Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Ford ZX2 (ESCORT) problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

12 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

46,436 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 12 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting541.7%
Engine operation216.7%
Braking behavior216.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Air Bags
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
1
Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System
1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission4
Air Bags1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump1
Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines1

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Air Bags: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
2
2003
1
2004
2
2005
2
2006
1
2008
2
2009
1
2010
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20022
20031
20042
20052
20061
20082
20091
20101

2002: 2; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2006: 1; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10142450 · 2005-11-11 (November 11, 2005)

IN MAY 2002, I PURCHASED A FORD ESCORT ZX2. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE PUT 21,000 MILES ON THE CAR. RECENTLY, I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WHERE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE. YESTERDAY, MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER BROTHERS FORD IN ELLICOTT CITY, MD. THIS MORNING I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATING THAT ONE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE HAD FAILED AND THE SECOND WAS ALSO ABOUT TO GO. BOTH NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS IS $890.00. …

Owner-reported narrative. 21,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10142450 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10242289 · 2008-09-15 (September 15, 2008)

CAR HAVING STARTED HAVING A "PULL" WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP SIGNS. THE PULL KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND FEELS NOW LIKE NOT SWITCHING GEARS PROPERLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALMOST STOPS AND BUMPS BEFORE CONTINUING TO NEXT GEAR. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION CENTER, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 106,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10242289 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10100093 · 2004-11-17 (November 17, 2004)

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 2,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10102472 · 2004-12-09 (December 9, 2004)

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS ON ACCELERATION (APPROX 17 TIMES) HAS STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT 60MPH,WILL NOT RESTART FOR APPROX 15-60 MINUTES AFTER STALL. CAR IS COVERED UNDER FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED AT TIME OF SALE. CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO ORIG DEALER MULLINAX FORD EAST TWICE, BOTH TIMES ADVISED WAS REPAIRED BUT CAR STALLED W/I DAYS/HOURS OF REPAIR. CAR WAS TOWED TO JOHN LANCE FORD 11-15-04WHO CANT FIND ANY PROBLEMS THOUGH IT HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO SERVICE GARAGE.WE ADVISED SERVICE MANAGER CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND DANGER TO OURSELVES & OTHERS…

Owner-reported narrative. 38,472 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102472 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 769002 · 2002-10-28 (October 28, 2002)

WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE GEAR AFTER THE FIRST START OF A DAY FOLLOWING A DAY WHICH I'VE DRIVEN 60-70 MPH FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE CAR (FORD 2002 ZX2) INITIALLY MOVES IN REVERSE GEAR VERY SLUGGISHLY. IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BECOME A THICK SLUDGE OR MAYBE A BRAKE IS DRAGGING. DT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 769002 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

12 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

66.7%Usable mileage8 / 12 records
100.0%Valid incident date12 / 12 records
100.0%Valid filing date12 / 12 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates12 / 12 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199819992000200120022003
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

426.7%
ODI 10025018 · 85,000 mi

ON 06/12/03 WHILE DRIVING, THE TIMING BELT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. DEALER REPAIRED. ON 06/24/03 WHILE DRIVING, THE TIMING BELT BROKE AGAIN, AND CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE "CRANK" HAD TOO MUCH "PLAY" WHERE IT FITTED INTO THE DRIVETRAIN. THIS CAUSED THE TIMING BELT TO BREAK TWICE, WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AK THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT A PART FROM THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO THE ENGINE FROM AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10025018 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

633.3%
ODI 10014222

TURBULENT SHAKING WHILE AT IDLE; SURGING IDLE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014222 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10080940 · 10,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 FORD ZX2 THAT HAS HAD A SEVERE IDLE VIBRATION FOR NEARLY ONE YEAR THAT FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX. THE DEFECT CAUSES A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL, GLOVE BOX, VENTS, AND SEATS OF THE CAR AND OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS IN ANY GEAR OR ANY DRIVING CONDITION. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE COMPANY IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM DUE TO SERVICE BULLETIN 03-15-15. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIPS THAT THE VEHICLE'S EMISSIONS ARE SO LOW THE VEHICLE IS TRYING TO TURN OFF AT IDLE AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE L…

Look up ODI 10080940 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 856383

WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROUTE ROAD,GOING UP A HILL IN THIRD GEAR AND SHIFTING INTO FOURTH GEAR, VEHICLE SUDDENLY TURNED INTO A 360 DEGREE ANGLE AND LANDED IN A DITCH. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER. WAS TOLD THAT THE UNIBODY WAS CROOKED. CAR HAD BEEN BACK ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER. GOING NORTH ON STATE ROUTE WITH SOME SNOW ON THE ROAD, AND SHIFTING FROM THIRD GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR WHILE TRAVELLING 35 MPH, VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN TURNED INTO 360 DEGREE ANGLE AND LANDED IN A DITCH, FACING SOUTH. *AK

Look up ODI 856383 at NHTSA ↗

228.6%
ODI 10025466 · 47,770 mi

MY 2000 FORD ESCORT ZX2 HAD A DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH DESTROYED THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION.*AK

Look up ODI 10025466 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10066018 · 64,000 mi

I HAVE A 2001 FORD ZX2. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED ON IT IN MARCH 1, 2002 AND NOW IT IS GONE AGAIN IT IS NOW 4/12/2004. MY CAR WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. BEFORE THAT IT CONSTANTLY SHAKES UNTIL THE CAR TURNED OFF WHEN I WAS STOPPED FOR TOO LONG.

Look up ODI 10066018 at NHTSA ↗

433.3%
ODI 10242289 · 106,000 mi

CAR HAVING STARTED HAVING A "PULL" WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP SIGNS. THE PULL KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND FEELS NOW LIKE NOT SWITCHING GEARS PROPERLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALMOST STOPS AND BUMPS BEFORE CONTINUING TO NEXT GEAR. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION CENTER, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10242289 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10211982 · 63,000 mi

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, OR RELATED CRITICAL COMPONENT PARTS, ON THIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED. IT WAS TOWED TO AVIS FORD ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. THE SERVICE MANAGER, JOHN, WAS REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE TO REVIEW THE PROBLEM. DESPITE DAILY PROMISES OF A CALL FROM THE MANF. REP, NO CALL HAS BEEN RECEIVED, TOTALLY IGNORING OUR CONCERNS. A TRANSMISSION, OR RELATED CRITICAL COMPONENT PARTS, SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER 64,000 MILES OF NORMAL USE. FORD MUST PAY ALL OR MOST OF THE REPAIR COSTS OF THIS FAILURE. THE MANF. REP MUS…

Look up ODI 10211982 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10060052 · 80,000 mi

THE DESIGN OF PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER BREAKS FRONT WINDSHIELD ON ESCORT ZX2'S. THE COVER FLIPS UP WHEN IT COULD FLIP DOWN WITHOUT DAMAGING THE WINDSHIELD. EVERY ZX2 I'VE SEEN OR HEARD ABOUT WHERE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED HAS HAD TO HAVE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. A REAL MONEY MAKER FOR DEALERSHIPS OR GLASS SHOPS. *JB

Look up ODI 10060052 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10129792

I WAS INVOLVED (ALONG W/ PASSENGER) IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR TURNED RIGHT. WHEN I SAW THAT THE CAR HAD SUCCESSFULLY TURNED I ACCELERATED TO 45-50 MPH. WHEN I CAME UPON THE ROAD, WHICH THE CAR HAD TURNED, THE OTHER CAR DID A COMPLETE "U TURN" AND CAME OUT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD GOING THE OPOSITE DIRECTION. I TRIED TO STOP BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. I HIT THE BACK PASSANGER DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. MY CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE HAULT. WHEN I STRUCK THE OTHER CAR, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UNFORTUNATELY, MY CAR WAS TOTA…

Look up ODI 10129792 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10160685

THE OTHER DAY I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD ZX2 AND MY AIR BAGS WENT OFF, LEAVING WITH ARM SCRAPES, BROKEN WINDSHIELD. I WAS GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE POLICE WERE SHOCKED THAT THIS HAPPEN AND SAID I SHOULD TELL YOU GUYS ABOUT. MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP AND PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE IS ON MY SIDE. *NM

Look up ODI 10160685 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
112.5%
ODI 10128790 · 40,000 mi

CAR MAKES HIDIOUSLY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND. MECHANICS CAN'T FIND WHERE IT IS. I REPLACED MANY PARTS BUT THE SOUND CONTINUES TO COME OUT.

