Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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 owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (currie motors Ford of valpo, 2052 w morthland dr., valparaiso, in 46385, [phone]), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Purchased 2002 model in 10/01. Three weeks after purchase steering wheel was shaking and loose. Took it back to the dealer, the bolt in the steering wheel came unsecured. This was not due to customer error. In 2002 the upholstery over the cargo space was hanging down from the ceiling and the foam insulation around the door (rear passenger side) was not secure. I took it back to the dealer. The upholstery was fixed but the insulation was not. At that time I also complained about the vehicle idling when in neutral. It was also vibrating and skipping when in neutral. The vehicle was allegedly checked with not problems. I took the vehicle back to have the insulation repaired and the idling/vibration checked. The insulation was repaired. The mechanic stated the car was fine. Idling/vibration and skipping stills continues today. Also the vehicle slipped out of gear and crashed into a pole. …
1 - rear latch is not working properly. When it is cool outside, the latch will not open the back door. 2 - window latch has rusted causing the rear window to detach from the hinge. Not that I am bidder, but at 37K miles, the transmission blew.... I discussed this issue with both Ford and my dealership ([redacted]). Both companies stated they could not help me and that it was on me to pay to correct. I explained that this was due to a lack of using proper supplies. They could not have cared less. I am hoping you can have them look into this because I would really hate to be involved in a car accident cannot use the rear as an exit....
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated the rear lift-gate latch was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated NHTSA recall campaign id number: 04V602000 component: latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch was related, however, the VIN was not included. The contact will be responsible for the repair cost of $85. The manufacturer was notified and stated the recall did not include her VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.
Twice in the past year door latches and/or electric locks have failed such that the door could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. First the rear passenger door failed and was repaired at a cost of $400.00 now the front passenger door is experiencing the same symptoms. This could be a considerable safety risk in the event of an emergency.
Left rear door is jammed closed. Will not unlock either electrically or manually. Door cannot be opened from inside or outside handle. Dealer is very helpful but unable to repair. Ntsb lists several of same complaint but Ford has no solution. Only one remaining exit from rear and likely to fail from same design and trap passengers.
Passenger rear door was locked shut. Would not open manually or otherwise. I had problem repaired (still under warranty), but now I think the other rear door and the passenger front door are having the same problem. It is starting to not open on the first try and this is very frusterating and unsettling.
I have a 2002 Ford Escape, and the rear liftgate window hinges have broken 3 times [one twice, the other once] in normal operation. This is exactly the problem covered by safety recall 04s20, but Ford says that only applies to cars built in different assembly plants, not mine.
Failure of passenger door to open on a 2002 Ford Escape xlt SUV preventing passenger from being able to exit vehicle. No keylock exists and there is no way to open the door from the inside or from the outside .
(1) ce light on again (2) vehicle not idling normally (3) vehicle not advancing from stop (4) smell burning oil from engine when shut off, no visible oil leak found on driveway (5) rattling from lf of the vehicle; speed of rattling directly related to speed of vehicle; starts around 25 MPH. (6) driver's seat lurches forward on seat track when braking; only occurs with lighter weight drivers. Took vehicle to dealer for the 30K mile check & to have them address the issues. Dealer did the following - issues 1-4: engine covered in oil upon inspection (second oil leak); leak coming from the front cover & oil pan; dealer replaced the front cover gasket, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, upper intake gaskets, & oil filter; dealer replaced the catalytic converter monitor sensor again (third time). …
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utiity vehicle having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on March 31, 2005. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2002 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2002 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 1,027 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Escape door lock & latch problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-602 (latch, Dec 20, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Escape door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.