Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, another vehicle struck the front end of the contact's vehicle. The contact's vehicle spun around and struck the other vehicle again. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact received chest injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000. The VIN was invalid. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving at 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to ice and gravel on the highway. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a bruised head and fractured thumb that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000. The VIN was not available.
In March 2004 while driving at a low rate of speed, I clipped the corner of a parked vehicle which caused my Ford Escape to overturn. No airbags deployed. In September 2009 while entering a freeway during a heavy rainstorm, driving at a low rate of speed, the Escape hydro planed, slammed into the cement barrier rendering the vehicle useless. Despite the vehicle having spun multiple times and being slammed into the barrier at such an impact the transmission dropped several inches, no airbags deployed. This vehicle was purchased new from butterfield Ford in salt lake, at a cost of $22, 200. In the 5+ years of owning this vehicle, I spent more than $10,000 in repairs - for a brand new vehicle. Despite my pleas to the dealer ship, I was never provided any remedy. …
My 2002 Ford Escape was bought new in March of 2002. The problem with it accelerating at low speeds started about 6-7 months later. Returned to the dealership many times to have it checked but was told every time there was nothing wrong. I've had one accident as a result of this problem. I still own the same Escape and still have the problem with it . I was told that there were no complaints of this nature with these models but have since learned that there have been many. I also as have many people had the problem with the air-bag light on .again many trips to the dealer and was told nothing was wrong about $300 later for labor costs. …
I was pulling into a parking space at a shopping center. As I took my foot off the accelerator preparing to stop, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward, hopping the curb and continuing forward into the patio area. I applied the brakes, but the car did not stop. It hit a trash can and tables and finally crashed into a pillar. In applying the brake, I had managed to slow the vehicle down so the impact was not severe and the airbags did not deploy. I was not injured but two people lunching in the patio area received minor injuries (a scratched/swollen leg and sore elbow). The vehicle has since been repaired and the cause of accident is being investigated by the insurance company. Since I am paranoid about driving the vehicle, I am planning to have a diagnostic test conducted.
For the past year and a half the ABS warning light has been illuminated. I took it to the Ford dealership to have the latest recall fixed regarding the reservoir cap. Ford couldn't get the ABS warning light to turn off...so, hence the light still intermidantly comes on and off. Also, the oil pressure light keeps coming on when I start my car and when I am slowing down. I just had my mechanic change the oil a week ago and and still having the problem. One last thing, the air bag illumination light has been on for the past two years. I took it to my dealer and they couldn't get it to turn off. Am I safe in thinking that my air bag won't deploy just for the heck of it? Not sure what to do? But it scares me.
Vehicle suddenly surged forward. Vehicle is currently at the police garage waiting to be investigated. The consumer was pulling into his driveway, put the vehicle in park and pulled up the emergency brake. The consumer exited the vehicle to retrieve her mail and got back into the vehicle. The consumer put the emergency brake down and proceed to shift the vehicle into drive. When the vehicle was shifted into drive the vehicle accelerated suddenly and could not be stopped, not even by applying the brake. The vehicle went through a garage wall, through a utility room and came out the back of the house and hit a small tree. The air bag did not deploy. The car was totaled.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. When the contact applied the brakes at a traffic light, the brake pedal extended to floor causing the contact to crash into a light pole at 25 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The vehicle had not been inspected, but the contact was certain that the vehicle was destroyed. The contact referenced NHTSA recall campaign 07V156000, service brakes unit control module; however, the recall repair was performed two years prior to the crash and the repair caused the crash to occur. The failure and current mileages were 220,000. Updated 3/8/11 updated 12/14/11
I purchased my 2002 Ford Escape in February 2006. Within a few days the airbag light came on and stayed on. I took it to the Ford dealership and they said that the seatbelt pretenser needed to be replaced, but I can not afford to pay almost $500. The dealership says that because I can't have it fixed, my airbags May not deploy in an accident. I have reported this to the Ford company and got no help. So, basically they are saying that I deserve to be hurt or killed in an accident because I can't afford to have the pretenser fixed. I for one do not think that is fair.
Driving westbound approximately 35 miles per hour, another vehicle turned left in front of me resulting in front end damage to my car. Sustained whiplash, treated at hospital and released. Continuing care with primary care physician. Airbags did not deploy. Contacted Ford motor company directly to report airbag non-deployment and was told that the airbag system needed to be checked after vehicle repairs are made and results sent directly to Ford at my cost. Ford then referred the complaint to their legal department. Situation currently ongoing.
Airbag complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2002 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Ford Escape, 8% of the model year's 1,027 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Escape airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2002 Ford Escape, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Escape airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 0 fires and 16 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.