2002 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical

2002 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:27.476Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2002: 33 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	1
1982	4
1983	7
1984	21
1985	26
1986	46
1987	59
1988	148
1989	152
1990	104
1991	335
1992	166
1993	383
1994	289
1995	576
1996	205
1997	543
1998	375
1999	325
2000	98
2001	68
2002	33
2003	10

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 33%

33% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN SHAKES AND VIBRATES. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020528

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20040816

Also filed under WHEELS

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170306

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TIRES 12%

12% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and bead.

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing springs and wheel bearing.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040827 — seat belts

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 F7CZ54611B09A

Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Campaign 04E048000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1987 ▲ 2001

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Escort is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Escort have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.