2002 Ford ZX2 (escort) Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 42%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- 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 ZX2 (escort), 42% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 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.
“We bought a new 2002 zx2, one month after we had it the transmission started slipping. Now the transmission won't shift into 3rd or 4th. We were told we need to rebuild ours.”
NHTSA complaint #10322930, filed 2010-03, 115,000 miles“Re: 2002, Ford zx2 we own a 2002 standard model Ford zx2 that has only 35,500 miles on it. There are three notable problems: 1.the engine idles very roughly 2.the transmission shifts very hard 3.the front driver door has sagged and won?t close completely. All of these issues are the result of poor design and especially poor quality parts. This car, I say again, only has 35,500 miles on it and the problems have been apparent for some time. The car started vibrating almost from day one. The transmission issue I?m told stems from the motor and transmission mounts problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292406, filed 2009-11, 35,000 miles“In may 2002, I purchased a Ford escort zx2. Since that time I have put 21,000 miles on the car. Recently, I started experiencing problems where the automatic transmission would slip, especially when going up an incline. Yesterday, my engine light went on and I scheduled an appointment with miller brothers Ford in ellicott city, md. This morning I received a call from the service advisor stating that one transmission cooling line had failed and the second was also about to go. Both needed replacement. The estimate for repairs is $890.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142450, filed 2005-11, 21,350 miles“Car having started having a pull when accelerating from stop signs. The pull keeps getting worse and feels now like not switching gears properly on automatic transmission. Almost stops and bumps before continuing to next gear. Took to transmission center, there is nothing wrong with transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10242289, filed 2008-09, 106,000 miles“When backing out of my driveway in reverse gear after the first start of a day following a day which I've driven 60-70 MPH for several hours, the car (Ford 2002 zx2) initially moves in reverse gear very sluggishly. It feels like the transmission fluid has become a thick sludge or maybe a brake is dragging. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769002, filed 2002-10Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Ford ZX2 (escort)
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford ZX2 (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