The 2002 Ford Escape has 6 recalls, with multiple serious issues including a throttle that can stick wide open on V6 models, making the vehicle difficult to slow or stop, and a lower control arm that can separate and cause sudden loss of steering control.
The stuck throttle concern appears in more than one form on V6-equipped vehicles: the accelerator cable may prevent the engine from returning to idle, and a separate cable liner issue can migrate out of its housing and contact the accelerator pedal arm, both of which can cause unintended acceleration. On the brake side, the brake fluid reservoir cap can leak fluid onto the anti-lock brake system wiring connector, where it causes corrosion that can lead to melting, smoke, or a fire under the hood. There is also a transmission concern that applies only to vehicles that have had their automatic transmission replaced with a remanufactured unit from a specific rebuild window: the shift lever can disengage from the transmission, leaving the driver unable to change gears and the gear indicator showing the wrong position.
At a glance
What can fail
The shift lever bolt on remanufactured transmissions may not be tight enough, causing the shift control lever to unexpectedly disconnect from the transmission.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the shift lever bolt or replace the shift lever assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The lower control arm's forward attachment point may corrode excessively in certain climates, potentially weakening the suspension.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace to strengthen the attachment point.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover sits too close to the speed control cable connector. When you press the accelerator pedal fully or almost fully, the cable can get stuck, preventing the throttle from returning to normal.
What the fix does
Dealers will increase the clearance between the engine cover and cable connector. Until parts arrive, dealers may disconnect the speed control cable as a temporary fix.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder reservoir cap can leak brake fluid, which may contact the antilock brake system module wiring connector.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator cable's inner liner may gradually slip out of its housing at the dashboard. This can prevent the gas pedal from fully returning to idle position, causing engine idle speed to increase unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the accelerator cable with a corrected unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain sport utility vehicles with 3.0L V6 engines, the accelerator cable may stick, preventing the throttle from returning to idle position.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
