MYRModel Year Report

2002 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
2002 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:16.249Z

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
33
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

2002: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 11 reports

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, 2002-05-28

Power train

15% · 5 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-16

Also filed under Wheels

Service brakes

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2017-03-06

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Tires

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and bead.

Suspension

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing springs and wheel bearing.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2004-08-27Seat belts04E048000 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…

    Remedy: Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2004.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04E048000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.