Three problems related to automatic transmission column shift have been reported for the 2002 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2002 Escape.
Vehicle will not shift into any gear except park.
2002 Ford Escape. Vehicle will not go into reverse when reverse is selected intermittently. Reverse is selected and if left in the selection, it will take 3-5 minutes to engage. Sometimes it doesn't engage at all, and if you can pull forward ,then it might go into reverse. This occurs several times a month. Ford can not duplicate it. It is impossible to back away from a dangerous situation or to back out from a pull in parking spot.
Consumer stated the gear shifter design was defective. Shifter is attached to steering column and is too long. Whenever consumer turns on radio gear is knocked into neutral.