- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Ford Escape Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 598 complaints about the 2003 Ford Escape with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (128) and the suspension (92). Those complaints describe 44 crashes, 29 fires and 32 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in September 2015 for the floor shift. For comparison, the 2002 has 1,070 and the 2004 has 499.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Escape year, for its age
#24 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 598
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 44
- Fires
- 29
- Injuries
- 32
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Ford Escape problems
Share of all 598 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Ford Escape recalls 9
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles built with 3.0L v6 engines, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
- The risk
- An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 10, 2005. Owners should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
- The risk
- Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
- The 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.
What owners say
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598 complaints about the 2003 Ford Escape
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 24.
I was doordashing as it's my job and all of sudden my car starts not idling won't stay off od off switch that switch stayed consistently flickered either the engine or transmission is slipping or misfiring
Never received a recall letter or notice
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slightly veer to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side control arm had slightly detached. The dealer informed the contact the failure was a result of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure) and the vehicle was included; however, the fix needed exceeded the repair stated...
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in the recall remedy. The dealer diagnosed that the front subframe was extremely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened. The contact was also referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The owner disconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the owner that the ABS module and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and links to take care of the problem. After ordering parts, the vehicle, while driving to work, a loud popping sound was heard and then the vehicle dropped down and had to be towed home (thank God this didn't happen on the expressway). I then looked up any recalls on this vehicle and low and behold there was a recall on this year, make and model car BUT not on this VIN...
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number (Ford's number for this recall is 14S02. Recall date 2014-04-02 Recall no.14V165000). This vehicle suddenly and dangerously broke down from this same problem, and has the same issue that was recalled by Ford on this make, model and year described in their recall (14S02) but the VIN number seems to say otherwise when I looked it up. This needs to be investgated before this happens to someone while driving in snow or rainy condtions or while driving on the expressway. Please investigate!
I had a rear end at fault collision that totaled my 2003 Ford Escape on Dec.19, 2021....not one air bag deflated (yes I was at fault) because I was the one whom ran into the back of a jeep.....I'm having neck pain and spasms from whiplash, just curious whu not 1 airbG in the whole car deflated?
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact's nephew stated while driving approximately 35 mph, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and fire started coming from under the hood. The fire department was called out however, the fire was extinguished before they arrived. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's sister's residence. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
I was recently driving on the interstate and the gas pedal got stuck so the car started speeding up very fast and the brakes and emergency brake would not make it slow down. After this i found out there was a recall about this problem and it says the previous owner of the vehicle fixed it but it's happened while i owned it so i don't think it was fixed correctly.
Driving down the interstate coming from georgia, it would downshift suddenly without warning. I have not been able to drive it in about 4 months.I thought I had everything repaired, then my truck stopped pulling in drive at a red light. My safety neutral switch is brand new and the position sensor. 10/12/2020 When problem arose after replacing sensors 02/09/2021 any ideas why it is doing this?
I have a 2003 ford escape and I have had to replace 2 of the shifter cables. The cables to allow the truck to go from prnd12.On the dashboard if the black bold square isn't around the p when I turn off the truck then I cannot take my key out of the ignition when parked.I do not want the vehicle to keep moving .
While replacing the control arms on my 2003 ford escape xlt 4x4 I noticed on the passenger side there was alot of corrosion so much so the control arm is barely hanging on there is a flat bar running from drivers side to passenger side which has been rendered useless because the bolt that is used to hold it in place has nothing to bolt to this was supposed to fix the issue with corrosion well it hasn't its now gonna cost me god knows how much to fix I would like to know if this issue is still covered under, the recall
Recall #14s02 (nhtsa campaign # 14v165000) covered replacement of lower control arm & ballpoint for every nearby state, but not virginia. Both lower control arms on my vehicle are corroded and in need of replacement, but there is no open recall for my vin because 14s02 did not include virginia. Driving vehicle with corroded control arms is deemed dangerous, but costs of replacing approach vehicle value.
Vehicle moved forward when in reverse gear when I was trying to back up at work. I had to have people at work come help me pull the vehicle backwards to avoid crashing into the wall. It still only goes forward, even in reverse gear. It is not safe to drive!!!
Ford escapes from the 2001 through 2004 model years for corrosion of the front subframe. The subframe carries the engine, transmission, steering gear and the front suspension, brakes and wheels ford says the corrosion can lead to separation of a control arm -- part of the suspension that holds the wheel and tire in the right place I was told that this part needs to be replaced on my car. It's corroded by a mechanic. Than I read the usa today 2014 article. I was never notified. I just took video and pictures of the part. On my cell phone I can submitt. According to this article ford knew about this. What r my option to get the repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Mark mclarty ford located at 4400 landers rd, north little rock, ar 72117, (501) 945-1200, was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 15v606000 (power train) and 04v165000 (power train), however the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 229,000.