Look up ODI 10128790 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

211.1%
ODI 10116747

VEHICLE SLOWLY DEVELOPED A LOW, ROUGH IDLE AND WILL NOW SOMETIMES STALL WHILE AT IDLE. THIS PRODUCED A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT HAS STALLED WHILE SLOWING DOWN IN MOVING TRAFFIC, MAKING TURNS, ETC. APPARANTLY THERE IS A TSB (03-15-15) ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10116747 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10175263 · 54,400 mi

2002 FORD ZX2 HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING, MILEAGE IS ONLY 54400. *JB

Look up ODI 10175263 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 561860

THE VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN IN GEAR, IDLING OR WHEN A/C IS ON, POSSIBLE ENGINE PROBLEMS.*YH

Look up ODI 561860 at NHTSA ↗

211.1%
ODI 10122256

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. IT SHAKES AND VIBRATES REALLY BAD. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISIC OF THE MOTOR. WELL, IT WAS GETTING WORSE SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED REPLACED. I HAD ALL OF THOSE REPLACED. IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES A LOT. IT ONLY HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT. IT SHAKES SO MUCH THAT MY HOOD BECOMES LOOSE AND HAS TO BE TIGHTNED UP. IT WOULDN'T GO OUT OF PARK EITHER SO THAT HAD TO BE FIXED. NOW, IT WON'T S…

Look up ODI 10122256 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10151548

THE VEHICLE DIES/STALLS WHEN BRAKING TO TURN OFF A HIGHWAY. WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING 55-60 MPH THE VEHICLE DIES WHEN BRAKING. YOU LOSE POWER STEERING. CAR WILL TURN BACK ON. *NM

Look up ODI 10151548 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10817370 · 140,000 mi

CONTROL MODULE PROCEDURES OK. SO IF THERE IS A PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE IF IT FAILS YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO THEN TELL ME YOUR GOING TO CHARGE ME 50 DOLLARS TO TELL ME THE PROCEDURE LET ME CALM DOWN. YOUR KIDDING RIGHT. THAT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I THINK I'VE EVER READ.YOUR AN AMERICAN COMPANY YOU OWE YOUR EXISTENCE TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC OK SO MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL TELL YOU TO TAKE YOUR [XXX] UP PRODUCT THAT YOU [XXX] AND EXPECT TO CHARGE US FOR YOUR [XXX] AND STUFF IT UP YOUR [XXX] SERIOUSLY WHAT KIND OF CRAP ARE YOU PULLING YA KNOW WHAT IM G…

Look up ODI 10817370 at NHTSA ↗

228.6%
ODI 10274968 · 49,000 mi

I BOUGHT MY 2000 ZX2 BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1999. I BABY MY CAR AND HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. I HAVE LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS PRETTY HAPPY WITH MY CAR. HAPPY UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT WENT ON AND I STARTED TO NOTICE A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC). TURNS OUT I NEED MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT (TOOK IT TO AAMCO). A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET TELLS ME I AM NOT ALONE. THERE IS EVEN A GROUP TRYING TO BRING A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD. SEEMS LIKE THE ESCORT, ZX2…

Look up ODI 10274968 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
112.5%
ODI 10236229 · 130,000 mi

A STALLED SUBURBAN IN THE #1 LANE AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL BECAME VISIBLE WHEN THE VAN DIRECTLY AHEAD OF ME SWERVED AT THE LAST MOMENT. I HIT THE BRAKES BUT HIT THE SUV AND TOTALED MY ESCORT. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT CAUSED A BROKEN STERNUM, CRACKED RIBS. ALSO HAD RIGHT ARM BROKEN IN 3 PLACES WHILE BRACING FOR IMPACT. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO PASSENGER. *TR

Look up ODI 10236229 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.6%
ODI 10283932 · 169,000 mi

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE AT A STOP LIGHT. MY AIRBAG (DRIVERS) DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. AND I SUFFERED SEVERE WHIPLASH AND CHEST BONE PAIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10283932 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10130443 · 91,000 mi

DT: CALLER STATED PCV VALVE HAD A HOLE IN IT. WHEN SHE WENT TO BUY THE PART SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS DISCONTINUED. CALLER COULD NOT FIND THE PART EVEN IN A A JUNK YARD. MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK

Look up ODI 10130443 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range106,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10242289 · 106,000 mi

CAR HAVING STARTED HAVING A "PULL" WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP SIGNS. THE PULL KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND FEELS NOW LIKE NOT SWITCHING GEARS PROPERLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALMOST STOPS AND BUMPS BEFORE CONTINUING TO NEXT GEAR. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION CENTER, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR

Look up ODI 10242289 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10292406 · 35,000 mi

RE: 2002, FORD ZX2 WE OWN A 2002 STANDARD MODEL FORD ZX2 THAT HAS ONLY 35,500 MILES ON IT. THERE ARE THREE NOTABLE PROBLEMS: 1.THE ENGINE IDLES VERY ROUGHLY 2.THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD 3.THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR HAS SAGGED AND WON?T CLOSE COMPLETELY. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE THE RESULT OF POOR DESIGN AND ESPECIALLY POOR QUALITY PARTS. THIS CAR, I SAY AGAIN, ONLY HAS 35,500 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN APPARENT FOR SOME TIME. THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING ALMOST FROM DAY ONE. THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE I?M TOLD STEMS FROM THE MO…

Look up ODI 10292406 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10322930 · 115,000 mi

WE BOUGHT A NEW 2002 ZX2, ONE MONTH AFTER WE HAD IT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. NOW THE TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO 3RD OR 4TH. WE WERE TOLD WE NEED TO REBUILD OURS.

Look up ODI 10322930 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range54,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10175263 · 54,400 mi

2002 FORD ZX2 HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING, MILEAGE IS ONLY 54400. *JB

Look up ODI 10175263 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission ControlToo few reports for a range2,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpToo few reports for a range2,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection SystemToo few reports for a range38,472 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10102472 · 38,472 mi

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS ON ACCELERATION (APPROX 17 TIMES) HAS STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT 60MPH,WILL NOT RESTART FOR APPROX 15-60 MINUTES AFTER STALL. CAR IS COVERED UNDER FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED AT TIME OF SALE. CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO ORIG DEALER MULLINAX FORD EAST TWICE, BOTH TIMES ADVISED WAS REPAIRED BUT CAR STALLED W/I DAYS/HOURS OF REPAIR. CAR WAS TOWED TO JOHN LANCE FORD 11-15-04WHO CANT FIND ANY PROBLEMS THOUGH IT HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO SERVICE GARAGE.WE ADVISED SERVICE MANAGER CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND DANGER TO OURSELVES & OTHERS…

Look up ODI 10102472 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And LinesToo few reports for a range21,350 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10142450 · 21,350 mi

IN MAY 2002, I PURCHASED A FORD ESCORT ZX2. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE PUT 21,000 MILES ON THE CAR. RECENTLY, I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WHERE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE. YESTERDAY, MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER BROTHERS FORD IN ELLICOTT CITY, MD. THIS MORNING I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATING THAT ONE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE HAD FAILED AND THE SECOND WAS ALSO ABOUT TO GO. BOTH NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS IS $890.00. …

Look up ODI 10142450 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2002: 5 complaints · 2003: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2002235
2003013
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20021200
2003600

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionAir BagsEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission ControlEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail PipeFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpFuel System, Other:Fuel Injection SystemPower Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—0000000
Air Bags0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling00—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control000—0
1
ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe0000—000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump000
1
ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System000000—0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,436 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10100093 · 2,400 mi

CAR STALLS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING AND COMING TO STOP. CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN ON FREEWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. FORD ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE EMERGENCY FUEL SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 2400 MILES ON IT AND HAS CONTINUED NOW, WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND NOW HAS 24000 MILES ON IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10100093 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10102472 · 38,472 mi

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STALLS ON ACCELERATION (APPROX 17 TIMES) HAS STALLED ON HIGHWAY AT 60MPH,WILL NOT RESTART FOR APPROX 15-60 MINUTES AFTER STALL. CAR IS COVERED UNDER FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED AT TIME OF SALE. CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO ORIG DEALER MULLINAX FORD EAST TWICE, BOTH TIMES ADVISED WAS REPAIRED BUT CAR STALLED W/I DAYS/HOURS OF REPAIR. CAR WAS TOWED TO JOHN LANCE FORD 11-15-04WHO CANT FIND ANY PROBLEMS THOUGH IT HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO SERVICE GARAGE.WE ADVISED SERVICE MANAGER CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND DANGER TO OURSELVES & OTHERS…

Look up ODI 10102472 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b