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.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 30, 2014
I AM WRITING ABOUT A RECALL FOR MY FORD ESCAPE. THIS RECALL INCLUDED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND THE SUBFRAME. THEY WERE BEING RECALLED FOR CORROSION ON THE CONTROL ARMS AND IF SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME IT COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT STEERING LOSS AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND INCREASING CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FIX, THEY INSTALLED A REINFORCEMENT PART AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. AFTER THIS, SLOWLY, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED BECOMING COCK-EYED. AFTER DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR A FEW DAYS,I NOTICED THAT AFTER I TAKE A LEFT TURN THE CAR WOULD JERK AS THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENED. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT FIXED THE RECALL, SINCE THE RECALL CLEARLY STATED THAT IT COULD LOSE STEERING CONTROL AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN, THINKING THAT HE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY OR SOMETHING ELSE TO DO WITH THE RECALL IS FAILING. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. AND THAT IT WOULD COST 1800 DOLLARS TO FIX. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE STEERING IS EFFECTED, THEY SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME WASN'T INCLUDED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL DOCUMENTS ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SEVERAL OF THEM STATE THAT THE SUBFRAME IS INCLUDED. SO I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDED THE SUBFRAME IF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM IT BEFORE THE RECALL WAS FIXED NOT AFTER. I THINK THIS IS SO UNFAIR, SINCE CLEARLY THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED WHEN THEY DID THE RECALL FIX. THEY HAD TO HAVE SEEN THAT, JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T SEPARATED AT THE TIME DOESN'T MEAN IT SHOULDN'T BE INCLUDED. ANYWAY, I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO MY OWN MECHANIC WHO CAN FIX IT FOR ALOT LESS, BUT IT IS STILL COSTING ME 1400 DOLLARS!! I CAN'T AFFORD IT, CAN SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS, I THINK IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE, AND THAT THE SUB FRAME SHOULD BE INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP, THANKS. RECALL 14S02. *TR
Steering, Jul 24, 2014
HI, I TOOK MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A RECALL FIXED AND SINCE THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAS GOTTEN WORSE, THE RECALL WAS FOR A STEERING STABILIZER AND MY STEERING HAS GOTTEN MORE WOBBLY....I HAVE EMAIL BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPANY AND SO FAR NOTHING AND THAT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JUNE. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Jul 23, 2014
THE ENCLOSED FORM WITH THE THINGS FIXED SHOULD HELP. I WAS TURNING AND THE WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT SO NOTHING WAS HIT OR HURT. *TR
Structure, Jul 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE FELT HER VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. UPDATED 9/19/14*CN UPDATED 2/20/2015 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK, I HAVE USED MY SPEED CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF 75 TO 80 AND HAVE THE SPEED INCREASE WITH NO INPUT FROM ME. THE SPEEDS HAVE GOTTEN UP TO 90 BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO DISENGAGE AND THIS IS ONLY AFTER NUMEROUS HARD INPUTS ON BRAKE PEDAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THIS PROBLEM IS AFTER I HAD THE REPAIR DONE PER RECALL12V-353. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 8/17/13, MILEAGE AT REPAIR WAS167,183. THIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL BEFORE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. AS OF NOW 7/10/14 IT IS IN REPAIR SHOP TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. APPR. 186890 MILES ON VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 9, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND IT WAS STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED NEAR THE ABS BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,063.
Suspension, Jul 7, 2014
MY ESCAPE IS PART OF THE HHTSA 14V-165 RECALL. FORD DEALER INSPECTED SUSPENSION/SUB FRAME AREA ON 6/11/2014 AND DETERMINED IT WAS BAD. HOLE SIZE WAS APPROX. 3INX6IN. SERVICE MAN SAID HE WAS ONLY AUTHORIZED TO PUT ON CROSS BRACE BUT ALSO SAID HE WOULD TALK TO REP ABOUT REPLACING SUB FRAME. HE AND I BOTH TOOK PICTURES. I DID NOT FEEL SAFE AFTER SEEING THE FLIMSY CROSS BRACE INSTALLED DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHERE IT BOLTS ON WAS WHERE A MAJORITY OF RUST IS. HE EVEN SAID HE WOULDN'T WANT TO BE DRIVING VEHICLE. AFTER 3 1/2 WEEKS STILL CAN NOT GET AN ANSWER IF THEY WILL REPLACE THE BAD PART. IF SUBFRAME BREAKS THE CROSS BRACE AREA WILL NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF VEHICLE. *JS
Service brakes, Jul 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AFTER THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 127,000.
Steering, Structure, Jun 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUBFRAME BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA AND ALSO BECAME BENT. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ALSO FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure, Engine, Jun 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FIRST TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE CRADLE CROSS MEMBER BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Suspension, Jun 23, 2014
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (LOWER CONTROL ARM CORROSION); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. JCC UPDATED 08/19/14*LJ UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT
Steering, Suspension, Jun 17, 2014
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A FORD DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME FOR MY REPAIRS. MIKE CASTRUCCI ST. RT.28 MILFORD,OHIO 45150. *TR
Steering, Jun 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTICE 14V165000 (STEERING) IN MAY 2014 AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.
Suspension, Jun 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AND CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED FOR TWO MONTHS HOWEVER, ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Jun 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V165000 (LOWER CONTROL ARM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE WAS INSTALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS-BRACE WAS NOT WORKING FOR HIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS BEING COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCHES AND LOCKS ON THREE OF THE DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS THE ONLY DOOR THAT WAS OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Suspension, Air bags, Jun 6, 2014, crash
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS FOUR LANES, ROLLED OVER TWICE, LANDED INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN VERTEBRAE, AND LACERATIONS TO HER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Air bags, Jun 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000...UPDATED 08/11/14 *CN
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 3, 2014
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON, HAD FORD DEALER CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM, INFORM OF THE DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELTS HARNESS IS NOT WORKING UP TO STANDER. IF I GOT INTO A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT HOLD ME BACK. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, May 30, 2014
MY CAR IS A PART OF A RECALL FOR RUST AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUT I THINK THAT SCOPE IS TOO NARROW. MY ESCAPE HAS RUSTED WHEEL WELLS AND A RUSTED GAS TANK COVER THAT I CAN SEE. I HAVE ALSO READY HAD TO REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FOR RUST, ALONG WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND ALL OF ITS PARTS, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ALL PARTS OF THE OIL PAN. ALL OF THIS IS DUE TO RUST. THIS WAS AT THE MILEAGE OF 58,465. I STILL HAVE LESS THAN 80,000 MILES BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR THE 90 MILES FROM MY HOME TO THE JERSEY SHORE. *TR
Suspension, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE SUB FRAME, WHICH HAD EXTENSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, THE SUB FRAME AND THE CV JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Suspension, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Structure, May 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Air bags, May 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE SEAT OCCUPANT WAS UTILIZING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 230,907. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. UPDATED 09/12/2014 *JS
Suspension, Structure, May 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V165000 (SUSPENSION-LOWER CONTROL ARM REGIONAL) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE RUST HOLES ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRAME AND MADE AN INTERIM REPAIR, WHICH INCLUDED ATTACHING A CROSS MEMBER AND SUPPORT BAR TO THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A TURN WHEN THE LOUD, POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MULTIPLE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,716.