FordEscape2002Overview/ford/escape/2002/base/

2002 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2002 Ford Escape is an SUV whose 5.5-quart, 5W-20 API engine oil requirement marks the baseline maintenance for a powertrain that would become this model year's primary source of trouble. Accumulating 1,079 owner complaints alongside 10 recalls, the vehicle is overwhelmingly defined by failures within the Engine & Engine Cooling category. When contextualized within the Escape's broader 2000-2024 complaint history—spanning from a low of just 5 complaints in 2000 to a peak of 2,744 in 2013—the 2002 iteration sits firmly on the more problematic end of the spectrum, meaning researchers should anticipate significant reliability concerns rather than the dependability found in the model's strongest years.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182002

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 40R · 590 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 40R · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225-70R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length172.8 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height67.7 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb weight2992 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.5–11.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.50 sec — 2002 XLT Premium V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2002XLT Premium V6 3.0L V68.50 sec16.30 sec200 hpAWD
2002XLS Sport 2.0L I-411.00 sec17.90 sec130 hpFWD
2001XLT V6 3.0L V68.50 sec16.30 sec200 hpAWD
2001XLT V6 3.0L V68.50 sec16.40 sec200 hpAWD
2001XLT V6 3.0L V68.80 sec16.80 sec200 hpAWD
2001XLT V6 3.0L V69.00 sec16.70 sec200 hpAWD
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW9.50 sec17.40 sec155 hpAWD
2005Hybrid 2.3L I-4 + Elec 70-kW9.60 sec17.10 sec155 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantUSE FORD PREMIUM GOLD COOLANT
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Power Steering FluidATF
Transfer Case Fluid80W-90 · GL-5
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity0.8 pt

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs10-12 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts12 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug12.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug8.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub214 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub214 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 850, AT: 740 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 50, AT: 10 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.051 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.042-0.046 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.43 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type68
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number40R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Standard BCI Group Number96R

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194-201 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-65
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms
Engine Oil Pressure11 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1500 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle111 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.004 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.94 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.94 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.86 in
Drum Nominal Diameter9 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
126 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9026 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117 ft. lbs., Step 2: 3217 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
137 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
2Loosen bolts 1 turn.
322 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
490 degrees.90 degrees
590 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
230 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
390
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
159 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6559 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miTiming Belt (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2002 Ford Escape sits near the peak of the first-generation complaint arc, with 1,079 complaints—just above 2001’s 1,052 and far above the 2003 drop to 598. Engine & Engine Cooling (235 complaints) and Service Brakes (98) dominate the top areas, while 108 fire complaints and 68 crash complaints signal serious safety concerns. Recalls (10) and investigations (10) were also elevated, indicating the model year was heavily scrutinized. Although later years like 2005 and 2008 saw even higher complaint totals, the 2002 model stands out as a high-risk early-year vehicle with unresolved systemic issues. **Given the high complaint volume, especially for fires and engine problems, this is not a recommended used purchase unless you have a documented repair history addressing these known trouble spots.**

10
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
135
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
10
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,079
Owner complaints
68 involved a crash · 108 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,079 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling235
Service Brakes, Hydraulic98
Power Train77
Electrical System66
Air Bags58
Vehicle Speed Control58
Structure48
Suspension35

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V606000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor ShiftReported 29/09/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will…

15E045000Suspension:Front:Wheel BearingReported 03/06/2015

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda… Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 135 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB1600712016-04-21SuspensionSafety recall 14S02 - Corrosion at forward attachment of lower control arm - requests for…
16-00712016-04-21Structure2001-2004 Escape vehicles Safety Recall 14S02 has been issued for vehicles that are…
TSB-14-01432014-08-11SuspensionFORD: THE LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) FORWARD ATTACHMENT WILL SEPARATE FROM SUBFRAME, CAUSING…
190162006-01-01Engine And Engine CoolingREPLACE TIMING BELT IDLER PULLEY DURING 2.0L ZETEC ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT…
042082006-01-01Engine And Engine CoolingCAMSHAFT TICK NOISE - 3.0L 4V ENGINE ONLY. *TT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2002 Escape take?

5.5 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2002 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.