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.
Suspension, Nov 9, 2019
BEARING ARE MAKING NOISE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2019
AFTER DRIVING CAR, PARKING AND STARTING AGAIN, IT WILL START BUT WILL NOT KEEP RUNNING. USUALLY CAN WAIT A FEW MINUTES WITH HOOD UP AND WILL BE OK. TODAY (10/26/2019) IT WOULD NOT KEEP RUNNING. HAD IT TOWED. PURCHASED NEW 06/2003 AND HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED. FORD MECHANICS OTHER MECHANICS DO NOT KNOW WHY.
Air bags, Oct 26, 2019
PLUG ON WIRE TO DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATES WHEN ADJUSTING SEAT. MUST BE RECONNECTED EACH TIME. PURCHASED NEW AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS.
Suspension, Oct 14, 2019
HELLO THE CAR IS MAKING A NOISE LIKE BEARING WHEN I DRIVE MORE THAN 35 MILES IT GOING WORSE WHEN YOU MOVE A LITTLE BIT THE STEARIN WEELL AND NEVER END JUST WHEN GET LESS THAN 30 OR 35 MILES SOMTIMES IT DOIT LESS THAN 30 MILES AND EVERYDAY IT GOING WORSE PLEASE CAN YOU DOBLE CHECK RECALL FOR FROM BEARING I REALLY APPRECIATE
Suspension, Oct 14, 2019
BEARING HAVE A WIRED NOISE ON FROM OF VEHICLE WHEN I GET 35 MILES OR MORE
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2019
WHILE IN MOTION,ON TWO OF MY VEHICLES A 2003 AND A 2004 FORD ESCAPE ONE CYLINDER BLEW OUT THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL PACK (#5)ON BOTH VEHICLES I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE'S A RECALL ON ? SAME TYPE OF VEHICLES MODEL ONE YEAR APART.
Power train, Sep 23, 2019
O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHES. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TRANSMISSION COLUMN SHIFTER MOVES PROPERLY IN ALL GEARS P,R,N,D,2,1 BUT VEHICLE ONLY MOVES IN REVERSE AND ENGAGES IN PARK AND NEUTRAL. VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE IN DRIVE, 2 OR 1. TRANSMISSION FLUID CONDITION AND LEVEL IS NORMAL.
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND SITTING IN HIS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ON HIS OWN, NO INJURIES OCCURRED AND NO FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. UPON INVESTIGATION THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WITH HIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A DEALER (APPLE FORD 3250 CAPE HORN RD, RED LION, PA 17356 717-429-0726) AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE/FIRE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Suspension, Jul 25, 2019
THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKE THROUGH THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. MY FATHER WAS DRIVING IT AT THE TIME. WHEN HE WENT TO ACCELERATE ON A STATE HI WAY IT PULLED VERY HARD TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, NEARLY ENDING IN A BAD WAY. I SUBSEQUENTLY TEST DROVE IT AND DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED FOR ANY RECALL INFORMATION AND FOUND THIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION. MY FATHER HAD TAKEN IT TO HIS LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS OK AS OF 2014.I NOTICED ONLY SOME MODELS WERE INCLUDED IN THE 2014 RECALL. THE SUBFRAME IN THE LEFT FRONT IS SOFT AND ROTTED OUT, WHILE THE RIGHT FRONT AND THE REAR IS IN GOOD CONDITION. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY AND FOUND NO RELIEF OR EVEN A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION WHY MY FATHER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I'M QUITE APPALLED WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S LAME EXPLANATION OF HOW VEHICLE DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. WITHOUT BEING OVERLY DRAMATIC, MY FATHER OR I COULD HAVE LOST OUR LIVES TO TO THIS RARE TYPE OF DAMAGE. THIS ESCAPE HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION FOR A 2003 FROM THE RUST BELT. I'VE OWNED DOZENS OF VEHICLES, AS HAS MY WHOLE FAMILY, WE'VE NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND IT'S NOT SUBJECT TO A RECALL. I AM HOPING OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED AS WELL IN HOPES OF SPARKING AN EXPANDED RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I INCLUDED A COUPLE OF GENERAL PICTURES FOR NOW AS THE ESCAPE IS AT A REPAIR SHOP. 2003 XLT V6 3.0 WITH AVAILABLE FULL 4X4 CAPABILITY. APPROXIMATELY 165,000 MILES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2019
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 45 MY ESCAPE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND OVERDRIVE INDICATOR SHOWED IT HAD TURNED OFF AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO ALMOST STOLL WHILE TRAFFIC WAS BEHIND ME AND BESIDE ME. I HAD TO SHIFT GEAR SHIFT UNTIL LIGHT SHOWED AGAIN THEN SHIFT IT TO DRIVE. ALSO HAD TO CLICK OVERDRIVE BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT KICKED ON. I HAD MY SISTER AND MY 2 CHILDREN 9YRS AND 10 YRS OLD IN VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENED. ALSO HAD MY VEHICLE TO START JUMPING AND SHAKING LIKE IT WAS MISSING . ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME NOW, AND AIRBAG LIGHT. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE?
