2003 FORD ESCAPE Complaints and Recall Information
The 2003 FORD ESCAPE has 2 complaints and 6 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to engine idling and transmission or engine misfiring. Specifically, complaints describe problems with the vehicle not idling properly and a flickering overdrive off switch during operation.
Common Issues
- Idling problems. The engine fails to maintain idle, causing the vehicle to stall or run unevenly.
- Overdrive switch malfunction. The overdrive off switch flickers continuously, disrupting normal transmission functions.
- Engine or transmission slips. Reports indicate slipping or misfiring that affects drivability and performance.
There are 6 recalls involving multiple vehicle systems including speed control, engine components, frame structure, transmission linkage, and wheel bearings. These recalls address safety risks such as stuck throttles, steering control loss, unintended vehicle rollaway, and braking or steering impairments.
Recalls
- Speed control cable sticking (NHTSA 12V353000). Affected 529,719 vehicles with 3.0L V6 engines may experience a stuck throttle due to inadequate clearance between the engine cover and speed control cable connector. This hazard can cause uncontrolled acceleration and difficulty stopping the vehicle. Ford provides free repairs by increasing engine cover clearance and offers an interim remedy of disconnecting the speed control cable.
- Lower control arm corrosion (NHTSA 14V165000). Around 348,950 vehicles sold or registered in certain states may suffer excessive corrosion at the lower control arm’s forward attachment, risking separation and significant loss of steering control. Ford remedies this by installing a reinforcement cross-brace free of charge.
- Transmission shift lever bolt (NHTSA 15V606000). Affected vehicles with remanufactured CD4E transmissions may have improperly tightened shift lever bolts, leading to possible disengagement of the shift control lever. This can cause gear indicator errors and potential vehicle rollaway when parked. Ford will inspect and tighten or replace the shift lever assembly at no cost for approximately 57 vehicles.
- Wheel bearing dimensions (NHTSA 15E045000). Aftermarket front wheel bearings sold as service parts for 2001-2012 Ford Escape models have incorrect dimensions, affecting braking and steering. The supplier, Timken, is replacing the defective bearings free of charge for about 576 units.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs, unresolved recall issues, or safety defects related to these recalls or complaints may have rights under state lemon laws. Consulting with a qualified attorney can help clarify possible legal options.
2003 FORD ESCAPE Summary
2003
Model Year
2
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
879302
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2003 FORD ESCAPE
57 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
2003 FORD ESCAPE
576 vehicles affected
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.
2003 FORD ESCAPE
348950 vehicles affected
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.
2003 FORD ESCAPE
529719 vehicles affected
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.
Complaints
2003 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2083971ENGINE
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
2003 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2083970AIR BAGS
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