While my 2003 escape was in motion, the vehicle jerked and kicked ad I pressed accelerating on a heavy city highway. The vehicle couldn't drive or move forward. I believe it is the transmission went out. The gears were slipping or not going in position. I was using more gas, having a recall on transmission was announced on 2003 ford escape. Recall id 234608 on powertrain automatic transmission. And recall id 234607 automatic transmission: gear position indication. Recall id 234607 I called the ford service...
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center. I was told no recalls under my vin number. I asked for assistance to fix my transmission. No was answer. I took my car back to place I purchased it carter's radiator, purchased 5-8-2020. Carter radiator did diagnose, found it was the transmission. I was told car will not go into gears. 4Th gear is in-operative. Ony 1st & 2nd gears operating. To repair faulty transmission will cost $3900, but because I purchased vehicle from them, repair cost is $2400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that while entering the driveway to park, there was smoke present. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the hood when a fire was discovered. The contact grabbed a water hose and extinguished the fire. The abs module connector was melted along with wires. At the time of the incident the contact was pregnant and had her 4-year-old daughter in the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The fire department was not contacted. No police report was filed. The...
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vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but there was a recording stating that no calls were being accepted at the moment. The local dealer (unknown dealer information) was then called where they mentioned that nhtsa action number: pe06048 (service brakes, hydraulic) was previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Sense we bought this 2003 ford escape we have replaced 5 altenators transmission problems .3 Neutral safety switches. And still having problems the transmission problems are the same reason for the recall but my car is just a month newer go figure
I brought braces drums for back wheels still idonot have braces they donot work took to auto place was told to contact dealer
The mechanic told me that the sub frame was broken and would be about $1000 to replace. I was driving down a dirt road , it was a little bumpy and the steering wheel stopped working due to the frame breaking. The 2003 ford escape has 124,000 miles on it. Luckily nobody was hurt, but I can't believe the frame of n suv could break so easily. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to an independent mechanic to be inspected, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the driver side rear wheel tubular frame. The mechanic informed him that the failure could cause the collapse of the driver side rear wheel. Prior to the discovery, the vehicle had been repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000(structure). The contact spoke with germain ford of columbus (7250 sawmill rd, columbus, oh 43235, (614)...
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356-9743) where he was informed that the dealer was not authorized to repair the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer who then referred him to nhtsa for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 254,000.
My transmission has went out the previous owners had a transmission put in 2013 with a three year warranty and I bought the car 2019 and it went out 2 months later. It will back up but won't go forward.
My car had a recall #14s02 for a rusted subframe. Fords fix was to put a $20 piece of metal that they call a reinforcement brace. This reinforced brace has failed and the original problem has reoccurred. The original recall problem was that the car was almost impossible to steer and could cause serious accidents. Now ford is telling my there is nothing they can do since they put the cheap reinforcement brace! Now I have an undriveable vehicle that has the same problem as the original recall! I believe they should be responsible to fix the problem since what they did to fix the recall has literally failed again!
Tl* the contact's mother owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact's mother received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) the vehicle was repaired at hopkins ford of elgin inc. Located at (1045 e chicago st, elgin, il 60120) however, the failure was experienced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle moved from left to right independently. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning light illuminated....
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The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver and passenger's side control arms and the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 10 to 20 mph, the vehicle hesitated and the air bag indicator flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to beach ford (888-869-6079, located at 2717 virginia beach blvd, virginia beach, va 23452) and the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to the air bag indicator. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 193,481.
Ford Escape: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 393 | 4 | B |
| 2006 | 720 | 5 | C |
| 2005 | 0 | 5 | A |
| 2004 | 499 | 8 | B |
| 2003 | 598 | 9 | C |
| 2002 | 1,070 | 10 | D |
| 2001 | 1,027 | 15 | D |
| 2000 | 5 | 0 | A |
2003 Ford Escape vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ford Escape | 598 | 9 | C | |
| 2003 Toyota RAV4 | 327 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Subaru Forester | 191 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander | 129 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Kia Sportage | 4 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Honda CR-V | 0 | 14 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1,313 | 7 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Ford Escape
Does the 2003 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2003 Ford Escape: floor shift (September 2015); wheel bearing (June 2015); frame and members (April 2014); engine and engine cooling (July 2012) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Escape?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (128), suspension (92), acceleration & cruise control (91).
How many complaints has the 2003 Ford Escape had?
598 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 11, 2003 and the latest on April 19, 2025. Of these, 44 describe a crash and 29 a fire, and together they report 32 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Ford Escape a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 53 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Ford Escape year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Escape years have the most complaints?
2013 (2,757), 2017 (2,708), 2008 (2,417). See every Ford Escape year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Ford Escape has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data