MYRModel Year Report

2002 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
2002 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:04:14.777Z

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

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 45 complaints 1987: 56 complaints 1987 1988: 143 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 101 complaints 1990 1991: 327 complaints 1992: 162 complaints 1993: 379 complaints 1993 1994: 279 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003
2002: 33 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198645
198756
1988143
1989152
1990101
1991327
1992162
1993379
1994279
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

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 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.

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 (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1987 ▲ 2001

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1998

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 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Escort have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.