VehicleVerdict

2002 Ford Escort problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Ford Escort sits mid-pack among Escort years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 128, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (27% of the total).

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Escort years?

Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted729 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 7 complaints1984: 27 complaints1985: 31 complaints1986: 53 complaints1987: 65 complaints1988: 206 complaints1989: 199 complaints1990: 128 complaints1991: 413 complaints1992: 222 complaints1993: 480 complaints1994: 351 complaints1995: 725 complaints1996: 257 complaints1997: 729 complaints1998: 470 complaints1999: 413 complaints2000: 128 complaints2001: 85 complaints2002: 41 complaints2003: 13 complaints
Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escort years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Ford Escort problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1127%
Tires & Wheels615%
Brakes512%
Transmission512%
Suspension410%
Steering37%
Airbags25%
Electrical System25%
Body & Structure12%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2002 Ford Escort have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04E048000Seat BeltsJuly 12, 2004 · 388 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2011

“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. *CB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 23, 2003 · crash

“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. *CB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 23, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 4, 2017 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 5, 2006

2002 Ford Escort — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford Escort reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Escort year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Escort problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Ford Escort have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Escort years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escort years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1994, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Escort years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.