Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2003 Ford Escape — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2007 to Dec 2014
The most reported issue is vehicle speed control problems (71 complaints). 44 complaints involved crashes. 29 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 15V606000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15E045000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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.
Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V165000
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
Risk: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V353000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 07V156000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V574000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Risk: AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA Campaign: 07E023000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V602000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
Risk: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V165000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Risk: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 598)
Suspension →5 issues
Your vehicle felt unstable and like it was swaying while driving. After taking it to a mechanic, you were told you needed lower control arm and links replaced. While driving to work after ordering parts, you heard a loud pop, and the vehicle suddenly dropped down and had to be towed home. You discovered Ford issued a recall (14S02) for the same problem on your vehicle's year, make, and model, but your VIN doesn't show the recall as applicable.
Parts you may need:
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While driving on a bumpy dirt road, your steering wheel suddenly stopped working because the sub-frame broke. Your mechanic says replacing the sub-frame will cost about $1,000. At 124,000 miles, the frame fractured from normal driving conditions, which is concerning since a structural failure like this can make the vehicle unsafe to drive. The repair will require removing and replacing the broken sub-frame component.
Parts you may need:
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While replacing the control arms on your 2003 Ford Escape, you may discover severe corrosion on the passenger side, causing the control arm to barely stay attached. A flat stabilizer bar connecting both sides has become non-functional because its mounting bolt has corroded away and has nothing to secure it to. This corrosion issue persists despite what appears to be an earlier design change intended to address it, and repairs may be costly.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's lower control arms are corroded and need replacement, but you're not covered by recall #14S02 because Virginia was excluded from that recall campaign. Driving with corroded control arms is considered unsafe, but the replacement cost is very high relative to your vehicle's value. The repair will involve replacing both lower control arms and their ball joints.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's front subframe—the part that supports your engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and brakes—can develop corrosion over time. According to Ford, severe corrosion can cause a suspension control arm to separate from the subframe, which would prevent your wheel from staying properly in place. You'll need to have the corroded subframe and control arm inspected and replaced by a mechanic to restore safe suspension function.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →4 issues
Your car's transmission is moving forward instead of backward when you shift into reverse gear. This is a serious safety issue—you had to have people manually help push your car to prevent it from hitting a wall. Your car needs immediate transmission inspection and repair before driving it again.
Parts you may need:
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While driving on a highway and accelerating, your Escape jerked and kicked, then wouldn't move forward. The transmission gears were slipping and not engaging properly, and you noticed increased fuel consumption. A mechanic diagnosed that the transmission can only use 1st and 2nd gears—4th gear is not working—which prevents normal driving. Fixing the transmission will require a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Your shifter cables, which control the gear selection from Park to Drive, have failed twice and needed replacement. When the indicator on your dashboard isn't properly aligned on the P (Park) position when you turn off the engine, you won't be able to remove your key from the ignition. This fix will likely involve replacing the shifter cable and checking the shift linkage adjustment.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2003 Ford Escape stalled suddenly while driving at 25 mph without any warning signs. An independent mechanic determined the transmission needs to be replaced. This issue may be related to known Ford transmission problems affecting this model year.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →1 issue
You were in a rear-end collision that totaled your 2003 Ford Escape, but none of the airbags deployed during the crash. You're experiencing neck pain and spasms from whiplash and are wondering why no airbags inflated. A mechanic would need to diagnose whether the airbag sensors failed to detect the impact or if there's a problem with the airbag system itself.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
While driving at about 35 mph, you noticed smoke coming from under the hood of your 2003 Ford Escape. You pulled over and fire broke out from under the hood, which you had to extinguish yourself before the fire department arrived. No warning lights came on before this happened. The vehicle was towed and inspected but not repaired, and the exact cause wasn't identified in the complaint.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
While driving on the interstate, your gas pedal became stuck and your car accelerated rapidly. When you tried to slow down using the brakes and emergency brake, they didn't work effectively. You discovered there was a recall for this issue that the previous owner supposedly addressed, but the problem has recurred under your ownership, suggesting the repair may not have been done correctly.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your 2003 Ford Escape caught fire while you were parking in your driveway, with smoke appearing first. When you opened the hood, flames were visible, and you used a water hose to put out the fire. The ABS module connector and wires had melted from the heat. This repair will likely require replacement of the ABS module, wiring harness, and possibly other heat-damaged components in the braking system.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,engine →1 issue
While driving for work, your car suddenly started having trouble idling and wouldn't stay running smoothly. The ignition switch flickered on and off repeatedly, and your engine appears to be misfiring or running roughly. This could indicate an ignition switch problem or an engine misfire issue that needs diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →1 issue
Your front passenger wheel pulls outward when turning, braking, or accelerating, causing your vehicle to veer to the right. The dealer found that the front passenger control arm has partially detached due to severe rust on the front subframe, which needs complete replacement. This issue is related to a known recall, but the rust damage is more extensive than the original recall fix covers, so the repair hasn't been completed yet.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes, Air,electrical System →1 issue
Your 2003 Ford Escape started smoking while driving, but no warning lights came on to alert you to the problem. An independent mechanic told you that the ABS module and its wiring harness were causing the issue and needed replacement. The smoking stopped after you disconnected the battery, but the underlying electrical problem wasn't repaired. Fixing this will likely require replacing the ABS module and repairing or replacing the wiring harness connected to it.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,power Train,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
While driving on the interstate, your transmission suddenly downshifts without warning, and your truck has stopped moving forward in Drive at a red light. Even after replacing the neutral safety switch and position sensor, the problem persists. This likely involves a transmission control issue that may require diagnostics to identify why the transmission isn't responding properly despite the sensor replacements.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,electrical System →1 issue
Since purchasing your 2003 Ford Escape, you've had to replace the alternator 5 times, the neutral safety switch 3 times, and experienced repeated transmission problems. Your transmission issues appear similar to those covered under a recall, though your car is just one month newer than the recalled vehicles. Resolving this may require transmission repair or replacement, along with diagnosis of the electrical charging system.
Parts you may need:
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Wheels,service Brakes →1 issue
You purchased brake drums for your back wheels, but they still don't work properly even after installation. A mechanic told you to contact the dealer to resolve the issue. You may need the brake drums inspected or replaced, and the brake system may need professional adjustment or further diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
You never received a recall notice letter from Ford for your vehicle, despite there being an open recall. You were involved in a crash, though it's unclear if the recall issue was related to the incident.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
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