There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Escort, but owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Ford Escort problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 1
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,600 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 Escort complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Mar 19, 2018
2003 ford escort. Consumer writes in regards to door hinge/latch problems recall notice. Consumer has previous correspondence with another vehicle in artemis. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 115,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2015
The contact owns a 2005 (Na) ford escort. While driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 85,000 miles · reported Dec 1, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 ford escort. The contact stated the oil dip stick fractured when attempting to check the oil level. An authorized dealer stated the defect was a common problem with that model year vehicle. The dip stick was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 01/05/12 updated 01/12/12
Power Train · at 30,724 miles · reported Oct 2, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 ford escort. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. It would not move in reverse or forward. The vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The transmission rattles and shakes, and the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The ford dealer tested and repaired the transmission in 2007, but the failure recurred. The transmission has a 80,000 mile warranty, but the dealer does not want to repair the vehicle. The contact took her vehicle to four different ford dealers and they stated that the transmission was the cause of…
Service Brakes, Air · reported May 4, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 ford escort. In 2004, the ABS light began illuminating intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times. The dealer was not able to repair the failure. The contact recently received recall # 07v156000 (Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). The dealer performed the repair, however, the ABS light illuminated before she left the parking lot. The manufacturer told the contact to take the vehicle to another ford dealer. The current mileage is 49,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford Escort have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Escort as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Escort?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,600 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.