2003 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 598 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 44 involved a crash and 29 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersApr 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
Campaign 14V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 26, 2012
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V156000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesDec 7, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 04V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
62 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 8, 2010, crash
I OWNED A 2003 ESCAPE AND HAD A HEAD ON ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. NOT SURE WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ONE THE AIR BAGS WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER CAME ON OR GAVE ME ANY PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Apr 30, 2010, crash
ON 4/25/2010 I HAD A PERSON RUN AN INTERSECTION CAUSING ME TO HIT THEM. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE. MY FRONT BUMPER AND GRILL WERE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AS WELL. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS DOING THE SAME THING. I DROVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. IT WAS TOTALED IN THE CRASH. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT WHICH WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEP ME SAFE. I STILL GOT HURT WITH A HURT NECK AND BACK. *TR
Air bags, Apr 5, 2010
A WIRING HARNESS FOR THE AIRBAG/SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE FREQUENTLY HAS PROBLEMS CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE -- AND ACCORDING TO FORD THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OFF AND ON SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2005. FORD IS AWARE THAT THIS MODEL YEAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH THIS WIRING HARNESS AND ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT OWNERS MUST REPLACE THE HARNESS. IF WIRING HARNESS IS FAULTY AND CAUSES AIRBAGS TO DISABLE, SHOULDN'T THIS BE A SAFETY RECALL INSTEAD OF A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR CONSUMERS TO REPAIR AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE? *TR
Air bags, Nov 24, 2009
AUG 2007- AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERSHIP FOUND DEFECT IN DRIVER/PASSENGER AIR BAG CIRCUIT LOCATED UNDER FRONT SEATS (DTC CODE - D1990/D1994). REPLACED CONNECTORS & HARNESS($490). SUGGESTED CAUSE WAS MOTION OF ADJUSTING POWER SEAT. NOW, OCT 2009 (MILEAGE - 85,000) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. FIRST FLASHING, THEN OFF FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN SOLIDLY ON AGAIN. IS THIS CIRCUIT LOCATED IN A PLACE WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE? IS THIS WHY THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ESCAPE AIR BAGS NOT OPENING IN A CRASH? CAN SOMEONE CHECK OUT THE LOCATION OF THE WIRING FOR THIS CIRCUIT? IS IT CAUSING AIR BAG FAILURE IN ESCAPES? DO WE NEED DEATHS? HAS FORD MADE CHANGES IN THE NEW ESCAPES? *TR
Air bags, Jul 22, 2009
PURCHASED 2003 FORD ESCAPE 04/05/08. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER RETURNED VEHICLE FOR OTHER MINOR FIXES WAS TOLD LIGHT WAS NOT IMPORTANT AS THE BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. DURING OIL CHANGE ON 12/08 TOLD FORD SERVICE DEPT. AGAIN ABOUT AIR BAG LIGHT SAME ANSWER. ALSO INFORM THEM ABOUT CAR SHAKING WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE I WAITED TOO LONG FOR OIL CHANGE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE 07/08/09 WAS REFUSED VEHICLE TOLD IT WAS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE FOUND RT FRONT LOWER BALLJOINT LOOSE IN STEERING KNUCKLE WORN OUT STEERING KNUCKLE NEED TO REPLACE BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND RT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE PROBABLY CAUSE OF WHY VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND WOULD COST ABOUT $1700 AND WERE NOT SURE IF EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER. THEY WERE RUDE AND I BROKE DOWN. THIS CAR HAS HAD THE SHAKES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I FINALLY TOOK MY VEHICLE HOME TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY. I PICKED IT UP ON THE 15TH ONCE FORD STATED ALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED AND ENGINE LIGHT WAS GONE EXCEPT THEY DID NOTHING FOR THE AIR BAGS. THIS SHOP IS 12.07 MILES FROM MY HOME APPROX HALFWAY THROUGH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING BETWEEN 45 AND 50MPH. I CALLED THEM WHEN I GOT HOME GAVE ME ANOTHER APPOINTMENT DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC. NO ONE IN THIS SHOP CAN TELL ME IF ANY RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A HANDICAP DAUGHTER WHO GETS HER MEDICAL CARE AT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITAL AN HOUR AWAY. I NEED A SAFE VEHICLE. MY FAMILY CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. THESE PEOPLE NEVER GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER AND PUT DOWN WHATEVER THEY WANT ON THEIR INVOICES. THIS SHOP IS RUN BY A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM NO ONE CARES IF MY VEHICLE IS SAFE THEY JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF US. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIND OUT WHAT HAS BEEN CORRECTED ON MY VEHICLE VIN . THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Mar 31, 2009
I HAVE A 03 FORD ESCAPE, AND THE TROUBLE IS ENDLESS. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND IT IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD IT IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP ABOUT 6 TIMES AND HAS HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 2 YEARS. THE FAILURE TO START IS SCARY BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR IS GOING TO EXPLODE OR WHAT. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT IT IS A SENSOR THAT GOES OUT AND TELLS THE CAR IT DOESN'T HAVE TO START. BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES AND THE OTHER DAY IT DID IT AGAIN. I HATE TO GO OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF GETTING STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. AND ANOTHER THING THE SMELL OF THE ENGINE IS CRAZY MY DAUGHTER HAS ASTHMA AND TALKING ABOUT A PROBLEM FOR HER IT IS. I CAN GO TO WORK AND GO BACK 30 MINUTES LATER TO MY CAR AND YOU CAN TELL THAT IT IS STILL SMELLING OF COURSE WHERE I GOT IT FROM THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NO CONCERN IT WAS DUE TO THE FACT OF THEM DROPPING OIL WHEN THEY DID A CHANGE, COME ON PEOPLE 2 MONTHS LATER. I FEAR THAT ONE DAY IT WILL EXPLODE I JUST PRAY TO GOD THAT MY FAMILY IS NOT IN THERE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AND FROM READING IN HERE I AM SCARED TO DEATH. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOME FAMILY LOSES A MEMBER. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2009
PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG LIGHT, TAKE BY TO DEALER ON NUMBERS TIME (5) . EVERY TWO WEEKS FOR THE TIME OF PURCHASE (10/11/2008) CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT RIGHT THE DEALER STATED THE BAG WON'T WORK WHEN NEED. *TR
Air bags, Jan 2, 2009
PROBLEM: VEHICLE IS BEEPING WARNING BEEPS FROM CLUSTER AREA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AIRBAG LIGHT/BEEPER KEEPS GOING OFF, JUST PAID FORD DEALER $595.20 TO REPLACE WIRING HARNESSES TO BOTH FRONT SEATS AND BOTH BODY HARNESSES FOR CODE B1869, REMOVED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND REPLACED BAD BULB FOR AIR BAG SYSTEM, CLEAR ALL CODES AND ROAD TEST 3 MILES. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPES, SEEMS TO BE AN OVERALL PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL AIRBAG WIRING. *TR
Air bags, Jan 2, 2008
THE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON. SOME TIMES IT WILL REMAIN ON AND SOMETIMES IT WILL FLASH. I HAD THE AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED ($600) AND IT WAS OK FOR 2 MONTHS AND STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY AND HAS SINCE REAPPEARED. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I BELIEVED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE LOOK AT.*CN
Air bags, Oct 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT PRETENSION CODE WAS FAULTY. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY WHEN IN A CRASH. ON OCTOBER 16, 2007, THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF A BEEPING SOUND AND THEY REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN SHE RETRIEVED HER VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THE REPAIR FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS HER RESPONSIBILITY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,629.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2007
THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD OF OUR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE COST QUOTED WAS $450. I THEN DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND SEVERAL HUNDRED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I ALSO FOUND TWO DIFFERENT FORD TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, WHICH CLEARLY INDICATES THAT FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM. ON ANOTHER SITE A TECHNICIAN FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD SIMPLY BE FIXED BY SPRAYING THE CONTACT POINTS WITH AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER SUCH AS WD40. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM TO FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 23, 2007
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON, AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS IT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED TO HAVE IT CHECKED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CONNECTOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE SIDE MOUNT AIR BAG NEEDED REPLACING. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IF THIS WAS NOT REPAIRED, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IF NEEDED! I ASKED IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS MADE TO FORD ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY. I FEARED FOR THE SAFETY OF ANYONE THAT MIGHT BE A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE IF IT SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, SO I WENT AHEAD WITH THE REPAIR. I VOICED MY DISSATISFACTION WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL I COULD DO ABOUT IT WAS CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THIS PART COST $36.49 AND $210 FOR THE LABOR. *TR
Air bags, Jul 25, 2007
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN OUR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED US THAT THE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THAT IF WE ARE IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS QUOTED AT APPROXIMATELY $500.00. AT THIS POINT WE ARE NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO MAKE THIS REPAIR AND WE ARE FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND HOPE THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN NO PRIOR WARNING NOR ANY ACCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 27, 2007, crash
BEGINNING IN APRIL 2007, MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT (CURRENT MILEAGE 118754) EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. IF THE POWER DRIVER'S SEAT HAD BEEN MOVED, THEN THE LIGHT WOULD APPEAR AND FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THEN DISAPPEAR WITHOUT ANY ACTION TAKEN. THIS SERIES OF EVENT HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES BETWEEN APRIL - JUNE, 2007. THE LAST TIME THE PROBLEM SURFACED WAS JUNE 25, 2007. THE LIGHT WAS FLASHING WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE ON JUNE 26, 2007. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING MY VEHICLE ON THAT DATE, I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN A TRUCK APPROACHING FROM MY LEFT LOST ITS TRAILER. THE TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WITHIN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. ALTHOUGH NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT, I BELIEVE THAT AN IMPACT OF THIS FORCE INTO MY FRONT BUMPER SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED MY FRONT AIR BAGS, AND THAT THE FAILURE TO DEPLOY CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE FAULTY SENSOR ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Air bags, Apr 1, 2007
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE UP TO NOW I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS I GUESS KNOCK ON WOOD I HAVE BEEN LUCKY. LATELY THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THEN IT STAYS ON. FROM READING SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS THERE MIGHT BE SEVERAL REASONS AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, MAYBE FORD SHOULD TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND RECALL THE VEHICLES TO GET THIS FIXED. *JB
Air bags, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2007
I'VE READ ONLINE SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE. MY AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON ABOUT 2CE A WEEK. *JB
Air bags, Jan 30, 2007
CUSTOMER WANTS TO KNOW IF AIR BAGS FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAVE BEEN RECALLED. **CC THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS ON THEN OFF. CONSUMER NOT SURE WHAT THIS INDICATES. *NM
Air bags, Dec 28, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN 2003 FORD ESCAPE NOTICED ON 09/20/06 THAT AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AT THAT TIME. AS PER OWNERS MANUAL DIRECTIONS, THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WHO PERFORMED SOME TYPE OF REPAIR AND CHARGED THE CONSUMER $100. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 10/28/06 FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY DID SEE THAT THE LIGHT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE GOING TO GREASE THE CABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE WHICH CABLE THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR 3 MORE WEEKS WHEN THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED. SHE TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG , BUT THE LIGHT DIDN'T COME BACK ON FOR ANOTHER 3 WEEKS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALERSHIP GREASED THE SAME CABLE AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE CABLE IS UNDER VEHICLE CODE #1877. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 11/27/06 THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. *AK UPDATED 1/22/2007 - THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT AND THAT AND THAT THE AIR BAS WAS WORKING PROPERLY. HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE BELIEVES THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE LIGHT ITSELF. *NM
Air bags, Nov 13, 2006, crash
WE RECENTLY HIT A DEER GOING IN BETWEEN 45 50 MILES PER HOUR. AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. I WAS WONDERING WHY THEY DIDN'T THERE IS SEVERAL THOUSANDS DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. *NM
Air bags, Aug 3, 2006
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH 38,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SOMETIMES STAYING ON SOMETIMES GOING OFF. AFTER ABOUT 2 TO 3 MONTHS IT WENT OFF AND STAYED OFF FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF MONTHS. EVENTUALLY IT STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND IS NOW STAYING ON THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. I AM A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF MY AIRBAG IS WORKING WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. *JB
Air bags, Jul 1, 2006
VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN A FAULTY CONNECTOR TO THE FRONT AIR BAGS (3 TIMES), THE SIDE AIRBAGS (1 TIME) AND THE SEAT BELT SENSOR (1 TIME). THE LAST INCIDENT WAS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND IT WAS A STRUGGLE GETTING FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. LESSON LEARNED: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND CONTACT A LAWYER BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *NM
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 16, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAD A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS INJURED WITH A STERNUM FRACTURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EVACUATED THE DRIVER TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS FAILURE OCCURRED.
Air bags, Mar 5, 2006
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON 98% OF THE TIME. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS A FORD PROBLEM, THAT FORD IS WORKING ON IT AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. ON A RARE OCCASION THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT. *JB
Air bags, Feb 25, 2006
AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY COME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND IN THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES, THE SENSORS AND WIRES THAT HELP DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE. N CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE NOT DEPLOYED. THE DEALER REPAIRED ALL THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *NM
Air bags, Nov 28, 2005
DT:THE CONTACT STATES THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE LIGHT CAN CAME ON AT ANY TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. ONCE THE LIGHT WAS ON IT STAYED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER IN USE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ,AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE , THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK