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: vehicle speed control
91 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2021
I was recently driving on the interstate and the gas pedal got stuck so the car started speeding up very fast and the brakes and emergency brake would not make it slow down. After this i found out there was a recall about this problem and it says the previous owner of the vehicle fixed it but it’s happened while i owned it so i don’t think it was fixed correctly.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2021
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE COMING FROM GEORGIA, IT WOULD DOWNSHIFT SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT IN ABOUT 4 MONTHS.I THOUGHT I HAD EVERYTHING REPAIRED, THEN MY TRUCK STOPPED PULLING IN DRIVE AT A RED LIGHT. MY SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH IS BRAND NEW AND THE POSITION SENSOR. 10/12/2020 WHEN PROBLEM AROSE AFTER REPLACING SENSORS 02/09/2021 ANY IDEAS WHY IT IS DOING THIS?
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2019
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 45 MY ESCAPE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND OVERDRIVE INDICATOR SHOWED IT HAD TURNED OFF AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO ALMOST STOLL WHILE TRAFFIC WAS BEHIND ME AND BESIDE ME. I HAD TO SHIFT GEAR SHIFT UNTIL LIGHT SHOWED AGAIN THEN SHIFT IT TO DRIVE. ALSO HAD TO CLICK OVERDRIVE BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT KICKED ON. I HAD MY SISTER AND MY 2 CHILDREN 9YRS AND 10 YRS OLD IN VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENED. ALSO HAD MY VEHICLE TO START JUMPING AND SHAKING LIKE IT WAS MISSING . ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME NOW, AND AIRBAG LIGHT. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE?
Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT RAISED HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 70 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 40 MPH AND QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. DUE TO DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT'S FATHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CABLE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE WAS CAUGHT IN BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. THE CONTACT'S FATHER MANEUVERED THE CABLE AND THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
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.
Power train, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 23, 2019
THE AIR BAG STAY ON AND KEEPS BLINKING AND WON'T TURN OFF. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT, HAVING NO LUCK SO FAR.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2019
MY ESCAPE STARTED TO MISS, FIRST IT WASN'T BAD THEN STARTED JERKING AND IT STARTED IDLING ROUGH WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. WHEN I STARTED MOVING AGAIN IT ACTED AS IF IT WOULD DIE AND WOULD GO. IF I GET TO 40 MPH IT IS REALLY BAD. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON MAIN HIGHWAY WITH OTHER VEHICLES ALL AROUND ME AND HAD 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY SPEED DECREASED AND ME AND MY CHILDREN ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF DECREASE IN SPEED. IT SCARED ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN. WHEN I GOT IT LOOKED AT THE CODES SAID IT WAS MISSING ON ONE CYLINDER THEN AT ONE POINT ALL CYLINDERS.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY NEAR THE CONTROL ARM, WAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT IT FAILED INSPECTION. ALSO, THE VEHICLE'S RPM MONITOR FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 0-5, FAILING TO CORRECTLY INDICATE AN INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REV UP WITHOUT THE CONTACT PURPOSELY CAUSING AN INCREASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,310. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2016
I BEGAN MERGING ONTO I 820 WHEN MY VEHICLE (BY ITSELF) FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE (IT WOULDNT PRESS DOWN, IT WAS HARD AS A ROCK). I USED BOTH FEET TO NO AVAIL. AT 75-80 MPH I JAMMED IT INTO NEUTRAL. THE RPM'S WERE STILL AT MAX. BY THIS TIME IT HAD SLOWED (I WAS ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIWAY) TO ABOUT 20 MPH, THEN JAMMED IT IN PARK. I LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALL THE INSTRUMENTS WERE ON 0. I HESITATED THEN GAVE THE CAR SOME GAS, IT WAS STILL RUNNING! I COULDNT EVEN HEAR THE ENGINE UNTIL I REVVED IT. I PROCEEDED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR DID TURN OFF. I NOTICED A 17 YR OLD BOY DYING BACK IN 2012 -13 FROM THE SAME ACT MY CAR DID. ITS BAD ENOUGH TO LOSE A CHILD BUT TO LOSE A CHILD BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION FROM A VEHICLE AND THE COMPANY STATING THEY WILL HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT FURTHER, IS NOTHING SHORT OF TOTAL NEGLIGENCE AND REFUSAL TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ONES ERROR AND WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR YOUTH? LOOK WHO'S RAISING THEM AND GIVING THEM EXCUSES.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,496. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ *CN
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. IN 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE IDLE AIR CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN UPDATED 10/06/2017*CN
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 26, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 67 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR SCRAPES AND BRUISES AND THE TWO PASSENGERS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED BUMPS, BRUISES AND SCRAPES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2015
ON 1/19/1993, I EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED TO A STOP. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON A LOW TRAFFIC ROAD. AFTER TOWING THE ESCAPE TO MY MECHANIC, HE IDENTIFIED THAT THE ACCELERATION CABLE WAS BINDING AGAINST THE ENGINE COVER. AFTER FURTHER IDENTIFYING A RECALL RELATED TO THIS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:12V-353), THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO MY FORD SERVICE CENTER, WHO PERFORMED THE MODIFICATION. UPON PICKING UP THE CAR AFTER REPAIR AND LEAVING THE LOT OF THE FORD SERVICE CENTER, I IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION A SECOND TIME. QUICKLY HITTING THE BREAKS AND PERFORMING A U-TURN BACK INTO THE FORD LOT, I AGAIN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED TO THE GARAGE AREA. THIS TIME I WAS ON A MULTI-LANE ROAD IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA DURING 5:00 TRAFFIC AND SUFFERED NEAR COLLISION WITH MULTIPLE OTHER CARS. UPON INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE WITH THE SERVICE PERSONNEL, WE OBSERVED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD COME LOOSE AND BOUND WITH THE ACCELERATION CABLE, RESULTING IN THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ON MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO RECONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT IT WOULD EASILY COME LOOSE AND BIND AGAIN WITH THE ACCELERATION CABLE. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AND FIXED INTO LOCATION AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATION CABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW OR RECOMMEND ANY OTHER METHOD TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MY OBSERVATION IS THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT WEAR ON THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTION, POSSIBLY AS A RESULT OF THE INTERFERENCE CONDITION WITH THE THROTTLE COVER. THE CURRENT FORD RECALL DOES NOT APPEAR TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR LOOK FOR THIS ADDITIONAL PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE RPMS WENT FROM 800 TO 4,000 IN ONE DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 4, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF THE WAY TO PASS A VEHICLE. WHEN I RELEASED THE PEDAL- THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP AFTER PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND FIRMLY APPLYING THE BRAKES. AS I CAME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO SMOKE, AND I FEARED IT WAS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT FULL THROTTLE. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WORSE AND THEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE MOTOR STOPPED AND A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL AND METAL WAS ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FROM FORD DUE TO A THROTTLE CABLE STICKING. FORD HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE CAUSED TO MY VEHICLE CAUSED BY AN ACTIVE RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK, I HAVE USED MY SPEED CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF 75 TO 80 AND HAVE THE SPEED INCREASE WITH NO INPUT FROM ME. THE SPEEDS HAVE GOTTEN UP TO 90 BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO DISENGAGE AND THIS IS ONLY AFTER NUMEROUS HARD INPUTS ON BRAKE PEDAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THIS PROBLEM IS AFTER I HAD THE REPAIR DONE PER RECALL12V-353. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 8/17/13, MILEAGE AT REPAIR WAS167,183. THIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL BEFORE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. AS OF NOW 7/10/14 IT IS IN REPAIR SHOP TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. APPR. 186890 MILES ON VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2014, crash
ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND GO OFF ROAD INTO A BUILDING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE LATER STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION FAILURE BY FORCEFULLY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE CLEANED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HE TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE UNTIL HE PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS TO MUCH AIR GOING INTO THE THROTTLE BODY, AND THE COLD AIR WAS FREEZING THE THROTTLE BODY AND PREVENTED IT FROM FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 3/5/14*CN *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2014
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL DUE TO INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION AND HAD THE RECALL COMPLETED ABOUT 1-1.5 YEARS AGO. TODAY, WHEN I WAS LEAVING WORK FOR LUNCH, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY BEGAN ACCELERATING WHEN IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK. WHEN I WOULD TRY TO STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP FOR A SECOND, THEN BEGIN TO TRY TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY ONLY BECAUSE I THOUGHT TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AT ANY STOP SIGNS OR STOP LIGHTS, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE WHEN THE LIGHTS TURNED GREEN AGAIN. I ONLY KNEW TO DO THIS BECAUSE I HAD HAD THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES PRIOR TO THE RECALL. IN THIS INCIDENT, I NEVER ONCE USED THE CRUISE CONTROL THOUGH. IT ACCELERATED ALL ON ITS OWN. I HAD ONE OTHER SITUATION SIMILAR TO THIS ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT THAT WAS WHEN I WAS USING MY CRUISE CONTROL AND IT WOULDN'T DISENGAGE. MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT LOOK AT IT UNLESS I PAY THE $80 DIAGNOSTIC FEE, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE THIS ISSUE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. . ..UPDATED 03-12-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE COURSE OF 2 YEARS, THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO 2 GARAGES AND 3 FORD DEALERSHIPS, AND NO ONE COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG. UPDATED 04/01/14
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AS THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE, SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE SPEED ACCELERATION FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES PRIOR TO THE RECALL SERVICE. AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RELEASED AFTER THE BRAKES WERE CONTINUALLY DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND A TREE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS TO THE ARMS AND FACE AS WELL AS BRUISES TO THE KNEE, SHOULDERS, AND BACK. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.