Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The rear liftgate glass support broke while opening the rear window. I was able to quickly grab the rear window before it could break. I would note that the falling rear windshield can strike the operator and/or bystander and could cause significant injuries that could include bruises to the head, neck or back, and possibly cuts to the face, arm or hand. I took my Ford Escape to my local Ford dealer (friendly Ford of monroe, mi) to have this issue repaired. I mentioned to the service manager that explorers and mountaineers had been recalled for this same exact defect and he told me to save my receipt in case my vehicle is recalled in the future. The repair to my vehicle cost $236.00 at the dealer. …
Our rear hatch window on our 2002 Ford Escape xls exploded overnight while sitting undisturbed in our garage. It had been sitting for 10 hours in our enclosed garage when it exploded for no reason. The temperature outside was in the single digits. I'm wondering if the rear defrost wasn't cut off when the car was shut off? When I started the car after the window shattered the rear defrost was on. There are other reports on the internet with similar occurrences. Rear window exploding on Ford escapes sounds common. Insurance company is suppose to be in contact with me, but I imagine we will be paying most of the repair out of pocket since we haven't met a deductible.
The windshield on the Ford Escape cracked when I rinsed it with a regularly garden hose. Since I rinse all my cars frequently and have never had this problem my mechanic suggested that the glass was very thin and likely cracked from the cold water hitting the warmer glass. I contacted the Ford dealer, who indicated that there was no known problem with their windshields. I have scheduled a glass company to replace the windshield this Friday, June 22 at my house. Please contact me, if you need additional information. Thank you.
For the second time, the rear window on my company-owned Ford Escape has shattered. The truck was parked in a garage during this second occurance, during a night when the temperatures were in the teen's. I'd blame the cold weather, but this also happened less than 6 months ago during the summer while driving at 65mph on a highway. In both cases, the shocks that hold the rear window up when open, have extended to full length, and as a result, scratched the paint on the rear tailgate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud explosion while the contact driving. The contact noticed that the rear liftgate glass had exploded and shattered, causing scratches to the side windows. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 112,000.
Sun roof sticking during opening.close operation; vehicle was taken into dealer and intermittent operation was verified; faulty sun roof switch was causing the problem; new switch was ordered and installed. At the same time, the coolant light kept coming on and off; no leaks found; problem never identified
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear lift gage back window was broken. The dealer was contacted and stated that they could not assist her with any information regarding the parts to be repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 70000.
Computer controls locked down the car. The dealer said that the computer was resetting when it done this and there was nothing they could do. The windshield is separating from the car and the dealer will not cover this as a defect because my car is the only one they know of.
The windshield leaked water when it rained. The dealer stated that the windshield was separating from the molding, and it's not a safety defect it was normal. While driving water would get inside the vehicle.
On two separate occasions, the rear window exploded while parked unattended in a parking lot. The rear window defroster had been on prior to incident. Security cameras reveal thee was no human tampering prior to explosion.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Ford Escape, 3% of the model year's 1,027 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Escape window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
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.