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, Jan 31, 2012
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATES CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT TURN ON *TGW
Wheels, Dec 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BOLTS WERE SLIDING OR BREAKING OFF AND AS A RESULT, THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACED THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,045.
Tires, Oct 18, 2011, crash
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, BACK TIRE BLEW OUT, CAR SPUN, LOST CONTROL, ROLLED X 2. CAR LANDED ON ROOF. DRIVER HAD MINER INJURIES, CUTS, BRUISES, TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, RELEASED FROM E.D. IN 2 HOURS.CAR IS TOTAL LOSS. TIRES ALL WITH MINIMAL WEAR, LOTS OF TREAD, WARRATIED FOR 60,000 MILES, THIS TIRE FAILED AT 30,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Oct 7, 2011
THE VEHICLE STALLS (LOSES ALL POWER AND COMES TO A HALT) AT LOW SPEEDS EVEN SOMETIMES IN REVERSE GEAR. IT HAS HAPPENED AT PARKING LOTS AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN I AM JUST ABOUT TO TAKE OFF AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. ONLY HAPPENS AT LOW SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, HAVE GOTTEN THE COMPUTER MODULE REPROGRAMMED, CHANGED BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, IDLER CONTROLLER VALVE AND RELAY SO FAR. NONE OF THESE HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, THE CAR IS BACK WITH THE MECHANIC FOR OTHER CHECKS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN VERY INTERMITTENT, IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT!. TAKING THE KEY OUT AND PUTTING IT BACK AND STARTING THE ENGINE AGAIN GETS ME MOVING AGAIN!. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN LUCKY NOT TO BE HIT BY ANYONE FROM BEHIND!. *TR
Structure, Sep 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE LOW SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED DUE TO RUST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Sep 5, 2011
PAINT OF FORD ESCAPE 2003 PEELING ON THE FRONT. THERE ARE TWO LARGE SPOTS ABOUT 1 SQUARE FOOT EACH. I HAVE CALLED FORD IN GREENVILLE, SC FEW TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO WITH TWO 3/8 OF AN INCH SIZE FLAKES. THE SUV HAS BEEN GARAGED AND HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE OF HOWEVER NOW THE PAINT IS FLAKING WITH SECTIONS AT A TIME. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE SEEN THE EXACT SAME MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AT ONE POINT I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER ANOTHER FORD ESCAPE ASSUMING IT WAS MY CAR BECAUSE OF THE SIMILARITY WITH THE PAINT. THERE ARE SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2003/CONSUMER-DISCUSSIONS.HTML MY CONCERN IS THAT FORD HAS FAILED TO REMEDIATE THIS ISSUE WITH ITS ACTIVE CUSTOMER BASE AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE NOTED AS GROSS NEGLIGENCE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 26, 2011
ABS LIGHT ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE KEEPS COMING ON....WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD ABOUT A RECALL ON THIS...ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE IN IT ONLY HAD IT FOR 37,000 MILES WHEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE....FORD DOES NOT NOTIFY CUSTOMERS OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL UNIT MODULE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRUALIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR THIRTY MINUTES WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE. THE HOOD WAS THEN RAISED AND FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE, BUT THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HIMSELF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT WHICH WAS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS LOCATED AT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND REPORT THEIR FINDINGS TO THE CONTACT. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER, NOR INSURANCE COMPANY WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE AND RETRIEVING AN ITEM FROM THE BACK SEAT, THE LIFT GATE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V602000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) RECALL, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,995 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE CORRODED. ONE OF THE STRAPS WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS PARTIALLY ATTACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 11/07/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 3, 2011, fire
FIRE EMERGING FROM HYDRAULIC ANTI-LOCK CONTROL UNIT THE SUBJECT TO FORD RECALL # 07S51 AFTER RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED, *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND SPUTTERING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO CHANGED WAS THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE COILS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILING. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE RUINED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Power train, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN DIFFERENT TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE MECHANIC STATED ALSO THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, Jul 11, 2011
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)) BUT DOSE NOT HAVE ONE OF THE VINS THAT FALL INTO THE LIST. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 10, 2011
