Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
My vehicle idles to 4000rpm and control the speed by itself, there is a leak in the back break area the steering wheel locks where I can't put it in any gear sometimes and getting worse. Had to get it towed home last night because while driving it idled high and as I brake it barely stopped and when releasing break it speeds up to 50 or more MPH and I had to keep my feet on the break..I pulled over and turned the switch off and waited a while and turned back on and it idled to 4000 RPM again. Could not shift the gear from park and break pedal was hard. When arriving home to back car in driveway towe guy had no problem with idle. The following morning cranked and was at 1000rpm at first start. Also ac pressure. Car runs hot but no smoke water bubbles in coolant reservoir. My check engine light never gave warning of any of the problems listed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving, an odor of fuel emitted into the vehicle and it stalled without warning, the contact also stated that the hazard lights failed to function. The vehicle was taken to wayne ekers Ford (2000 10th ave n, lake worth, fl 33461, phone number: [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because the fuel leak was a safety concern for the workers. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 108,325.
The fuel tank mounting strap rusted through and began dragging on the highway sending up a shower of sparks. Upon investigation, I found the metal shield around the tank disintegrated into rust flakes, and the shield where it passes over the driveshaft had fallen and was rubbing on the moving driveshaft. I recognised the problem and was able to secure the tank and shield temporarily to limp home, but the potential for disaster is catastrophic, especially here in the northeast where these parts are continually subject to salt and snow.
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.
While driving at normal speeds on ice-glazed winter roads in fairbanks, ak, I approached an intersection and took my foot off the accelerator to prepare to slow down. Instead of dropping to idle speeds, the engine accelerated up to 3500-4000 RPM. I shifted the automatic transmission to neutral and was able to stop the car with the brakes, but the engine continued to race at high-throttle until I shut off the engine. When I restarted the engine it behaved normally for several days; but the problem came back intermittently several times over the next several weeks; and every time, shutting off the engine was the only way to stop it. Ford's database showed my car had undergone a recall in 2005 to fix a similar problem. In January 2012, stanley Ford in kenai, ak 'supposedly' replaced the throttle cable and throttle body assembly for $572, but it didn't solve the problem. …
I took my 2002 Ford Escape to a Ford dealer to see if the recent recall of the ABS module connector affected my car only to find out that I had an oil leak from the master cylinder which was dropping onto the ABS module. Maybe this is why the cars are catching fire to begin with. If I hadn't taken my car in to be checked the oil probably would have caused a fire. I had to replace the master cylinder and my car only has 70K miles on it. I have never replaced one on any car I have ever owned and I have driven them over 150kmiles. It cost me 278 dollars..this car also had to have the rotors replaced when I replaced the brakes at 42K. The fuel pump was replaced at 34614 miles,the coolant recovery tank was replaced at the same time as the light was on. At 51K miles ck engine light came on. #4 coil had to be replaced at a cost of 282.17. At 70K the engine light came on. …
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. …
On several occasions, my 2002 Ford Escape has stalled out in the middle of intersections, on the freeway, and at many inopportune times!!!!! I have been quite scared to drive my SUV any more. It starts to chug like it is not getting any fuel, the check engine light will come on, and the SUV will immediately die. I lose my power steering, my brakes, my everything! And almost get hit. I have taken my Escape in for service several times, but they claim that it is just a glitch in the computer, and reset it. Then they told me that they could never get it do what I was saying, so I had to come in right when it was doing it, or they wouldn't be able to help. In the mean time, I have stalled out several more times, gone in, and no one can figure out what is wrong. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. While driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal went down to the floor and would not release. The contact was able to place the vehicle into second gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the cruise control cable failed and jammed the throttle cover. The transmission became damaged when the contact shifted into reverse gear. The manufacturer May not be able to assist. On November 25, 2007, the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to reverse. The dealer cleaned the throttle body, flushed the injectors, and cleaned the upper intake gasket and spark plugs. The fuel filters, coil boots, and ignitions wires were replaced. The current and failure mileages were 62,000. The consumer stated the battery light comes on while driving, replace fuel filter, and A/C is not blowing cold. Updated 03/31/08
Upon pressing the brake, at any speed, the vehicle completely shuts off. This has caused me to be nearly rear-ended on several occasions. It happens without notice, and is becoming more consistent. I took it to the dealership, as there were recalls on my vehicle, but they said while that is a problem for my make and model, it was in fact not one of the recalls to be performed. I had two recalls performed, neither of which helped this problem at all. It leaves me halted in intersections, and makes for abrupt stops, as I have to completely brake to a full and complete stop, throw the truck into park, turn the key off, wait a moment, turn the key back on, and back into drive.
Fuel System complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2002 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2002 Ford Escape, 4% of the model year's 1,027 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Escape fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.