2002 FORD ESCORT

1 recalls, 41 complaints - 24 TSBs

04E048000 Jul 12, 2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Defect Description
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 V... Read more
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.
388 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: TRW OCCUPANT SAFETY SYSTEMS

Complaint Statistics

41 total complaints 6 crashes 1 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
TIRES2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
STEERING2
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES Mar 6, 2017
Incident date: Mar 4, 2017
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... Read more
Crash 5 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 6, 2017
Incident date: Mar 4, 2017
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... Read more
Crash 5 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 17, 2011
Incident date: Nov 1, 2011
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Jul 31, 2009
Incident date: Jul 23, 2009
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Jul 31, 2009
Incident date: Jul 23, 2009
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.
STEERING Apr 26, 2009
Incident date: Apr 18, 2009
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 REPLAC... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 26, 2009
Incident date: Apr 18, 2009
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 REPLAC... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Dec 11, 2008
Incident date: Dec 5, 2008
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 ... Read more
Fire 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Mar 17, 2008
Incident date: Mar 16, 2008
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 DIAGNOS... Read more
WHEELS Dec 3, 2007
Incident date: Nov 18, 2007
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. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 14, 2007
Incident date: Sep 1, 2006
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 ... Read more
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Aug 22, 2007
Incident date: Aug 9, 2007
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. BRIDGE... Read more
TIRES:BEAD Aug 22, 2007
Incident date: Aug 9, 2007
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. BRIDGE... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Dec 12, 2006
Incident date: Dec 12, 2006
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. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Nov 4, 2006
Incident date: Nov 1, 2006
HEADLIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT -- NO HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS. NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO FAILING. *NM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 5, 2006
Incident date: Sep 5, 2006
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 N... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Sep 5, 2006
Incident date: Sep 5, 2006
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 N... Read more
SUSPENSION Jan 26, 2006
Incident date: Jan 24, 2006
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... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 26, 2006
Incident date: Dec 24, 2005
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 O... Read more
Crash 3 injured
TIRES Oct 5, 2005
Incident date: Sep 28, 2002
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 MANUFACTU... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 7, 2005
Incident date: Jul 10, 2005
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. *NM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Mar 1, 2005
Incident date: Feb 15, 2005
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 26, 2004
Incident date: Nov 26, 2004
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. TH... Read more
WHEELS:RIM Aug 16, 2004
Incident date: Apr 23, 2003
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
Crash
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT Aug 16, 2004
Incident date: Apr 23, 2003
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
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jul 10, 2004
Incident date: Jul 9, 2004
ENTIRE CAR VIBRATES NOTICEABLY AT IDLE. DEALER STATED THAT IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE, BUT SINCE THERE WAS AN EXISTING TSB ON THE PROBLEM, ATTEMPTED A FIX. (TO NO AVAIL.) *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Feb 12, 2004
Incident date: Jan 21, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY, THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER TEN TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE REMAINED TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Nov 7, 2003
Incident date: Nov 6, 2003
2002 FORD ESCAPE STALLED WHILE GOING DOWN-HILL AT 35-40 MPH. ENGINE STOPPED. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. ENGINE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PLACING IN "NEUTRAL" POSITION. FUEL TANK WAS ABOUT 1/4 FULL. THIS IS THE THIRD SUCH EVENT WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAST SUCH FAILURE WAS ON THE SAME ROA... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING Jun 25, 2003
Incident date: Jun 1, 2003
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. *AK THE LEFT WHEEL BEARING ON THE FRONT WENT OUT PREMATURELY, PER MECHANIC. *SCC *JB
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Jun 25, 2003
Incident date: Jun 1, 2003
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. *AK THE LEFT WHEEL BEARING ON THE FRONT WENT OUT PREMATURELY, PER MECHANIC. *SCC *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC May 28, 2003
Incident date: May 28, 2003
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT DUE TO FAULTY BRAKE. *TT
Crash
STEERING Mar 18, 2003
THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. *NLM
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS Feb 11, 2003
Incident date: Sep 1, 2002
THE BUMPER SEPARATED, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 11, 2003
Incident date: Sep 1, 2002
THE BUMPER SEPARATED, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jan 22, 2003
Incident date: Oct 10, 2002
SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL. MOST NOTICABLE DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. WAS MENTIONED TO SALESPERSON AT TIME OF TEST DRIVE. HE STATED HE WOULD HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED AND AN ALIGNMENT DONE. AT NO TIME PRIOR TO PURCHASE DID ANYONE STATE IT WAS A BUILT IN DEFECT. WHEN WE MET THE SERVICE PEOPLE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Nov 15, 2002
STALLS AT RED LIGHTS WON'T IDLE VIBRATION AT IDLE SHAKES THE WHOLE CAR. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 23, 2002
PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION. MR
TIRES Oct 15, 2002
Incident date: Aug 30, 2002
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND SMASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. (NO TIRE INFO WAS GIVEN) (OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT 10-90-580) *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES Sep 5, 2002
Incident date: Sep 2, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT GETS REALLY HARD, CONSUMER HAS TO USE LOTS OF FORCE TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE Jul 26, 2002
Incident date: Jul 1, 2002
THE ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF WITHOUT ANYTHING GETTING NEAR THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 4 TIMES NOW THE ALARM WONT GO OFF AT ALL. THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE BRAKE CLIPS COMING OFF BRAKE CHAMBERS. THE DEALERSHIP DAMAGED MY VEHICLE WHEN IT W... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE May 28, 2002
Incident date: May 26, 2002
THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN SHAKES AND VIBRATES. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL, IT IS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS RUBBER MOTOR MOUNTS, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES AND ... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy, 2002 FORD ESCORT

