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FaultScore report

2002 Ford Escort problems

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2002 Ford Escort with NHTSA between 2002 and 2017. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 11 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Ford Escort All 2002 cars
C

FaultScore 42/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Escort.

How this is worked out

The numbers

41

Complaints

6

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

51,600 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

25%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 6 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 43 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the Ford Escort. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Ford Escort

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2002 Ford Escort

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 11 26.8%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Brakes 5 12.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 7,367 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 12.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,450 mi

Tires 4 9.8%

Median failure at 97,000 miles

Suspension 4 9.8%

Median failure at 46,822 miles

Steering 3 7.3%

Median failure at 116,402 miles

Wheels 2 4.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,200 mi

Airbags 2 4.9%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 61,946 mi

Electrical System 2 4.9%

Median failure at 107,201 miles

Lights 1 2.4%

Median failure at 120,990 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 144,000 mi

Body & Structure 1 2.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 4.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 12.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 8.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 6 25.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 12.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 4 16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 20.8%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

May 2002 peak 2 Mar 2017

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 144,000 miles Dwight, NE Crash 5 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA complaint #10958928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Dwight, NE Crash 5 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA complaint #10958928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,890 miles Shunland, CA Fire 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

TL*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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,002 miles Columbus, OH Crash 3 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

DT*: 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Broadview Heights, OH Crash

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

WHILE DRIVING DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 06/18/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LOSING FRONT TIRE AND RIM AS A RESULT DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10024668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Broadview Heights, OH Crash

WHEELS:RIM

WHILE DRIVING DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 06/18/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LOSING FRONT TIRE AND RIM AS A RESULT DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10024668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 144,000 miles Dwight, NE Crash 5 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA complaint #10958928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Dwight, NE Crash 5 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA complaint #10958928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Corning, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2002 FORD ESCORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STOPPING AND DYING WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACE THREE TIMES, AS WELL AS OTHER COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THE STALLING CONTINUED. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE STALLING.

NHTSA complaint #10435936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 7,367 miles Costa Mesa, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,367.

NHTSA complaint #10278977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 7,367 miles Costa Mesa, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,367.

NHTSA complaint #10278977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,402 miles Bellville, OH

STEERING

WE HAVE A 2002 ESCORT ZX2 . THE CAR WAS BOUGHT FEBRUARY 2002 . I HAVE HAD SOME REAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TIE -RODS HAVING TO BE REPLACED. BUT THE PROBLEM NOW IS THE WIRING TO THE TAIL LIGHTS. WE HAVE HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THE FUSE BLOWING AND WE REPLACE IT , THEN THE LIGHT BULBS BLOW THEN WE REPLACE THEM . WE HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM THIS TIME AND HE HAS FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE REFLECTOR ARE MELTED. THE PROBLEM IS WE HAVE TAIL LIGHTS WORKING WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR CRUISE CONTROL . UPON THE REMOVAL OF THE BULBS THE BULBS HAD GOTTEN SO HOT THE LIGHT BULBS HAD HOLES IN THEM BUT STILL WORKED AS BRAKE LIGHTS . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE REAR SEAT CLOSEST TO THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10266763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,402 miles Bellville, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WE HAVE A 2002 ESCORT ZX2 . THE CAR WAS BOUGHT FEBRUARY 2002 . I HAVE HAD SOME REAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TIE -RODS HAVING TO BE REPLACED. BUT THE PROBLEM NOW IS THE WIRING TO THE TAIL LIGHTS. WE HAVE HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THE FUSE BLOWING AND WE REPLACE IT , THEN THE LIGHT BULBS BLOW THEN WE REPLACE THEM . WE HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM THIS TIME AND HE HAS FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE REFLECTOR ARE MELTED. THE PROBLEM IS WE HAVE TAIL LIGHTS WORKING WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR CRUISE CONTROL . UPON THE REMOVAL OF THE BULBS THE BULBS HAD GOTTEN SO HOT THE LIGHT BULBS HAD HOLES IN THEM BUT STILL WORKED AS BRAKE LIGHTS . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE REAR SEAT CLOSEST TO THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10266763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,890 miles Shunland, CA Fire 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

TL*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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Dukirk, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. FOR ONE MONTH, THE KEY DIDN'T FIT INTO THE IGNITION AND WHEN IT WAS IN THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. AS OF MARCH 16, 2008, THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER START. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #10221489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,200 miles Malden, MA

WHEELS

12/01/05, 03/08/07.11/19/07 HAD TO REPLACE TIE-ROD ION MY 2002 FORD ESCORT. NOTICED THUMPING, TOOK TO MECHANIC. HE SAID HAD I NOT BROUGHT IT IN, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. THIS FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS SEEMS TO INDICATE A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10210686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Sharon, TN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN IDLING. AS OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 042410 REGARDING THE ENGINE WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BEGAN HEARING SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. UPDATED 12/12/07

NHTSA complaint #10203013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Belmont, WV

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT PURCHASED TWO BRIDGESTONE POTENZA G009 (NA) SUMMER TIRES (SIZE 205/40/R17) ON MAY 12, 2007. ONE OF THE TIRES EXPLODED AS THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND THE SIDEWALLS SEPARATED FROM THE BEADS. BRIDGESTONE STATED THAT SHE MUST HAVE STRUCK SOMETHING IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE THE BLOW OUT. SHE INFORMED THEM THAT SHE DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANY POTHOLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD ON THE TIRES STILL LOOKS BRAND NEW AND THERE IS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES LEFT ON THEM. THE DOT NUMBER MAY NOT BE ACCURATE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500 AND THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.

NHTSA complaint #10200523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Belmont, WV

TIRES:BEAD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT PURCHASED TWO BRIDGESTONE POTENZA G009 (NA) SUMMER TIRES (SIZE 205/40/R17) ON MAY 12, 2007. ONE OF THE TIRES EXPLODED AS THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND THE SIDEWALLS SEPARATED FROM THE BEADS. BRIDGESTONE STATED THAT SHE MUST HAVE STRUCK SOMETHING IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE THE BLOW OUT. SHE INFORMED THEM THAT SHE DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANY POTHOLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD ON THE TIRES STILL LOOKS BRAND NEW AND THERE IS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES LEFT ON THEM. THE DOT NUMBER MAY NOT BE ACCURATE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500 AND THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.

NHTSA complaint #10200523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,822 miles Liberty, MO

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS

BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THEN 6 MONTHS FOR THE 2002. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW IN FORD ESCORT. I HAVE A 1998 & 2002 AND BOTH HAVE BROKEN REAR SPRINGS. ALSO EVERY TECHNICIAN I HAVE TALKED TO KNOWS THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10175921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,990 miles Estill Springs, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

HEADLIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT -- NO HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS. NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO FAILING.

NHTSA complaint #10172627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

DT*: 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS

DT*: 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,002 miles Columbus, OH Crash 3 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

DT*: 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL

SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED BACK 2002 A NEW FORD ESCORT THAT NOW HAS BAD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL.I TOOK IT BACK TO DIAGNOSE AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THAT MODEL CAR AND CANNOT BE FIXED.MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. IT ONLY HAS 17,501 MILES AND NOW THE VIBRATION SO BAD IT IS A SAFTY CONCERN.

NHTSA complaint #10148751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Akron, OH

TIRES

DT: 2002 FORD ESCORT ZX2. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR EXCEPT WHEN HE HAS TO. WANTED VEHICLE TO BE SAFE. I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WHEN HITTING A BUMP, THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WAS HITTING THE STRUT. DEALERSHIP PUT SIXTEEN INCH TIRES ON CAR, AND IT CALLS FOR SIZE FIFTEEN. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS THEY PUT THE WRONG SIZE RIM AND TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE CAR NEW WITH ONLY 40 MILES ON IT. MY DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER NOT TO PUT CHILDREN IN THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10138666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Mentor, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Owensboro, KY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

STOPPED AT LIGHT, HEARD NOISE LIKE A POP, WENT TO GO CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. GOT OUT LOOKED UNDER CAR HOLE IN TRANSMISSION PARTS LYING ON GROUND. TOWED TO A MECHANIC ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN? MECHANIC STATED DEFECTIVE TRANSAXLE, REAR END GEARS GO OUT LITERALLY POP OUT OF TRANSMISSION. JASPER WILL NOT REBUILD THESE TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO DEFECTIVE ONLY PLACE TO GET NEW IS FROM FORD WHICH WOULD HAVE COST $3300 TO REPLACE. FOUND USED REPAIRS COST OVER $1300. MECHANIC STATED JUST HAD A 1999 ESCORT IN REPAIRED BEFORE IT PUT HOLE IN TRANSMISSION. NO WARNING OR ANYTHING BUT NOISE THAT DAY.

NHTSA complaint #10112353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Springfield, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THIS TO BE A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR AND IT IS DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR TEMPORARILY REDUCING ENGINE POWER WHEN CYCLING ON AND OFF. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AS THE CAR CAN LOSE POWER DURING THE ACT OF PASSING A VEHICLE OR MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10100581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Broadview Heights, OH Crash

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

WHILE DRIVING DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 06/18/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LOSING FRONT TIRE AND RIM AS A RESULT DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10024668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Broadview Heights, OH Crash

WHEELS:RIM

WHILE DRIVING DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 06/18/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LOSING FRONT TIRE AND RIM AS A RESULT DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10024668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.