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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 23, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SNOW BANK. THERE WAS NO DAMAGED TO THE CONTACT OR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE BRAKE HOSES AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,120.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTTERED AND COMPLETELY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Power train, Nov 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Structure, Sep 13, 2010
PAINT DEFECTIVE ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE WITH GOLD ASH PAINT. PEELING AROUND BACK WINDOW AND 3 LARGE PATCHES, OVER 6" IN DIAMETER, ON ROOF. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Aug 16, 2010
SENSOR RINGS BROKEN ON A FORD ESCAPE 2003, BRAKES LOCK UP CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Aug 14, 2010
WE HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED. THE PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING OFF AROUND THE HATCH AT THE BACK. IT'S JUST BUBBLING UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WE HAVE NEVER ABUSED THE CAR AND IT STILL HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Structure, Aug 12, 2010
PAINT DEFECTIVE ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE WITH GOLD ASH PAINT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE ABS LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 03/09/11 *JB
Power train, Jul 12, 2010
I HAVE NEVER TRUSTED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AFTER FIRST WINTER USAGE, THE SOUNDS IT MADE WHEN ENGAGED AND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL SOUNDED LIKE A RUBBING BUSHING OR SOMETHING WITHIN THE GEARBOX. 2 DEALERS SAID YOU COULDN'T REALLY TEST IT IN THE SUMMER, AS YOU NEEDED THE SNOW FOR IT TO ACTIVATE PROPERLY, BUT IT STILL BUCKS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, SO MUCH SO, THAT I DO NOT TRUST IT TO USE. I'VE OWNED JEEP 4WHEEL AND ALL- WHEEL VERSIONS, SO THAT IS WHY I DON'T TRUST IT. I KNOW FORD HAS OVER THE YEARS UPGRADED THIS SYSTEM, BUT IT WAS STILL A $1600 OPTION WHEN I BOUGHT IT, AND EXPECT IT TO WORK. HAVE THERE BEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AS I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAVE HAD 2 OTHER RECALL FIXES MADE. AFTER THE TOYOTA BRAKING PROBLEM, I FEEL THIS IS OF EQUAL CONSEQUENCE. IT ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE WORSE WHEN GOING IN REVERSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, RECENTLY PURCHASED PRE-OWNED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS, WHILE PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK UP, SUDDENLY IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK, THE MOTOR WAS REVVING UP TO 4 GRAND....I PUT THE VEHICLE DRIVE THINKING MAYBE MY FLOOR MAT WAS STUCK UNDER IT, AS I PULLED TO A REDLIGHT, I ALMOST RAN THROUGH THE REDLIGHT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE ACCELERATION INCREASED AND IT TOOK ALL I HAD TO STOP THE CAR BY PUSHING THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET AS HARD AS I COULD. THE FLOORMATS WERE NOT THE PROBLEM.... I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH MY ONE YEAR OLD BABY IN THE BACK SEAT. I THEN TURNED THE ESCAPE OFF, AND RESTARTED IT, THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE GOING TO BLOW, IT WAS REVVING UP TO 4 AND 5 GRAND. I THEN CALLED A MECHANIC I KNEW, HE CAME TO GET MY VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO HIS SHOP. DURING HIS VERY VERY SHORT DRIVE, HE NEVER HAD TO PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS AT ALL, AND THE VEHICLE DROVE 40 MILES PER HOUR BY ITSELF... SO FAR, ALL WE KNOW IS THAT THE IAC VALVE HAD WENT BAD...(IDLE AIR CONTROL)....I HAVE HAD IT BACK A FEW DAYS AND NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS AT THIS TIME, ALTHOUGH I AM VERY CAREFUL AND SCARED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.... DURING RESEARCH, I FOUND THEIR WERE ALMOST 500,000 2003 MODEL FORD ESCAPES RECALLED FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATION. I CONTACTED 2 DIFFERENT PEOPLE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, EXPLAINING WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY BOTH ASSURED ME THAT "MY VEHICLE" WAS NOT ONE OF THE HALF MILLION INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I FIND SOMETHING VERY WRONG WITH THIS BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT JUST A FREAK THING THAT HAPPENED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY BABY OUR LIVES. THERE ARE TO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXACT THIN THAT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM, AND THEY ARE BEING TOLD THE SAME STORIES. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER INTO THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jun 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ONCE FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE.THE FAILURE RECURRED ON JUNE 27,2010 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED,THEY STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NO OPEN RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V165000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO DRIVE IT WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2010, crash
I OWNED A 2003 ESCAPE AND HAD A HEAD ON ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. NOT SURE WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ONE THE AIR BAGS WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER CAME ON OR GAVE ME ANY PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2010
2003 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND TO BEING PUSHED/PULLED WHILE THE ENGINE REVVED. BRAKE WAS FULLY DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE THROUGH BRAKING. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS DISENGAGED TO NEUTRAL, ENGINE REVVED TO 5500 RPM. VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO A SHOULDER AND SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV TO 5500 RPM AS SOON AS IT IS STARTED WITHOUT RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR. ACCELERATOR WAS NOT CAUGHT/STUCK TO ANYTHING JUST NON-RESPONSIVE. VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT SITUATION - FAILURE TO DISENGAGE TRANSMISSION BY ANOTHER 10 SECONDS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS COLLISION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED & REMAINS IN A REPAIR SHOP. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR AND MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED THIS IS DUE TO A STUCK THROTTLE CABLE. FORD DEALER WAS CONTACTED & SERVICE MECHANIC NOTED HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE BUT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. DEALER HAS REFUSED TO HONOR ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY/COVERAGE OF REPAIRS. RESEARCH OF FORD WEBSITE & NHTSA INDICATES NO OPEN/PREVIOUS RECALLS REGARDING ISSUE. THIRD-PARTY SITE CITES RECALL OF THROTTLE ISSUE AS RECALL ID 57885 W/ FORD CONTACT #, HOWEVER. *TR
Structure, May 18, 2010
THE PAINT IS PEELING AROUND THE WHEEL WELLS AND HAS STARTED TO RUST; CAUSING POSSIBLE INSTABILITY TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2003 FORD ESCAPES. CAN SOMETHING BE DONE? THERE WERE SOME CLAIMS THAT FORD IMPROPERLY PREPARED THE ESCAPE FOR PAINTING. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V602000, LATCHES, LOCKS LINKAGES, DOORS LATCH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Air bags, Apr 30, 2010, crash
ON 4/25/2010 I HAD A PERSON RUN AN INTERSECTION CAUSING ME TO HIT THEM. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE. MY FRONT BUMPER AND GRILL WERE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AS WELL. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS DOING THE SAME THING. I DROVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. IT WAS TOTALED IN THE CRASH. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT WHICH WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEP ME SAFE. I STILL GOT HURT WITH A HURT NECK AND BACK. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 27, 2010
REAR LIFTGATE AND REAR WINDOW JUST STOPPED WORKING IN 2008, IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE REAR LIFTGATE AND REAR WINDOW WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN. I CAN NOT REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, OR HAVE ANY REPAIRS DONE THAT REQUIRE ACCESS TO THE REAR LIFTGATE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPES. REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE PART SINCE 2008. I CALLED ALL THE FORD DEALERSHIPS IN THE GREENVILLE, SC AREA AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN 2008. I DID SEND ALL MY PAPERWORK AND INFORMATION TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, NHTSA, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND WYFF "LOOKING OUT FOR YOU" BY E-MAIL AND MAILED A HARD COPY. SO YOU SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THIS PAPERWORK AND INFORMATION. I FEEL LIKE SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR LIFTGATE AND I DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO MY REAR LIFTGATE TO CAUSE MY REAR LIFTGATE TO STOP WORKING, IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO EXPENSE TO ME. I HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIPS OR THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE I CAN NOT CHANGE MY TAIL LIGHTS OR BRAKE LIGHTS, BECAUSE THIS REQUIRES ACCESS TO THE REAR LIFTGATE. UPDATED 05/07/10.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/11/10. *JB
Power train, Apr 22, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS FAILED TWICE. TALKING WITH MY TRANSMISSION GUY I AM CONVINCED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT HEAVY DUTY ENOUGH TO HANDLE THIS USAGE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT TO SPEEDS OF UP TO 45 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT COULD BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE IAC VALVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE THE DATE OF REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
Structure, Apr 13, 2010
PAINT PEELING PREMATURELY ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 5, 2010
A WIRING HARNESS FOR THE AIRBAG/SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE FREQUENTLY HAS PROBLEMS CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE -- AND ACCORDING TO FORD THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OFF AND ON SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2005. FORD IS AWARE THAT THIS MODEL YEAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH THIS WIRING HARNESS AND ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT OWNERS MUST REPLACE THE HARNESS. IF WIRING HARNESS IS FAULTY AND CAUSES AIRBAGS TO DISABLE, SHOULDN'T THIS BE A SAFETY RECALL INSTEAD OF A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR CONSUMERS TO REPAIR AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH UP AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE GASKET RECIRCULATOR WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH SPEED. AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED SHE SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE GASKET RECIRCULATOR WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO SERVICED. IN MARCH 2010 WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND THE PEDAL HAD FALLEN TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WITH A 6 CYLINDER ENGINE WHICH I BOUGHT NEW FROM HARROLD FORD IN SACRAMENTO 11/2002. I NOTICED A STRONG OIL BURNING SMELL. AND OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. I WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO HARROLD FORD ON 12/30/2009. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE OIL WAS LEAKING THRU THE OIL PAN, AND THAT FORD HAD A RETROFIT FOR THE PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A SEAL PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD NO, THE MATERIAL THE OIL PAN WAS MADE OF ALLOWED THE OIL TO EVENTUALLY START LEAKING DIRECTLY THRU THE MATERIAL. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A RECALL DUE TO THE FIRE DANGER, AND WAS TOLD NO. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AND THE OIL PAN WAS REPLACED. I KEPT THE OLD OIL PAN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, THE GAS PEDAL STICKS. I HAVE TAKEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAY I NEED TO USE DIFFERENT GAS WHICH I DID. THEY TOLD ME TO CHANGE MY FUEL FILTER, WHICH I HAVE DONE NUMEROUS TIMES. AND IT STILL STICKS. MY WIFE WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, SHE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. WHEN I SAY IT STICKS, WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL YOU HAVE TO PUSH IT DOWN HARD THEN LET UP OR YOU GO TO FAST. I AM GETTING NO WHERE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT EVER. I REALLY NEED HELP IN THIS MATTER. I SEE ALL THIS ON TOYOTA, AND I CAN'T GET ANY WERE WITH FORD. HELP! *TR