MyCarTSB

2002 Ford Escape Airbags Problems

64 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

64
Complaints
19
Crashes
Jan 2008Dec 2003
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (64)

highAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Filed: Jun 2021

Your passenger side airbag warning light and seat belt warning light are flashing on the dashboard. Sometimes these warning lights stay on continuously instead of turning off. This indicates a problem with either the airbag system, seat belt pretensioner, or the sensors that detect them.

NHTSA #: 11421224
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2017

THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. IT CONTINUES TO STAY ON AND BEEPS FIVE TIMES REPEATING FIVE TIMES. THIS OCCURS DURING START UP OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT ALSO OCCURS ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER CONTINUOUS DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11021164
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2017

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES; CABLE COUPLING UNDER PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT WHICH TRIGGERS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN ALL WEATHER AND DRIVING CONDITIONS.

NHTSA #: 11019333
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA #: 11000191
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CHEST INJURIES THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 10823077
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2015

I BOUGHT MY CAR ON SEPT 28, 2015. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. AT FIRST IT WOULD COME ON WHEN I START THE CAR AND SHUT OFF. NOW IT BLINKS THEN STAYS ON. I AM WORRIED THAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE READ A LOT OF REVIEWS ABOUT THIS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY BIG ISSUE. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS WEBSITE WITH MY VIN # AND THERE ARE NO RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS AS A FAMILY CAR BUT NOW I AM IN FEAR OF PUTTING MY CHILDREN IN IT.

NHTSA #: 10785765
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2015

THE AIR BAG READINESS SYSTEM ON THE CAR IS TROUBLING. THE RED LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASH EITHER FLASHES, OR REMAINS ON. THE MANUAL SAYS THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN MY TOWN AND THEY SAY THEY WON'T PAY FOR IT. HAVE THERE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/ YEAR? SINCE IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WOULDN'T THE MANUFACTURER BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT?

NHTSA #: 10730161
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Feb 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO ICE AND GRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED HEAD AND FRACTURED THUMB THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10690965
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2014

THE CABLE CONNECTIONS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IS FAULTY CAUSING THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT TO COME ON OCCASIONALLY INDICATING THAT THE CONNECTIONS ARE LOSE. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY FORD OWNERS. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $300 TO REPLACE THE CABLING, BUT THE ISSUE IS WITH A $30 CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10636962
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: May 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF A UTILITY TRUCK. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEAD, CHEST, AND LEG INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

NHTSA #: 10586546
mediumAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Mar 2014

ESCAPE WAS HIT ON FRONT LEFT BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING ESCAPE TO EXIT HIGHWAY AND CRASHING INTO AND SLIDING DOWN A CONCRETE OVERPASS PILLAR; DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER, LIGHT, AND COMPLETE LEFT SIDE OF ESCAPE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY! *TR

NHTSA #: 10569420
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2013

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE SINCE JUNE 2002. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAGS BEFORE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. ALL OF A SUDDEN IN EARLY JANUARY 2013, I STARTED TO NOTICE MY CHECK AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD ILLUMINATE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD SINCE IT HAD NEVER DONE SO BEFORE AND I HAD NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS SO I DIDN'T REALLY THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND THOUGHT THE LIGHT WOULD JUST GO OFF. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO ON AND SO I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 15, 2003. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT BOTH OF THE PRE-TENSIONER CONNECTORS THAT CLIP TO THE WIRE HARNESS THAT MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WORK HAD HIGH RESISTANCE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT A FIX, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKED. THEY CLAIMED THAT OVER TIME WITH THE WEAR AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE, THIS WILL HAPPEN AND THE CLIPS WILL NO LONGER CLIP AS THEY SAID. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE OF A VEHICLE SUCH AS AIRBAGS WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU IN CASE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE THAT MIGHT WARRANT A MODEL RECALL IN THE FUTURE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10499526
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,060 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10483393
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,600.

NHTSA #: 10482124
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2012

I PURCHASED MY ESCAPE IN 2004, WITH 15,000. MILES. SHORTLY AFTER THAT I RECEIVED AN NOTICED THAT IT HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR SOMETHING WITH THE SAFETY BELT WHICH THEY REPLACED/REPAIRED FRR OF CHARGE. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS SOME TYPE OF SENOR, AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT 250.00 TO FIX. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS OFF BUT THE CHIME REMAINS. I HAVE BEEN OBSERVING THAT THIS ISSUE ONE OF SAFETY, AND IT ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAINT. WHEN WILL FORD GET OFF THEIR CORPORATE BEHIND AND GET THIS FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED? *TR

NHTSA #: 10459843
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Jan 2011

MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN MARCH OF 2002. THE PROBLEM WITH IT ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS STARTED ABOUT 6-7 MONTHS LATER. RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO HAVE IT CHECKED BUT WAS TOLD EVERY TIME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I'VE HAD ONE ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. I STILL OWN THE SAME ESCAPE AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH IT . I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE WITH THESE MODELS BUT HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY. I ALSO AS HAVE MANY PEOPLE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR-BAG LIGHT ON .AGAIN MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG ABOUT $300 LATER FOR LABOR COSTS. FINALLY ON ONE MORE ATTEMPT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT A SENSOR IN THE SEAT-BELT WAS THE PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $300-$400 TO REPAIR IT AND THAT THE AIR BAGS MAY OR MAY NOT BE WORKING BECAUSE OF THIS SENSOR. I HAVE PERSONALLY LOST ALL FAITH IN FORD CANADA AND THEIR PRODUCTS AND SOME OF THE EMPLOYEES AT THE DEALERSHIPS I'VE DEALT WITH. I AM IN THE PROCESS I BUYING A NEW CAR BUT IT'S NOT A FORD. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A FORD

NHTSA #: 10377731
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,959.

NHTSA #: 10352812
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2009

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON I WAS TOLD IT WAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT PROBLEMS ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ALL RESULTING IN THE DEALER REPLACING MY SAFETY HARNESS WHICH WAS OH BY THE WAY NOT COVERED UNDER THE ELECTRICAL WIRING EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED THE SAFETY HARNESS AND GUESS WHAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS BACK ON. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD HAPPEN EVERY TIME I ADJUST THE SEAT. ( A DEFECT IN DESIGN). *TR

NHTSA #: 10291348
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2009

I HAVE A 2002 FORD ESCAPE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING THEN IT WOULD STAY ON. I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE SIDE AIR BAG CONNECTORS UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAVE TRIED CLEANING THEM WITH CONTACT CLEANER. THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF BUT WILL COME BACK ON SOMETIME LATER. THE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE ENGINE OR JUST HAVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED!!! *TR

NHTSA #: 10269548
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2009

MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IS EXPERIENCING ITS SECOND MAJOR AIRBAG PROBLEM. THE WIRING UNDER THE SEAT HAS NOW "BURNT UP" FOR THE SECOND TIME AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AGAIN TO THE TUNE OF $450 SO I DRIVE WITHOUT ACTIVE AIRBAGS. THE WIRING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY JUST 4 MONTHS AGO BUT I LIVE IN A DIFFERENT STATE THAN I DID 4 MONTHS AGO SO I'M STUCK. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE I SEE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL WHEN IT INVOLVES A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS? *TR

NHTSA #: 10266866
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2008

AIR BAG LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. *TR

NHTSA #: 10234246
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: May 2008

I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE IN FEBRUARY 2006. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE SEATBELT PRETENSER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY ALMOST $500. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT BECAUSE I CAN'T HAVE IT FIXED, MY AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE FORD COMPANY AND GOT NO HELP. SO, BASICALLY THEY ARE SAYING THAT I DESERVE TO BE HURT OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THE PRETENSER FIXED. I FOR ONE DO NOT THINK THAT IS FAIR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10228802
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2008

AIR BAG TROUBLE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE ON ONE MORNING. A SERIES OF BLINKING......6 TIMES, 4 TIMES, 6 TIMES, 4 TIMES AND THEN REMAINED ON. ONLY WENT OFF WHEN TURNING ENGINE OFF. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAID ONLY DEALER COULD HANDLE THIS. DEALER QUOTED PRICE TO JUST INVESTIGATE. AND THAT IT WOULD DEPEND ON WHAT THEY FOUND IF THE QUOTE WOULD BE APPLIED TO THE TOTAL REPAIR COST. HMMM. DEALER ALSO SAID THAT MOST LIKELY WHILE THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I HAVE SEEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE AT THIS WEBSITE AND ELSEWHERE AND MERELY WANT TO ADD MINE TO THE GROWING LIST. THE MORE WE COMPLAIN MAYBE WE'LL GET SOME RESULTS. THANKS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10225009
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2008

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY IN A COLLISION. FORD DEALER PERFORMED AIR BAG SELF TEST AND CODE B1881 WAS OBTAINED. I HAD TO HAVE WIRING REVISIONS TO BOTH SEATS AT A COST OF $292.86. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THE WIRING REVISION WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL WIRING UNDER THE SEATS WAS INCAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE FULL RANGE OF NORMAL SEAT ADJUSTMENTS ALLOWED BY THE ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTOR. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT INVOLVING A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE 2002 FORD ESCAPE. SHOULD NOT THE MANUFACTURER HAVE TO PAY FOR CORRECTING THIS SAFETY DEFECT? *TR

