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
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE RPM INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR..UPDATED 06/24/13 *BF UPDATED 06/28/2013 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Apr 16, 2013
BACK IN OCT 2012 TOOK THE CAR TO MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM FORD DEALERSHIP IN CAMBLEE GA B/C OF THE RECALL OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WHICH CAUSES THE THROTTLE TO GET STUCK-GAS PEDDLE. THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT. SUNDAY MORNING @11:30 AM ON APRIL 14TH WHILE ON MY WAY TO CHURCH ON I-285 MY GAS PEDDLE GOT STUCK & I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. FOR 6 MILES I TRIED EVERYTHING TO STOP THE CAR EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ALL THE WAY UP, PUMP THE BRAKE. SHIFT THE GEAR TO ONE BUT CAR KEPT ON GOING FAST. THE CAR SPEED WAS BETWEEN 60 & 80MPH. FINALLY CALLED 911 & THEY ADVISE ME TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL . THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED AND BACK TIRE BLEW. I HAD MY FRIEND AND HER DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. IF THE CAR DID NOT STOP I WAS GOING TO CRASH IT INTO THE GUARD RAIL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO MALCOLM CUNNIGHAM FORD AND YESTERDAY THE PROVIDE ME WITH A RENTAL AND ALSO CALLED ME TODAY TO ADVISE THAT IN FACT WHAT THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IN OCTOBER WAS NEVER FIXED ALL THEY DID WAS DISCONNECT CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. WHICH I ALREADY KNEW WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD SUNDAY WITH THE POLICE OFFICER. I WANT OTHERS TO BE WARN ABOUT THIS RECALL IN THERE CAR BECAUSE THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN ONE DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL ISSUE. SUNDAY FOR ME COULD HAVE TURNED OUT BAD BECAUSE OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THIS DEALERSHIP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 12, 2013
UPON START-UP THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED TO 4000 TO 5000 RPM & WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. GAS PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. MOVING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT. CAR WAS SHUT OFF. REACHING BY HAND TO THE END OF THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WHERE THE THROTTLE CABLE IS ATTACHED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CABLE DID NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. BY PUSHING THE END OF THE CABLE THE THROTTLE RETURNED TO IDLE. THE CAR WAS STARTED & RAN AT NORMAL IDLE SPEED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ACCELERATION ISSUES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,841. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2012
I TOOK OFF ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY ONE MORNING AND DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL MOSTLY AS I WAS MERGING IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO LET OFF THE PEDAL, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THIS CAR. CURRENTLY THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS REGARDING A RANDOM ACCELERATION PROBLEM. THE FIRST WAS REPAIRED WHEN IT HAPPENED DUE TO AN ACCELERATOR CABLE PROBLEM. THIS TIME, I QUICKLY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER...COINCIDENTALLY NEXT TO A STATE POLICE OFFICER. HE ASSISTED ME IN RELEASING THE THROTTLE BODY ON THIS CAR AS IT WAS CLEARLY STUCK. THE DATE I PROVIDED IS NOT AN EXACT DATE, HOWEVER, I CALLED FORD THE DAY IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS SAID TO BE FIXED. I LEFT THE ENGINE COVER OFF UP UNTIL TODAY, WHICH IS BECAUSE IT'S BEING FIXED DUE TO THE CURRENT RECALL. THIS BRINGS ME TO MY CURRENT ISSUE. I HAVE CALLED FORD ONCE MORE SINCE THE INCIDENT ASKING THEM IF THEY FOUND THE SOLUTION AND IF THEY WOULD REPAIR MY CRUISE CONTROL CABLE, AS IT WAS DAMAGED (WHICH ALSO IS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE RECALL). THEY SAY IT'S A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION WHICH IS VERY UNTRUE BECAUSE I HAVE CALLED TWICE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, LONG BEFORE THE RECALL. I VERIFIED THAT THEY DO SHOW RECORD THAT I CALLED. I WANT THEM TO PAY FOR THIS $35 CRUISE CABLE BECAUSE IT'S THEIR FAULT IT BROKE, DUE FROM A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I CALLED ABOUT IT LONG BEFORE THIS RECALL WHICH SHOULD PROVE I HAVE A LEGITIMATE COMPLAINT. FORTUNATELY FOR FORD AND MYSELF, I WAS INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW TO STOP THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2012, crash
SUDDEN AND RAPID UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION AFTER REMOVING MY FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR. DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS TO BRAKE AND ARREST MY MOVEMENT THE VEHICLE STILL WAS MOVING FORWARD. I IMPACTED THE REAR END OF A TRUCK THAT THANKFULLY WAS HEAVY ENOUGH TO COMPLETELY STOP MY FORWARD MOVEMENT. I HAD THIS VEHICLE IN MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO ADDRESS THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL. I WAS ASSURED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT IT WAS INDEED MODIFIED (THAT THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER WAS FITTED WITH NEW LONGER FITTINGS/BOLTS). THIS UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION INCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER ALLEGED RECALL/REPAIR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES) PERFORMED, HOWEVER THE DEFECT WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH OUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 45MPH AND THE RPM INCREASED TO 1,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES). THE REMEDY PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME AND AS AN INTERIM REMEDY THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED WHEN THE RECALL PART BECAME AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THEY WERE NOT LIABLE AND THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,310.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V353000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE CONTACT STATED SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR IN AUGUST OF 2012 AND WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CALLED BACK IN OCTOBER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS UP TO 7,000. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE SHIFTED TO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL SINCE THE ENGINE REMAINED REVVED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY CARBON BUILD UP IN THE THROTTLE BODY PLATES WHICH KEPT THE PLATES OPEN AND DID NOT ALLOW IT TO CLOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000 AND THE APPROXIMATELY CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 217,000. UPDATED 8/30/12 *CN UPDATED 09/05/12
Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A CITATION WAS ISSUED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THERE WERE MINOR SCRATCHES TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE AFTER THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,016.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2012
I HAD JUST STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR (HARDER THAN USUAL) TO PASS TWO SEMI'S. THE THROTTLE STUCK IN FULL SPEED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP BY TURNING THE KEY OFF AND PULLING OFF TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER CALLING THE FORD DEALER AT ALBERT LEA MINNESOTA HE SUGGESTED THAT I LOOK AROUND IN THE ARE WHERE THE RUBBER AIR INTAKE IS AND IF POSSIBLE TAKE THE RUBBER INTAKE OFF AND FEEL AROUND INSIDE. WHILE DOING THAT I COULD SEE THAT THE SHAFT AT THE END OF THE CRUISE CABLE HAD JAMMED UP AGAINST THE ENGINE COVER AND LOCKED UP AT FULL SPEED. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE IT BACK INTO DRIVABLE POSITION AND CALLED THE ALBERT LEA DEALER TO TELL THEM WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. THEN I STOPPED AT THE FORD DEALER IN ROCHESTER MINNESOTA TO TAKE A LOOK AT TELL ME IF THE CAR WAS SAFE. THEY TOOK THE ENGINE COVER OFF AND TOLD ME IT WAS GOOD TO DRIVE. LATER I TOOK IT TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND HE TOOK IT ONE STEP FARTHER BY DISCONNECTING THE CRUISE FROM THE THROTTLE CONTROL SHAFT. I WILL BE INSISTING THAT FORD DO THE FIX TO RAISE THE ENGINE COVER AND REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL AS THE CABLE FOR THE CRUISE IS BENT NEAR THROTTLE CONTROL END. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2012
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AS I APPROACHED A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. THE PEDAL STUCK AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED PARTIALLY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY BRAKING. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND I ESCAPED BEING INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS SINCE STUCK ON OTHER OCCASIONS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
FRIEND HAD JUST INSTALLED FUEL FILTER ON CAR. WAS TESTING CAR - HAD CAR IN PARK - FLOORED ACCELERATOR, ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. WOULDN'T BUDGE. THEY OPENED UP HOOD AND HAD TO CUT CRUISE CONTROL CABLE TO MAKE SHORTER THIS AUTO HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED FOR VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND BEEN REPAIRED. I BELIEVE THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK AS A RESULT OF THIS NOT BEING DONE PROPERLY. I BELIEVE IT WAS DONE BEFORE THEY CORRECTED THE WAY THEY WERE DOING IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 8/23/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FOR 60MPH TO OVER 100MPH IN 2 MILES. THE ENGINE REACHED 7000RPM. THE BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY TURNING THE IGNITION OFF. UPDATED 09/06/2012 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO COOL AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER CLEANED OUT THE THROTTLE BODY AND STATED THAT ICE WAS BUILDING UP AROUND THE CARBURETOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONTACT WAS TURNING RIGHT AT 20 MPH AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BEFORE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 31, 2012
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATES CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT TURN ON *TGW
Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2011, fire
