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, Jan 1, 2007
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH ENGINE RUNNING TRANSMISSION IN D WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. BRAKE PEDAL UNEXPECTEDLY PUSHED TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. THE PROBLEM WAS THE RIGHT REAR RUBBER BRAKE HOSE BURST. NOT YET REPAIRED. *NM
Air bags, Dec 28, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN 2003 FORD ESCAPE NOTICED ON 09/20/06 THAT AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AT THAT TIME. AS PER OWNERS MANUAL DIRECTIONS, THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WHO PERFORMED SOME TYPE OF REPAIR AND CHARGED THE CONSUMER $100. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 10/28/06 FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY DID SEE THAT THE LIGHT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THEY WERE GOING TO GREASE THE CABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE WHICH CABLE THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR 3 MORE WEEKS WHEN THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED. SHE TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG , BUT THE LIGHT DIDN'T COME BACK ON FOR ANOTHER 3 WEEKS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALERSHIP GREASED THE SAME CABLE AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE CABLE IS UNDER VEHICLE CODE #1877. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 11/27/06 THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. *AK UPDATED 1/22/2007 - THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT AND THAT AND THAT THE AIR BAS WAS WORKING PROPERLY. HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE BELIEVES THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE LIGHT ITSELF. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR STALLS WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO GEAR OR WHEN HE COMES TO A STOP. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE CAR TO SUPERIOR FORD SIX TIMES AND THEY HAVE REPLACED: THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALE, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, VALVE-AIR BYPASS, PURGE REGULATION VALVE, BODY ASSIST AIR CHARGE, AND ECC PROCESSOR WAS RECALIBRATED. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE CAR STILL CONTINUES TO STALL AFTER ALL THESES PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. THE CONTACT SAID THAT HE HAS ALSO SENT CERTIFIED LETTERS TO FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. CONTACT CAN PROVIDE ALL OF THE REPAIR ORDERS.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Dec 18, 2006
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE STALLS WHEN PLACED IN TO GEAR AND SOMETIMES WHEN STOPPING. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2006
I HAD A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THAT STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING. IT WAS USUALLY WHEN I HAD LEFT THE VEHICLE FOR 8 OR MORE HOURS. I WOULD TRY TO START IT AND IT WOULD HESITATE AND TAKE A WHILE TO START IT. AFTER A FEW TRIES IT WOULD JERK BACK AT ME AND START. THIS WAS A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2-MONTHS. ON MAY 26, 2006 I LEFT MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. IT WAS THE FIRST REALLY HOT DAY (90+ DEGREES) OF THE YEAR. WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR IT HESITATED WHEN I CRANKED IT. I CRANKED IT AGAIN AND IT POPPED BACK AND ME AND THEN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD (BURNING MY FINGER IN THE PROCESS) AND FOUND PARTS AND PIECES EVERYWHERE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD BLEW APART. THE DEALER NEVER GAVE US A REASON WHY (WE PUSHED BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AND THAT THE ENGINEER WAS ON VACATION). WE HAD THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FIXED AND IT COST US A LOT OF MONEY OUT-OF-POCKET. I ASKED THEM FOR THE OLD UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD BACK, BUT THEY WOULDN'T GIVE IT BACK. I WAS ALWAYS INTENDING TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FORD WAS 3-YEARS OLD WITH 54,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, ALTHOUGH THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY PART THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM? IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT WAS N A HORRIBLE MISFIRE, BUT WE AREN'T SURE. I DO KNOW THAT IT SCARED ME AND COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR 2-MONTHS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AGAIN WHEN I STARTED IT. I WAS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS UNRELATED BUT I COULD PAY (AGAIN) TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I STARTED HAVING PANIC ATTACKS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, SO WE TRADED IT IN. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AND TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. *NM
Air bags, Nov 13, 2006, crash
WE RECENTLY HIT A DEER GOING IN BETWEEN 45 50 MILES PER HOUR. AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. I WAS WONDERING WHY THEY DIDN'T THERE IS SEVERAL THOUSANDS DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. *NM
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2006
COMPLAINT CONCERNING 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *TS *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 4, 2006, fire
FORD ESCAPE 2003 WHILE PARKED CAUGHT FIRE IN BRAKING AREA SPREAD TO SPEED CONTROL ELECTRICAL HARNESS. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2006
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE INNER DASH PANEL LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD SHORTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 8, 2006
FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE. AFTER FILLING UP THE INDICATOR READS EMPTY. TWICE WE HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THE INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THERE IS STILL GAS IN THE TANK. DEALER RECOMMENDED USING TECHRON TO HELP CLEAN THE INDICATOR. HOWEVER, AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS WITH TECHRON TODAY, THE FUEL INDICATOR SHOWED EMPTY. THIS HAS BEEN AND ONGOING PROBLEM FOR NEARLY A YEAR NOW. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE FROM MINNESOTA TO IDAHO WHEN, I'VE BEEN TOLD, A CONNECTOR BELT BROKE AND BROKE THROUGH THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. I WAS PULLING A 5 X 8 TRAILER WITH A CLASS 3 HITCH AND I'VE BEEN ADVISED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT THE TRAILER DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BREAKDOWN. AS THE VEHICLE CLEARED A HILL ON AN INTERSTATE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK AND SPRAYING LIQUID AND SMOKE. WHEN WE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THE OIL HAD COMPLETELY DRAINED FROM THE OIL RESERVOIR (I'VE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE OIL CAP WAS FIRMLY IN PLACE AND DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE INCIDENT). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF RECEIVING A NEW ENGINE. THERE IS A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK AND "METAL PARTS IN THE ENGINE." I'VE ASKED ABOUT WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW. WHEN I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WILL BE SENT TO FORD FOR ANALYSIS BUT THE FINDINGS WILL NOT BE SHARED WITH ME. MY CONCERN ABOUT THIS BREAKDOWN IS THAT THIS IS THE SECOND NEW FORD VEHICLE I'VE PURCHASED WHERE THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED SHORTLY FOLLOWING THE EXPIRATION OF THE 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS CURRENT VEHICLE HAS 35,552 MILES AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 6/14/06. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 21, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, IT ERUPTED INTO FLAMES ALONG THE LEFT FRONT HOOD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. BYSTANDERS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THERE WAS MODERATE FIRE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE NOT ALERTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE BRAKES SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Air bags, Aug 3, 2006
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH 38,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SOMETIMES STAYING ON SOMETIMES GOING OFF. AFTER ABOUT 2 TO 3 MONTHS IT WENT OFF AND STAYED OFF FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF MONTHS. EVENTUALLY IT STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND IS NOW STAYING ON THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. I AM A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF MY AIRBAG IS WORKING WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, IT DETERMINED THE ROTORS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING INDICATOR OF A BRAKE PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM
Air bags, Jul 1, 2006
VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN A FAULTY CONNECTOR TO THE FRONT AIR BAGS (3 TIMES), THE SIDE AIRBAGS (1 TIME) AND THE SEAT BELT SENSOR (1 TIME). THE LAST INCIDENT WAS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND IT WAS A STRUGGLE GETTING FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. LESSON LEARNED: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND CONTACT A LAWYER BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *NM
Power train, Jun 27, 2006
SUBMISSION REGARDING LONG OUTSTANDING ISSUE WITH HIS 2003 FORD ESCAPE PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 30, 2002. *TS ***NAR*** THE VEHICLE HAS EXHIBITED TRANSMISSION SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER 15 TIMES BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING AT 35 MPH, LOST POWER THEN OVERHEATED AFTER DRIVING DISTANCES OF ABOUT 10 MILES (CITY DRIVING). BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER THE PROBLEM WOULD DIMINISH AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT NORMALLY AND POWER WOULD BE RESTORED. DURING THE CONSUMERS LAST VISIT TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jun 19, 2006
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP REQUIRING EXCESS PRESSURE TO ENGAGE BRAKES. *NM
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 16, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAD A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS INJURED WITH A STERNUM FRACTURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EVACUATED THE DRIVER TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS FAILURE OCCURRED.
Child seat, Jun 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BOTH SIDES OF THE OVERHEAD SHIELD SEPARATED FROM THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THIS IS A COSCO TOURIVA MANUFACTURED JUNE 23, 2005. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AT AN ELEVATED RATE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V574000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SECOND REPAIR WITH CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL, ADDITIONALLY THE THROTTLE AND THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE REVVING AND LURCHING PERSISTED.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 21, 2006
THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE THROTTLE LINKAGE AND JAMMED IN THE THROTTLE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLE. WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND INTO A PARKING LOT WITHOUT CAUSING ANY DAMAGE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2006
1.) CAR WAS REVVING UP DURING IDLING AND SHIFTING OF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. 2.) PER DEALERSHIP, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. SEE NHTSA # 04V574000 AND FORD RECALL #04S25 3.) DEALERSHIP HAS TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION AND RECALL. RECALL WAS ONLY FOR V6 SUVS WHILE WE HAVE A V4 MANUAL TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THE PART IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING IN THE V6 MODELS. *NM
Power train, Mar 9, 2006
WINDING NOISE FROM UNDER THE CAR. AT 40 MPH TRANSMISSION LOST POWER. TRANSMISSION BLEW DRIVE GEAR NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT. ONLY 27 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY, ONLY 26,324 MILES ON THE CAR. *NM