NHTSA #: 10221066
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2008

SRS AIRBAG LAMP ON ON THE DASHBOARD, IT WILL BLINK FOR 30 SECONDS WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE. THEN IT WILL STAY LIT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THIS SUV AND AFTER 1 YEAR IT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAD IT CHECKED TO A DEALER AND THEY RESET THE LAMP AND IT CAME BACK AGAIN. IT WORRIES ME BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK DURING AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10214362
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2007

2002 EXPLORER XLT PURCHASED 1/03 WITH 37,995 MILES. NOW ONLY 39,996 I AM DISABLED AND DON'T DRIVE MUCH. HAD VEHICLE IN DUE TO WARRANTY OVER 11/26/07 TO CHECK THINGS OVER. WHEN I PICKED UP CAR AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING. THOUGH IT WAS DUE TO THEIR WORK BECAUSE IT STOPPED. NEXT TIME USED VEHICLE LIGHT FLASHING THEN STAYED ON PERMANENTLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM IT THROWS A CODE #B2292, THEY ALSO SAID A BULLETIN OUT FROM FORD ON THIS #TSB03-11-03 ISSUED TO ALL MECHANICS - THAT THE PRETENSIONER SAFETY HARNESS BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED (DEFECT). I ADVISED THEM I WILL DISPUTE THIS DUE TO THE FACT THEY ALSO STATED FORD MAY BE DOING A RECALL. I CLAIM VEHICLE FINE TILL THEY WORKED ON IT. PART COMES IN TOMORROW, THEY SAY IT SHOULD BE READY IN A FEW HOURS, AND COST IS AROUND $295.. PLUS TAXES. ALSO HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANY DONE LAST YR. ON THE AIR BAG LIGHT - I READ ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND I AM SHOCKED THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS NUTS. WHAT IS SCARY IS ALL THE FIRE REPORTS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10210827
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2007

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. DEALER SAYS AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. HE WANTS ABOUT $400 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED FREQUENTLY ON THE INTERNET. *JB

NHTSA #: 10205837
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2007

AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING WHEN I STARTED VEHICLE BLINKED FOR ABOUT 30 SEC THEN WENT SOLID, TOOK ESCAPE TO FORD DEALER AND THE GOT A CODE FROM THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND INFORMED ME I HAD FAULTY WIRING ON THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR AND THERE WAS A REPLACEMENT WIRING HARNESS I NEEDED TO INSTALL . TOLD THEN TO ORDER IT AND WAS INFORMED THAT AIR BAGS WERE FUNCTIONING OK EVEN THOUGH LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE SAID I JUST MISSED THE WARRANTY BY 4 DAYS SO I HAD TO PAY THE $200.00 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. YOU WOULD THINK FORD WOULD GIVE A LITTLE LEEWAY SINCE THIS IS A FAULTY PART FIRST INSTALLED ON PRODUCTION LINE. PLEASE ADVICE FORD OF THIS THANK YOU. *JB

NHTSA #: 10204423
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER PICKING UP HER VEHICLE FROM BEING SERVICED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STOPPED BLINKING AND REMAINED LIT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE MADE A TURN. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE CONNECTOR HARNESS NEEDED REPLACING. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000.

NHTSA #: 10202042
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Aug 2007

MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS OPERATING MY 2002 FORD XLT ESCAPE AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT RECENTLY IN AUGUST 2007. AN INDIVIDUAL RAN A STOP SIGN AND SHE HIT HIS VEHICLE BROADSIDE AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS TOTALED AT 10K PLUS DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT NONE OF HER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT BUT RECEIVED INJURES INCLUDING A PARTIALLY COLLAPSED LUNG, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A DIRECT RESULT OF THE AIRBAGS NOT STOPPING HER FORWARD MOTION. *JB

NHTSA #: 10199631
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2007

(1) AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON (2) CABLES DEFECTIVE - AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING CRASH (3) CABLES REPLACED - $450 TOTAL *TR

NHTSA #: 10199495
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2007

2002 EXPLORER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OFF WAS WONDERING IF THERE'S A RECALL TO HAVE FORD FIX THERE MISTAKE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10198510
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2007

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON INTERMITTENTLY ON DASHBOARD. STARTED IN 6/03, TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES AND STILL NOT REPAIRED. I AM RESIGNED TO HAVING AN INOPERATIVE AIRBAG.*AK

