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, Jan 30, 2010
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 40 MPH IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE, WHEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN SPEED. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS & IT WENT FASTER. I PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED. I PANICKED & PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHERE WE SLAMMED TO A STOP BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE CAR WAS HOPPING FORWARD. I WAS 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND I HAD 4 YR OLD & 9 YR OLD CHILD WITH ME. I TURNED THE CAR OFF & REMOVED THE KEYS & CALLED A TOW TRUCK. AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE TROUBLE ORIGINALLY, BUT THEN IT STOPPED. THEY CHARGED ME NEARLY $100 FOR 2 DAYS OF TESTING, BUT COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. AT THAT TIME I HADN'T HEARD ABOUT THE TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEM, SO I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WHICH HAD ACCELERATOR CABLE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL FROM FORD IN APPROXIMATELY 2005. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED THE RECALL, WHICH IS NOT COMING BACK TO IDLE SPEED AND ACTUALLY STICKING WIDE OPEN ON ONE OCCASION. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO REPLACE THIS AT THEIR COST, SO AM DOING THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE, OBVIOUSLY SOONER THAN LATER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO 65 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AND BECAME LOCKED. SHE PLACED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND DROVE IN THE EMERGENCY LANE. SHE SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT AFTER SOME TIME. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED, THE BRAKES SOFTENED UP AND THE RPMS DECREASED TO THE ORIGINAL START POSITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE A FEW RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURES WITH HER VEHICLE. ONCE SHE FOUND THE RECALL, THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL INFORMATION. SHE LATER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED FOUR YEARS AGO ON HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT. SHE IS WORRIED THAT THE ISSUE COULD CAUSE FUTURE FAILURES AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED AGAIN SINCE IT WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT IDLED AT 3,000 RPM'S AND WOULD NOT DECREASE. AS A RESULT, WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WILL SPEED OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY EXERT PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STRUT THROTTLE AND ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CABLE AND THROTTLE ASSEMBLIES FOR A $500 SERVICE CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD DID NOT CONSIDER THE DEFECT A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OR WARRANTY. UPDATED 11/15/07 *TR UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF UPDATED 05/30/12
Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2007
HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED HOME DEALERSHIP TO CHECK CRUISE CONTROL FOR FAILURE TO TURN ON. AFTER TRAVELING FOR APPROX. 1 HOUR ON INTERSTATE, ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON CRUISE CONTROL. ON THIRD TRY, CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND SET AT 70 MPH. AFTER A FEW MILES I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF WITH NO RESULTS. ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKE APPLIED. I CONTACTED SOMEONE WHO ADVISED ME TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF IF POSSIBLE. I PULLED IN TO A REST AREA WITH BOTH FEET ON BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF. (VERY DIFFICULT WITH ENGINE REVVING CONTINUOUSLY) I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON TO SEE IF THE CRUISE TURNED OFF WITH THE CAR, IT DID NOT, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO EXPLODE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THE CRUISE CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE WAS FOUND TO BE STUCK. THE CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AS THEY SAID THEY HAD NO PARTS TO REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS SENT ON WITH A REQUEST TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT MY HOME DEALERSHIP. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. A CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. THE CONTACT HAD THIS FAILURE REPAIRED LAST YEAR, BUT IT HAS SINCE RECURRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND 18 MONTHS LATER THE ACCIDENT OCCURED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE VEHICLE JUST IN FRONT AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD WILL NOT PERFORM RECALL WORK A 2ND TIME. OFFICER FIELD REPORT PROVIDED. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2007
SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST WHILE TURNING THE CORNER THE CAR KILLED. HIT BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR-END COLLISION. THE CAR ACCELERATED, CAUSING ME TO ONCE AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 19, 2006
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP REQUIRING EXCESS PRESSURE TO ENGAGE BRAKES. *NM
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AT AN ELEVATED RATE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V574000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SECOND REPAIR WITH CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL, ADDITIONALLY THE THROTTLE AND THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE REVVING AND LURCHING PERSISTED.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 21, 2006
THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE THROTTLE LINKAGE AND JAMMED IN THE THROTTLE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLE. WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND INTO A PARKING LOT WITHOUT CAUSING ANY DAMAGE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2006
1.) CAR WAS REVVING UP DURING IDLING AND SHIFTING OF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. 2.) PER DEALERSHIP, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. SEE NHTSA # 04V574000 AND FORD RECALL #04S25 3.) DEALERSHIP HAS TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION AND RECALL. RECALL WAS ONLY FOR V6 SUVS WHILE WE HAVE A V4 MANUAL TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THE PART IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING IN THE V6 MODELS. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2005
THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH STOPPED WORKING. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED AT 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER AT FIRST. THEN, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE PRESSED FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND MULTIPLE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED UNTIL THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MORE PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2005, fire
APPARENTLY BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER ONTO THE ELECTRONICS CAUSING AN INCREASE IN INTERNAL VOLTAGE CAUSING THE ELECTRONICS TO SHORT OUT CAUSING A FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE WIRING HARNESS. MY CONCERN IS FORD CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL ON GOING FOR THIS ISSUE IN IT'S SUV'S BUT THE ESCAPE IS NOT MENTIONED. WHY? *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 26, 2005, crash
IN JANUARY 2005 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE SO I PROMPTLY HAD THE CABLE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON JUNE 2, 2005 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK DOWN TO THE FLOOR OF MY VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES WOULDN'T ENGAGE. AS THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, NOW AT ABOUT 50MPH, I JERKED THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE FAST APPROACHING INTERSECTION AND DROVE UP ON SOMEONE'S LAWN. MY VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED WHEN I HIT A TREE. I HAD EMERGENCY SURGERY TO REPAIR AND CLOSE AN OPEN COMPOUND FRACTURE AND DISLOCATION OF MY ELBOW, HAD ADDITIONAL SURGERY 6 WEEKS LATER TO REPAIR A TORN LIGAMENT IN MY WRIST, AND HAVE A CHIP FRACTURE IN MY HIP SOCKET. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK ON DISABILITY FOR 2 MONTHS ALREADY (HOPING TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK IN SEPTEMBER) AND HAVE TO GO TO PHYSICAL THERAPY 3 TIMES A WEEK FOR MY ELBOW, WRIST, AND HIP.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND HE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE REPAIR WORK DONE AROUND JANUARY 27, 2005. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS REPLACED. ON JANUARY 30, 2005, HE STOPPED AT A RESTAURANT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF GOING 20-25 MPH. HE AIMED FOR A SNOW BANK AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THE NEXT MORNING HE WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. AS HE WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR THE RED LIGHT THE CAR TOOK OFF THROUGH THE RED LIGHT. HE HAD TWO PEOPLE LOOK AT IT, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. THE HEAD OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DROVE THE CAR, AND SAID HE FIXED IT. ON FEBRUARY 26TH, 2005, THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING FROM GEORGIA TO VIRGINIA GOING 55-60 MPH. WHILE MERGING THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR LUNGED, HIT SOME GRAVEL AND SPUN INTO THE RAVINE. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN # 04V574000. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2005, crash
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V165000, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SWERVED TO MISS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND STRUCK A TREE. CONSUMER MENTIONED THE ENGINE STALLING. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2005
CONSUMER WANTS TO BE SURE THAT HE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *BF THE RECALL IS IN REFERENCE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2005, crash
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A 4 LANE URBAN STREET (ON A RAINY DAY) AND APPROACHED AS "S" CURVE. I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN AND THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING FORWARD AND SLID INTO THE NEXT LANE TO THE LEFT. NOT REALIZING WHAT WAS GOING ON, I GENTLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AND SLID TWO LANES TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN, MADE A 90 DEGREE TURN AND CROSSED ALL 4 LANES AND HIT A CONCRETE ABUTMENT, GOING UP THE ABUTMENT UNTIL I THOUGHT THE CAR WOULD GO OVER IT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THEN THE CAR CAME DOWN FROM THE ABUTMENT, SLID BACKWARDS SO THE REAR END THEN HIT THE ABUTMENT AND THEN THE CAR FLEW ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE FOUR LANES WHERE IT STOPPED, FACING TRAFFIC. ONLY BECAUSE OF GOOD LUCK AND IT BEING EARLY IN THE MORNING DID THE CAR HIT NO OTHER VEHICLES. THE DAMAGE EXCEEDED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. JUST LAST WEEK I RECEIVED THE RECALL ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP (OVER 7 WEEKS LATER) AND WILL THEN GO TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE CABLE REPLACED. HOWEVER, MY CAR'S VALUE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY PLUMMETED. I WILL PURSUE THIS WITH FORD.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2005, crash
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THIS RESULTED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A TREE. THE CAUSE OF THIS IS UNDETERMINED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2004
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS, FROM A STOPPED POSITION. VERY HARD TO PUSH THEN THE TRUCK JERKS FORWARD. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2004
WHILE DRIVING FROM I66 TO VA28 N AFTER REGAINING 60 MPH THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP, APPLIED BRAKES BUT BRAKES OVERHEATED AND CAR KEPT GAINING SPEED. THEN REALIZED GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK OPEN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SHUT ENGINE DOWN, RESTARTED AND QUICKLY MOVED TO RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD (HAD TO, CROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC) RATHER DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER WHO SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THROTTLE CABLE. THEY SAID CABLE BECAME JAMMED. I CAN FIND NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE ONLINE DATABASE. I THINK THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER AND PERHAPS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 19, 2004
ON 10/15/04 I HAD JUST ENTERED A 6 LANE INTERSTATE (HIGH SPEED URBAN TRAFFIC) AND HAD TO QUICKLY MOVE OVER 3 LANES AS THE RIGHT 2 LANES WERE EXIT ONLY ABOUT ONE HALF MILE FROM MY ENTRANCE POINT. AFTER ACCELERATING TO MERGE INTO A GAP TO THE LEFT I FOUND THAT THE CAR WAS CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, AND WAS ABOUT TO REAR END A FLATBED TRUCK. THE BRAKES HAD LITTLE EFFECT ON SLOWING THE CAR. AFTER SOME VIOLENT MANEUVERING AND SEVERAL NEAR COLLISIONS I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND SWITCH THE IGNITION OFF. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE PLASTIC COVERING HAD FRAYED/DISINTEGRATED, JAMMING THE CABLE SUCH THAT THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING(S) WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE THE THROTTLE. THE SERVICE WRITER SAID HE HAD NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. HOWEVER, I DID A CURSORY SEARCH ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SIMILAR AND IDENTICAL INCIDENTS (ONLY SEARCHED 2003 MODEL YEAR AND ONLY "VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL" COMPONENT). THERE WERE 8 INCIDENTS THAT WERE CLEARLY THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLES (10068000, 10015965, 10047388, 10023519, 10051175, 10024424, 10026817 AND 10082787) AND 6 THAT WERE PROBABLY/POSSIBLY THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLES (10018602, 10043060, 10062971, 10015506, 10092028 AND 10040552). THE SERIOUSNESS AND NUMBER OF INCIDENTS WOULD SEEM TO WARRANT INVESTIGATION/RECALL. I REQUESTED THE DEFECTIVE CABLE FROM THE SERVICE WRITER, BUT HE INDICATED THAT AS IT WAS A WARRANTY ITEM IT HAD TO BE RETURNED TO FORD. HOWEVER, I DID TAKE 2 PICTURES IF THEY WOULD BE OF ANY HELP.*AK