2003 Ford Escape recalls and problems
The 2003 Ford Escape has 7 safety recalls and 558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Ford Escape recalls
Recall 15V-606: Power Train
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.
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.
Recall 14V-165: Structure
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.
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.
Recall 12V-353: Vehicle Speed Control, Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
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.
Recall 07V-156: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
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.
Recall 04V-602: Latches/Locks/Linkages
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.
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.
Recall 04V-574: Vehicle Speed Control
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.
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.
Recall 04V-165: Power Train
Problem: 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.
2003 Ford Escape problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 123 | |
| Suspension | 92 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 91 | |
| Air Bags | 62 | |
| Power Train | 55 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 49 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 48 | |
| Steering | 44 | |
| Electrical System | 39 | |
| Engine | 24 | |
| Unknown or Other | 23 | |
| Tires | 17 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 50
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 19
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
- Structure › Frame and Members — 18
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 15
- Air Bags › Frontal — 14
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 11
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 11
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Escape years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Ford Escape: 15V-606 (power train), 14V-165 (structure), 12V-353 (vehicle speed control, engine and engine cooling), 07V-156 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-602 (latches/locks/linkages) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Escape?
Owners report structure problems most often (123 reports), followed by suspension (92). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.