I PARKED MY CAR IN MY GARAGE (AS I ALWAYS DO, MY CAR IS GARAGE KEPT)AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM A SPORTING EVENT AT A LOCAL ARENA. I WAS IN MY HOME FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES, MY DOG STARTED ACTING FUNNY, THEN THE SMOKE ALARM WENT OFF IN THE HOUSE. I WENT TO CHECK IT, SAW SMOKE COMING IN MY KITCHEN FROM THE TOP OF THE DOOR TO THE GARAGE. MY HUSBAND OPENED THE DOOR TO FIND FIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER OF MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. HE GRABBED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN IN THE GARAGE AND PROCEEDED TO ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER DID NOTHING TO HELP PUT OUT THE FIRE AND IT JUST STARTED TO GET BIGGER. I CALLED 911 AND WAS ADVISED TO EXIT THE HOME. WE WENT OUTSIDE GRABBED GARDEN HOSES TO CONTINUE TO PUT OUT OR CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT KEPT GROWING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. MY ENTIRE GARAGE WENT UP IN FLAMES AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, MY KITCHEN IS COMPLETELY BURNED AS WELL. MY ENTIRE HOUSE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED FROM HEAT AND SMOKE DAMAGE. THE HOUSE AND ALL IT'S CONTENTS ARE CONSIDERED UNUSABLE AND WE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR CONFIRMED THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT GAVE NO INDICATION AS TO WHAT EXACT PART. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION WHENEVER THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW ZERO. THE CONTACTS PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE THROTTLE WAS FREEZING IN THE OPEN POSITION AND SEEMED TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, RECENTLY PURCHASED PRE-OWNED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS, WHILE PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK UP, SUDDENLY IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK, THE MOTOR WAS REVVING UP TO 4 GRAND....I PUT THE VEHICLE DRIVE THINKING MAYBE MY FLOOR MAT WAS STUCK UNDER IT, AS I PULLED TO A REDLIGHT, I ALMOST RAN THROUGH THE REDLIGHT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE ACCELERATION INCREASED AND IT TOOK ALL I HAD TO STOP THE CAR BY PUSHING THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET AS HARD AS I COULD. THE FLOORMATS WERE NOT THE PROBLEM.... I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH MY ONE YEAR OLD BABY IN THE BACK SEAT. I THEN TURNED THE ESCAPE OFF, AND RESTARTED IT, THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE GOING TO BLOW, IT WAS REVVING UP TO 4 AND 5 GRAND. I THEN CALLED A MECHANIC I KNEW, HE CAME TO GET MY VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO HIS SHOP. DURING HIS VERY VERY SHORT DRIVE, HE NEVER HAD TO PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS AT ALL, AND THE VEHICLE DROVE 40 MILES PER HOUR BY ITSELF... SO FAR, ALL WE KNOW IS THAT THE IAC VALVE HAD WENT BAD...(IDLE AIR CONTROL)....I HAVE HAD IT BACK A FEW DAYS AND NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS AT THIS TIME, ALTHOUGH I AM VERY CAREFUL AND SCARED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.... DURING RESEARCH, I FOUND THEIR WERE ALMOST 500,000 2003 MODEL FORD ESCAPES RECALLED FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATION. I CONTACTED 2 DIFFERENT PEOPLE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, EXPLAINING WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY BOTH ASSURED ME THAT "MY VEHICLE" WAS NOT ONE OF THE HALF MILLION INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I FIND SOMETHING VERY WRONG WITH THIS BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT JUST A FREAK THING THAT HAPPENED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY BABY OUR LIVES. THERE ARE TO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXACT THIN THAT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM, AND THEY ARE BEING TOLD THE SAME STORIES. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER INTO THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO DRIVE IT WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2010
2003 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND TO BEING PUSHED/PULLED WHILE THE ENGINE REVVED. BRAKE WAS FULLY DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE THROUGH BRAKING. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS DISENGAGED TO NEUTRAL, ENGINE REVVED TO 5500 RPM. VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO A SHOULDER AND SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV TO 5500 RPM AS SOON AS IT IS STARTED WITHOUT RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR. ACCELERATOR WAS NOT CAUGHT/STUCK TO ANYTHING JUST NON-RESPONSIVE. VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT SITUATION - FAILURE TO DISENGAGE TRANSMISSION BY ANOTHER 10 SECONDS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS COLLISION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED & REMAINS IN A REPAIR SHOP. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR AND MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED THIS IS DUE TO A STUCK THROTTLE CABLE. FORD DEALER WAS CONTACTED & SERVICE MECHANIC NOTED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE BUT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. DEALER HAS REFUSED TO HONOR ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY/COVERAGE OF REPAIRS. RESEARCH OF FORD WEBSITE & NHTSA INDICATES NO OPEN/PREVIOUS RECALLS REGARDING ISSUE. THIRD-PARTY SITE CITES RECALL OF THROTTLE ISSUE AS RECALL ID 57885 W/ FORD CONTACT #, HOWEVER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT TO SPEEDS OF UP TO 45 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT COULD BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE IAC VALVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE THE DATE OF REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. I HAVE TAKEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAY I NEED TO USE DIFFERENT GAS WHICH I DID. THEY TOLD ME TO CHANGE MY FUEL FILTER, WHICH I HAVE DONE NUMEROUS TIMES. AND IT STILL STICKS. MY WIFE WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, SHE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. WHEN I SAY IT STICKS, WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL YOU HAVE TO PUSH IT DOWN HARD THEN LET UP OR YOU GO TO FAST. I AM GETTING NO WHERE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT EVER. I REALLY NEED HELP IN THIS MATTER. I SEE ALL THIS ON TOYOTA, AND I CAN'T GET ANY WERE WITH FORD. HELP! *TR