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.
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Jul 13, 2005
I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, A WHINING AND CLUNKING NOICE COULD BE HEARD. ALSO, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T START. AT FIRST FORD CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG REGARDING THE CLUNKING. I THEN REMINDED THEM ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS REGARDING THE 2004 MODELS. THEN THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED A SOLEONID. THE START PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SO DOES THE CLUNKING NOISE. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. YESTERDAY, IT ACCELLERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK, FORM REVERSE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS HE IS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE NEWS JUST DESCRIBED ANOTHER FORD PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELLERATION. I THINK THIS IS WHAT IS AFFECTING MY CAR.
Air bags, Jul 8, 2005, crash
POTENTIAL SAFETY DEFECT IN THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER DID NOT STATE IF HE WAS INJURED. *JB
Visibility, Jul 2, 2005
SITTING IN VEHICLE IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND HEARD LOUD POP SOUND. I NOTICED THE REAR WINDOW HAD SHATTERED. I LATER CONCLUDED THAT THE REAR WINDOW SHOCKS HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED THE REAR WINDOW.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
I HEARD CNN'S REPORT ON FORD'S THAT COULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FIRE DUE TO A HOT WIRED CRUISE CONTROL ON MANY FORDS.THEY CAN GO ON FIRE EVEN WHEN NOT RUNNING, PERHAPS IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER, I HAVE CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE OWN THESE CARS TO BE SAFE?
Air bags, Jun 11, 2005
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR ASOLUTELY NO REASON WHATSOEVER. WE WERE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOAD POP. I THOUGHT WE HAD A BLOWOUT UNTIL I SAW MY WIFE SITTING IN THE SEAT IN PAIN. FOR A WHILE SHE COULDN'T EVEN MOVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WE HEADED HOME IMMEDIATELY, BY THE TIME WE MADE IT HOME SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AGAIN. BEING A SATURDAY THERE WASN'T ANYONE TO CALL. I WILL BE CALLING FORD FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.
Tires, Jun 8, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. SHE STATES VEHICLE HAD A FLAT TIRE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD HER THAT TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. HAS PURCHASED ONE NEW TIRE, BUT SHE WAS GOING TO PURCHASE THE OTHER NEW TIRES TOMORROW.*AK
Tires, Jun 3, 2005
DT: THE TIRES SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON TWO DIFFERENT TIRES ON PASSENGER'S REAR TIRE.. WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. CALLER HAS NOT CALLED DEALER OR MANUFACTURER YET. A RECALL ON A SIMILAR TIRE BUT NOT ON THESE TIRES. TIRE SIZE P235/70R16.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2005
THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2003) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE ON 6/17/04 AT 17,301 MILES BY LATHAM FORD IN LATHAM, NY AND ON 12/17/04 AT 33,213 MILES BY NEMER FORD IN QUEENSBURY, NY. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. BOTH TIMES THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO NEW COUNTRY FORD YESTERDAY (6/1/05) BECAUSE THE KEY TURNS, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMES ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, BOB, SAID THE MECHANIC IS STILL LOOKING AT THE CAR AND APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BROKEN AGAIN, BUT HE THINKS SOMETHING ELSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE THE PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS BROKEN I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THE MALFUNCTIONING PIECE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO FAIL THE FIRST TWO TIMES (MEANING THAT THOSE MECHANICS MISSED THE BIG PROBLEM).
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, May 18, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2005
THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MOLD IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDESNER UNIT.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2005
THE PRESENT IS IN REFERENCE TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE 2003 FORD ESCAPE. I PURCHASED THIS SAID VEHICLE ON MAY 05, 2004, WHICH WAS SOLD TO ME AS A DEMO. SINCE THEN I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT YET HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED DUE TO THE FACT, THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ITS SOURCE. SINCE AUGUST 2004 I'VE BEEN REPORTING THAT WHEN MY CAR SITS FOR A WHILE EITHER IN THE MORNING OR IN THE AFTERNOON IT GIVES ME A HARD TIME TO START UP, THIS IS NOT A SEQUENCE LIKE PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT WITHOUT FINDING THE PROBLEM IT CAN'T BE DIAGNOSED, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND I CAN'T AFFORD BEING IN THE DEALER ALL THE TIME MISSING HOURS OF WORK WITHOUT PAY AND ALSO STAYING WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. NOT TO MENTION THAT I'M HAVING EXTRA EXPENSES WITH THE VEHICLE THAT I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD AND ALSO MANAGE TO PAY FOR THE CAR MONTHLY. BEING THAT ALL MY EFFORTS HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS I RESORT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS. ON FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2005, I SPOKE TO MR. ESCOBAR WHICH IS A TECHNICIAN FROM PUERTO RICO AND HE ARRANGED THAT ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2005 I LEAVE MY VEHICLE ON THE PREMISES OF METRO MOTORS OVERNIGHT AND THEY WOULD PROVIDE ME WITH A LONER FOR THE TIME BEING. MANAGEMENT CHANGED THE DATES AND MY CAR STAYED ON THE DEALERS PREMISES ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2005 TIL MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2005. YET STILL NO PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND. THANKS GOD I HAVEN'T HAD NO ACCIDENTS BUT I WOULD REALLY WANT TO FIND OUT WHATS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM FOR MY OWN SAFETY.
Electrical system, May 16, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ALONG WITH DARK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. VEHICLE HESITATED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LANE, A TURN LANE LEADING INTO AN OFFICE PARK. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CALL HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE THAT FORD DEALER USES IN AREA, THEY EVENTUALLY SENT A TOW SERVICE THAT COULD NOT TOW BECAUSE 2 PEOPLE WERE ALREADY IN THE CAB. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER BACK AND DEALER GAVE NAME AND NUMBER OF ANOTHER TOW SERVICE THAT BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD COMPUTER WAS THE PROBLEM OF THE HESITATION. *TT
Power train, May 11, 2005
ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN ON 96 EAST IN MICHIGAN. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 85 MPH AND REALIZED MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT STUCK OF FORD FOCUS SE MY2003. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD AT THAT TIME. SO I STOPPED MY CAR (WHILE ENGINE WAS STILL ROARING HEAVILY), PUT IT INTO THE NEUTRAL & KEY OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER I KEY ON, PROBLEM DISAPPEARED.
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Wheels, May 7, 2005, crash, fire
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 21, 2005
WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR TWO DAYS OR MORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE LOUD GRAINING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT WAS THE NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THAT VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSTRUCTED THE CONSUMER TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES THAT WOULD HELP REMOVED THE EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Apr 6, 2005
THE CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE PADS SEPARATED, AND THAT WAS WHY SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE PARKING BRAKES FROZE ONCE THE BRAKES WERE ON AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT GETTING UNDER THE VEHICLE TO PULL THE CABLE. *AK *SC
Power train, Mar 24, 2005
INCIDENT: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ON 9 MARCH MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE (XLT) FAILED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING EXCEPT AS I DROVE THAT MORNING THE CAR SEEMED NOT TO WANT TO GO FORWARD. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO BRING THE CAR TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. TO DATE, THE REASON OR CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2005
LTR TO FORD CONCERNING A SAFETY DEFECT RE DEFECTIVE WIRING OF THE SIDE AIRBAGS IN 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FAULTY AIR BAG WIRING. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. WHEN THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE DEALER REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THE FAULTY WIRING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 200 MILES OVER THE 50000 MILE WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE MILEAGE WHILE WAITING FOR THE RECALLED PART TO ARRIVE. *NM
Air bags, Mar 15, 2005, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION IN HIS 2003 FORD ESCAPE. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6 SIX OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB
Air bags, Mar 1, 2005
THE AIR BAG CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ON, AND HAD BEEN REPAIRED 6 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IF HER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 11, 2005
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY HARDENED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND THE BRAKES BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY DRIVING UNDER THESE MOUNTAINOUS CONDITIONS. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HAS HAD THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2005, crash
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V165000, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SWERVED TO MISS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND STRUCK A TREE. CONSUMER MENTIONED THE ENGINE STALLING. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2005
CONSUMER WANTS TO BE SURE THAT HE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *BF THE RECALL IS IN REFERENCE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION. *NM
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
I HAVE A FORD TAURUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 41,900 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHUDDERING AND SKIPPING BADLY AT TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE AUTO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I ASKED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT IS EXTREMELY ODD THAT AT 41,900 MILES ANY VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS SHOULD QUALIFY AS A DEFECT. BUT FORD SAID SINCE THE AUTO WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WERE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ASSIST. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2005, crash
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A 4 LANE URBAN STREET (ON A RAINY DAY) AND APPROACHED AS "S" CURVE. I LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN AND THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING FORWARD AND SLID INTO THE NEXT LANE TO THE LEFT. NOT REALIZING WHAT WAS GOING ON, I GENTLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AND SLID TWO LANES TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN, MADE A 90 DEGREE TURN AND CROSSED ALL 4 LANES AND HIT A CONCRETE ABUTMENT, GOING UP THE ABUTMENT UNTIL I THOUGHT THE CAR WOULD GO OVER IT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THEN THE CAR CAME DOWN FROM THE ABUTMENT, SLID BACKWARDS SO THE REAR END THEN HIT THE ABUTMENT AND THEN THE CAR FLEW ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE FOUR LANES WHERE IT STOPPED, FACING TRAFFIC. ONLY BECAUSE OF GOOD LUCK AND IT BEING EARLY IN THE MORNING DID THE CAR HIT NO OTHER VEHICLES. THE DAMAGE EXCEEDED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. JUST LAST WEEK I RECEIVED THE RECALL ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP (OVER 7 WEEKS LATER) AND WILL THEN GO TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE CABLE REPLACED. HOWEVER, MY CAR'S VALUE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY PLUMMETED. I WILL PURSUE THIS WITH FORD.*AK