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: structure
121 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slightly veer to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side control arm had slightly detached. The dealer informed the contact the failure was a result of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure) and the vehicle was included; however, the fix needed exceeded the repair stated in the recall remedy. The dealer diagnosed that the front subframe was extremely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened. The contact was also referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT HOPKINS FORD OF ELGIN INC. LOCATED AT (1045 E CHICAGO ST, ELGIN, IL 60120) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE MOVED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CONTROL ARMS AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Structure, May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF $2,000 TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND QUOTED REPAIRS COSTS AS HIGH AS $4,800. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Air bags, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Apr 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE K FRAME WAS CORRODED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE K FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE POWER CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, AND THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,470.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CREATED AN ABNORMAL RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW SUBFRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,703.
Structure, Mar 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SUBFRAME WOULD RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Jun 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED NEAR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BALISE FORD OF CAPE COD IN HYANNIS, MA) WERE BOTH NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB CHAPMAN FORD (1255 COLUMBUS AVE, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040, (937) 642-0015) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND SUBFRAME WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,000.
Steering, Structure, Jun 4, 2018
MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE FORD RECALL # 14S02 AND A CROSS BRACE WAS INSTALLED. THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A SUBFRAME CORRODING AWAY IN SOME PARTS OF THE US INCLUDING MY REGION. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT FORD DID NOT CORRECTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR CROSS BRACE. THEY SIMPLY BOLTED A CROSS BRACE FROM ONE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE OTHER AND IT DOES NOTHING WHEN THE SUBFRAME ACTUALLY CORRODES AWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT A WEEK AGO WHEN MY FRAME THAT HAS THE CROSS BAR INSTALLED FINALLY GAVE WAY AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CROSS BRACE AND SUBFRAME THAT HAS CORRODED TO NOTHING. FORD HAS CLAIMED THAT SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND MAKE FORD ACTUALLY FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS DRIVING THAT I HAVE EVER HAD. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY 7 YR OLD SON IN THE CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOSE STEERING ALMOST ALL TOGETHER. THANKFULLY I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES THAT DAY. IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED THEN I'M AFRAID MANY PEOPLE WILL BE HURT.
Structure, Apr 6, 2018
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE RECALL ISSUES. *SMD
Structure, Dec 6, 2017
THE FRONT FRAME OF THE CAR HAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAS COME LOOSE AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. THERE IS A RECALL OF THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BUT I AM BEING TOLD MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL. THE CONTROL ARM DETACHED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I HAD THE DAMAGE ASSES BY A LOCAL MECHANINC, WHO INFORMED ME OF THE RECALL.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY COULD NOT BE DRIVEN PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Structure, Oct 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD POP WAS HEARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OURISMAN FORD & LINCOLN OF ALEXANDRIA (6129 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303, (703) 660-9000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Wheels, Oct 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME LOOKED RUSTED AND LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRONDES FORD TOLEDO (5545 SECOR RD, TOLEDO, OH 43623) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER 20 MPH, THE WHEELS TURNED AT DIFFERENT ANGLES AND THE VEHICLE MADE A SCREECHING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO BRONDES FORD, BUT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER (WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE) DECLINED TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Oct 8, 2017
THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND, UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, NOTICED CORROSION AND SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,207.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 11, 2017, crash
MY SON WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT CONTROL ARM SNAPPED OFF FROM THE FRONT SUBFRAME! THANKFULLY, HE DID NOT GET KILLED OR INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE WHO INFORMED ME THAT FORD RECALL # 14S02 APPLIES TO THIS VERY CONDITION. UPON CALLING FORD'S CUSTOMER ASSIST LINE, I WAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I TOLD THE REP THAT I NEED A TOW SINCE THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. SHE TOLD ME THAT FORD WILL NOT PAY FOR A TOW OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. OBVIOUSLY, FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR FOR THEM TO TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY & LEAVE THE CONSUMER FOOTING THE BILL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE. THANK YOU. *TR
Structure, Sep 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE #CAS13006709 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FOLLOW UP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Aug 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Steering, Structure, Aug 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 17653427. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,907.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*JS
Suspension, Structure, Jul 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER STRUCK A POTHOLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SUBFRAME WERE BENT DUE TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Structure, Jul 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARK THOMAS FORD (LOCATED AT 3098 ELM RD EXT NE CORTLAND, OH 44410) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: CAS13677317. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,522.
Steering, Structure, Jul 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE AND THERE WAS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (ARLINGTON HEIGHTS FORD LOCATED AT 801 W DUNDEE RD ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004, 888 481-8607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A BRACE. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (FOX FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 2501 N ELSTON AVE CHICAGO, IL 60647 773-687-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: CASDASH12577845 AND CAS12593478. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Structure, May 1, 2017
MY FATHER TOOK MY ESCAPE TO HAVE THE BRAKES ASSESSED AND WHILE IT WAS UP ON THE LIFT, THE OWNER OF THE SERVICE STATION MADE MENTION TO THE EXCESSIVE, ABNORMAL RUST IN THE CHASSIS. HE STATED THAT THE CONDITION OF THE CHASSIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THAT THE SUPPORT ARM, THAT WAS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL #14V165000 AND 14S02, IS ATTACHED TO RUST AND NOT SUPPORTING ANYTHING TO MAKE THE TRUCK SAFE. I HAVE TRIED A NUMBER OF TIMES TO ASK FOR HELP FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY. THIS TRUCK WAS WELL CARED FOR AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE IN GREAT WORKING ORDER. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE RUST ISSUE, THE TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. UNDERTAKING A NEW CAR PAYMENT WOULD BE A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD AT THIS TIME. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING THAT A LARGE CORPORATION SUCH AS FORD MANUFACTURED A SUBSTANDARD VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD RATHER ITS CUSTOMER(S) DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR THAN MAINTAIN RESPONSIBILITY AND OFFER SOME KIND OF ASSISTANCE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2017, fire
MY VEHICLE WAS SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON 4/14/2017 AND THE NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON MY DOOR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT TO AVOID THE FIRE FROM REACHING THE GAS TANK AND ALSO SPRAYING THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE TO TRY TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING THE SIDING ON FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW UP SO HE DROPPED THE HOSE AND RAN.WHEN THE FIRE DEPT GOT HERE IT HAD ALREADY BURNED MY VEHICLE ALL THE WAY UP AND MELTED THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE. THE FIRE CHIEF WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE OF THE WAY EVERYTHING WAS BURNED! NOTHING WAS LEFT BUT THE 2 REAR TIRES AND WHEELS AND THE 2 BACK TAIL LIGHT LENS. I HAD DROVE IT 2 1/2 HRS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED SO THE MOTOR WAS ALREADY COOLED OFF! I'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT NONE TO BE FOUND ON THIS YR MODEL. I ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH RECALL CENTER AND WITH FORD MOTOR CORPORATION.ALL THEY SAID WAS I WOULD RECEIVE THE REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT 15 DAYS. IT'S BEEN 11 DAYS NOW AND STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING! COMPLAINT #: 10978773 (FORD CORP) FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT #: 17-1703168....KEITH FITCH. FIRE CHIEF...