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
Suspension, Structure, Apr 20, 2015
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTED THROUGH AND FORD DIDN'T INCLUDE MY VEHICLE IN THE RECALLS. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY HAVING A WIDER ISSUE WITH THIS CONTROL ARM SINCE RECALL NUMBER 14SO2 HAS AFFECTED MY ESCAPE AS WELL. THEY CLAIM THAT MY LOWER CONTROL ARM WASN'T PART OF THE FACTORIES THAT WAS LISTED SO THEY WON'T INCLUDE ME IN THE RECALL. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR A WHILE AND IF I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY ENTIRE WHEEL COULD HAVE DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE A HORRIBLE CRASH. THEY MUST INCLUDE ALL FORD ESCAPES FROM 2001 THROUGH 2004 AS LISTED IN THIS RECALL SINCE MY ESCAPE IS OBVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR OR AT LEAST NOTIFIED OF THE DANGER. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH CAR THEY DEEMED ACCEPTABLE FOR THE RECALL IF THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE HARM TO THE OWNER AND IS DOCUMENTED AS BEING HARMFUL,, *TR
Structure, Apr 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. MA 08/10/15 THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REAR FRAME WAS IN THE PROCESS OF RUSTING. HOWEVER, THE FRONT FRAME WAS ALREADY RUSTED. UPDATED 08/18/15*JB
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Mar 26, 2015
VEHICLE WENT IN FOR CONTROL ARM BRACE RECALL IN 2014 DUE TO POOR METZL USED ON THE SUBFRAME, MARCH OF 2015 IT FAILED LEAVING LIMITED CONTROL OF STEERING, FORD WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROL ARM RECALL AND TO CONTACT THE DEALER. THEY SAID THEY DID WHAT THEY WERE TOLD TO DO AND THE ROTTED SUBFRAME WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THE SUBFRAME PART BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Structure, Mar 10, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE INSPECTION PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION DUE TO RUST ON THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL, THE RIGHT FENDER, THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE FRAME. THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE COMPONENTS DETERIORATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,600. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN UPDATED 05/26/15*JB
Structure, Dec 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,994. UPDATED 3/12/15*CN UPDATED 9/11/2017*CN
Suspension, Structure, Dec 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A CONSTANT NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE WHEELS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE DEALER PROVIDED THE RECALL REMEDY OF A NEWLY DESIGNED CROSS BRACE AS AN INTERIM REPAIR, BUT THE NOISE FAILURE RECURRED. WITHIN THREE MONTHS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS LEANING DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF CORROSION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 29, 2014
SEEMS WE OWN A FORD ESCAPE 2003 WHICH NEEDS A CROSS BRACE FOR THE SUB FRAME. THE REASON FOR THE RECALL IS THAT THE SUB FRAME CORRODES AND THE BRACE WILL KEEP THE TWO SIDES FROM BREAKING APART AND SPLITTING THEM INTO TWO HALVES. THAT IS BECAUSE IT CAN RUST AND BREAK. THE TOP OF THE SUB FRAME OF THE FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTED AND LOOKS VERY UNSAFE. FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE WHOLE SUB FRAME BECAUSE IT DOES NOT EFFECT WHERE THEY CAN ATTACH THE BRACE. PROBLEM SOLVED FORD WILL NOT COVER THE TOP OF THE SUB FRAME ONLY THE BOTTOM WHERE THE BRACE IS INSTALLED. QUESTION 1: WOULD YOU OR THE OWNER OF THE FORD CORP HAVE HIS DAUGHTER AND/OR HIS GRAND DAUGHTER DRIVE DOWN RTE. 495 DOING 65 MPH WITH A RUSTED-OUT TOP SUB FRAME? QUESTION 2: I HAVE A BRAND NEW FORD ESCAPE 2014. HOW LONG ARE THE IRON FRAME PARTS OF THE CAR GOOD? SHOULD I SELL IT AT 5 YEARS OR 6? I KNOW THAT 10 YEARS IS TOO LONG. *TR
Structure, Oct 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Steering, Structure, Sep 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT COMPLETE A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION PRESENT. THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS AN ENFORCED PROCEDURE PER THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WAS INCLUDED IN THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE STEERING BECAME AFFECTED DUE TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 11, 2014