NHTSA #: 10190824
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2007

I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY IN MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE & HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 2ND TIME AND THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG PRETENSIONER, AS IT HAD GONE BAD. I WAS ADVISED THAT IF THE LIGHT WERE ON, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A "WEAR-AND-TEAR" PART AND FORD NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THE SITUATION TO MAKE SURE A RECALL IS NOT NEEDED.*JB

NHTSA #: 10181110
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Nov 2006

RECENTLY, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER RELEASED. LUCKILY, I HAD BEEN WEARING MY SEAT BELT, AND DID NOT SUFFER FROM AN INJURY. SUMMARY: 1. EVENT(S) LEADING TO FAILURE: COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE 2. FAILURE: AIR BAGS DID NOT RELEASE; CONSEQUENCES: NONE 3. CORRECTION: N/A. *NM

NHTSA #: 10173233
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2006

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAYS ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE AIR BAGS ARE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AS THERE IS A ERROR CODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE AND EACH TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE PRETENSIONER WAS REPLACED. TWICE THE DEALER COVERED IT AND THE THIRD TIME THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. SEEMS LIKE IF THEY FIXED IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME IT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. AND ONCE AGAIN THE DEALER SAID I AM ON MY OWN. NOW I AM DRIVING A CAR WITH NO AIR BAGS AND I SPECIFICALLY BROUGHT IT BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS.

NHTSA #: 10172658
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN BECAME CONSTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY PRETENSIONER KIT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE WIRING FOR THE AIRBAG WAS ALSO INSPECTED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE PROBLEM OCCURRED 4 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED BUT DENIED THE CLAIM.

NHTSA #: 10167881
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2006

IN APRIL 2005 MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO FORD AUTOLAND AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY TO HAVE SOME SWITCH OR MODULE REPLACED COST OVER 400.00 DOLLARS. HAD THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AND NOW 18 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM AND I AM TOLD I HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER $400 TO FIX SAME PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA #: 10166749
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2006

SINCE HAVING MY 2002 FORD ESCAPE, I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. ON OCCASION IT GOES OFF, BUT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY ESCAPE AND TOOK 4+ VISITS TO RECTIFY. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN LAST YEAR. I WAS RECENTLY QUOTED $400.00 TO GET THIS FIXED. IT SEEMS UNREASONABLE TO HAVE TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN THERE IS A CLEAR PATTERN OF IT BEING A PROBLEM WITH ESCAPES, AND IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT RELATED TO DRIVER RECKLESSNESS OR USAGE PATTERNS. *NM

NHTSA #: 10162984
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2006

SMALL IMPACT UNDER 5 MILES PER HOUR AND MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO DAMAGE TO MY CAR AT ALL. WAS HAVING A PROBLEM FOR A YEAR WITH MY SRS AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK IT TO FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. SEEMS THAT THE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND MY AIR BAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. FORD WILL NOT COVER THE "HIGH" COST OF REPLACING THE AIR BAGS UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER WAS SHOCKED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AT ALL TO MY CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10152423
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2006

CAR LOST CONTROL COMING TOWARD ME, SHE WENT INTO MY LANE SIDEWAYS. I T-BONED HER ON HER PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. SEAT BELT SAVED MY LIFE, BUT THE AIRBAGS WERE OF NO USE. WHY DON'T THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON THESE VEHICLES. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT A MUCH FASTER SPEED OR HER, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *JB

NHTSA #: 10148275
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2005

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND AIRBAGS NOT WORKING. ACCORDING TO COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THE INTERNET AND IN CHAT ROOMS AND WITH FORD ISSUING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES THIS IS A LONG TERM ONGOING PROBLEM WHICH THE DEALERSHIP HAS DIFFICULTY FIXING. SO I AM AT RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE FORD MADE A FAULTY AIRBAG SYSTEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE A RECALL. *JB

NHTSA #: 10142698
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Nov 2005

BUMPED THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, NO VISUAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SPEED AT THE POINT OF IMPACT NEAR 5 MILES PER HOUR OR LESS. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED SLIGHT INJURY TO LEFT ARM. *JB

NHTSA #: 10141802
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2005

2002 FROD ESCAPE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAILURE CAUSES FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. SEAT BELT TENSIONERS (BOTH AT ONCE!) FAILED, PART NUMBERS 1L8Z78610E22AAA AND 1L8Z78610E23AAA.

