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.
Structure, Jul 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARK THOMAS FORD (LOCATED AT 3098 ELM RD EXT NE CORTLAND, OH 44410) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: CAS13677317. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,522.
Steering, Structure, Jul 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE AND THERE WAS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (ARLINGTON HEIGHTS FORD LOCATED AT 801 W DUNDEE RD ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004, 888 481-8607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A BRACE. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (FOX FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 2501 N ELSTON AVE CHICAGO, IL 60647 773-687-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: CASDASH12577845 AND CAS12593478. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Electrical system, May 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING MORE THAN ONCE. THE RPMS RACED AND, AT TIMES, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD BECOME DIM UPON EXPERIENCING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR INTERNAL FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THESE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE RECALL DETAILS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *JS
Suspension, May 16, 2017
2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 REAR FRAME RUSTS CAUSING CONTROL ARM BRACKET TO RIP FRONT THE FRAME. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAME UP TO A STOP LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP GOT OUT AND LOOKED TOO SEE THE FRAME HAD RUSTED ALLOWING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TO RIP THE BRACKET FROM THE FRAME.
Structure, May 1, 2017
MY FATHER TOOK MY ESCAPE TO HAVE THE BRAKES ASSESSED AND WHILE IT WAS UP ON THE LIFT, THE OWNER OF THE SERVICE STATION MADE MENTION TO THE EXCESSIVE, ABNORMAL RUST IN THE CHASSIS. HE STATED THAT THE CONDITION OF THE CHASSIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THAT THE SUPPORT ARM, THAT WAS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL #14V165000 AND 14S02, IS ATTACHED TO RUST AND NOT SUPPORTING ANYTHING TO MAKE THE TRUCK SAFE. I HAVE TRIED A NUMBER OF TIMES TO ASK FOR HELP FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY. THIS TRUCK WAS WELL CARED FOR AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE IN GREAT WORKING ORDER. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE RUST ISSUE, THE TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. UNDERTAKING A NEW CAR PAYMENT WOULD BE A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD AT THIS TIME. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING THAT A LARGE CORPORATION SUCH AS FORD MANUFACTURED A SUBSTANDARD VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD RATHER ITS CUSTOMER(S) DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR THAN MAINTAIN RESPONSIBILITY AND OFFER SOME KIND OF ASSISTANCE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2017, fire
MY VEHICLE WAS SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON 4/14/2017 AND THE NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON MY DOOR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT TO AVOID THE FIRE FROM REACHING THE GAS TANK AND ALSO SPRAYING THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE TO TRY TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING THE SIDING ON FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW UP SO HE DROPPED THE HOSE AND RAN.WHEN THE FIRE DEPT GOT HERE IT HAD ALREADY BURNED MY VEHICLE ALL THE WAY UP AND MELTED THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE. THE FIRE CHIEF WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE OF THE WAY EVERYTHING WAS BURNED! NOTHING WAS LEFT BUT THE 2 REAR TIRES AND WHEELS AND THE 2 BACK TAIL LIGHT LENS. I HAD DROVE IT 2 1/2 HRS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED SO THE MOTOR WAS ALREADY COOLED OFF! I'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT NONE TO BE FOUND ON THIS YR MODEL. I ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH RECALL CENTER AND WITH FORD MOTOR CORPORATION.ALL THEY SAID WAS I WOULD RECEIVE THE REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT 15 DAYS. IT'S BEEN 11 DAYS NOW AND STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING! COMPLAINT #: 10978773 (FORD CORP) FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT #: 17-1703168....KEITH FITCH. FIRE CHIEF...
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY NEAR THE CONTROL ARM, WAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT IT FAILED INSPECTION. ALSO, THE VEHICLE'S RPM MONITOR FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 0-5, FAILING TO CORRECTLY INDICATE AN INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REV UP WITHOUT THE CONTACT PURPOSELY CAUSING AN INCREASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,310. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2017
I HAVE A 2003 ESCAPE THAT HAS A INTERESTING PROBLEM WITH THE REAR HATCH. WHEN IT IS HOT OUT SIDE OR THE SUN IS SHINNING ON THE REAR HATCH THE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK,ALL THE OTHER DOORS DO. WHEN IT GETS DARK OR THE DOOR COOL DOWN THE NIT WILL UNLOCK WITH THE REST OF THE DOORS. OUR REAR HATCH. INTERMITTENTLY WORKING AND THEN NOT WORKING AT ALL. AFTER LOOKING IN THE SEARCH ENGINE ON THIS FORUM, UNDER "REAR HATCH WON'T OPEN" I FOUND A POSTING LISTING THE PART # FOR THE SOLENOID ONLY, FROM AN AFTERMARKET SOURCE. (FORD MAKES YOU BUY THE WHOLE HANDLE AND ACTUATOR ASSY. FOR $200 OR SO). THE SOLENOID WAS $10 PLUS SHIPPING. INSTALLATION WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD EXCEPT THE ROD THAT CONNECTS THE SOLENOID TO THE MECHANISM NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED AND THE WIRES SPLICED INSTEAD OF THE MODULAR PLUG ON THE STOCK ONE. IF YOUR NOT THAT MECHANICAL, YOU MAY WANT THE DEALERSHIP TO DO IT , BUT IF YOU HAVE SOME SKILLS, YOU CAN SAVE A LOT OF MONEY! (IF FORD HAD PUT A FREAKING KEY HOLE ON THE REAR HATCH IT WOULDN'T BE SUCH A BIG DEAL) SEARCH THE THREADS AND YOU WILL FIND THE POST FOR THE PART. HOPE THIS HELPS.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2017
WE HAD A RECALL DONE FOR THE FRAME ON OUR 2003 FORD ESCAPE IN APRIL, 2014. ON MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON EXCELSIOR BLVD (ABOUT A 40 MPH ROAD) AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND COULD HARDLY STEER. WE HAD IT TOWED TO METROPOLITAN FORD IN EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA AND TO FIND OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS BROKE. THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. THEY REPLACED IT AND COST US $1,300.00 WE FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THIS SINCE THE DAMAGE WAS FROM THE RECALL THAT THEY HAD DONE.
Engine, Apr 17, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE A NEIGHBOR ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE REASON FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2017
LEFT REAR HATCH WINDOW BOLT BROKE OFF UPON OPENING. WINDOW FELL DOWN BUT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT FELL. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN MY DRIVEWAY.
Structure, Mar 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THAT WHEN DRIVING IT FELT ABNORMAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED TWO YEARS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Structure, Mar 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY VEERED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S HOME WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACKED SUBFRAME DUE TO EXTREME CORROSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Air bags, Feb 3, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON FOR AWHILE ,SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT GO OFF TILL I TURN THE CAR OFF
Structure, Jan 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DROVE ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) PRIOR TO BEING PURCHASED. THE ONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD CORRODED WHERE THE SUPPORT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED FROM THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. ..UPDATED 02/09/17 *BF
Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2016
THERE IS A REGIONAL RECALL #14S02 REF# 14V165000. THE RECALL IS FOR THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CORROSION. THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING IS CONNECTED. I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. I WAS DOING A COMPLETE REPAIR MYSELF OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS TO REMEDY THE STEERING ISSUE AND IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR, I REPAIRED THE DRIVERS SIDE BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY ISSUES BUT WHEN I TOOK THE WHEEL OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE I SAW THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AT THE POINT I MENTIONED EARLIER. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE RUST OUT LIKE THIS AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VEHICLES MY WHOLE LIFE. WHEN I CALLED THE FORD RECALL HOTLINE, THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. BUT THE RECALL GOES FROM OCT. 1999 TO JAN 2004 AND I HAVE A 2003. THE ONLY THING I CAN FIGURE IS THAT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY SOLD IN A STATE THAT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL? BUT I PURCHASED IT OFF SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN OHIO AND THEY DEFINATELY HAD IT UP HERE DUE TO THE RUST THAT HAS FORMED. PLEASE HELP ME!! THE ATTACHED PIC SHOWS THE RUSTED AREA, PIC #3 SHOWS WITH A NEW LOWER CONTROL ARM HELD IN PLACE TO GIVE AN IDEA OF THE AREA AFFECTED. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE AUTO PULLS SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT IF TURNED A LITTLE BIT OR SHARPLY TO LEFT TURNING LEFT EASILY. MY NEW TIRES ARE ALSO WORN FROM THIS ISSUE.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 1, 2016
MY 17-YEAR-OLD SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME FROM WORK AND AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE CAR SEVERELY JERKS TO THE RIGHT. HE ALMOST WENT OFF OF THE ROAD. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC AND WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AND SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM AND WE WOULD NEED A BRACE TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE MECHANIC SAID WHEN HE TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE THE STEERING WHEEL IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND HE ALMOST HIT A MAILBOX WHEN THE CAR JERKED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN INVESTIGATING HOW TO GET A USED PART I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE (FORD RECALL #14S02). MY CAR FITS THE SAME MODEL YEAR AND PURCHASE/REGISTRATION LOCATIONS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT FORD REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL. CURRENTLY WE ARE COMPLETELY UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY SON AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD FOR THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN. HAD MY SON BEEN DRIVING FASTER WHEN THIS HAPPENED THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. UPON EXITING A PARKING AREA, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SUSPENSION VIBRATION NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SUBFRAME FRACTURED AND IMPACTED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT AND A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE FACT THAT THERE HAD BEEN PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNDERBODY, SUBFRAME, AND THE BAR THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN FOR THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) AND 15E045000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER SECURING THE SEAT BELT, THE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,800.
Structure, Nov 7, 2016
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STARTED MAKING NOISE AND GOT WOBBLY. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOOK A DAY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE NOT SECURE IN THE SUB-FRAME AND MAY SEPARATE ANYTIME. THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS PER THE RECALL SAYING THAT THEY PUT A CROSS BRACE AND THE RECALL IS FIXED. THE CROSS BRACE THAT WAS PUT, IS A BAND-AID FIX AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE FAILURE OF THE DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAME. THE SUB-FRAME WILL FAIL EVEN AFTER INSTALLING THE CROSS BRACE THAT FORD SEEMS TO THINK WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL SEPARATE AND THE CROSS BRACE WILL NOT PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 2, 2016, crash
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE WAS GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE JUST BUCKLED UNDER WHILE HE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY HE WASN'T ON A HEAVILY-TRAVELED ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED, BECAUSE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, IS NOT PART OF RECALL #14S02. WHY, I DON'T KNOW? NO ONE AT FORD CAN EXPLAIN THIS TO ME, AS IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL/YEAR. WE HAD IT REPAIRED AT GREAT COST TO US, WITH EXACTLY THE PARTS/LABOR THAT FORD HAD BEEN DESCRIBING IN THE RECALL. OUR MECHANIC EVEN GOT THE REPLACEMENT CROSSMEMBER FROM FORD! FORD THEMSELVES WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND CROSSMEMBER, THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY, AS THEY WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED FROM THE FRAME FAILURE. I WOULD REALLY LIKE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, WHEN THE RECALL DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Oct 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 33 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS RUSTED AND TWISTED OUTWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE REAR CONTROL ARM TO ALMOST FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2016
I PULLED INTO WORK AT 7:00 AM 9/15/16 AND AT 9:00 AM A FELLOW WORKING TOLD BE MY WINDOW WAS BLOWN OUT. IT LOOK LIKE IT BLEW FROM THE INSIDE OUT.