2002 Ford Escort Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 15%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,450miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Escort, 15% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,450 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“When driving at any speed, the vehicle let off a howling noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer stated the front axle prematurely failed. The left wheel bearing on the front went out prematurely, per mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10024948, filed 2003-08, 15,900 miles“The contact stated while having routine tire maintenance done at a garage, the mechanic determined the rear spring was fractured. The contact did not have any problems with the vehicle. Updated 11/21/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacture but they did not respond. The vehicle would not shift from park. The dealer replaced the shift lock system.”
NHTSA complaint #10167354, filed 2006-09, 47,000 miles“While driving drive shaft fell out of vehicle. Nar 06/18/2003. The consumer was involved in an accident losing front tire and rim as a result drive shaft failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10024668, filed 2003-06Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 5 | 15% |
| 2001 | 13 | 19% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 36 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 7% |
| 1993 | 30 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 30 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 8 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Escort
11 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 30, 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