FaultScore

2002 Ford Escape acceleration problems

103 of the 1,397 complaints about the 2002 Ford Escape are about the throttle and cruise control — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 83,000 miles.

F

103

Complaints

27

Crashes

9

Fires

13

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Vehicle Speed Control 74 71.8%
Cables 15 14.6%
Accelerator Pedal 9 8.7%
Cruise Control 4 3.9%
Linkages 1 1.0%

Acceleration & Cruise Control across every Ford Escape year

2001 108 4.8%
2002 103 4.5%
2003 91 4.0%
2004 98 4.3%
2005 150 6.6%
2006 100 4.4%
2007 41 1.8%
2008 177 7.8%
2009 281 12.4%
2010 558 24.5%
2011 245 10.8%
2012 69 3.0%
2013 92 4.0%
2014 42 1.8%
2015 14 0.6%
2016 33 1.5%
2017 31 1.4%
2018 22 1.0%
2020 18 0.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 145,000 miles Lolo, MT Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HER DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS, BUT WAS NOT TOWED FROM THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER (LITHIA FORD OF MISSOULA, 3943 BROOKS ST, MISSOULA, MT 59804) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. .*BF

NHTSA complaint #11102440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Talladega, AL Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FIRE THAT ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY A FIRE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11063216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, KY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED MANUALLY, IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, TO AN UNKNOWN PLACE OF BUSINESS. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A SQUEALING AND CRACKING NOISE. THE WHEEL BEARING AND STRUTS WERE FAULTY ON THE VEHICLE AS STATED BY THE CONTACT. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN ADDITION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME BECOMING SEVERELY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11013938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Converse, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE IDLES FAST IN PARK AND ACCELERATES QUICKLY WHILE DRIVING AND REMAINS IN HIGH CONSTANT ACCELERATION MODE. BUCKS FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING POTENTIAL VEHICLE IMPACT WHILE BEHIND STOPPED TRAFFIC, PARKING OR TRAILING OTHER VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11011150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles York, ME

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RPM INDICATOR WENT ALL THE UP AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE RPMS WENT DOWN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE FAILURE SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2016. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10979257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pottersville, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY VEHICLE DOES THE EXACT SAME THING AS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V165000 OR FORD RECALL NO. 04S13. I HAVE THE YEAR AND ENGINE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL BUT MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST. IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!

NHTSA complaint #10908812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 214,000 miles SAN Antonio, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SPEED CONTROL) AND THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES UNTIL AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE LOCKS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE ACCELERATION PEDAL LOCKS IN THE DOWNWARD POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE'S GEAR WAS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ANOTHER REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.

NHTSA complaint #10892040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Chicago, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND WAITING FOR A TRAIN TO CROSS THE TRACKS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE BACK IN GEAR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER HAD DISENGAGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND WOULD NEED TO BE BOLTED BACK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10809630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Auburn, PA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FEB. 2015. SINCE THEN OFTEN WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK IT REVS, THE RPMS RANGE FROM 1500-3000. I READ THAT A RECALL WAS DECLARED IN DECEMBER OF 2004. MY CAR IDLES AT A HIGH RANGE.

NHTSA complaint #10790058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Deuluth, GA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND LEFT SIDE AFTER LEAPING FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE POLICE INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK CONTINUED TO REV AFTER THE CRASH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10746778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC Crash 2 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED, HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HI, BECAUSE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, THE CRASH WAS NOT AS VIOLENT AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN. TWO OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SHOULDER INJURIES. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10714830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 204,176 miles Durham, NC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON 4/10/2014, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SLOWING...AS IF I WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I HAD TO USE THE BRAKE TO MAKE THE CAR SLOW DOWN. ON 4/12/2015, I WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND LET MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL TO COAST TO THE PARKING POSITION, WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND I ALMOST HIT OUR FENCE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #10705172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 215,000 miles Colorado Springs, CO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

THE ACCELERATOR CABLE APPEARS TO HAVE GONE OUT. THE GAS PEDAL GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND THE ENGINE IS AT 6RPM'S. CALLED FORD AND EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD NEARLY 500K CARS RECALLED DURING THE EXACT YEAR MY CAR WAS BUILT THEY WILL NOT CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IN THE MEANTIME MY TWO CHILDREN WERE HURT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T ACCELERATOR ON TO THE HIGHWAY AND THEN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. FORDS SOLUTION WAS FOR ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP AND PAY THEM TO FIX MY VEHICLE, BUT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS JUST IN CASE THEY ARE "FORCED" TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY COSTS.

NHTSA complaint #10704557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Surrey BC, DC Crash 3 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TOWARDS A CROSSING AND THE LIGHT WAS RED. I TRIED TO STOP, BUT INSTEAD IT ACCELERATED ON APPLYING THE BRAKES AND T-BONED A CAR ON THE CROSSING. THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR WERE SERVICED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST AND THE COMPLETE HISTORY IS AVAILABLE AT THE DEALER....UPDATED 04/02/15

NHTSA complaint #10703661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 296,000 miles Connersville, IN Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE 2002 OUT OF TOWN, I NOTICED MY CAR PULLING AWAY FROM ME. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE AND NOTICED THE THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING. I KNEW A STOP SIGN AND A HIGHWAY WAS UP AHEAD, AFTER BLOWING THREW THE STOP SIGN ONLY BEING ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO 20 WITH THE BRAKES, I PULLED THE E-BRAKE AND STILL DID NOT STOP, AFRAID AND SCARED I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THE CAR THEN SNAPPED AND WENT INTO REVERSE AND THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS AIM FOR A POLE AND HIT IT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING WITH THE ENGINE SMOKING, FEARING OF A FIRE I SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10689885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Massena, NY Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY BECAME STUCK WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE RELEASED. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA complaint #10626579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 222,000 miles Jacksonville, FL Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, PUT INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR THROTTLED AND ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND CAUSED ME TO RUN INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10610777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Harrison Township, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SURGE BACK AND FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT VACUUM TUBE WAS LEAKING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #10597974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,390 miles Goldsboro, NC Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE INSTEAD OF STOPPING THE TRUCK ACCELERATED. HITTING THE BACK OF A VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10588279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Middlesboro, KY Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AT A LOW SPEED, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HIS SHAD AND SIDE WIPED HIS NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH FORCE WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN AREA OF BUSHES. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. THE CONTACT WAS THE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION,THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALLED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #10574054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,858 miles Tampa, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD FOCUS V6 I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. I TOOK MY CAR TO PARKS FORD IN WESLEY CHAPEL, FL WHO SAID THEY SUSPECT IT IS FROM MY THROTTLE CABLE STICKING BUT THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT FOR ME EVEN THOUGH MANY ESCAPES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND RESULTED IN NUMEROUS DEATHS. IT WOULD COST ME OVER $400 TO FIX AND JUST BECAUSE MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL FOR THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. I EVEN SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE MAIN FORD OFFICE WHO SAID THE SAME THING. THIS IS BLATANTLY REFUSING TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT, EVEN THOUGH THEY REALIZE THIS COULD RESULT IN A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I TOLD THE MAN AT FORD THAT I GUESS THEY WANT TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE DIES OF THIS PROBLEM AND HE SAID IF HE WAS ME AND KNEW WHAT I KNOW HE JUST WOULDN'T DRIVE THAT CAR, WHICH PROVES THAT THEY REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS AND YET REFUSE TO MAKE IT A RECALL ON MY CAR EVEN THOUGH THE SAME ISSUE RESULTED IN SEVERAL DEATHS FOR ESCAPE OWNERS IN THE PAST.

NHTSA complaint #10567665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Valdosta, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED 75 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THAT BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10558208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 190,179 miles Owensboro, KY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. I WENT TO TAKE MY EXIT AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AT ALL. IT KEPT ACCELERATING ALL THE WAY UP TO 90MPH. I TAPPED THE BRAKES BUT IT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I WAS AFRAID TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES DUE TO HEATING THE BRAKES UP SO MUCH THAT IT WOULD CATCH MY CAR ON FIRE. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS REVVED BETWEEN 5000-6000 SO I SWITCHED BACK IN TO DRIVE. WHEN I FINALLY HAD AN AREA WHERE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW IT DOWN AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO PARK. WHEN IT WAS IN PARK THE RPMS JUMPED ALL THE WAY UP TO 5000 AND SOUNDED AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS GOING TO BLOW UP SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THEN I OPENED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I HAVE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS TIL NOW. MY CAR IS NO LEAKING OIL AND SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SEEMED AS THOUGH THIS WAS AN UNIMPORTANT ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR THEM SINCE THEY ARE THE ONES WHO FIXED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE WITH THE LAST RECALL THEY HAD ON THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10555830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 172,000 miles Ottawa, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO SPEEDS OF 88 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. HE THEN MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED SIX YEARS EARLIER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

NHTSA complaint #10546188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Pauldon, AZ Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED IMMENSE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO FIVE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO HER LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/5/13

NHTSA complaint #10543312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

2002 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND BURNED OUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND THE INTAKE VALVES CRACKED AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10508009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 156,000 miles Buffalo, NY Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 162,000.

NHTSA complaint #10487404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vidor, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE REMEDY PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE EXPECTED DATE WAS MID AUGUST 2012. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ARRIVAL DATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE THROTTLE.

NHTSA complaint #10482829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,320 miles Gainesville, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY SINCE EARLY SEPTEMBER. THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST FOUR INCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATING WHEN ITS WAS AT LOW SPEED OR STOPPED (WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE). THE ACCELERATIONS LAST A FEW SECONDS AND LURCH THE CAR FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD FOR THE RECALL NOTICES INVOLVING THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (11S24B ON 30 JUNE 12 AND 12S37B ON 20 SEP 12). THIS VEHICLE DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #10478549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,000 miles Orange Park, FL Crash 2 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S HOME, A NEARBY FENCE AND FINALLY A TREE. THE FAILURE CEASED ONCE THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, NECK AND THE RIGHT FOOT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CABLE THROTTLE STICK. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLES) IN AUGUST 2012. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

NHTSA complaint #10475772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2002 Ford Escape problems

← Full 2002 Ford Escape report