NHTSA #: 10120798
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Mar 2005

I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR 4 DOOR VAN, AND UPON IMPACT OF CRASHMY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IMPACT WAS AT 50-55MPH. I WAS TOLD THE REASON MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WAS DUE TO MY SEATBELT LOCK WHICH BROKE FROM THE IMPACT. ALSO NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS STALLING AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT THEY SAY NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THIS PROBLEM EITHER, BUT ACCORDING TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY IT IS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH MY VEHICLE BUT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED TOO.

NHTSA #: 10114666
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Filed: Feb 2005

AIRBAG/RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LAMP IS ON. INITIALLY, IT FLASHED FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS, THEN REMAINED ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO FORD DEALER FOR THIS CONDITION ON FOUR PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND REPORTEDLY REPAIRED, BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNS IN 3 TO 9 MONTHS. UNKNOWN WHETHER AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM WOULD PROPERLY DEPLOY IN A COLLISION.*JB

NHTSA #: 10109885
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2004

RESTRAINT SYSTEM - AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUALLY ON, POTENTIAL FAILURE OF AIRBAG SYSTEM WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH

NHTSA #: 10098615
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2004

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10099801
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2004

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES. *JB

NHTSA #: 10096885
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2004

DRIVING WESTBOUND APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME RESULTING IN FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, TREATED AT HOSPITAL AND RELEASED. CONTINUING CARE WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY TO REPORT AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED AFTER VEHICLE REPAIRS ARE MADE AND RESULTS SENT DIRECTLY TO FORD AT MY COST. FORD THEN REFERRED THE COMPLAINT TO THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT. SITUATION CURRENTLY ONGOING. *NM

NHTSA #: 10093802
mediumAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Sep 2004

VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE POLICE GARAGE WAITING TO BE INVESTIGATED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE TO RETRIEVE HER MAIL AND GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOWN AND PROCEED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED, NOT EVEN BY APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A GARAGE WALL, THROUGH A UTILITY ROOM AND CAME OUT THE BACK OF THE HOUSE AND HIT A SMALL TREE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10087902
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2004

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10091640
mediumAIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2004

WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER PRESSED DOWN THE HORN AND IT FAILED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *AK

NHTSA #: 10075810
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2004

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH AND A DEER CAME OUT IN THE ROAD AND I HIT IT. THE CAR SUSTAINED ENGINE DAMAGED AND PUSHED THE HOOD UP. IT PUSHED THE ENGINE BACK AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *LA

NHTSA #: 10054769
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Dec 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT 45-50 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION CROSSED OVER INTO HER LANE. THE VEHICLES STRUCK HEAD ON AND BOTH WENT DOWN A 15' BANK INTO A DITCH. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS A OLDER CHRYSLER AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS STILL GOING TO THERAPY FOR X-RAYS. *PH

NHTSA #: 10046486
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2003

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED SOMETHING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF, BUT MONTHS LATER IT WAS ON AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA #: 10046617
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Sep 2003

WHILE DRIVING 40/45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.*AK *PH *JB

NHTSA #: 10033651
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jun 2003

WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT CENTER OF VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA #: 10024120
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2003

MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. INFORMED BY THE DEALER TODAY THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT. IT IS DUE TO "RAIN WATER GETTING ON A SENSOR". THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT QUARTER PANEL WILL HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PART WILL BE ORDERED AND I'LL TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR REPAIRS. *JB

NHTSA #: 10021212
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2003

WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT. IT KEEPS COMING ON AND WON'T SHUT OFF. THIS VEHICLE IS JUST A YEAR OLD. THE DEALER REPAIR CENTER CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE PROBLEM REPAIRED

NHTSA #: 10019210
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2003

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. NEITHER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *NLM

NHTSA #: 10019421
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Nov 2002

WHEN CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT AT THE FRONT WHEEL WELL AREA, AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, WHICH CAUSED INJURY TO THE DRIVER. TS *JB

NHTSA #: 8022332
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2002

ON 9/27/02 I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHERE I RAN A STOP SIGN AND "T-BONED" A PASSING CAR THAT WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. MY 2002 ESCAPE WAS TOTALED - THE FRONT END COMPLETELY COLLAPSED. EVERY OFFICER, PARAMEDIC, AND FIREMAN WAS AMAZED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THEY ALL INSTRUCTED ME TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS MATTER. AS THIS IS MY SECOND ESCAPE (THE FIRST ONE SUCKED A VALVE WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP), I WILL NO LONGER TRUST FORD TO PROVIDE A SAFE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MYSELF OR MY FAMILY MEMBERS. MR

NHTSA #: 768065
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2002

AFTER NEW SENSOR INSTALLED FOR AIRBAG, ANOTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HAD AN ERROR. *AK

NHTSA #: 758323

Other 2002 Ford Escape Issues