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 23.0 32.0 26.0 Regular $2,350

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2002 FORD ESCORT

24 manufacturer communications from 24 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE3
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT2
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE1
103800 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
19016 Jan 1, 2006
061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
REPLACE TIMING BELT IDLER PULLEY DURING 2.0L ZETEC ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
042107 Dec 13, 2004
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04189 Dec 13, 2004
138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
04174 Sep 6, 2004
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
04V09 Aug 12, 2004
151300 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN SERVICE REPLACEMENT SEATBELT RETRACTORS (DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT RETRACTOR IN GRAY) MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER 2002 AND SOLD AS A SERVICE REPLACEMENT PART BETWEEN DECEMBER 2002 AND JULY 2004.
041514 Aug 9, 2004
138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501 Jul 12, 2004
138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
020901 May 17, 2004
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ROUGH IDLE, LOW POWER AND / OR STALL AT IDLE, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 THROUGH P0304 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
03181 Sep 15, 2003
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
031515 Aug 4, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
IDLE VIBRATION ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L SPI OR ZETEC ENGINE ONLY. *TT
0398 May 12, 2003
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16746 Apr 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE SPEED, RUNS ROUGH AT IDLE AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0171. *TT
02208 Oct 14, 2002
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02176 Sep 2, 2002
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
0291 May 13, 2002
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L SPI ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0300 THROUGH P0304 STORED. *TT
15858 May 1, 2002
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUBJECT REGARDING FUSE BOX COVER AND #7 FUSE LOCATION. *TT
0245 Mar 4, 2002
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
0214 Jan 21, 2002
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15554 Jan 1, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING NO START DUE TO A SEIZED CAMSHAFT. *YH
01246 Dec 10, 2001
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
01242 Dec 10, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1744 WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS PRESENT. *TT
01181 Sep 17, 2001
103800 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
01156 Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157 Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD ESCORT

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA02008 Opened: Jun 10, 2002 , Closed: Dec 11, 2002
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997
WATER INTRUSION INTO AIRBAG MONITOR
BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 6, 2002, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL 1997 FORD ESCORT AND MERCURY TRACER VEHICLES.FORD FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SHORTING OF THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM)DUE TO LIQUID INTRUSION OF WATER OR ENGINE COOLANT CAN OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VE... Read more
PE02010 Opened: Jan 30, 2002 , Closed: Jun 10, 2002
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997
INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR WATER
DP01001 Opened: Apr 19, 2001 , Closed: Nov 1, 2001
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1998
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT
RQ97010 Opened: Sep 11, 1997 , Closed: May 22, 2000
RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995
FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY
There is no summary currently available
EA95002 Opened: Feb 24, 1995 , Closed: Sep 30, 1996
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1990
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
ELECTRICAL FIRES IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
PE94089 Opened: Nov 25, 1994 , Closed: Mar 24, 1995
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990
FRONT BRAKE FIRES
There is no summary currently available
PE94078 Opened: Nov 4, 1994 , Closed: Feb 24, 1995
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
There is no summary currently available
EA94002 Opened: Jan 28, 1994 , Closed: Jan 31, 1995
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE93076 Opened: Sep 3, 1993 , Closed: Jan 28, 1994
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
There is no summary currently available
EA93007 Opened: Feb 26, 1993 , Closed: Apr 26, 1993
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991
INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
PE92082 Opened: Oct 6, 1992 , Closed: Feb 26, 1993
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991
INADVER. STEERING LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
EA92012 Opened: Apr 15, 1992 , Closed: Sep 17, 1992
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE91150 Opened: Dec 3, 1991 , Closed: Apr 15, 1992
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE91025 Opened: Dec 17, 1990 , Closed: Apr 10, 1991
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
DP91003 Opened: Nov 29, 1990 , Closed: Jan 31, 1991
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1989
ENGINE STALLING
ENGINE STALLING
PE90063 Opened: Mar 21, 1990 , Closed: Jul 31, 1990
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
SAFETY BELT D-RING
There is no summary currently available
EA90008 Opened: Dec 27, 1989 , Closed: Dec 31, 1991
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1987
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS WHICH ALLEGE A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO RESTRAIN/ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT DURING AN ACCIDENT
PE89143 Opened: Jul 18, 1989 , Closed: Dec 27, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
PASSIVE BELT FAILURE
===
EA88038 Opened: Aug 29, 1988 , Closed: May 11, 1990
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1984
REAR SAFETY BELT FIT
===
PE88046 Opened: Apr 15, 1988 , Closed: Jul 11, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
SUMMARY: HEADLAMP SWITCH RETAINING BEZEL CRACKS CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO REMAIN ON AND OCCASIONALLY FLICKER OFF. FORD HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, ARTICLE # 87-11-8, TO REPLACE THE FAULTY BEZEL WITH AN IMPROVED PART.CONCLUSIONS: THE PE SHOULD BE CLOSED IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY SAFETY RELATED D... Read more
DP88007 Opened: Jan 11, 1988 , Closed: Aug 24, 1988
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1984
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
EA87023 Opened: Sep 24, 1987 , Closed: Nov 16, 1989
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1985
SEAT TRACKS
SUMMARY: A FRACTURED FRONT SEAT TRACK RECEIVED FROM AN ESCORT OWNER SHOWSTHAT METAL FATIGUE OCCURRED WHICH COULD CAUSE PARTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT.ANOTHER OWNER SENT PICTURES SHOWING FRACTURE AT THE SAME LOCATION. TENOF THE EIGHTEEN ODI COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS.MANUFACT... Read more
DP87032 Opened: Sep 3, 1987 , Closed: Apr 27, 1988
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1985
WINDOW SHATTERING
WINDOW SHATTERING
PE87028 Opened: May 1, 1987 , Closed: Jan 21, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1984
STALLING
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===
PE87026 Opened: Apr 28, 1987 , Closed: Sep 24, 1987
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
SUMMARY: A FRACTURED FRONT SEAT TRACK RECEIVED FROM AN ESCORT OWNER SHOWSTHAT METAL FATIGUE OCCURRED WHICH COULD CAUSE PARTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT.ANOTHER OWNER SENT PICTURES SHOWING FRACTURE AT THE SAME LOCATION. TENOF THE EIGHTEEN ODI COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS.MANUFACT... Read more
EA87005 Opened: Dec 1, 1986 , Closed: Oct 31, 1989
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1984
FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:THE ALLEGED FIRES RESULT FROMA VARIETY OF CAUSES.FIRE RATE REMAINS ABOUT THE SAME DESPITE MAJORCHANGES WITH 85-1/2 MODELS.IT BELIEVES THAT THE FIRE RATE IS LESS THANINDUSTRY AVERAGE.MFGR REQUEST COPIES OF SPECIFIC FIRE REPORTS FOR TRENDANALYSIS.ANALYSIS:SEVER... Read more
DP86016 Opened: Jul 24, 1986 , Closed: Aug 7, 1986
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1983
STALLING
STALLING
PE86048 Opened: Apr 23, 1986 , Closed: Dec 1, 1986
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:THE ALLEGED FIRES RESULT FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF CAUSES, WITH THE REPORTEDRATES OF FIRES FOR 1984-85 MODELS VERSUS THE 85 1/2 MODELS REMAININGAPPROXIMATELY THE SAME.THESE RATES ARE SIGNIFIGANTLY LESS THAN THEINDUSTRY AVERAGE FOR NON-COLLISION VEHICLE FIRES AS ... Read more
EA86010 Opened: Mar 26, 1986 , Closed: Jul 28, 1989
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1983
SEATBACK FAILURE
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD BELIEVES THAT THE AL-LEGED DEFECT ONLY OCCURS IN A SMALL NUMBER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ANDRECALLED ABOUT 195,732 1984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986.ANALYSIS: VEHICLES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED INCLUDE TEMPO/TOPAZ, ESCORT/LYNX/EXP, MUSTANG/CAPRI, LTD/MARQ... Read more
DP85009 Opened: Jan 29, 1985 , Closed: Feb 27, 1985
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1981
FAILURE OF SEAT BACK SECURING BOLTS
FAILURE OF SEAT BACK SECURING BOLTS
DP84017 Opened: May 30, 1984 , Closed: Sep 10, 1984
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1981
STALLING AND CARBURETOR MALFUNCTIONS
STALLING AND CARBURETOR MALFUNCTIONS
DP84009 Opened: Jan 16, 1984 , Closed: Jul 17, 1984
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1981
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
EA83013 Opened: Mar 23, 1983 , Closed: Jan 26, 1989
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1981
FRONT SEATBACK FAILURE
STATUS: DISCUSSING WITH CANADA.===
DP83004 Opened: Nov 9, 1982 , Closed: Mar 10, 1983
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1982
FUMES AND DUST IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
FUMES AND DUST IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

FORD ESCORT - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FORD ESCORT across all model years (1981, 2003).

64 Total Recalls
5,063 Total Complaints
34 Investigations
629 Reported Crashes
613 Reported Fires
26 Reported Deaths

FORD ESCORT - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2003 1 13 View
2002 (current) 1 41
2001 1 85 View
2000 2 128 View
1999 2 413 View
1998 1 470 View
1997 2 729 View
1996 1 257 View
1995 5 725 View
1994 2 351 View
1993 3 480 View
1992 3 222 View
1991 4 413 View
1990 2 128 View
1989 1 199 View
1988 2 206 View
1987 3 65 View
1986 2 53 View
1985 3 31 View
1984 3 27 View
1983 5 7 View
1982 5 5 View
1981 10 2 View

Other FORD Models

Model Recalls Complaints
MUSTANG 1,104 11,600 View
RANGER 928 10,371 View
F-350 SD 776 2,363 View
F-450 SD 692 624 View
F-150 692 46,142 View
F-250 SD 638 3,635 View
EXPLORER 624 42,549 View
F-550 SD 578 603 View