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2003 Ford Escape
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Escape, covering power train, structure and vehicle speed control, and 518 consumer complaints received since 2003.
The component named most often is structure: 175.4 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 62 per 1,000 across all 2003 model-year vehicles and against 65.1 per 1,000 for the Ford Escape line as a whole.
That is about the same as the average of 498.1 complaints per model year across the 27 Ford Escape model years on this register; 41 complaints reported a crash and 23 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2014 (59); the most recent in the file is dated 25 Apr 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 8 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 24 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
- 15V606000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFTReported 29 Sep 2015 · 57 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 15S28); components: power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift; power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 14S02).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 12S37); components: vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine cooling.
- 07V156000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEReported 10 Apr 2007 · 446,460 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 07S51).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04C09).
Defect, as filed: On certain sport utility vehicles built with 3.0l v6 engines, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
Consequence: An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 10, 2005. Owners should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04S25).
- 04V165000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Reported 6 Apr 2004 · 321,903 units
Defect, as filed: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Consequence: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04S13).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2003 Ford Escape (black) against all 2003 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2003 | Escape line | All 2003 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 175.4 | 65.1 | 62 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 127.2 | 110.8 | 42 |
| Suspension | 114 | 49.6 | 57.2 |
| Air Bags | 84.8 | 25.9 | 82.2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 71.6 | 50.2 | 77.7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 70.2 | 23.9 | 58.7 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 120 | 175.4 | 65.1 | 62 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 87 | 127.2 | 110.8 | 42 |
| Suspension | 78 | 114 | 49.6 | 57.2 |
| Air Bags | 58 | 84.8 | 25.9 | 82.2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 49 | 71.6 | 50.2 | 77.7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 48 | 70.2 | 23.9 | 58.7 |
| Power Train | 47 | 68.7 | 122.2 | 121 |
| Steering | 42 | 61.4 | 122.9 | 47.3 |
| Electrical System | 33 | 48.2 | 76.3 | 123.7 |
| Engine | 22 | 32.2 | 127.2 | 27.3 |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | 29.2 | 32.6 | 20.2 |
| Tires | 17 | 24.9 | 7.4 | 20.4 |
| Wheels | 11 | 16.1 | 13.7 | 10.8 |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 11.7 | 20.7 | 30.5 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 7 | 10.2 | 9.8 | 12.6 |
| Visibility | 6 | 8.8 | 16.2 | 40.1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 8.8 | 64 | 14.3 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 7.3 | 20.4 | 36.5 |
| Equipment | 4 | 5.8 | 3.4 | 21.5 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 5.8 | 8.1 | 12.9 |
| Fuel System, Other | 3 | 4.4 | 1.2 | 4.6 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 3 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 2.9 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | 2.9 | 9.4 | 7.4 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 3.1 |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 2.1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 34.7 |
518 unique complaints, 684 component mentions; 30 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE12019 | Preliminary evaluation | Stuck Throttle | vehicle speed control:cables | 17 Jul 2012 | 21 Feb 2013 | 12V353000 |
| DP12005 | Defect petition | Cruise Control Cable | vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal | 17 Jul 2012 | 17 Jul 2012 | — |
| AQ10001 | Audit query | Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit | unknown or other | 18 Nov 2010 | 28 Dec 2015 | — |
| EA10002 | Engineering analysis | Engine Compartment Fire | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 14 Jan 2010 | 29 Feb 2012 | 12V005000 |
| RQ09002 | Recall query | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 15 Apr 2009 | 15 Jan 2010 | — |
| DP09003 | Defect petition | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 14 Apr 2009 | 15 Apr 2009 | — |
| PE06048 | Preliminary evaluation | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 30 Oct 2006 | 17 Apr 2007 | 07V156000 |
| RP04002 | Recall petition | ENGINE STALLING | engine and engine cooling | 24 Jun 2004 | 31 Aug 2004 | — |
Other Ford Escape model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 NHTSA | 0 | 5 | — |
| 2001 | 13 | 986 | 2,346,736 |
| 2002 | 8 | 1,005 | 2,623,977 |
| 2003 | 7 | 518 | 2,379,447 |
| 2004 | 6 | 482 | 2,057,544 |
| 2005 | 4 | 1,320 | 466,744 |
| 2006 | 3 | 415 | 270,208 |
| 2007 | 2 | 209 | 70,266 |
| 2008 | 3 | 1,640 | 811,144 |
| 2009 | 1 | 1,214 | 740,878 |
| 2010 | 3 | 1,745 | 1,070,162 |
| 2011 | 2 | 955 | 1,070,143 |
| 2012 | 1 | 415 | 329,265 |
| 2013 | 18 | 1,270 | 10,108,284 |
| 2014 | 16 | 714 | 10,384,836 |
| 2015 | 9 | 204 | 9,434,835 |
| 2016 | 4 | 169 | 4,491,298 |
| 2017 | 4 | 145 | 3,078,749 |
| 2018 | 4 | 34 | 3,053,841 |
| 2019 | 3 | 5 | 3,058,409 |
| 2020 | 23 | 0 | 5,016,688 |
| 2021 | 19 | 0 | 3,871,269 |
| 2022 | 19 | 0 | 3,900,354 |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 | 1,819,290 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 | 1,131,733 |
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | 169,567 |
| 2026 | 2 | 0 | 988 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ford Escape model years · Ford: 201 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Escape have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 15V606000, was reported to NHTSA on 29 Sep 2015 and concerns power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift. Across all model years the Ford Escape line has 95 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2003 Ford Escape?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 8 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2003 Ford Escape complain about most?
Structure: 120 of 684 component mentions (175.4 per 1,000). Next is vehicle speed control with 87. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 24 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 24 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.