One problem related to hatchback/liftgate 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.
Approximately a year ago, Feb. 2011, I noticed the truck lift gate and window was not working properly. I thought maybe because of the snow and cold weather it was frozen. The next few weeks it worked on and off. Then after a month or so it stopped working at all. I searched to see if there was a recall on this part and there was one, I called Ford but they said my VIN was not on their list of recalls for that problem so I was out of luck and one year later it still does not work. I cannot open or close the rear lift door or the window above it. Two mechanics looked at the problem and said only Ford can replace the part. The panels on the door must be removed to get to the mechanism. The part costs about $15. 00 but labor costs will be around $400. 00 I researched this defect and found that many people have had the same problem with this model and year.