One problem related to automatic transmission floor shift has 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.
Wife parked vehicle on steep uphill driveway. Placed in park and turned ignition off. Exited drivers side and walked behind vehicle to passenger side continuing to mailbox. While at mailbox observed vehicle abruptly roll backward crossing the path where she had just walked behind the vehicle, across street and over curb hitting tree. Neighbor in their front yard also observed this. Vehicle sustained significant damage. Called Ford corp offices to ask for review of this by their safety engineers. A cursory review by the dealer indicated no obvious transmission linkage or other adjustment problem. Ford refuses any further review and shows little interest in finding any potential safety issue. I see similar reports of this in numbers 10031648, 568244, 10073682 and 10026175. There are also many reports of loss of control in other scenarios such as 10073741, 10087902, 10091048, 10092635 and 10108659. Did not review complaints on similar models such as Mazda tribute nor other year Escapes which may have similar issues. I find it hard to believe that Ford engineered the car to back down a hill, while unoccupied, in park, with the ignition off. But apparently they consider this normal and of no consequence. Unfortunately, someone will have to be hurt and the economics turn against Ford before they will get involved. Reminds me of their safety issues with Ford crown victoria's that continue to explode in flames when hit from the rear.