ON JUNE 9 2014, I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE FORD DEALER TO HAVE RECALL 14S02 PERFORMED. WE HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAD GOTTEN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT "THE CAR WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE" BECAUSE OF THE RUST SPOTS THAT HAD EATEN THROUGH THE ENGINE CRADLE. HE WARNED ME THAT IF THIS WENT UNREPAIRED, THE FRAME COULD COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE. HE REASSURED ME THAT HE WAS WORKING WITH FORD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CRADLE AS PART OF THE RECALL. HE TOOK PICTURES (TWICE) OF THE CAR AND SUBMITTED THEM AND A REQUEST TO FORD FOR THE REPAIR. ON JULY 13 2014, MORE THAN A MONTH LATER, THE SERVICE WRITER LET ME KNOW THAT FORD HAD REJECTED THE REPAIR CLAIM, SAYING THAT "THEY DIDN'T THINK THE RUST WAS SIGNIFICANT, IT WAS SURFACE RUST, AND THE CAR WAS ACTUALLY SAFE TO DRIVE." THE DEALER INSTALLED A BRACKET ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE RUSTY CRADLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BRACKET IS PART OF THE RECALL. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON JULY 14 2014 AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SAFE AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE RUST. WE SUBSEQUENTLY SPENT OVER $1,500 MAKING OTHER REPAIRS TO THE CAR, BELIEVING IT WAS A GOOD INVESTMENT. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, ON SEPTEMBER 5 2014, MY DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CRADLE, BENDING THE DRIVE AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND RENDERING THE CAR UNABLE TO DRIVE. THE SERVICE WRITER HAD BEEN CORRECT, IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT DID FAIL. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. ON SEPTEMBER 9 2014, I WAS TOLD THAT FORD HAD AGAIN REJECTED THE CLAIM TO REPAIR THE (BROKEN) ENGINE CRADLE. THIS TIME, THE REASON GIVEN WAS "THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE RECALL" THAT WAS MEANT TO ADDRESS THE CRADLE DAMAGE FROM RUST. I HAVE APPEALED THE REJECTION THROUGH FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND THROUGH THE SPECIAL SERVICES GROUP AND THEY CONTINUE TO REJECT THE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR
Structure, Sep 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE), IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,429. UPDATED 10/01/14 *BF UPDATED 1/7/2015 *JS
Suspension, Structure, Sep 9, 2014
THIS VEHICLE IS PART OF THE FORD RECALL 14S02 (NHTSB #14V165000 ). I HAD THE RECALL DIRECTED CROSS-BRACE INSTALLED IN JUNE 2014 (3 MONTHS AGO). I WAS TURNING A CORNER AT ABOUT 5-10 MPH, HEARD A POP IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR AND THEN HEARD A SCRAPING SOUND AND HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO FOUND THAT THE CROSS-BRACE HAD FAILED BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME GAVE WAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRACE WAS ONLY TO PROVIDE AN ENVELOPE OF SAFETY IF THE SUBFRAME FAILED BUT IT WAS NOT MEANT TO PREVENT FRAME FAILURE OR CORRECT FRAME WEAKNESS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE SUBFRAME REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED AS PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST ABOUT $2000. I DON'T THINK THAT A QUALITY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE A FRAME FAILURE AFTER ONLY 10 YEARS. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THAT SIMILAR TO TOYOTA, FORD IS TRYING TO SAY THEY PUT IN A FIX BUT NOT REALLY FIX THE REAL PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT MY FRAME WAS SEVERELY WEAKENED BEFORE THE CROSS-BRACE WAS INSTALLED AND THAT THE SUBFRAME SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED INSTEAD OF THE PATCH FIX DESIGNED IN THE RECALL WHICH FORD ADMITTED TO ME WAS ONLY TO HELP PREVENT INJURIES, NOT TO FIX A KNOWN DESIGN PROBLEM. YOU WOULD THINK THE MECHANICS WOULD WANT TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS FROM POTENTIALLY LETHAL STRUCTURAL FAILURES. MAYBE THEY DO BUT MANAGEMENT IS ONLY CONCERNED WITH PROFITS. FAILING TO STAND BEHIND THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT WILL COST FORD; THEY CERTAINLY HAVE LOST ME. *TR
Steering, Structure, Aug 28, 2014
AT A SLOW SPEED, STEERING ALL OF THE SUDDEN BECAME ERRATIC. IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN, SO MY LOCAL DEALER TOOK A LOOK AT IT. HE IS A CERTIFIED FORD MECHANIC. HE SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS DAMAGED AND IT WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL #14S02 WHICH IS FOR A CROSSBAR TO THE SUBFRAME DUE TO A POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE ONLY FORD DEALERSHIP IN OUR AREA, ONEONTA FORD. THE PUT THE CROSSBAR IN AND PERFORMED ONLY THE SPECIFIC RECALL WORK. THEY ARE TELLING ME NOW THAT IT STILL CANNOT BE DRIVEN AS THE SUBFRAME IS DAMAGED. THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ISSUE AND THE RECALL. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. ONEONTA FORD IS NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING. *TR
Structure, Aug 28, 2014
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOWER CONTROL ARM CORROSION RECALL NOTICE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT WAS IN MAY. THE DEALER STATED TO CALL BACK IN JULY. TO DATE, THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 14V165000. *JB
Structure, Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR WAS CORRODED AND AS A RESULT, EXHAUST FUMES WERE EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Structure, Aug 4, 2014
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WAITING FOR VEHICLE PARTS TO COME IN. *SMD
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 30, 2014
