CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Ford Escape has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 558 complaints with NHTSA, including 43 crashes, 27 fires, 31 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (123 reports).
2003 Ford Escape recalls
Shifter May Disconnect, Allowing Car to Roll Away
On certain 2001-2004 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles with a remanufactured CD4E transmission installed, the bolt securing the manual shift lever may not be properly tightened.
Most common 2003 Ford Escape problems
Problem areas named in the 558 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| 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 |
What owners report
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 passengerâs 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 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 a
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 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 sa
2003 Ford Escape questions
Does the 2003 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Escape: Shifter May Disconnect, Allowing Car to Roll Away; Structure:Frame And Members; Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Escape?
Based on 558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (123), Suspension (92), Vehicle Speed Control (91).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Ford Escape has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.