Two problems related to engine have been reported for the 2002 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Escort based on all problems reported for the 2002 Escort.
Shaking in steering wheel. Most noticable during acceleration and deceleration. Was mentioned to salesperson at time of test drive. He stated he would have the tires balanced and an alignment done. At no time prior to purchase did anyone state it was a built in defect. When we met the service people they were told the type of vehicle being purchased and the fact we would be bringing it in for the shaking. This was intentionally dishonest. We attempted to trade in on another vehicle and the same dealership offered us $7500. This is after 3 months and 3 thousand miles for a defect they knew about. The TSB did not correct the problem.
The steering wheel/column shakes and vibrates. This happens usually when the vehicle is idling. This happens every time I drive it. I have been told that it is normal, it is because the vehicle has rubber motor mounts, there is nothing wrong with it. I have had it back to the dealership 5 times and nothing has been fixed. I feel that I was mislead at the time of purchase. When I mentioned the shaking steering wheel to the salesman, he didn't say it is a characteristic of car, he said we will fix it. I would not have bought the car for $17720. 00 if I had known that it would do that all the time. I would have taken that money and bought a better car or kept the one I traded in.