Engine, Jul 19, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RANCH, SOMEONE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND FOUND THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS NOT TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,500.
Suspension, Jul 8, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED OFF CENTER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CORRECTLY STEER THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 4, 2019
FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT AND SPLIT HALF WAY ACROSS PULLS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 14S02 COMPLAINT
Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT RAISED HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 70 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 40 MPH AND QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. DUE TO DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT'S FATHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CABLE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE WAS CAUGHT IN BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. THE CONTACT'S FATHER MANEUVERED THE CABLE AND THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Structure, May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF $2,000 TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND QUOTED REPAIRS COSTS AS HIGH AS $4,800. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Air bags, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Apr 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE K FRAME WAS CORRODED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE K FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE POWER CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, AND THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,470.
Power train, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 23, 2019
THE AIR BAG STAY ON AND KEEPS BLINKING AND WON'T TURN OFF. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT, HAVING NO LUCK SO FAR.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2019
MY ESCAPE STARTED TO MISS, FIRST IT WASN'T BAD THEN STARTED JERKING AND IT STARTED IDLING ROUGH WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. WHEN I STARTED MOVING AGAIN IT ACTED AS IF IT WOULD DIE AND WOULD GO. IF I GET TO 40 MPH IT IS REALLY BAD. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON MAIN HIGHWAY WITH OTHER VEHICLES ALL AROUND ME AND HAD 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY SPEED DECREASED AND ME AND MY CHILDREN ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF DECREASE IN SPEED. IT SCARED ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN. WHEN I GOT IT LOOKED AT THE CODES SAID IT WAS MISSING ON ONE CYLINDER THEN AT ONE POINT ALL CYLINDERS.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CREATED AN ABNORMAL RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW SUBFRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,703.
Structure, Mar 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SUBFRAME WOULD RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jan 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ON ITS OWN AND COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE GEAR SELECTOR DID NOT ENGAGE IN THE SELECTED GEAR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Tires, Nov 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER M+S SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 235/70R16. WHILE DRIVING OVER 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM AROUND THE TIRE, WHICH DAMAGED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND FRACTURED THE BULB. ALSO, THE REAR BUMPER AND BODY OF THE VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. AAA ARRIVED AND REPLACED THE SHREDDED TIRE WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE REPAIR FACILITY AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO HEAR IF THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL. THE VIN AND TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
Air bags, Jul 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER (GUS JOHNSON FORD, 8300 E SPRAGUE AVE, SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99212, (509)-924-1000) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN AN AIR BAG RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 23, 2018
LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME. HIGH CORROSION AREA. SEPARATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH GOING OVER HIGHWAY BRIDGE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TIPPED OUT AND SENT VEHICLE INTO A UNCONTROLLED SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. FORD'S RECALL 14S02 CROSS BRACE PATCH WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. I DON'T BELIEVE THE INSPECTION BY FORD WAS DONE PROPERLY WHEN THEY INSTALLED THE BRACE. IF THEY HAD THEY WOULD BE REPLACING THE SUB-FRAME ALSO.
Suspension, Jul 2, 2018
CONTROL ARMS ARE IN TERRIBLE CONDITION. PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DISLOCATED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DUE TO CORROSION AND POOR MANUFACTURING. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT ON SOME ESCAPES DURING THOSE YEARS BUT SINCE MY VIN NUMBER ISNT ON THEIR RECALL LISTS FOR IT IM NOT COVERED. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT AND DO THE RIGHT THING. HOW ARE ONLY SOME OF THE FORD ESCAPES DURING THOSE YEARS COVERED FOR BAD CONTROL ARMS? PLEASE HELP AND HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE.