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.
Air bags, Jul 25, 2007
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN OUR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED US THAT THE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THAT IF WE ARE IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS QUOTED AT APPROXIMATELY $500.00. AT THIS POINT WE ARE NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO MAKE THIS REPAIR AND WE ARE FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND HOPE THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN NO PRIOR WARNING NOR ANY ACCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. A CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. THE CONTACT HAD THIS FAILURE REPAIRED LAST YEAR, BUT IT HAS SINCE RECURRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND 18 MONTHS LATER THE ACCIDENT OCCURED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE VEHICLE JUST IN FRONT AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD WILL NOT PERFORM RECALL WORK A 2ND TIME. OFFICER FIELD REPORT PROVIDED. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Air bags, Jun 27, 2007, crash
BEGINNING IN APRIL 2007, MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT (CURRENT MILEAGE 118754) EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. IF THE POWER DRIVER'S SEAT HAD BEEN MOVED, THEN THE LIGHT WOULD APPEAR AND FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THEN DISAPPEAR WITHOUT ANY ACTION TAKEN. THIS SERIES OF EVENT HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES BETWEEN APRIL - JUNE, 2007. THE LAST TIME THE PROBLEM SURFACED WAS JUNE 25, 2007. THE LIGHT WAS FLASHING WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE ON JUNE 26, 2007. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING MY VEHICLE ON THAT DATE, I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN A TRUCK APPROACHING FROM MY LEFT LOST ITS TRAILER. THE TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WITHIN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. ALTHOUGH NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT, I BELIEVE THAT AN IMPACT OF THIS FORCE INTO MY FRONT BUMPER SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED MY FRONT AIR BAGS, AND THAT THE FAILURE TO DEPLOY CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE FAULTY SENSOR ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Steering, Jun 20, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COOPERATE AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STEER FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED HER TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, WHERE SHE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE BODY SHOP AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS BADLY BRUISED FROM THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,700.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 19, 2007
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WORE OUT PRIOR TO BRAKE PADS AT 34,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NORMAL BY THE DEALER AND WILL OCCUR AGAIN. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD BE HARDENED AND THE PAD SHOULD WEAR FIRST, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. *AK
Visibility, Jun 7, 2007
I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS AND DECIDED TO WASH POLLEN OFF CAR. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN, SO I JUST "SPRINKLED" WATER ON THE CAR AND WHEN IT HIT THE SUNROOF, I HEARD A POP. LOOKING AT TOP OF SUNROOF I SAW NOTHING UNUSUAL. WHEN I OPENED THE INSIDE ROOF, I SAW THE GLASS WAS ALL SPLINTERED. AS I CLOSED THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE GLASS ALL FELL ONTO THE INSIDE ROOF. GUY AT FORD TOLD ME I MUST'VE HAD A CRACK IN THE SUNROOF & WHEN THE WATER HIT, IT SHATTERED. MY WINDSHIELD DID HAVE A CRACK IN IT, AND THAT DIDN'T SHATTER SO THAT BLOWS THAT THEORY! 70 DEGREES THAT DAY.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING UNDER 40 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. SAFETY RECALL # 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)) DOES NOT APPLY TO THE VIN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,000. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 1, 2007
CAR TO DEALERSHIP ON 6/1/07 FOR SERVICE. BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS TURNED, TIRES ROTATED, REPLACED STABILIZER BAR. LEFT DEALER AND IN LESS THAN 2 MILES, ABS DASH LIGHT CAME ON. WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION--THINKING MAYBE SOMETHING HAD GONE AWRY WHEN CAR WAS SERVICED. PER THEM (AND THEY SHOWED ME WHAT WAS WRONG), COLLAR ON OUTSIDE OF AXEL THAT TURNS TO SEND SIGNAL TO ABS SENSOR HAS A CRACK THAT WILL INTERMITTENTLY MAKE THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM COME ON. REPLACEMENT PER THEM--$425.00. *TR
Visibility, May 27, 2007
FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR
Electrical system, May 15, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Electrical system, May 12, 2007
THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE DIED WHEN GOING TO A STOP OR PRIOR TO ACCELERATION. NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I CONTACTED FORD ,AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY BAD GAS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MONTHS. ALSO, I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CHECK FOR FIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS THERE WAS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER OR WIRE. NO FIRE FOUND YET. ENGINE WILL RACE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ROLL FORWARD AFTER IT HAS BEEN PUT IN PARK AND EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. TODAY ONE MORE NIGHTMARE HAS BEGAN. I DROVE THE ESCAPE APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES, RETURNED HOME, AND KILLED THE VEHICLE. IT WILL NOT START. IF I TURNED THE KEY TO THE 3RD POSITION ALL LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THIS HAS BEEN A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE TRYING TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE GOING. I HAVE TRIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO FORD FOR RECALL ON ABS. THEY CAN GIVE APPROXIMATE DATE, BUT NOTHING DEFINITE. *AK
Electrical system, May 9, 2007
THE KEY CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH EASILY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAD TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO GET IT TO ENGAGE. IT WAS GETTING WORSE, AND I WOULD EXPECT THIS TO FAIL SOON. IT EVEN HAPPENED AT THE DEALER, AND THEY HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT TO ENGAGE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2007
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB
Power train, May 2, 2007
MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. IT ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING DOWN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THANK GOD I WAS SOMEWHERE I COULD LET THE VAN COAST OFF THE ROAD BEING I HAD 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VAN WITH ME. I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE FORD OUGHT TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE PER THEIR OWN EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLE JUST STOPS PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2007
NO ACCIDENT, EXPENSE REPAIR $1000.00 TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 22,145 MILES. THIS HAS TO BE THE RESULTS OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 1, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 07V156000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, AND WAS UNHAPPY WITH THE WAITING TIME FOR THE REPAIRS . SHE STATED THAT THE ONLY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HER AND THE DEALER WAS THEIR INABILITY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000. *AK RETURNED USPS , 2NDATTEMPT MADE 05/23/07 FAILED . *LJ
Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2007
I'VE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THAT I PURCHASED FROM A DEALER IN 2004. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I NOTICED THE PAINT CHIPPING AND PEELING FROM THE HOOD WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO STONE CHIPS FROM HIGHWAY DRIVING BUT NOW, THE PAINT IS COMING OFF ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR WHERE THE ROOF SECTION MEETS THE MAIN BODY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2007
SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST WHILE TURNING THE CORNER THE CAR KILLED. HIT BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR-END COLLISION. THE CAR ACCELERATED, CAUSING ME TO ONCE AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2007
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK
Air bags, Apr 1, 2007
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE UP TO NOW I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS I GUESS KNOCK ON WOOD I HAVE BEEN LUCKY. LATELY THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THEN IT STAYS ON. FROM READING SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS THERE MIGHT BE SEVERAL REASONS AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, MAYBE FORD SHOULD TAKE THE FIRST STEP AND RECALL THE VEHICLES TO GET THIS FIXED. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2007
VEHICLE STALLS SUDDENLY WITHOUT NOTICE AND THE STEERING AND BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE. 2003 FORD ESCAPE. VEHICLE IS THE YEAR INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND CAME FROM THE SAME KANSAS PLANT BUT IT SHOWS NO RECALL. CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE ALSO NOT HEARD OF THIS ISSUE. *JB
Air bags, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2007
I'VE READ ONLINE SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE. MY AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON ABOUT 2CE A WEEK. *JB
Suspension, Feb 27, 2007
I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM
Air bags, Jan 30, 2007
CUSTOMER WANTS TO KNOW IF AIR BAGS FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAVE BEEN RECALLED. **CC THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS ON THEN OFF. CONSUMER NOT SURE WHAT THIS INDICATES. *NM
Power train, Jan 10, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THOUGHT THERE WAS A TIRE FAILURE. INSPECTION REVEALED THE TIRES TO BE FINE. THE CONTACT GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TRIED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR WITH NO RESULTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DIAGNOSIS SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD 43,000 MILES ON IT. *AK UPDATED 2/9/2007 - THE FAILURE OCCURRED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. *NM