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.
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
Air bags, Aug 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,400. UPDATED 8/28/12 CN UPDATED 08/29/12. *JB
Service brakes, Aug 8, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY ESCAPE, THE FRONT BRAKES STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING/THUMPING NOISE. WHEN I GOT HOME, I REMOVED THE TIRES AND NOTICE THAT BOTH THE FRONT DISK BRAKES ROTORS WHERE DE-LAMINATING. WITH YOU FINGER NAIL YOU COULD PULL OFF HUNKS OF METAL. I STILL HAVE BOTH ROTORS. AND THE BRAKES HAD ONLY ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON THEM. BRAKE JOB WAS DONE BY A FORD DEALER. THE DISK WHERE TURNED AND THEY ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *TR
Engine, Aug 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY BOTH INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED UNTIL THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE A TEMPORARY REPAIR WOULD BE PERFORMED WHICH CONSISTED OF DISCONNECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING THE RECALL TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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
Power train, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V165000(POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE(TCM.PCM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
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
Air bags, Jul 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. MOST RECENTLY, THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THERE WAS A CONSTANT BEEPING SOUND IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THERE WAS A CODE#B1869 STATING THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND BODY HARNESSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WOULD BE AN EXPENSE OF $686 TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Service brakes, Air, Apr 19, 2012
SUDDEN ABS FAILURE SMALL ACCIDENT.TOOK ABS RELAY OUT AFTER THIS BRAKES WORK FINE. *JS
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 17, 2012
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REPEATEDLY FLASHES WARNING CODE#47. LIC MECH CAN CLEAN CONNECTOR CONTACTS AND RESET COMPUTER CODE BUT IF WON'T RESET, BAG(S) MAY NOT DEPLOY. MECH ADVISES PROB IS WELL KNOWN OCCURRENCE W/ 1999-2005 FORD ESCAPES. CODES#46/47 (DRIVERS SEAT/RT FRT PASSENGER SEAT) APPEARING AS A RESULT OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESSES FOR AIRBAG/PRETENSIONER SEAT BELT SYSTEM. ONLY FIX IF LIGHT STAYS ON AND CAN'T BE RESET IS TO REPLACE WIRE HARNESSES; COST $550+ (MUST REMOVE SEATS, PULL UP CARPET TO GAIN ACCESS TO HARNESS AND REPLACE SAME) . NHTSA INVESTIGATED ISSUE IN 1999 (ACTION# SQ99026 NOV.'99-MAY.-2000) BUT CLOSED CASE WITH NO FURTHER ACTION. INTERNET INQUIRY INDICATES LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ABOVE AND ALSO FAILURE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN ACCIDENTS. INTERNET INDICATES ISSUE INVOLVES MAZDA TRIBUTES ALSO AS FORD ASSOCIATED WITH MAZDA AND USES SAME HARNESS AND SYSTEM. FORD APPARENTLY HAS A REPLACEMENT HARNESS TO FIX PROBLEM BUT OWNERS MUST PAY FOR PART AND LABOR AS FORD DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BOUNCED ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR RELEASED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ABS MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A WARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Electrical system, Mar 23, 2012
WHEN I AM DRIVING MY CAR WILL TRY TO DIE AND ALL GAUGES WILL GO TO THE HIGHEST RPM, SPEED, AND FULL GAS, THEN IT WILL GO BACK TO ZERO AND THEN PROCEED TO THE SPEED I WAS GOING, THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL KEEP FLASHING BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN I RESEARCHED IT, IT SEEMS THAT ON MORE THAN TEN OCCASIONS IF NOT MORE ARE HAVING THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND NO GARAGE CAN FIGURE OUT, THEY TRY REPLACING ALTERNATORS, BATTERIES, AND WIRES AND GROUNDS AND NOTHING IS WORKING, IT CAN'T BE READ ON CODES BECAUSE NOTHING IS SHOWING UP. IF YOU ASK ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IF YOU SEARCH IT IN BING OVER TWO HUNDRED MATCHES COMES UP WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT!!! *TR
Suspension, Mar 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 124,000.
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.
Structure, Mar 12, 2012
ON BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR JUST ABOVE THE TIRES THE PAINT HAS PEELED OFF AND HAS STARTED TO RUST. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Mar 6, 2012
WHEN I RECENTLY HAD MY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK ON MY VEHICLE I WAS HORRIFIED WHEN MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT! CAN YOU IMAGINE MY UTTER SHOCK WHEN MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS VEHICLE IS PROHIBITED TO BE DRIVEN SINCE CATASTROPHIC OUTCOMES WOULD BE LIKELY? HOW VERY FORTUNATE NOTHING FATAL TOOK PLACE WHILE BEING IN THIS VEHICLE; BECAUSE BASED ON THE CONDITION OF THE SUB FRAME IT COULD HAVE BEEN MY REALITY TO SUFFER DETRIMENTAL CONSEQUENCES. MY YOUNG CHILDREN ARE IN THIS SUV EVERY SINGLE DAY AND TO THINK THEIR LIVES WERE AT RISK JUST BY BEING A PASSENGER HAS SICKENED ME BEYOND WORDS. I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET IT REPAIRED ASAP, SO I INFORMED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS INSTRUCTED BY THEIR WEBSITE AND ALL THEY COULD DO WAS APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. THIS FRIGHTENING SITUATION GOES FAR BEYOND FROM BEING AN INCONVENIENCE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. I WAS NOT ASKING FORD FOR A NEW VEHICLE, I SIMPLY WAS ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE TOWARDS A MAJOR EXPENSE THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY MY LACK OF PROTECTING MY MAJOR INVESTMENT WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS BUT BY FORD HAVING DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAMES INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLES. MY MECHANIC HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A STRUCTURAL DEFECT AS THIS EVER BEFORE! FORD HAS ALREADY MANUFACTURED VEHICLES THAT INVOLVED MAJOR RECALLS FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, SO QUITE NATURALLY OTHER FORD MODELS COULD SUFFER THE SAME DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES WITH REGARDS TO THE FRONT SUB FRAME . I BELIEVE AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS HORRIFIC ISSUE IS DEEMED A NECESSITY DUE TO THE HISTORY OF FORD'S SUB FRAMES. THIS HAS BEEN VERY DEVASTATING TO ME AND I CAN'T IMAGINE ALLOWING ANOTHER CONSUMER TO ENDURE THIS MAJOR FEAR. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS IS APPRECIATED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2012
THIS VEHICLE HAS A BAD MISFIRE PROBLEM,ROUGH IDLE AS WELL AS BAD HITCHING ON HIGHWAY. LOOKED IT UP ON YAHOO ANSWERS AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. I'M HEARING FAULTY COMPUTERS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Feb 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAKAGE ON HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE HOSE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
Power train, Feb 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.