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, Feb 5, 2010
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE INCREASE IN SPEED IS TO APPLY HARD PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND SHUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO. THE LAST TIME WAS IN DECEMBER, 2009. I( NOTIFIED THE DEALER IN 2008 AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO SIMILAR OCCURRENCES REPORTED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2010
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 40 MPH IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE, WHEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN SPEED. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS & IT WENT FASTER. I PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED. I PANICKED & PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHERE WE SLAMMED TO A STOP BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE CAR WAS HOPPING FORWARD. I WAS 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND I HAD 4 YR OLD & 9 YR OLD CHILD WITH ME. I TURNED THE CAR OFF & REMOVED THE KEYS & CALLED A TOW TRUCK. AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE TROUBLE ORIGINALLY, BUT THEN IT STOPPED. THEY CHARGED ME NEARLY $100 FOR 2 DAYS OF TESTING, BUT COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. AT THAT TIME I HADN'T HEARD ABOUT THE TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEM, SO I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. *TR
Visibility, Jan 16, 2010
JUST AS I PARKED MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE IN MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A HUGE CRASHING SOUND. THE BACK WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. I CALLED FORD COMPANY OF CANADA. WHILE, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT WAS A DEFECT AND A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR ($360) SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MAN WHO FIXED THE WINDSHIELD TOLD ME THAT THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODING HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE--- MORE THAN ANY OTHER CAR/TRUCK/SUV ON THE ROAD TODAY. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 3, 2010
2003 FORD ESCAPE - KEY WON'T TURN. STEERING IS LOCKED, AS WELL.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 24, 2009
FORD IS NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL: 04S13 FOR POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RE-CALIBRATION. I HAVE NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY ARE SAYING THEY NEVER MISS A VEHICLE THAT GETS RECALLED. MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED MORE THAN 7 TIMES WHEN DECELERATING UNDER 40PMH. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR INTO A MECHANIC TWO TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERYTIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *TR
Structure, Dec 3, 2009
MY FORD ESCAPE IS A 2003 MODEL AND WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED USED IN 2007 BY US. WITHIN A YEAR THE PAINT ON THE ROOF AND REAR HATCH STARTED PEELING. TWO YEARS LATER, IT IS RUSTING WHERE THE PEEL IS GONE AND STILL CONTINUING TO PEEL. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OR INCLEMENT WEATHER THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND SEEN WHERE THIS IS COMMON IN FORDS MY VEHICLE'S AGE. *TR
Structure, Nov 25, 2009
PAINT IS PEELING FROM THE ROOF AND TWO SPOTS ON THE TAILGATE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT SLOAN FORD IN EXTON, PA WOULDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT. A REP FROM FORD ADVISED THAT A DEALER SHOULD LOOK AT IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT KENNEDY FORD COLLISION IN CONSHOHOCKEN PA WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRM THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. FORD DECLINED ASSISTANCE. THE FORD REP WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A DEFECT DESPITE ADVISING ME THAT FORD SERVICE MANAGERS HAVE SUPERIOR EXPERTISE IN EVALUATING FAILURES. *TR
Air bags, Nov 24, 2009
AUG 2007- AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERSHIP FOUND DEFECT IN DRIVER/PASSENGER AIR BAG CIRCUIT LOCATED UNDER FRONT SEATS (DTC CODE - D1990/D1994). REPLACED CONNECTORS & HARNESS($490). SUGGESTED CAUSE WAS MOTION OF ADJUSTING POWER SEAT. NOW, OCT 2009 (MILEAGE - 85,000) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. FIRST FLASHING, THEN OFF FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN SOLIDLY ON AGAIN. IS THIS CIRCUIT LOCATED IN A PLACE WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE? IS THIS WHY THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ESCAPE AIR BAGS NOT OPENING IN A CRASH? CAN SOMEONE CHECK OUT THE LOCATION OF THE WIRING FOR THIS CIRCUIT? IS IT CAUSING AIR BAG FAILURE IN ESCAPES? DO WE NEED DEATHS? HAS FORD MADE CHANGES IN THE NEW ESCAPES? *TR
Tires, Nov 21, 2009
IN AUGUST, 2009 I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT FROM ECONOMY HONDA IN CHATTANOOGA, TN. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTITEC P235/70R16 TIRES ON IT. A ROUTINE OVERALL VEHICLE INSPECTION WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL LUBE SHOP TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND WHEN THE ATTENDANT PUT AIR IN THE TIRES, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND TREAD WAS PULLING AWAY FROM ALL FOUR TIRES AND ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE TOO FAR BEFORE I REPLACED THEM (I HAD PLANS TO GO TO NC THIS WEEKEND). THE FOLLOWING MORNING I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CONTINENTAL TIRE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE CONDITION OF THE TIRES AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT, WHICH I DID FOR $483.00. I SEE SEVERAL RECALLS OF CONTITEC TIRES ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR VARIOUS REASONS. COULD THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THESE TIRES. THE CAR ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IT ESPECIALLY UPSETS ME TO KNOW MY GRANDSON HAS BEEN IN THIS VEHICLE WITH ME RIDING ON POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TIRE. THANKS. *TR TAHONA TATE
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SINCE THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 07V156000 ( SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI-LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Structure, Sep 28, 2009
2003 FORD ESCAPE ... PAINT PEELING ON ROOF AROUND SUN ROOF OPENING. *TR
Structure, Aug 25, 2009
2003 FORD LIMITED GOLD ESCAPE PAINT PEELING AND BUBBLING ON HATCH AND ABOVE FRONT WINDOW. FORD WILL DO NOTHING WHEN I CALLED SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PAINT ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2009
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE 6 CYL 2 WHEEL DRIVE WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO OVER 4000 RPM FOR APPROXIMATELY 7 SECONDS. FORTUNATELY, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT THE TIME. CHANGING FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL HAD NO EFFECT ON THE RPMS AND THE ENGINE WENT BACK TO ABOUT 1500 RPMS THROUGH NO ACTION ON MY PART. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. I RECALL THAT SIMILAR OCCURRENCES HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PAST SO I WANTED TO GET THIS INFORMATION TO YOU ASAP. I DO NOT RECALL WHAT VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED AT THAT TIME. WHAT WORRIES ME IS IF THAT HAPPENS WHILE I AM IN A PARKING LOT BACKING OUT OR SOME OTHER SITUATION WHERE MY REACTION WOULD BE TOO SLOW TO STOP AN ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 32,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *TR
Structure, Jul 27, 2009
PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK UNDER THE HATCH WINDOW AND ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE JUST BEHIND THE SUN ROOF. THIS VEHICLE HAS 74K MILES AND IS GARAGED. FROM NOV. 2002 - FEB. 2005 IT WAS EVEN IN PARKING GARAGE WHILE I WORKED. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE ON THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. I CALLED FORD AND THEY DON'T CARE!!! IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL.. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Air bags, Jul 22, 2009
PURCHASED 2003 FORD ESCAPE 04/05/08. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER RETURNED VEHICLE FOR OTHER MINOR FIXES WAS TOLD LIGHT WAS NOT IMPORTANT AS THE BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. DURING OIL CHANGE ON 12/08 TOLD FORD SERVICE DEPT. AGAIN ABOUT AIR BAG LIGHT SAME ANSWER. ALSO INFORM THEM ABOUT CAR SHAKING WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE I WAITED TOO LONG FOR OIL CHANGE. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE 07/08/09 WAS REFUSED VEHICLE TOLD IT WAS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE FOUND RT FRONT LOWER BALLJOINT LOOSE IN STEERING KNUCKLE WORN OUT STEERING KNUCKLE NEED TO REPLACE BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND RT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE PROBABLY CAUSE OF WHY VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND WOULD COST ABOUT $1700 AND WERE NOT SURE IF EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER. THEY WERE RUDE AND I BROKE DOWN. THIS CAR HAS HAD THE SHAKES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I FINALLY TOOK MY VEHICLE HOME TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY. I PICKED IT UP ON THE 15TH ONCE FORD STATED ALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED AND ENGINE LIGHT WAS GONE EXCEPT THEY DID NOTHING FOR THE AIR BAGS. THIS SHOP IS 12.07 MILES FROM MY HOME APPROX HALFWAY THROUGH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING BETWEEN 45 AND 50MPH. I CALLED THEM WHEN I GOT HOME GAVE ME ANOTHER APPOINTMENT DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC. NO ONE IN THIS SHOP CAN TELL ME IF ANY RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A HANDICAP DAUGHTER WHO GETS HER MEDICAL CARE AT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITAL AN HOUR AWAY. I NEED A SAFE VEHICLE. MY FAMILY CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. THESE PEOPLE NEVER GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER AND PUT DOWN WHATEVER THEY WANT ON THEIR INVOICES. THIS SHOP IS RUN BY A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM NO ONE CARES IF MY VEHICLE IS SAFE THEY JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF US. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIND OUT WHAT HAS BEEN CORRECTED ON MY VEHICLE VIN . THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR
Structure, May 25, 2009
1) THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE ARE UNKNOWN 2) 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS AN ISSUE WITH ITS EXTERIOR PAINT. THE PAINT IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE CAR AND THE EXPOSED METAL IS RUSTING. THIS RUSTING LEADS TO THE COMPROMISE OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CAR. THIS COMPROMISE CAN BE DETRIMENTAL IN CASE OF A COLLISION. A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED LOTS OF 2003 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. 3) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 15, 2009
I HAVE AN 03 ESCAPE. SINCE FALL 08 I HAVE HEARD, FELT THIS STUTTER, BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT. AT FIRST IT WAS OCCASIONAL, BUT HAS GROWN INCREASINGLY FREQUENT--THREE TO FOUR TIMES IN A ROW ACCOMPANIED ONCE IN A WHILE WITH A TICKING SOUND, AND PULLING THE CAR TO THE LEFT. MECHANICS COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. TODAY THEY ARE REPLACING THE TONE RINGS. HAVING A TERM TO USE, I GOT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT IT IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM FOR OWNERS. *TR
Power train, Apr 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. SPORADICALLY, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE STALLS. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY HER LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Structure, Apr 7, 2009
THE PAINT ON MY ASH GOLD 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS STARTED TO BUBBLE AND PEEL AWAY FROM THE METAL BODY PARTS. DOORS, HOOD, REAR HATCH AND A LARGE SPOT ON THE ROOF JUST BEHIND THE MOON ROOF WINDOW. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN TOUCH UP. THE PAINT IS LITERALLY PEELING OFF OF THE PRIMER WHICH THEN QUICKLY ERODES TO EXPOSE THE METAL WHICH STARTS TO RUST. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SPANNING SEVERAL YEARS AND SEVERAL FORD MODELS. IN THIS AGE WHERE WE HAVE TO KEEP CARS LONGER, THIS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO DISCOVER - THE COMPANY SIMPLY CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO PAINT A CAR!!! I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND BOUGHT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. HE POINTED OUT THE PEELING BUT WE BOTH THOUGHT IT COULD BE TOUCHED UP AS HE HAD BEEN DOING FOR A COUPLE YEARS. THE ROOF WAS NOT LOOKED AT UNTIL I WAS WORKING ON THE ROOF RACK. THIS IS THE WORST CASE AND IS NOT GOING TO GET FIXED BY ANY TOUCH UP PAINT. *TR
Structure, Apr 2, 2009
MY PROBLEM IS NOT MECHANICAL BUT RATHER "PHYSICAL". THE PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING OFF THE ROOF AND HATCH OF MY 2003 ASH-COLORED FORD ESCAPE LIMITED SINCE 2007. AFTER READING OTHERS' BLOGS I AM AWARE THAT I AM NOT ALONE BY ANY MEANS. I PURCHASED THE SUV FOR IT'S NICE APPEARANCE AND COLOR. I WISH I'D KNOWN BEFOREHAND THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, OTHERWISE I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED A FORD. APPARENTLY FORD IS DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP US? CAN'T FORD BE FORCED INTO A RECALL FOR THIS? THESE VEHICLES AREN'T CHEAP!! PLEASE HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Mar 31, 2009
I HAVE A 03 FORD ESCAPE, AND THE TROUBLE IS ENDLESS. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND IT IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD IT IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP ABOUT 6 TIMES AND HAS HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 2 YEARS. THE FAILURE TO START IS SCARY BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR IS GOING TO EXPLODE OR WHAT. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT IT IS A SENSOR THAT GOES OUT AND TELLS THE CAR IT DOESN'T HAVE TO START. BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES AND THE OTHER DAY IT DID IT AGAIN. I HATE TO GO OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF GETTING STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. AND ANOTHER THING THE SMELL OF THE ENGINE IS CRAZY MY DAUGHTER HAS ASTHMA AND TALKING ABOUT A PROBLEM FOR HER IT IS. I CAN GO TO WORK AND GO BACK 30 MINUTES LATER TO MY CAR AND YOU CAN TELL THAT IT IS STILL SMELLING OF COURSE WHERE I GOT IT FROM THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NO CONCERN IT WAS DUE TO THE FACT OF THEM DROPPING OIL WHEN THEY DID A CHANGE, COME ON PEOPLE 2 MONTHS LATER. I FEAR THAT ONE DAY IT WILL EXPLODE I JUST PRAY TO GOD THAT MY FAMILY IS NOT IN THERE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AND FROM READING IN HERE I AM SCARED TO DEATH. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOME FAMILY LOSES A MEMBER. *TR
Structure, Mar 25, 2009
PAINT PEELING IN SEVERAL SPOT ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2009
PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG LIGHT, TAKE BY TO DEALER ON NUMBERS TIME (5) . EVERY TWO WEEKS FOR THE TIME OF PURCHASE (10/11/2008) CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT RIGHT THE DEALER STATED THE BAG WON'T WORK WHEN NEED. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WHICH HAD ACCELERATOR CABLE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL FROM FORD IN APPROXIMATELY 2005. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED THE RECALL, WHICH IS NOT COMING BACK TO IDLE SPEED AND ACTUALLY STICKING WIDE OPEN ON ONE OCCASION. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO REPLACE THIS AT THEIR COST, SO AM DOING THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE, OBVIOUSLY SOONER THAN LATER. *TR
Structure, Feb 26, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT,WHITE IN COLOR AND CURRENTLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT BLISTERING AND PEELING ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW BOTH SIDES. ADDITIONALLY, THE PAINT PEELING HAS STARTED UNDER PASSENGER SIDE REAR CARGO WINDOW. I VISITED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DENIED IT AS A DEFECT. OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD FOUR AUTOBODY SHOPS TELL ME $600.00 TO A $1000.00 TO REPAINT. "THE PROBLEM IS FACTORY PRIMER PROBLEM" AND SHOULD EXPECT TO SEE MORE PEELING IF NOT REPAINTED SOON. *TR