2002 Ford Escape

Introduction to the 2002 Ford Escape

The 2002 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four that produced 127 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine was also available, producing 201 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Overall, the Escape was a popular vehicle due to its versatility, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, like all vehicles, it has had its share of issues.

Engine

2.0-liter Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, engine misfires
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls or runs rough, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Grinding gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to shift gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle has difficulty accelerating, transmission may not shift gears properly
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut mounts wearing out
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear sway bar links breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery draining
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on body panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust, holes forming
  • Solution: Repair or replace body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracking or breaking dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or breaks in dashboard material
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows won’t roll up or down
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2002 Ford Escape has some common issues, many of them are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. The most severe and costly issue is the head gasket failure on the V6 engine. Overall, the Escape is a reliable and affordable vehicle that is a good choice for many drivers.