2002 Ford Escort

The 2002 Ford Escort was a compact car offered in sedan and wagon body styles. It was generally praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, it was often criticized for its somewhat bland styling and basic interior. The 2002 Escort was available with only one engine option: a 2.0L Zetec inline-4 engine that produced 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. It came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L Zetec I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased acceleration, check engine light illumination. Often caused by worn or fouled spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, replace ignition coils, repair vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant dripping under the vehicle, low coolant level, overheating. Often caused by deteriorated hoses, a leaking water pump, or a cracked thermostat housing.
  • Solution: Replace hoses, replace water pump, replace thermostat housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, harsh shifting, failure to shift, transmission not engaging. Could be due to low transmission fluid, a faulty transmission filter, or internal transmission damage.
  • Solution: Check and top off transmission fluid, replace transmission filter, repair or replace transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken or Worn Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, unusual noises over bumps, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, slow engine cranking, battery warning light illuminated, dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise when trying to start, engine not cranking.
  • Solution: Replace the starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, motor noise with no window movement.
  • Solution: Replace window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on rocker panels, wheel wells, and other body panels, especially in areas with road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Sand down rust, repair damage with body filler, and repaint or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior and interior door handles break, making it difficult to open doors.
  • Solution: Replace broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Fabric detaching from the roof and sagging.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Ford Escort, while generally a reliable and affordable car, can be prone to certain issues related to its age. Engine misfires and coolant leaks are common concerns, and the automatic transmission can experience shifting problems. Suspension components wear over time, and electrical issues like alternator and starter motor failures can occur. Rust is also a significant problem, especially in regions with harsh winter conditions. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission repair or rust removal, can be costly. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing, or consider obtaining a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.