8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$400
Average Mileage:
103,750 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
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problem #6

Oct 182017

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,137 miles

Now for the third time the same door was being opened as I unlocked it and the actuator jammed and didn't unlock till i got home and manually moved the actuator.

- Brad P., Irricana, AB, Canada

problem #5

Sep 192015

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 172,600 miles

I just tried to get into my 2002 Ford Escape. The doors will not unlock with the remote nor the key. I changed the remote battery and still no luck. I replaced my left front door two years ago. My car battery is two weeks old and the alternator is a week old. I don't know the problem or have a solution. I am waiting on AAA. HELPPP!!

- Jacquelyn H., Chicago, IL, US

problem #4

Sep 192015

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 172,600 miles

I read some of the complaints regarding the lock failure on 2002 Ford Escapes since 2002, it is now 2015 and this damn problem still exists. 2013 I paid $409 to replace my driver side front door, now it is 2015 and I cannot unlock any of my doors with the remote or key. Ford makes enough money to recall this problem. Do some one have to lose their life for Ford to fix this problem? Let's do a class action law suit!!

- Jacquelyn H., Chicago, IL, US

problem #3

Mar 282012

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

The rear diver side door out of the clear blue just wouldn't open from the inside or out. To avoid the dealerships "diagnostic charge" I took it to a local mechanic which they looked at for free but had no idea how to get the door open. I emailed ford twice about it, but they said since there is recall on it nor would it be a warranty repair I'm basically up sh*ts creak. From the repairs I have read online most people need a new actuator and the average repair costs 300-400. I know things break and all. I also think what if I got stuck on train tracks and I had kids in the back when this broke? Does it take something serious like that to get a recall for a few plastic pieces inside a door?

- jpenn, Willow Grove, PA, US

problem #2

Dec 172010

Escape XLS Sport 4x4 2.0L Zetec I4 Engine

  • Manual transmission
  • 110,000 miles

My rear wiper just stopped working one day with no warning. I had drove a friend of mine to Eugene from Salem and it was cold (freezing) outside and I used my rear wiper to clean the back windshield and there was no problems with it but a couple of days later I went to use it again and it was dead. It would not turn on for nothing, I/we had checked the fuses which were not blown and were just fine. I don't have much money so I didn't have it serviced and it was a couple of months ago that the wiper started working again. Totally out of the blue and it came back on just like it had gone out, no warning at all. The total time that it was out was a good 9 months. I also have problems with the back hatch locking and then not being able to open it. It will stick (stay locked) and even when I try the inside unlock/lock on the driver door it still won't unlock. Then out of the blue it will start working. This thing has Gremlins big time.

- bthegusto, Salem, OR, US

problem #1

Jun 222006

(reported on)

Escape XLT

  • 33,000 miles

I only had the vehicle for 3 months when on a road trip and the passenger front door lock jammed and wouldn't unlock making the door unusable. My mother spent the whole weekend crawling over the console to get in the passenger seat. Then I checked on the internet and found out that this was not an uncommon problem which really pissed me off because in my opinion, it should have been a recall by Ford. Then when I called the dealership and spoke to the salesman that sold the SUV to me , he claimed it to be a "fluke" and found it strange that it happened. THIS REALLY PISSED ME OFF. That's because I'd already had it in for service at least 6 times for other issues since I had bought the vehicle. I told him I wasn't an idiot and wouldn't be treated like one. The dealership agreed to give me a discount on labour, parts and service after I lost it on them. I had the actuator replaced and something with it and only 6 weeks later it jammed up again and will not open. I've dropped it off to them again and am waiting to hear from them. I wouldn't recommend anybody purchasing a Ford Escape or a Ford vehicle for that matter unless you enjoy having car problems, because that is all I've had since buying the truck.

- Natashia C., New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada