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.
Power train, Apr 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL THEN SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN DECELERATING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V165000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AS OF APRIL 9, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 50 TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Apr 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 05/06/08. *LJ
Power train, Mar 29, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT. THIS VEHICLE HAS 53,576 MILES ON IT AND SHOWED NO WARNINGS OF FAILURE. WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND NO MOVEMENT FROM VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THERE IS NO WAY TO SAFELY EXIT DRIVE LANES , AND MAY CAUSE REAR END COLLISIONS. THE CD4E TRANSMISSION HAS MAJOR DESIGN FLAWS KNOWN BY FORD HENCE THE CONVERSION OF TRANSMISSION MANUFACTURERS FROM BATAVIA, OHIO TO LIVONIA, MICHIGAN IN 2006. I HAVE YET TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED AS I MAY BE USING THE VEHICLE FOR EXPLANATORY PROOF OF POOR QUALITY AND ENGINEERING. *TR
Structure, Mar 24, 2008
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT PAINT IS PEELING IN STRIPS OFF THE HOOD AND FROM THE SUNROOF BACK. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS TO FORD IN RIGHTING ON THE PHONE AND IN PERSON. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. IN MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND @ LEAST 45 OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS SOMETHING THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SWEEP UNDER THE RUG. IT IS A DEFECT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2008
ABOUT ONCE A MONTH, FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS, MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE WILL STALL OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD AND UPON DECELERATION SUCH AS WHEN ENTERING OR MAKING A TURN. THE CAR RESTARTS WITHOUT HESITATION. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, #04V165000, WHERE THE FIX SEEMS QUITE SIMPLE BUT FORD'S MAIN CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPT. SAYS MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL. SAME CAR, SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT RELATED TO ORIGINAL RECALL. SEEMS ABSURD. ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS, THE THREAT OF ONE EXISTS IF THE CAR STALLS WHILE I'M TURNING ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR, POSSIBLY, REAR-ENDED. *TR
Service brakes, Air, Jan 29, 2008
URGENT RECALL NOTICE, I RECEIVED ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE AFTER RESEARCH ON THE RECALL VEHICLE, I BELIEVE THIS CAUSED MY DAUGHTER ACCIDENT, SHE ROLLED THIS VEHICLE. I M VERY ANGRY THAT I HAVE FOLLOWED THE LAW IN RESPONEDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE AND WHEN I EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS I WAS TOLD SOMEONE WAS GOING TO CONACT ME. THIS HAS NOT HAPPEN. NO DEATHS BUT PROPERTY DAMAGE YES ( PAYING FOR AVEHICAL) I HAVE SITTING IN MY BACK YARD THAT I M STILL PAYING FOR.BRING A SINGLE MOTHER, THIS HARDSHIP, I PAID 14,000.00 AND IT ONLY HAS 60 THOUSAND MILES. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND I WILL HAVE THIS VEHICLE CHECKED OUT MYSELF AND TALK TO AN ATTORNEY. NOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME ON WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT, I WOULD BE THANKFUL . *CN
Structure, Jan 5, 2008
THE PAINT IS COMING OFF THE ROOF OF THE CAR NEAR THE FRONT WIND SHIELD AREA AND ALSO ON THE HATCHBACK DOOR. *CN
Air bags, Jan 2, 2008
THE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON. SOME TIMES IT WILL REMAIN ON AND SOMETIMES IT WILL FLASH. I HAD THE AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED ($600) AND IT WAS OK FOR 2 MONTHS AND STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY AND HAS SINCE REAPPEARED. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I BELIEVED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE LOOK AT.*CN
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2007
2003 ESCAPE LIMITED 3.0 V6 IS DIAGNOSED WITH A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD RESULTING IN LEAKING EXHAUST GASES. VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 31,200 AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF PAVED ROADWAYS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR SOME TIME BUT HAS NEVER BEEN PICKED UP ON BY REGULAR MAINTENANCE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP. MY DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THE PROBLEM IS A COMMON ONE AND OBVIOUSLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ITEM AS LEAKING EXHAUST GASES ARE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2007, fire
WHILE DRIVING IN A NICE ASPHALTED ROAD UP A HILL, I FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM SO I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I ENDED UP AT A SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY LOST AND THE SERVICE STATION SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2007
I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE WAS PEELING AND FLAKING AT AN ALARMING RATE, BOTH ON THE ROOF AND ON THE REAR PANEL. THE PAINT WAS SO LOOSE THAT A STRONG WIND WAS ABLE TO PICK UP THE EDGES AND STRIP IT OFF THE CAR. ON OCTOBER 24, 2007 I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, NAPLETON'S NORTHWESTERN FORD IN CHICAGO, FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ZONE DISTRICT MANAGER. HE DECLINED MY REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL HELP IN REPAIRING THIS PROBLEM, CITING THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAD EXPIRED. MY ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR FROM NAPLETON'S RECOMMENDED BODY SHOP SAID, IN WRITING, THAT THE PEELING PAINT WAS CAUSED BY DELAMINATION OF PAINT AND A BAD PRIMING PREP JOB. I SENT A COPY OF THE ESTIMATE, PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND A LETTER OF EXPLANATION TO BOTH THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER IN DETROIT AND MY DEALERSHIP OWNER - AND RECEIVED BACK A SHORT FORM LETTER FROM DETROIT STATING THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME FINANCIALLY AS THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAD EXPIRED. ALTHOUGH I REALIZE THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED, I BELIEVE THAT MY PAINT PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY SUBSTANDARD WORK AT THE FACTORY, A BELIEF SUBSTANTIATED BY THE BODY SHOP. RECALLS ARE DONE ALL THE TIME FOR PARTS THAT ARE FAULTY, REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY. MY PAINT JOB WAS FAULTY, AND THEREFORE I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD HELP ME FIX IT. ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY AND OTHER WEB SITES, PAINT SHOULD NOT BE PEELING OFF CARS THAT ARE ONLY 4 OR 5 YEARS OLD. I GOT THE DAMAGE FIXED, WHICH COST ME NEARLY $1,200. PRIOR TO OWNING MY ESCAPE, I OWNED A FORD ESCORT FOR 10 YEARS, WHICH NEVER HAD A PAINT PROBLEM. UP UNTIL NOW I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER, BUT SINCE IT APPEARS THAT CUTTING CORNERS AND DOING SUBSTANDARD WORK IS THEIR MODE OF OPERATION, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NEW FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2007
ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND THE RPM RACED TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,900. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED NOISE IN FRONT END WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND PERFORMED INSPECTION PER RECALL. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY EXERT PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STRUT THROTTLE AND ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CABLE AND THROTTLE ASSEMBLIES FOR A $500 SERVICE CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V574000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD DID NOT CONSIDER THE DEFECT A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OR WARRANTY. UPDATED 11/15/07 *TR UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF UPDATED 05/30/12
Air bags, Oct 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT PRETENSION CODE WAS FAULTY. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY WHEN IN A CRASH. ON OCTOBER 16, 2007, THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF A BEEPING SOUND AND THEY REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN SHE RETRIEVED HER VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THE REPAIR FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS HER RESPONSIBILITY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,629.
Tires, Sep 30, 2007
COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2007
HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED HOME DEALERSHIP TO CHECK CRUISE CONTROL FOR FAILURE TO TURN ON. AFTER TRAVELING FOR APPROX. 1 HOUR ON INTERSTATE, ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON CRUISE CONTROL. ON THIRD TRY, CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND SET AT 70 MPH. AFTER A FEW MILES I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF WITH NO RESULTS. ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKE APPLIED. I CONTACTED SOMEONE WHO ADVISED ME TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF IF POSSIBLE. I PULLED IN TO A REST AREA WITH BOTH FEET ON BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF. (VERY DIFFICULT WITH ENGINE REVVING CONTINUOUSLY) I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON TO SEE IF THE CRUISE TURNED OFF WITH THE CAR, IT DID NOT, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO EXPLODE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THE CRUISE CONTROL THROTTLE CABLE WAS FOUND TO BE STUCK. THE CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AS THEY SAID THEY HAD NO PARTS TO REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS SENT ON WITH A REQUEST TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT MY HOME DEALERSHIP. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2007, fire
2003 FORD ESCAPE PARKED IN GARAGE LOCATED AT 7755 SUNSET DRIVE, ELMWOOD PARK ILLINOIS. VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY BURNED. THE GARAGE WAS A LOFTED STRUCTURE WITH STORAGE CONTAINING 30 YEARS OF POSSESSIONS. THE CAR, GARAGE AND PERSONAL ITEMS WERE DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THIS OCCURRED AT 5:00AM ON A SUNDAY MORNING AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FROM THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON BEFORE. *JB
Air bags, Sep 16, 2007
THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD OF OUR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE COST QUOTED WAS $450. I THEN DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND SEVERAL HUNDRED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I ALSO FOUND TWO DIFFERENT FORD TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, WHICH CLEARLY INDICATES THAT FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM. ON ANOTHER SITE A TECHNICIAN FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD SIMPLY BE FIXED BY SPRAYING THE CONTACT POINTS WITH AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER SUCH AS WD40. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM TO FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS. *TR
Power train, Aug 29, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. ON AUGUST 26, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 37 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE FAILURE IS NOW OCCURRING AT LEAST FOUR TIMES PER DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)) WAS REFERENCED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,834.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2007
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON, AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS IT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED TO HAVE IT CHECKED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CONNECTOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE SIDE MOUNT AIR BAG NEEDED REPLACING. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IF THIS WAS NOT REPAIRED, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IF NEEDED! I ASKED IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS MADE TO FORD ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY. I FEARED FOR THE SAFETY OF ANYONE THAT MIGHT BE A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE IF IT SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, SO I WENT AHEAD WITH THE REPAIR. I VOICED MY DISSATISFACTION WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL I COULD DO ABOUT IT WAS CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THIS PART COST $36.49 AND $210 FOR THE LABOR. *TR
Structure, Aug 20, 2007
2003 FORD ESCAPE. NOTICED PAINT AROUND LIFT GATE LEDGE BUBBLING AND PEELING. ONLY TOP LAYER OF PAINT IS PEELING, GRAY LAYER APPEARS TO BE FINE, NO SIGNS OF BUBBLING OR PEELING. TALKED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE TWO LAYERS NEVER BONDED WHEN THE CAR WAS PAINTED AT THE FACTORY. WHEN I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD COVER IT, THEY SAID TO GO TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AND DECIDE WHAT TO DO. NEVER HEARD BACK FROM DEALER AFTER I MADE CONTACT WITH THEM. *TR
Structure, Aug 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, LIFT GATE, AND LEDGE SHOWED SIGNS OF BUBBLING PAINT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL SPEAK WITH THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,350. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATED 08/31/07 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR