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
598 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 13, 2013, fire
ON MAY 8,2013, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDED WHILE MY CAR SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR 3 + HOURS. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ALARM, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE WIRING HARNESS ATTACHED TO THE ABS HAD A SMALL FLAME AND SMOKE FROM ITS WIRING INSULATION. AFTER EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME AND DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, I CALLED FOR A TOW . THE SAFETY FEATURES WORKED WELL AND LOCKED OUT THE ENTIRE AUTO SYSTEM. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ( RECALL 07S51 SUPPL #2 DTD 9 OCT 2009 ) AND THAT FORD SHOULD PROBABLY PROVIDE A FIX OR CREDIT TOWARD SAID FIX. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT STATUS IS: 1.) THE WIRING HARNESS IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED BY FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO APPROVED PROVISIONS TO SECURE A HARNESS. 2.) RECALL 07S51 WAS IMPLEMENTED PER THEIR RECORDS SO THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS ISSUE EVEN IF THEY COULD GET A WIRING HARNESS AND THEN TROUBLESHOOT THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE.3.) MY PRIVATE INSURANCE'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES NOT COVER A VEHICLE SITTING STATIC FOR A WIRING FIRE. 4.) I AM AWAITING FORMS FROM FORD QUALITY GROUP TO PLEA FOR CONSIDERATION. ONCE THE FORMS ARE COMPLETED AND RECEIVED BY FORD CORPORATE OFFICES, THEIR LAWYERS WILL REQUIRE APPROX 15 DAYS TO MAKE A DETERMINATION IF MY CLAIM HAS MERIT. *TR
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
Engine, Apr 22, 2013, crash
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING RUST HOUR TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. I TRIED TO SLOWDOWN BY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO MOVE TO THE SLOW LANE (2 LANES TO THE RIGHT) TO GET TO THE SHOULDER.I HAD TO LITERALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY WHOLE WEIGHT ON THE PEDDLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND STOP BY FORCING THE GEAR LEVER IN TO PARK POSITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE ENGINE ACCELERATION. *TR
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
Structure, Apr 15, 2013
MY FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTING ABOVE THE BACK WHEELS I ALSO NOTICED THE SAME RUST ON SIMILAR MODELS AND YEARS OF THE ESCAPE IS THERE A RECALL THERE SHOULD BE. *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
Service brakes, Apr 10, 2013, crash
THE FRONT BRAKE LINE HOSES BLEW OUT (R & L) WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS INEFFECTIVE IN SLOWING THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS TRAVELING DOWN HILL. WITH NO MEANS OF SLOWING, THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET ON LEVEL GROUND WHERE IT WAS MORE CONTROLLABLE AND COULD BE STOPPED MORE EASILY. THE PARKING LOT WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND A CHOICE HAD TO BE MADE TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING OR DRIVE OFF THE EDGE OF THE PARKING LOT TO ANOTHER LOT THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET LOWER. THE 2ND OPTION WAS CHOSEN. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAD LANDED WITH GREAT FORCE, IT WAS DIRECTED UPHILL WHERE IT EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AND PUT INTO PARK. UNFORTUNATELY, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRAME AND UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING OIL PAN, EXHAUST SYSTEM, ENGINE MOUNTS, RADIATOR SUPPORT FRAME AND UNDER BODY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTING POINTS. I WAS TOLD BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER, THE FIRESTONE AUTO CENTER AND FOUND IN OTHER RESEARCH THAT FORD ESCAPES ARE KNOWN FOR RUBBER BRAKE LINE FAILURES. I HAVE HAD VEHICLES MUCH OLDER THAN THIS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A RUBBER BRAKE LINE DRY ROT AND RUPTURE LIKE THESE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE MORE DAMAGE IS DONE AND MORE PEOPLE INJURED OR WORSE. WE WERE LUCKY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. SAFETY ISSUES LIKE THIS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED WITH AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Apr 10, 2013
2003 FORD ESCAPE . SUBFRAME ROTTED AND CONTROL ARM CAME OFF. LEFT PASSENGER. *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
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 20, 2013
LEFT WORK AND DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AT 15 MPH AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A LOUD SNAP/POP. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE INSTANTLY SLAMMED DOWN/DROPPED TO THE ROAD; STEERING LOCKED; I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE; SLID A FEW FEET AND STOPPED. THE PASSENGER TIRE WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE VEHICLE. THE AXLE WAS HANGING AND THE SUB FRAME WAS VISIBLE. IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD LITERALLY SNAPPED AT A WELD JOINT WITHOUT WARNING. WELD JOINT SNAPPED ON SUBFRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 9YRS W/70K MILES AND MOSTLY GARAGED; A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THIS WOULD HAVE WORSE AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, IF NOT FATAL. VEHICLE THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED TO HAVE A FORD REP REVIEW THE CASE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I HAD TO CALL FORD. AFTER CALLING, THEY THEN TOLD ME I HAD TO REQUEST THIS THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP, BUT GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALERSHIP THEN INFORMED ME THAT FORD WERE NOT INTERESTED IN REVIEWING THE VEHICLE AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND THAT I HAD CALL FORD. I CALLED FORD BACK WHO ESCALATED MY CASE AND AN ACCT MGR CALLED ME BACK WHO EXPLAINED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AT THIS TIME. OVER 1100 IN REPAIRS ARE REQUIRED DUE TO A FAULTY FRAME. I ASKED REPEATEDLY THAT THIS PARTICULAR SUBFRAME FAILURE BE INVESTIGATED AS A QUALITY/MFG PROBLEM AND I REQUESTED AN INVESTIGATION AND INFORMED THE COMPANY OF SEVERAL OTHER CASES THAT LOG THE SAME ??EXACT?? DESCRIPTION AND FAILURE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE COMPANY TOLD ME "KEEP MY RECEIPT". I STRESSED MY DISSATISFACTION WITH HOW THIS WAS HANDLED, BUT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AT THIS TIME. FORD SHOULD AT A MIN. ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN TO HAVE THE SUB FRAME INSPECTED TO ALL OF THE ESCAPE OWNERS, SO FAILURES CAN BE AVOIDED BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. THIS IS FROM A VERY DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER AND WILL CHOOSE NO LONGER TO PURCHASE ANY FORD PRODUCTS, BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER BECAME CRACKED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,085 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine, Jan 24, 2013
I PREFACE MY COMMENTS BY STATING THAT I AM A POWERTRAIN ENGINEER FOR AN AMERICAN AUTO MANUFACTURER. I OWNED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WHICH I SOLD TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IN 2011. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THROTTLE STICKING WITH THE VEHICLE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL. AFTER RECEIVING A FRANTIC CALL FROM HER THIS EVENING THAT THE THROTTLE HAD STUCK WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, I HAVE GROWN SICK OF REMAINING SILENT. THERE IS ANOTHER LARGE PROBLEM THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL DOES NOT ADDRESS. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE THROTTLE CAN FREEZE DUE TO INTRODUCTION OF HUMID AIR FROM THE PCV (POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION) SYSTEM. THE HUMID AIR COMBINES WITH THE SUB-FREEZING FRESH AIR TO FREEZE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE AND RENDER THE GAS PEDAL USELESS. WHILE I OWNED THE ESCAPE FROM 2007-2011, I EXPERIENCED THE FROZEN THROTTLE SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, I GREW FRUSTRATED KNOWING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE BUT WAS MORALLY WITHHELD FROM SELLING THE VEHICLE TO AN UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMER. I BEGAN TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH CAUSED IT. THIS WAS WHEN I DISCOVERED THE PCV ISSUE. I CREATED A FIX FOR THE SYSTEM AND SAW ALL THROTTLE STICKING/FREEZING ISSUES GO AWAY. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS WITH NO ISSUES, I FELT COMFORTABLE SELLING THE VEHICLE TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS SUMMER FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL, THE DEALERSHIP REMOVED THE PCV FIX I HAD IN PLACE. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS UNTIL TONIGHT WHEN I RECEIVED HER FRANTIC CALL THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK (IT IS 15 DEG F HERE). UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, I SAW THAT THE PCV SYSTEM HAD BEEN RESTORED TO THE ORIGINAL FAULTY CONFIGURATION BY THE DEALERSHIP WHICH CREATED THE FREEZING CONDITIONS AGAIN. DISASTER WAS AVOIDED TONIGHT, BUT I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jan 15, 2013
