Three problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises 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.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact heard a popping sound when she turned off the vehicle. She then noticed flames coming from under the passenger side bumper. The dealer and manufacturer have not inspected the vehicle. As of August 2, 2007, the cause of the failure has yet to be determined. The current and failure mileages were 89,000.
Engine started making a ticking sound - dealer said it has to be replaced. They also said they have replaced several others as the engine "blew" at high altitude - I bought this 2002 Ford Escape in colorado. The won't tell me exactly what's wrong and whether the new engine from the factory may also blow inthe future.
While driving down the interstate at around 70 mph, the vehicle made a clunking noise and the engine stopped. This all happened within 30 seconds. I was able to coast over to the side of the road without incident. The problem was a seized engine and Ford is replacing with a new one.