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.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 16, 2003
ABOUT 70% OF THE TIME, WHEN I TRY TO START UP FROM A STOP THE ACCELERATOR WILL NOT GO DOWN UNDER GRADUAL PRESSURE. I HAVE TO PUSH HARDER AND HARDER UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY JERKS DOWN AND THE CAR SURGES AHEAD AT A FAST SPEED. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING AND I TRY TO SPEED UP, THE SAME THING HAPPENS. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING ON GOOD ROADS, DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON SLIPPERY OR SNOW COVERED ROADS. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP (GERMAIN FORD OF COLUMBUS) AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS BUT HAD NO IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I HAVE JUST PUT A RANDOM DATE DOWN BECAUSE IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY THAT I DRIVE THE CAR. *LA
Tires, Oct 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TRUCK, THE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY CAME OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. *AK
Equipment, Oct 13, 2003
SIZZLING NOISE WHEN AIR CONDITION IS USED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO 2 SEPARATE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT LOCATE ANY PROBLEMS. KEARNY MESA FORD (ORIGINAL DEALER) AND NORTH COUNTY FORD BOTH CLAIM NOT TO BE ABLE TO DETECT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST!!! *LA
Tires, Equipment, Oct 6, 2003
HELLO. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW FORD ESCAPE WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES IN JUNE 2003. TIRE MODEL: CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV TIRE MODEL #: 235/70R16 WE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, WITH SIDEWALL AND TREAD SEPARATION, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND UNPLEASANT SITUATION, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE (AND TIRES) HAVE 5K MILES. THERE WAS NO LOAD OR OTHER UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE TIME. I AM WRITING FOR SEVERAL REASONS: 1. WHERE DO I OFFICIALLY REPORT SUCH AN INCIDENT AS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE? 2. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN SAFETY RATINGS REGARDING THIS TIRE IN COMPARISON TO OTHER SUV TIRES? THANK YOU, SINCERELY, JOHN W. COLE, MD DETAILS OF INCIDENT: FORD ESCAPE TIRE BLOWOUT FORD ESCAPE, PURCHASED JUNE 2003, APPROX 4900 TOTAL MILES CONTINENTAL TIRES (STOCK TIRE WITH VEHICLE) DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT: 9/25/03, 8:20 PM WIFE AND SON (10 WEEKS OLD) DRIVING EAST BOUND ON ROUTE 50, CROSSING SEVERN RIVER BRIDGE. TRAVELING AT 60 MPH IN MODERATE TRAFFIC. LOUD POP HEARD BY WIFE AND DRIVER REAR TIRE BLOWS OUT. WIFE AND INFANT SON TRAPPED AT FAR SIDE OF BRIDGE, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. POLICE CALLED, SET UP FLARES, AND NOTIFIED TOW COMPANY. TOW COMPANY STATED SUPPLIED JACK WOULD NOT LIFT THE TRUCK CHASSIS HIGH ENOUGH TO PUT ON SPARE!! TOW COMPANY USED ADDITIONAL JACK TO RAISE CHASSIS. KEY ISSUES: SUV PURCHASED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. TIRE NEW, WITH LITTLE MILEAGE. BLOWOUT OCCURS ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT REASON. TRUCK WITH NO LOAD, LESS PASSENGERS, AT THE TIME. TIRE JACK DID NOT WORK ADEQUATELY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION! IF THIS HAD OF BEEN A FRONT TIRE, VEHICLE MAY HAVE ROLLED? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2003
EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS RADIATE EXCESSIVE HEAT WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED. HEADER, MANIFOLD, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER COMBINED TEMPERATURES CAUSE SCORCHING OF GRASS WHEN PARKED IN A LOWLY-CUT, GRASSY AREA. RAMIFICATIONS COULD BE SAFETY IMPACTS TO OCCUPANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Oct 1, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (TIRE SIZE P235.70R16) . DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE BRAKES AND ROTORS FAILED WHICH CAUSED NOISE WHILE BRAKING. *AK *NLM
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2003, crash
WHILE AT A STOP WITH FOOT ON BRAKE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A BUILDING. *AK
Power train, Sep 22, 2003
WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, IT MOVED ONLY IN REVERSE, REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTION. THIS WAS ONLY REMEDIED AFTER THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. *JB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 12, 2003
THERE WAS A GROANING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP BUT IDLING. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THE STEERING PUMP AND PRESSURE LINE HAD RUPTURED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING FLUID BEING CONTAMINATED. *AK *SCC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2003
WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDERNEATH. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM VENT AREA INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE WAS A BAD SMELL. *AK
Structure, Sep 8, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN THE RAIN WATER CAMES THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FRAME. THE WATER WENT DOWN INTO THE ELECTRICAL BUTTONS ON DOOR PANEL. FORD REPLACED ALL THE RUBBER SEALS BUT IT STILL LEAKS. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2003
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER, IT IS STILL HAPPENING. NOW IT IS HAPPENING IN DRIVE AS WELL. I'VE HAD THE CAR SINCE DECEMBER 2002 AND IT HAS STALLED OUT A TOTAL OF 11 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS 8000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2003
FOIA REQUEST CYS OF ALL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN NHTSA & INTERNATIONAL ENGINE GROUP RE THE 6.0 POWERSTROKE ENGINE USED IN THE 2003 FORD F250-F550 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS & THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION. *MR *NLM *JB
Tires, Aug 27, 2003
WHILE DRIVING FORD ESCAPE 2003 SUV,THE LEFT TIRE HAD A BLOW OUT AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL(ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT,TIRE SIZEP235/70R16,DOT#UNAVAILABLE) DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Tires, Aug 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEWOUT. CONTINENTAL SUV TIRE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2003
I HAVE COMPLAINED TWICE BEFORE ABOUT MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS NOW DONE IT A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS. THE MOST UNNERVING WAS WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 15 MPH. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED AND BUCKED INTO AN INTERSECTION ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I CONTACTED THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND EXPRESSED MY SAFETY CONCERNS, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS NOT REPRODUCABLE THEY DO NOT FEEL THAT THEY ARE IN A POSITION TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. MY DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPRODUCE THE STALL AND ARE UNABLE, AS AM I. THEY HAVE PERFORMED A TSB, INSTALLED A NEW THROTTLE BODY AND A NEW CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. I NOW HAVE A VDR IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE THIRD TIME. THIS VEHICLE IS A MAJOR DANGER TO MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS AND ANYONE WHO IS AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN IT MAY STALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN I LOSE ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I DO NOT TRUST THE VEHICLE AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN IT.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2003
IN MARCH 2003 VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND ACCELERATE, MAINTAIN SPEEDS WHILE FOOT OFF THE GAS (ONCE AT 65 MPH), & SHAKE LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL. A COUPLE TIMES IT EVEN SPED UP WHILE I WAS BRAKING AT RED LIGHTS. ON 4-10-03 SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DUPLICATE SYMPTOMS SINCE THEY ARE PARTICULARLY EXAGGERATED AFTER PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. STATED THAT I COULD LEAVE IT OVERNIGHT (NO ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION OFFERED) OR WAIT UNTIL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SINCE THE CAR DID NOT FEEL SAFE, I BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHICH OFFERED ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. THE PROBLEMS SEEMED TO IMPROVE FOR A WEEK OR 2 BEFORE RETURNING, FOLLOWING EACH OF THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: 5/16/03 REPLACED THROTTLE BODY/IDLE AIR CONTROL/PCM REPROGRAMING; 6/6/03 REPAIR VACUUM TUBE/HOSE; 6/25/03 REPLACE PCM WITH NEW UPDATED PCM. TWO WEEKS LATER 7/12/03 OPERATION OF POWER LOCKS/WINDOWS, AND REAR WIPERS/DEFROST WERE GOING IN AND OUT WITH DASH ABS, BRAKE, AND BATTERY LIGHTS COMING ON CONCURRENTLY. SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONCERN UNTIL 9 DAYS LATER WHEN THEY ASKED ME TO COME GET THE VEHICLE. THE SYMPTOMS RETURNED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I STARTED THE CAR UP TO LEAVE. 7/21/03 ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. HESITATION, ACCELERATION, SHAKING, AND MAINTAINING SPEEDS, ALTHOUGH NOT AS FREQUENT, CONTINUE AND COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED BY FORD REPRESENTATIVE ON 8/4/03. I AM NOW CONTINUING TO PURSUE LEMON LAW PROCEDURES. *AK
Tires, Aug 7, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS CURRENTLY WAITING FOR AAA TO HELP WITH THE PROBLEM. CONTINENTAL, CONTITRAC SUV. *AK CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE TIRE HAD EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. SHE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS RIPPED IN A CIRCULAR TEAR. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T SUSTAIN ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE NOR DID THE VEHICLE. *PH *JB
Structure, Aug 4, 2003
WE BOUGHT MY ESCAPE XLT ON 5/26/03. ON 7/30/03, UPON EXITING MY VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FELL OFF. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. FORD WILL NOT ISSUE ME A DIFFERENT ESCAPE UNLESS WE PAID $9K TOWARDS A NEW ONE AND I'VE ONLY MADE ONE PAYMENT ON MY NEW VEHICLE. THEY SAID THEY'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE AND IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY MARKINGS IT RECEIVED FROM CONSUMER REPORTS. I FOUND THAT ON MARCH OF 2003 ANOTHER CONSUMER HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. THAT MEANS THAT WE'RE LIKELY NOT THE ONLY ONES TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN TO US, LIKE THE FORD DEALERSHIPS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE. AFTER THEY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME, THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED, BUT UPON EXAMINATION WE NOTICED A PART HAD BEEN LEFT OFF AND MY DOOR WAS DAMAGED AND SCUFFED. WE HAVE CONTACTED A LAWYER AND ARE PERSUING OUR OPTIONS. *JT
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 50/55 MPH VEHICLE DIED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES.THE COST FOR REPAIRS WERE $114.21. *AK *CB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2003
ESCAPE STALLED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. I DID HAVE A VDR IN THE VEHICLE FOR 5 WEEKS BUT IT DID NOT STALL DURING THAT TIME. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS SAFE TO TAKE IT OUT BECAUSE IT DID NOT SEEM LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DO IT AGAIN. WELL IT DID AND I LOST ALL BRAKING AND STEERING ABILITY. *PH
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 28, 2003
3 WEEKS AFTER BUYING VEHICLE IT STARTED MAKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. DEALER STATED THAT WAS NORMAL FOR A NEW CAR. *AK
Tires, Jul 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL TIRE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. *AK *TS *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. ON APRIL 17, 2003 I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN VACAVILLE WITH A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BRAKES MAKING A GRINDING NOISE (25,503 MILES). THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND CHECKED THE FRONT BRAKES. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE MEASURED THE BRAKE PADS AT ABOVE 5MM OF PAD REMAINING. THE NOISE CONTINUED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 27, 2003 (28,720 MILES). THIS TIME THEY HEARD THE NOISE AS WELL AS A BEARING NOISE. THEY MEASURED THE BRAKES AT 3MM AND TOLD ME THAT THE ROTORS MAY BE WARPED. I LEFT THE VEHICLE FOR THE BEARING REPAIR AND RECEIVED A PHONE MESSAGE (ON MY ANSWERING MACHINE) THAT THEY RE-MEASURED THAT BRAKE PADS AND FOUND THEM TO BE 2MM NOT 3MM. THEY DIDN'T MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE ROTORS. I ASKED ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL WEAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE PADS OR THE ROTORS. I CALLED MY BROTHER-IN-LAW THAT WORKS FOR FORD AND TOLD HIM ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE. HE MADE SOME PHONE CALLS AND FOUND OUT FROM ONE OF FORD'S ENGINEERS THAT THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE WEAR (BOTH PADS AND ROTORS) ON THE ESCAPE AND THE FORD FOCUS. TODAY (30,270 MILES) I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO MIDAS AND HAD A BRAKE INSPECTION. THE MIDAS EMPLOYEE SAID THAT THE ROTORS ARE WORN DOWN BELOW SPECS AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD NOT WEAR THAT QUICKLY. AS TO THE PADS HE SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL WEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE CERAMIC PADS. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN VACAVILLE WITH THIS INFORMATION. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT FORD COULD DO FOR ME ABOUT THE BRAKE ROTORS. THE INDIVIDUAL TOLD ME THAT FORD USES SOFT ALUMINUM ROTORS ON BOTH THE ESCAPE AND THE FOCUS AND THEY WEAR OUT VERY QUICKLY. MY CONCERN FOR FORD IS THAT IF THEY USE SUBSTANDARD EQUIPMENT AND DO NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED, ARE THEY NOT OPENING THEMSELVES UP TO A LAW SUIT IF THEIR "SOFT ROTORS" FAIL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2003
2003 FORD ESCAPE V-6 AUTOMATIC VEHICLE STALLED ON FREEWAY FOR NO REASON. *AK