank was about 1/4 full. This is the third such event with this vehicle. The last such failure was on the same road and at exactly the same location!! Given the similarity of problems with this vehicle and the numerous other reports, I suspect there must be a problem with the computer control system or software.”
NHTSA complaint #10045640, filed 2003-11, 43,460 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 11 | 33% |
| 2001 | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 | 21 | 21% |
| 1999 | 62 | 19% |
| 1998 | 49 | 13% |
| 1997 | 66 | 12% |
| 1996 | 30 | 15% |
| 1995 | 54 | 9% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 33 | 9% |
| 1992 | 15 | 9% |
| 1991 | 17 | 5% |
| 1990 | 12 | 12% |
| 1989 | 22 | 14% |
| 1988 | 21 | 15% |
| 1987 | 12 | 21% |
| 1986 | 9 | 20% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1984 | 5 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Escort
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsAir bags
2 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 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