I AM WRITING ABOUT A RECALL FOR MY FORD ESCAPE. THIS RECALL INCLUDED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND THE SUBFRAME. THEY WERE BEING RECALLED FOR CORROSION ON THE CONTROL ARMS AND IF SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME IT COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT STEERING LOSS AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND INCREASING CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FIX, THEY INSTALLED A REINFORCEMENT PART AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. AFTER THIS, SLOWLY, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED BECOMING COCK-EYED. AFTER DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR A FEW DAYS,I NOTICED THAT AFTER I TAKE A LEFT TURN THE CAR WOULD JERK AS THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENED. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT FIXED THE RECALL, SINCE THE RECALL CLEARLY STATED THAT IT COULD LOSE STEERING CONTROL AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN, THINKING THAT HE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY OR SOMETHING ELSE TO DO WITH THE RECALL IS FAILING. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. AND THAT IT WOULD COST 1800 DOLLARS TO FIX. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE STEERING IS EFFECTED, THEY SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME WASN'T INCLUDED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL DOCUMENTS ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SEVERAL OF THEM STATE THAT THE SUBFRAME IS INCLUDED. SO I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDED THE SUBFRAME IF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM IT BEFORE THE RECALL WAS FIXED NOT AFTER. I THINK THIS IS SO UNFAIR, SINCE CLEARLY THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED WHEN THEY DID THE RECALL FIX. THEY HAD TO HAVE SEEN THAT, JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T SEPARATED AT THE TIME DOESN'T MEAN IT SHOULDN'T BE INCLUDED. ANYWAY, I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO MY OWN MECHANIC WHO CAN FIX IT FOR ALOT LESS, BUT IT IS STILL COSTING ME 1400 DOLLARS!! I CAN'T AFFORD IT, CAN SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS, I THINK IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE, AND THAT THE SUB FRAME SHOULD BE INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP, THANKS. RECALL 14S02. *TR
Structure, Jul 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE FELT HER VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. UPDATED 9/19/14*CN UPDATED 2/20/2015 *JS
Steering, Structure, Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUBFRAME BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA AND ALSO BECAME BENT. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ALSO FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure, Engine, Jun 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FIRST TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE CRADLE CROSS MEMBER BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, May 30, 2014
MY CAR IS A PART OF A RECALL FOR RUST AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUT I THINK THAT SCOPE IS TOO NARROW. MY ESCAPE HAS RUSTED WHEEL WELLS AND A RUSTED GAS TANK COVER THAT I CAN SEE. I HAVE ALSO READY HAD TO REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FOR RUST, ALONG WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND ALL OF ITS PARTS, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ALL PARTS OF THE OIL PAN. ALL OF THIS IS DUE TO RUST. THIS WAS AT THE MILEAGE OF 58,465. I STILL HAVE LESS THAN 80,000 MILES BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR THE 90 MILES FROM MY HOME TO THE JERSEY SHORE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Suspension, Structure, May 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION-LOWER CONTROL ARM REGIONAL) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE RUST HOLES ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRAME AND MADE AN INTERIM REPAIR, WHICH INCLUDED ATTACHING A CROSS MEMBER AND SUPPORT BAR TO THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A TURN WHEN THE LOUD, POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MULTIPLE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,716.
Structure, Nov 13, 2013
I HAVE ENTERED THE VIN CORRECTLY BUT YOUR SYSTEM DOESN'T RECOGNIZE IT. FIRST FLAT TIRE IN THE 10 YEARS I HAVE OWNED CAR PURCHASED NEW. JACK, JACK TOOLS AND TEMPORARY SPARE NEVER USED BEFORE.. FOLLOWING OWNER'S MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS, JACK DOES NOT RAISE VEHICLE HIGH ENOUGH TO REMOVE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHEEL AND SPECIFIED STANDARD-SIZE TIRE. ATTEMPTED FLAT REPAIR ON FLAT PAVED SURFACE. I HAVE 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING ON AUTOMOBILES.THIS FLAW COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO REPLACE A FLAT TIRE IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS (DARKNESS, WEATHER, DANGEROUS LOCATION,MEDICAL EMERGENCY). THE JACK WORKS MECHANICALLY AND LIFTED THE RIGHT REAR CORNER OF THE VEHICLE BUT LACKED 4 TO 6 INCHES OF LIFTING VEHICLE HIGH ENOUGH TO REMOVE WHEEL. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND NOT AN INCOMPETENT USER. JACK WAS POSITIONED AS SHOWN IN MANUAL. MY FIRST CAR WAS A 1931 MODEL A FORD AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE ENCOUNTERED AN OEM JACK THAT WOULDN'T WORK AT LEAST ONCE. *TR
Structure, Aug 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.