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED ON CITY STREETS. AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, A LOUD CRASH AND SCREECH WAS HEARD AS THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND AND TIRE WAS DRAGGED ALONG. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAS COME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRONT SUB-FRAME HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO BE CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 94,160 MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Dec 27, 2012
MY WIFE'S HAS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WE WERE DRIVING LUCKILY AT A LOW SPEED WHEN WE HEARD A POP IN THE PASSENGER FRONT END AND LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. THE SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM POPPED AND SUBFRAME IS ROTTED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD. I SAW THAT NHTSA DID AN INVESTIGATION THAT DEEMED 2003 WINDSTARS UNSAFE DO TO THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S16. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND IF SHE WAS DRIVING ANY FASTER AND THIS HAD HAPPENED FORD COMPANY COULD HAVE PUT MY WIFE AND OUR BABY IN DANGER. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE SAME YEAR VEHICLES HAVE ISSUES WITH THEM. MY NEXT CONTACT IS MY LAWYERS OFFICE BECAUSE IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY WIFE THE DAY BEFORE WHEN WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY FORD WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING OTHER VEHICLES IN THE SAME YEAR HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE IN DANGER AND FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE VEHICLE DEFECTS. *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
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2012, fire
I ENTERED MY CAR TO SEE THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED EVEN WITH CAR IN OFF POISTION AND KEY REMOVED. TRIED STARTING CAR AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND EVENTUALLY GOT CAR TO START. DROVE SEVERAL BLOCKS, PARKED AND THE CAR AND EVEN AFTER REMOVING KEY, COULD NOT GET CAR TO TURN OFF. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE CAR TURNED OFF. I COULD HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A FAN RUNNING IN THE AREA NEAR MY BREAK FLUID. AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS, I NEEDED TO DRIVE HOME. I DROVE SERVERAL HUNDRED YARDS BEFORE I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING RUBBER. WHEN I SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD I PULLED OFF THE ROAD. THE FLAMES STARTED TO GET BIGGER. I CALL 911 BUT THEY DID NOT ARRIVE IN TIME TO SAVE THE CAR. THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE ENGINE AND INTERITOR WERE TORCHED. CAUSE OF FIRE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.
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.
Structure, Oct 16, 2012
THE EXTERIOR PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LARGE PIECES. STARTING TO RUST. *TR
Steering, Oct 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD SNAP AND A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND CONTINUED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE A FRAME WAS CORRODED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ABS AND THE TIE ROD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 1, 2012
MY CAR IS MISFIRING AND STALLING ON DE-ACCELERATION (WHEN WE SLOW DOWN). IT STARTED RECENTLY. FIRST IT HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WE HAD IT TESTED BY A MECHANIC WITH THE ELECTRICAL READER AND IT SAID WE NEEDED A NEW COIL. WE REPLACED THE COIL, DID A FULL TUNE UP AND IT STILL IS NOT WORKING. AFTER MANY HOURS OF RESEARCH WE SEE THAT THE FORD ESCAPE PCM HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAD THIS PROBLEM. I CALL FORD AND THEY TELL ME MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT PARTICULAR RECALL. HOWEVER, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPE. WHAT I AM TO DO? DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THIS AND RISK IT STALLING IN AN INTERSECTION OR ON A HILL AND HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH? FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED OVER THE YEARS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND THE FRAME WAS CORRODED, AND CRACKED. IN ADDITION, THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE FRAME AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD WHEN THE SMELL OF FUEL AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,200. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD AND STRIPPED THE TREADS IN THE HEADS. UPDATED 09/13/12