Problems with 2002 Ford Escape SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

I have a 2002 ford escape, manual transmission with 66,000 miles on it. coming home from a weekend trip the clutch stuck and would have to be pulled up with your foot when having to slow down in traffic. we were able to pull off the road and call for assistance and towing to a garage where we were told that the master cylinder had went out.the mechanic said that this was very unusual for it to happen to a car this new. have there been any other complaints similar in nature to this?

Ford escape 2002 - we have had an ongoing problem with the abs and brake lights staying on. we have had it into a ford dealership several times, who was not able to fix it, and an independent mechanic who was finally able to identify that it was the antilock braking system's electronic control module causing the issue. just read an article concerning an ongoing investigation into engine fires possibly caused by this module and are very concerned that we could be next. we first took it into the dealer the month our warranty expired so i am putting the "incident date" in for that month.

My name is [xxx], i purchased a ford escape suv on august 22, 2002 from day ford in pittsburgh, pa on august 22, 2002. i have been have many problems with my vehicle since i purchased it. prior to moving to florida in june, i had the car serviced again and was told i need new rotors, brakes and tires.i moved to florida, and on january 2005, i had to replace the clutch because it had rust and corrosion on it. the service tech question all the rust under the vehicle and i told him that i did not know why there was so much. n march 18th, i was in a car accident and my front end was damaged. i had the car taken to matthew currie ford, where they service my car. i picked up the car on april 20, 2005 and was still having problems with it. i thought it was from the accident. i was told on april 21, 2005 that i need new spark plugs. i told them that i was not paying for it and that they need to call aig. on april 22, 2005 the service manager called me to tell me that my car had water damage and that it was purchased this way. i then got a rental car and i called dayford to see what they had to say and how they were going to fix the problem. at first i was told that they did not sell me a car with water damage. then he said he would call me back. well i have not heard anything from them. over the weekend i found out that my car was purchased from kansas city on july 20, 2002 and then serviced on july 27, 2002 by dayford. the services were engine serviced, vehicle serviced, suspension system serviced, brakes serviced, state inspection completed, miscellaneous service performed, emissions system serviced and lubed oil and filter changed. these services were completed with only 3 miles on the car. i pulled the information from carfax and that what it says. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

2002 ford escape with 36,000 miles on it. i had the front brakes survived for the first time on this car and found that rotors cannot be turned even one time on these cars without bringing it below specs. i had to replace both rotors at a cost of $199.00. i complained to ford about this and was told that this was part of normal wear and tear. i have never owned car that had to have rotors replaced with this low mileage before i do not accept this is a normal situation. it is a case of ford putting cheap throw away parts in cars and not disclosing this information to buyers at the time they purchase the car. *jb

Vehicle had a sound when being driven. consumer took the vehicle to dealer to see where the sound was coming from. dealer discovered that front wheel bearings, brakes, and rotors needed to be replaced. *ak

Vehicle has been recalled 3 times for safety defects. at 25000 miles i was told that i needed to replace the rotors. it is too early for this to be occurring and have found information that this seems to be a complaint that has been frequent on this car make. they replaced the eccellerator cable and now the car seems to be sluggish in eccellerating from a stopped position.*ak

I own a 2002 ford escape with 42,600 miles. my problem that i am having is a spongy brake pedal at first, then pedal goes to the floor, and then you get a pulsating, grinding noise in the front brakes and also in the brake pedal. rotors are new; brakes are in good condition, no brake fluid leaks. brakes were bled with no change in problem. when the brake pedal is depressed it sounds like it is sucking air. *jb

Front brake pads and rotors were replaced at 30,000 miles. *jb

The abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. consumer was able to stop while pumping the brake three times, and drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection. however, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak

Went in to a ford dealership in garden grove, ca. i was getting a routine oil change and tire rotation. i was told i needed a complete brake overhall. i balked at the suggestion of the ford associate. i stated "my escape only has 23,000 miles on it and your telling me it needs new rotors, pads on the front, and shoes and drums in the rear". he looked straight at me and said yes you do. i went home took off the tire and discovered it to be true.. the brakes on my 2002 escape are worn out after 23,000 miles. what kind of garbage is that. i'm not hard on my brakes either. if i have to replace them again at 43,000 miles i am going to be very pissed off. if it does happen. i will be trading it in, and it won't be for another ford.*ak

(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). issue 5: dealer did not hear noise coming from lf of vehicle; heard a noise from rear of vehicle; rear lift door latch loose; adjusted/oiled it. issue 6: dealer compared problem with other escapes; found to be a normal condition of power driver's seat to have some play in it (this is very unsafe; seat lurches forward 1-2in when braking; i'm a short female who struggles to sit a min of 10in from the sw for the ab; moving me forward another 1-2in in a crash is not safe). dealer found front brake pads/rotors below specs; stated that this is normal for 30k miles; seems too soon. several complaints filed to nhtsa regarding excessive brake/rotor wear. vehicle was in the shop 7/16-7/23. dealer paid for a rental car (third time). picked up vehicle & drove it off lot; heard rattling from the lf of vehicle. took it back & a mechanic went on test drive with me, heard noise. took it back & inspected vehicle together. i noticed the weather stripping on the left side of the windshield was cracked & detaching from vehicle. had been slapping outside of apillar when driving, making noise. dealer stated they would order new part & i'd have to bring vehicle back again to have it installed. *ak

Driving on freeway and started to slow down...moved foot off gas pedal to slow (was going about 50 mph at the time and about 65 mph before getting any brakes to work) and it kept going down and stuck on high exceleration...went to put on brakes and brake pedal would not push down, barely had any brakes. ford service said recall this morning on accelerator sticking...but brakes were my problem..i have not had any problem with brakes prior to this. at 33000 miles, granted there is wear but i had experienced none..so stuck paying for complete replacement..said they were shot and unsafe....all i can say is i was extremly fortunate to get under control and no accident. and ford should accept some of the responsibility for the brakes . *ak

This concerns a 2002 ford escape with 10,700 miles on it. i was traveling down a very slight grade at less than 20 mph on a clear day approaching a red light at an intersection. when i applied the brakes, the car did not stop. instead, the front of the car just started to uncontrollably jump, bounce and hop up and down. since the car did not slow down, i applied the brakes again and it continued to uncontrollably bounce up and down. there was a car crossing through the intersection in front of me driven by a mother with her young child in the car. in order to avoid hitting that car, i steered my bouncing car to the right, off the road, and into a light pole to stop it. the mother with her 5 year old daughter, who witnessed the whole event, pulled over to see if i was ok and thanked me for not killing them. i have her name and number. a police report was filed. there is a defect in the braking system on this car and i am scared to death to ever drive it again lest i kill or maim myself or someone else. i contacted ford motor co. directly many times, but they gave me the runaround. they said the antilock braking did not need to be checked. when my insurance company, nationwide, became involved ford said that i should now deal with them, nationwide. nationwide is now paying to have my car repaired, but said that there is no need to check the braking system because there is nothing wrong with it, it is my fault and all they can do about it is raise my insurance premium. this is the second time there has been a mechanical failure in this defective braking system and no one seems to care to look into it.*ak

The consumer was having a problem with the brakes. the brakes did not stop the vehicle when moving in reverse. the driver applied the brakes, however, the brakes did not stop the car. *jb when backing by a gas station pump, the vehicle would not stop and nearly ended out on a busy road. the brakes were pumped twice and the parking brake was applied. less than a week later when backing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated uphill, across a road, over into the woods. *sc jb

Brake "idiot" light on dashboard lit.. out of brake fluid.. dealer stated defective brake fluid reservoir cap - replaced - questioned why it was out of fluid when the fluids were supposed to have been "checked and topped off" at last oil change 3k miles previously - (i had also reported grinding brakes noise at that oil change which i was told was just due to excessive brake dust buildup.. ) *ak

In 2004, my 2002 ford escape, after being parked overnight, caught fire. the fire was traced by the dealer to the abs computer. the vehicle was past warranty and ford motor company denied repeatedly that there was any possibility of any defect, or that there was any manufacturer responsibility. calls to ford's customer hot line were handled in an unsatisfactory manner. the vehicle was repaired using new parts. *jb

The driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to floor, the vehicle stalled and the consumer was able to restart the vehicle. the consumer will take the vehicle to the dealer for analysis . when the problem happens again. *jb

While driving at any speed, the engine was rumbling. the dealer could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak there was uncontrollable jumping and or kicking. the dealer replaced one defective part and was told that the rumbling noise would need to be investigated by ford engineers. ford did not know what was causing the noise, but say it was not dangerous. the vehicle would shake at certain speeds and cd's would get stuck in the cd player. *sc the rotors were replaced because they were out of round, the stabilizer end links were replaced *jb

When the brakes were applied there was a delay before the vehicle stopped. dealer stated that vehicle needed rotors and pads replaced. *ak

Excessive brake rotor wear: after 34,600 miles, the rotors are 70% worn according to the dimensions given by the dealer. the dealer claims this is normal even though he understands that the brakes will be worn out before 50,000 miles.*ak

Excessive fron rotor wear: the dealer examined the rotors and said the wear was normal, even though the measurements he gave me show the rotors are 70% worn. he agrees that they should be completely worn out before 50,000 miles and still considers this to be normal.

I was pulling into a parking space at a shopping center. as i took my foot off the accelerator preparing to stop, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward, hopping the curb and continuing forward into the patio area. i applied the brakes, but the car did not stop. it hit a trash can and tables and finally crashed into a pillar. in applying the brake, i had managed to slow the vehicle down so the impact was not severe and the airbags did not deploy. i was not injured but two people lunching in the patio area received minor injuries (a scratched/swollen leg and sore elbow). the vehicle has since been repaired and the cause of accident is being investigated by the insurance company. since i am paranoid about driving the vehicle, i am planning to have a diagnostic test conducted. *ak

I purchased a 2002 ford escape in june of 2003. i noticed, driving home from the dealership, excessive noise coming from the rear brakes. my initial request for the dealer to look into this noise was met with a reply that the brakes were inspected before the vehicle was put on the lot and checked out fine. the purchase, however, was a couple months after they had done their inspection. the noise continued and gradually grew worse and a couple weeks later they agreed the brakes should be inspected again. outside of excessive brake dust build up, they indicated the brakes were fine. the noise continued and i again brought the vehicle back in. at this point, the dealership indicated there appeared to be several areas of rough edges and they indicated all brake surfaces had been sanded to remove these imperfections. this process worked for no more than 48 hours before the noice returned, but even louder. i have been dealing with this ever since and it has grown increasingly frustrating, as teh dealership subsequently advised me of the bulletin posted regarding excessive brake dust. i was told by the dealership that a solution was to be in place by q4 2003 or q1 2004. i continue to be told there is no remedy yet and i am concerned that this loud annoyance could become a problem with brake function. i drive quite a bit for my work and plan to pull a pop-up camper for a 2-week vacation this summer and i have no interest in putting myself, my family or any one else in jeopardy should there be a more significant undelying problem. *ak

Excessive brake dust on front tires - rims are black within 3 days of cleaning - dealer reports this is 'normal'..*ak

When applying the brakes a loud grinding noise was heard. *ak

The brakes seized, which caused the steering wheel to lock up. *dt *jb

While driving brakes and steering locked up and engine shut off without any warning .driver lost control of vehicle, resulting in an accident.*ak the consumer stated that the manufacturer had issued two technical service bulletins on defects of the vehicle, and the problems occuring were the result of one of those defects. *yh

Problems with power assist, engine and brakes. mr

I purchased a 2002 ford escape. it currently has 10k miles on it. while going down a hill, the engine stopped, power steering went out and the power brakes didn't work. luckly i managed to pull over, put the car in park and restart the engine. the same problem, same situation occur a couple of days later. both times occurred while i was going down a hill at about 30-35 mph. i noticed that the rpm reading when the accellerator isn't depressed is very low. it sometimes dips close to zero. normal rpm for sitting in idle is around 1. it's currently at the dealership.

Consumer stated on july 2, 2002 the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a broken headlight and missing equipment from the vehicle, on july 23, 2002 the vehicle began experiencing stalling, brake and odometer problems, the brakes were replaced due to a flaw, the stalling and the odometer problems could not be duplicated, also there were problems with the speakers and the clutch sticking, consumer stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake disengaged and the vehicle rolled into a hotel.*jb

As i was descending down a hill, traveling about 35 mph, and turning a bend, i noticed that my power steering was not working and then that my brakes were not working and that one of my indicator lights was lit on my dashboard. i put the car in neutral, and turned the key back on and it started. fortunately, no one was around because my brakes were not working. i have reported this to my dealer who did not even write my concern down. i have since sent them a formal letter. this has not happened since, but it could be dangerous while traveling on busy roads.*ak

This car has had various defects in the 8 months that i have owned it. i have had the rear wiper arm and windshield fluid receptacle replaced. next the brake light came on because the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. this resulted in the replacement of the master cylinder. next the vehicle lost power at 40 mph right in the middle of traffic not once, but three times. i feel this suv is not dependable or safe to drive. i am scheduled to take a vacation and drive from wisconsin to arkansas in the august heat, but i am having second thoughts. i would like to get rid of this vehicle. it is an accident waiting to happen.

Vehicle will shut off at any speed without any notice. everything will go out like power steering and brakes and accelerator, etc. contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak

All functions suddenly locked up. i had no functionality in steering, brakes, and acceleration. i had no control of the car and car slowly died. after a few minutes i was able to restart car with no problems. but this could potentially have caused a fatal accident if environment, speed, etc., were just slightly different.

Five months after purchasing this brand new vehicle, the master cylinder failed. *nlm

2002 ford escape xlt, vehicle would not start, engine turned over but soounded like it was going to blow up. after several attempts it finally started. it does this 2 or 3 times a day. dealer says no problem, it will fix itself. vehicles engine smoked on two occasions, thought the car was on fire. dealer says there is nothing wrong. vehicle will surge on its own, even with the brake depressed, almost as if i had floored it. i cannot drive 20 mph, it surges forward! last incident i had with the vehicle, i lost complete use of the brakes, no hydraulics, no nothing. pedal depressed right to the floor. almost got into a head on collision, used e-brake to stop. happened a second time later that day. took car to dealership, nothing is wrong. contacted ford rep. and they will not do anything to help me. i do not feel safe driving this vehicle. i do not wish to keep the vehicle.

Brakes and steering failed once while driving down a curvy mountain road, speed approx. 25 mph, second failure at approx 45 mph on a straight and level city road. both times two feet had to be used on the brake pedal and with heavy steering and the vehicle was just stopped before crashing into obstacles. no warning preceeded the incidents. three dash warning lights came on after. the dealer took the vehicle back to the dealership both times and the first time said perhaps we had more than one key on the key ring in the ignition key hole. this was noted as a potential cause of turning off the engine. this was not the case in either incident, only the ignition key was on the ring. first incident they said ford noted the heavy key posibility and ford engineering also recommended reprogramming the computer and a new mass air flow sensor was installed. this did not help as a few days later the same failure occurred again, almost resulting in a crash. currently (feb. 23, 2002) the escape is at the dealer now after the second near crash incident as we will not drive it anymore. they say they are asking their engineering staff again what to do. this is the same source that originally said to tell us we probably had too many keys hanging from the ignition key. none has any firm answer and sources on the internet confirm this problem and ford has no solution at this time. we would like to terminate the purchase which was done about a month ago as the vehicle is not save to drive. both my wife, first incident, and daughter, second incident will not drive the vehicle they were so frightened and barely were able to avoid crashes. date feb. 23, 2002 signed eugene lally. *ak

On several occasions, while traveling on a steep curvy road at 25 mph, vehicle lost power brakes and power steering, consumer had to use both feet on brake pedal to control speed, oil and emission lights came on, consumer was able to turn off street onto parking lot and slow down enough to avoid crashing, engine was still on when vehicle came to a stop, dealer reflashed pcm and replaced mass airflow sensor, throttle body and iac solenoid. *ak *tt

On first occasion vehicle shut down, dash lights came on, power steering and brakes failed. needed to coast into a parking lot. vehicle restarted and was able to get home. only had vehicle 1 month. took vehicle to dealership, (not point of sale) and had vehicle inspected. was told that they were unable to duplicate the problem and that it was due to excessive amount of other keys on primary key ring, to remove the keys due to they were interfering with the path and shutting down vehicle. removed the keys and continued to drive. on 4/9/02 was driving in exact location as previous incident, going about 35-40 mph and same thing happened. had put a file cabinet key on key ring, thought was same issue, didnt' report again. on 4/11/02 while traveling on much busier and much more dangerous road, vehicle again stalled. no safe shoulder to pull off onto and unable to restart while in process. was luckily able to coast onto side street, breaks and steering were not functioning properly, had to roll to stop. able to restart and get to work. will notify dealership asap.*ak

Bought vehicle 11/1/2001. the first time, 1/9/2002 with only 1547 miles, let off of gas, coasting down hill, approx 40 mph, car died, lost power steering and brakes. after coasting to a stop, car restarted. dealer replaced powertrain control module relay. 2nd time, on 5/3/2002, with 3949 miles, similar conditions, car died, lost power steering and brakes, car restarted after coasting to a stop. dealer changed the fuel mixture in the computer. i have serious doubts that this has fixed the problem.

Engine stalled while driving downhill. was either braking or decelerating by letting up on gas. check engine, airbag, and possibly oil lights came on. power steering and brakes failed. was able to pull off the road and stop vehicle with hand brake. shifted vehicle into park and restarted. had been driving for approx. 1/2 hour (15 miles). weather was cool and clear.

Vehicle was going 45mph and stalled without warning. consumer had only owned vehicle for 4 days. dealer couldn't find a cause, but kept it to inspect further and gave consumer a loaner vehicle.*ak