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: suspension
92 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Mar 11, 2022
Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and links to take care of the problem. After ordering parts, the vehicle, while driving to work, a loud popping sound was heard and then the vehicle dropped down and had to be towed home (thank God this didn't happen on the expressway). I then looked up any recalls on this vehicle and low and behold there was a recall on this year, make and model car BUT not on this VIN number (Ford's number for this recall is 14S02. Recall date 2014-04-02 Recall no.14V165000). This vehicle suddenly and dangerously broke down from this same problem, and has the same issue that was recalled by Ford on this make, model and year described in their recall (14S02) but the VIN number seems to say otherwise when I looked it up. This needs to be investgated before this happens to someone while driving in snow or rainy condtions or while driving on the expressway. Please investigate!
Suspension, Jan 10, 2021
WHILE REPLACING THE CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 I NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THERE WAS ALOT OF CORROSION SO MUCH SO THE CONTROL ARM IS BARELY HANGING ON THERE IS A FLAT BAR RUNNING FROM DRIVERS SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE WHICH HAS BEEN RENDERED USELESS BECAUSE THE BOLT THAT IS USED TO HOLD IT IN PLACE HAS NOTHING TO BOLT TO THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE ISSUE WITH CORROSION WELL IT HASN'T ITS NOW GONNA COST ME GOD KNOWS HOW MUCH TO FIX I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS ISSUE IS STILL COVERED UNDER, THE RECALL
Suspension, Dec 29, 2020
RECALL #14S02 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V165000) COVERED REPLACEMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALLPOINT FOR EVERY NEARBY STATE, BUT NOT VIRGINIA. BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON MY VEHICLE ARE CORRODED AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT, BUT THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR MY VIN BECAUSE 14S02 DID NOT INCLUDE VIRGINIA. DRIVING VEHICLE WITH CORRODED CONTROL ARMS IS DEEMED DANGEROUS, BUT COSTS OF REPLACING APPROACH VEHICLE VALUE.
Suspension, Aug 16, 2020
FORD ESCAPES FROM THE 2001 THROUGH 2004 MODEL YEARS FOR CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE SUBFRAME CARRIES THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, STEERING GEAR AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND WHEELS FORD SAYS THE CORROSION CAN LEAD TO SEPARATION OF A CONTROL ARM -- PART OF THE SUSPENSION THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL AND TIRE IN THE RIGHT PLACE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON MY CAR. IT'S CORRODED BY A MECHANIC. THAN I READ THE USA TODAY 2014 ARTICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I JUST TOOK VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THE PART. ON MY CELL PHONE I CAN SUBMITT. ACCORDING TO THIS ARTICLE FORD KNEW ABOUT THIS. WHAT R MY OPTION TO GET THE REPAIR.
Suspension, Jun 30, 2020
THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS BROKEN AND WOULD BE ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A DIRT ROAD , IT WAS A LITTLE BUMPY AND THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING DUE TO THE FRAME BREAKING. THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS 124,000 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS HURT, BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THE FRAME OF N SUV COULD BREAK SO EASILY. *TR
Suspension, May 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED SEVERE CORROSION ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL TUBULAR FRAME. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE COLLAPSE OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. PRIOR TO THE DISCOVERY, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000(STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH GERMAIN FORD OF COLUMBUS (7250 SAWMILL RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43235, (614) 356-9743) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 254,000.
Suspension, Mar 20, 2020
MY CAR HAD A RECALL #14S02 FOR A RUSTED SUBFRAME. FORDS FIX WAS TO PUT A $20 PIECE OF METAL THAT THEY CALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACE. THIS REINFORCED BRACE HAS FAILED AND THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. THE ORIGINAL RECALL PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CAR WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. NOW FORD IS TELLING MY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THEY PUT THE CHEAP REINFORCEMENT BRACE! NOW I HAVE AN UNDRIVEABLE VEHICLE THAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE ORIGINAL RECALL! I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE WHAT THEY DID TO FIX THE RECALL HAS LITERALLY FAILED AGAIN!
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.
Suspension, Nov 9, 2019
BEARING ARE MAKING NOISE
Suspension, Oct 14, 2019
HELLO THE CAR IS MAKING A NOISE LIKE BEARING WHEN I DRIVE MORE THAN 35 MILES IT GOING WORSE WHEN YOU MOVE A LITTLE BIT THE STEARIN WEELL AND NEVER END JUST WHEN GET LESS THAN 30 OR 35 MILES SOMTIMES IT DOIT LESS THAN 30 MILES AND EVERYDAY IT GOING WORSE PLEASE CAN YOU DOBLE CHECK RECALL FOR FROM BEARING I REALLY APPRECIATE
Suspension, Oct 14, 2019
BEARING HAVE A WIRED NOISE ON FROM OF VEHICLE WHEN I GET 35 MILES OR MORE
Suspension, Jul 25, 2019
THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKE THROUGH THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. MY FATHER WAS DRIVING IT AT THE TIME. WHEN HE WENT TO ACCELERATE ON A STATE HI WAY IT PULLED VERY HARD TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, NEARLY ENDING IN A BAD WAY. I SUBSEQUENTLY TEST DROVE IT AND DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED FOR ANY RECALL INFORMATION AND FOUND THIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION. MY FATHER HAD TAKEN IT TO HIS LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS OK AS OF 2014.I NOTICED ONLY SOME MODELS WERE INCLUDED IN THE 2014 RECALL. THE SUBFRAME IN THE LEFT FRONT IS SOFT AND ROTTED OUT, WHILE THE RIGHT FRONT AND THE REAR IS IN GOOD CONDITION. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY AND FOUND NO RELIEF OR EVEN A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION WHY MY FATHER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I'M QUITE APPALLED WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S LAME EXPLANATION OF HOW VEHICLE DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. WITHOUT BEING OVERLY DRAMATIC, MY FATHER OR I COULD HAVE LOST OUR LIVES TO TO THIS RARE TYPE OF DAMAGE. THIS ESCAPE HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION FOR A 2003 FROM THE RUST BELT. I'VE OWNED DOZENS OF VEHICLES, AS HAS MY WHOLE FAMILY, WE'VE NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND IT'S NOT SUBJECT TO A RECALL. I AM HOPING OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED AS WELL IN HOPES OF SPARKING AN EXPANDED RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I INCLUDED A COUPLE OF GENERAL PICTURES FOR NOW AS THE ESCAPE IS AT A REPAIR SHOP. 2003 XLT V6 3.0 WITH AVAILABLE FULL 4X4 CAPABILITY. APPROXIMATELY 165,000 MILES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Suspension, Jul 8, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED OFF CENTER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CORRECTLY STEER THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 4, 2019
FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT AND SPLIT HALF WAY ACROSS PULLS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 14S02 COMPLAINT
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.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 23, 2018
LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME. HIGH CORROSION AREA. SEPARATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH GOING OVER HIGHWAY BRIDGE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TIPPED OUT AND SENT VEHICLE INTO A UNCONTROLLED SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. FORD'S RECALL 14S02 CROSS BRACE PATCH WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. I DON'T BELIEVE THE INSPECTION BY FORD WAS DONE PROPERLY WHEN THEY INSTALLED THE BRACE. IF THEY HAD THEY WOULD BE REPLACING THE SUB-FRAME ALSO.
Suspension, Jul 2, 2018
CONTROL ARMS ARE IN TERRIBLE CONDITION. PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DISLOCATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DUE TO CORROSION AND POOR MANUFACTURING. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT ON SOME ESCAPES DURING THOSE YEARS BUT SINCE MY VIN NUMBER ISNT ON THEIR RECALL LISTS FOR IT IM NOT COVERED. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT AND DO THE RIGHT THING. HOW ARE ONLY SOME OF THE FORD ESCAPES DURING THOSE YEARS COVERED FOR BAD CONTROL ARMS? PLEASE HELP AND HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE.
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.
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.
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
Suspension, Aug 29, 2017
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WENT OVER THE RAILROAD TRACKS AND THE WHOLE FRONT END FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO COLLAPSE THE STEERING GOT THROWN WAY OFF AND WHEN SHE WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AT THE LIGHT SHE ALMOST WENT THROUGH THEM BECAUSE OF THE FRONT-END BEING WAY OUT OF LINE. WHEN I HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK UNDERNEATH IT THE NEXT DAY IT IS SO CORRODED AND SPLIT AND CRACKED WHERE THE CROSSMEMBER IS. AND THESE RAILROAD TRACKS SHE WENT OVER EVERY DAY WITH NO PROBLEMS THAT ARE VERY SMOOTH EXCEPT FOR THAT NIGHT WHEN THEY JUST GAVE OUT. YOU CAN TELL THAT THE METAL FOR THE VEHICLE IS NOT QUALITY
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.
Suspension, May 16, 2017
2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 REAR FRAME RUSTS CAUSING CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO RIP FRONT THE FRAME. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAME UP TO A STOP LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP GOT OUT AND LOOKED TOO SEE THE FRAME HAD RUSTED ALLOWING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TO RIP THE BRACKET FROM THE FRAME.