2008 FORD RECALLED MY 2003 ESCAPE FOR ABS MODULE CONNECTOR. I HAD IT REPAIRED. MY ESCAPE HAS BEGAN TO "GRAB" WHEN I APPLY BRAKES. NEW ROTORS & PADS DID NOT HELP. WHILE ONLINE TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM, I SAW ANOTHER RECALL FOR ABS MODULE CONNECTION FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS BEEN REOPENED.(JAN 2010) BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS. *TR
Power train, May 14, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY, MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I HAD TO COAST OFF THE EXIT RAMP, GETTING STUCK AT THE TOP OF THE RAMP. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR, AND I HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE RAMP AND INTO A PARKING LOT. THIS WAS AT 5PM ON A WEEKDAY, AND HAD SOMEONE NOT COME TO HELP ME PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE WAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2011
I HAVE A FORD 2003 ESCAPE 6 CYL. BOUGHT IN MAY OF 2004 NEW - 76 MILES ON IT TEST DRIVEN FROM A DEALER IN SCHULENBURG, TX - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - THE PCM COMPUTER WENT OUT AND BLEW A SPARK PLUG ON 1/16/2011 - I HAD TO REPLACE THE PCM (WHICH I WAS TOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE) SINCE THIS SHOULD NEVER GO OUT ON THE CAR. THE MILEAGE WAS ONLY 43,625 ON 1/16/2011 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE THE CAR FOR 7-8 YRS. NOW. I HAD TO REPLACE THE PCM WITH A REMANUFACTURED (SINCE IT WOULD COST WAY MORE FOR A NEW ONE) PCM - ELECTRONIC IGNITION COSTING ME JUST OVER $2,100. AGAIN, THIS PART WAS INTENDED TO NEVER GO OUT FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, PERIOD. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON FORD MOTOR COMPANIES PART - AND I WAS TOLD TO COMPLAIN AND RECORD THIS TO NHTSA AS OTHERS HAVE, AND IF ENOUGH DO, THEY WOULD HAVE TO RECALL. I AM NOT SURE IF I AM IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO PLACE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 3, 2011
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS SHOT AT 50 THOUSAND MILES AND WERE REPLACED, REAR BRAKES SHOWED VERY LITTLE WEAR, 100,000 MILES AND ROTOR AND BRAKE WEAR ARE AGAIN EXCESSIVE AND NEED REPLACEMENT SOON, REAR BRAKES STILL OK AND ARE THE ORIGINALS. THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE ALWAYS HAVE SEEMED INADEQUATE, AS IF THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT SELF ADJUST THEY WERE CHECKED AND CLEANED AND DETERMINED TO BE WORKING OK. I DO PERFORM THE REVERSE AND BRAKE TECHNIQUE TO ADJUST THEM. BOTTOM LINE "THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT SELF ADJUST AND BRAKING IS WHOLLY ON THE FRONT BRAKES PREMATURELY WEARING OUT ROTORS AND PADS!" *TR
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
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LATCH WOULD SPORADICALLY OPEN INDEPENDENTLY. IN WARMER TEMPERATURES, THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2011
SUDDEN FAILURE OF ABS SYSTEM. ABS LIGHT NOT OPERATING ON DASHBOARD INDICATOR PANEL.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 20, 2011
WE HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS CAME ON AND WENT OFF SPORADICALLY IN THE PAST 3 YEARS BUT WENT OUT. THIS TIME IT HAS STAYED ON SO WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THE SEAT BELT WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH THE FRONT SEATS WAS BAD AND IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN WATER SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE WIRES TO BE BAD OTHER THEN THEY WHERE INADEQUATE TO BEGIN WITH. THEY SAID TO FIX IT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE SEATS PULL THE CARPET BACK AND REPLACE THE HARNESSES. *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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 31, 2010
2003 FORD ESCAPE RECALL - #07V156000 RECALL FOR SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC : ANTILOCK : CONTROL UNIT/MODULE I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE AUGUST 2005. APPARENTLY IN 2007 THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BRAKE ISSUE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, NOR DID ANY DEALER ATTEND TO THIS ISSUE DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE. I CONTACTED FORD SEPTEMBER 2010 WHEN MY ANTI LOCK LIGHT STARTED TO APPEAR ON MY DASH. FORD DID NOT LIST ME AS THE OWNER EVEN THOUGH I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE THROUGH A REPUTABLE DEALER AND HAD MY INFO STORED ON THEIR OWNERS WEB PAGE, AND HAVE ALL BILL OF SALES INFO ON FILE. WHILE TALKING TO THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON IT WAS CLEAR THAT HE WAS EDITING THE RECORD TO SOMEHOW SHOW THAT I EITHER KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL OR THAT SOME DEALER INSPECTED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. WHEN I ASKED TO TALK TO A MANAGER, I WAS PUT ON HOLD FOR OVER 30 MINUTES AND FINALLY HUNG UP. I THEN SENT AN EMAIL COMPLAINING. FORD WROTE BACK THEY WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAMPAIGN IS OVER. I NOW HAVE A VERY SERIOUS ANTI LOCK BRAKE ISSUE. THE ANTI LOCK MECHANISM HAS NOW FAILED. I WISH THE NHTSA TO HELP ME GET FORD TO FIX THIS ISSUE SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2005, THE RECALL WAS IN 2007, FORD NEVER TRIED TO CONTACT ME ON THIS RECALL, AND NO FORD DEALER EVER INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR