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: power train
64 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Dec 22, 2004
WHEN ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, Dec 22, 2004
HOW CAN I GET A LIST OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS TO FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE IS EFFECTED IN A FORD RECALL. *JB
Power train, Dec 14, 2004
I WANT TO KNOW HOW I CAN FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIST OF RECALLS. RECALL 04S13 OCCURED BACK IN APR 2004, AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY AND IF MY VEHICLE IS STILL IN NEED OF REPAIR.*AK
Power train, Nov 18, 2004
WHILE ACCELERATING AT A STOP VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT DEALERSHIP DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Sep 23, 2004
NHTSA RECALL 04V165000 SUBJECT: ENGINE STALLING. AFTER HAVING THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION REPROGRAMMED, THE VEHICLE STALL. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Power train, Sep 21, 2004
2001-2003 FORD ESCAPE RECALL FOR ENGINE STALL DOES NOT EXTEND FAR ENOUGH. DEALER SAYS MY VEHICLE WAS MADE AFTER THE PROBLEM VEHICLES - BUT I PERIODICALLY EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM, AND FORD WON'T DO A THING ABOUT IT. I JUST HAPPENED TO LEARN OF THE RECALL THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE.*AK
Power train, Aug 19, 2004
CABLE ON VEHICLE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE AND CAR ACCELERATOR UNCHECKED. I NEEDED TO"STAND" HARD ON MY BRAKES TO GET ANY CONTOL OF THE SPEED. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND TRANSITIONING TO ANOTHER FREEWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP THE CAR WAS TO TURN OFF THE MOTOR ONCE I GOT NEAR THE SHOULDER AND USE THE BRAKES AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. THE POWER FORD VALENCIA FORD DEALER, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, FOUND THE BROKEN CABLE AND NOW TELLS ME THAT FORD DOES NOT COVER THIS TYPE OF FAILURE.*AK
Power train, Jun 13, 2004
2003 FORD ESCAPE SHIFT LEVER DOES NOT LOCK INTO PARK WITHOUT PUSHING LEVER FORWARD, DEALER REPLACED PARTS AND NOW CONDITION IS WORSE THAN BEFORE. SERVICE MANAGER STATES OTHER VEHICLES SAME YEAR MODEL CHECKED AND ALL PERFORM SIMULARLY. ALSO STATED FORD ENGINEERS ADVISED HIM THAT THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, May 18, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Power train, Mar 3, 2004
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND 2ND GEAR ON ITS OWN. *PH THE GEAR INDICATOR STATED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE, WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND THEN RETURNED, HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE SAME PLACE WHERE HE HAD LEFT IT. *JB
Power train, Sep 22, 2003
WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, IT MOVED ONLY IN REVERSE, REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTION. THIS WAS ONLY REMEDIED AFTER THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2003
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER, IT IS STILL HAPPENING. NOW IT IS HAPPENING IN DRIVE AS WELL. I'VE HAD THE CAR SINCE DECEMBER 2002 AND IT HAS STALLED OUT A TOTAL OF 11 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS 8000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 28, 2003
WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT DOES NOT WANT TO MOVE. IF YOU INCREASE THE RPM'S, IT STILL JUST SETS THERE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN VERY INCONSISTENT. REVERSE SEEMS TO BE AT THIS POINT, THE ONLY PLACE IT OCCURS. IN ONE OF THE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT 3 OF THE 4 CALIPERS WERE FROZE/DRIED UP. THIS DOES NOT SET WELL WITH ME AND I SEE IT AS A POSSIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NLM
Power train, Mar 19, 2003
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. I DROVE IT 8 DAYS AND 650 MILES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND HAS BEEN THERE FOR 6 DAYS. I AM REQUESTING FROM FORD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE WHICH THEY ARE UNWILLING TO PROVIDE. THEY ARE FIXING THE DIRECT CLUTCH WHICH FAILED. I DO NOT THINK AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IS UNREASONABLE. I KNOW GM WOULD PROVIDE ONE SHOULD THE SITUATION BE THE SAME. *NLM