2003 Ford Escape Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 10%of 558 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford Escape, 10% of the 558 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my Escape, the front brakes started to make a knocking/thumping noise. When I got home, I removed the tires and notice that both the front disk brakes rotors where de-laminating. With you finger nail you could pull off hunks of metal. I still have both rotors. And the brakes had only about 15,000 miles on them. Brake job was done by a Ford dealer. The disk where turned and they are original equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #10469637, filed 2012-08, 65,000 miles“I have an 03 Escape. Since fall 08 I have heard, felt this stutter, but didn't know what to call it. At first it was occasional, but has grown increasingly frequent--three to four times in a row accompanied once in a while with a ticking sound, and pulling the car to the left. Mechanics couldn't replicate the problem. Today they are replacing the tone rings. Having a term to use, I got on line and found out it is a frequent problem for owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10268831, filed 2009-05, 49,600 miles“Front brake rotors wore out prior to brake pads at 34,000 miles on vehicle. I was told that this was normal by the dealer and will occur again. I explained to them that the rotors should be hardened and the pad should wear first, but they told me that this was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10193688, filed 2007-06, 37,088 miles“I began merging onto I 820 when my vehicle (by itself) floored the accelerator. I tried pressing the brake (it wouldnt press down, it was hard as a rock). I used both feet to no avail. At 75-80 MPH I jammed it into neutral. The RPM's were still at max. By this time it had slowed (I was on the shoulder of the hiway) to about 20 MPH, then jammed it in park. I looked at the instrument panel and all the instruments were on 0. I hesitated then gave the car some gas, it was still running! I couldnt even hear the engine until I revved it. I proceeded to turn off the ignition. The car did turn off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10892814, filed 2016-08, 182,060 miles“While on a return long distance road trip my ABS dash light came on and remained on. After stopping and restarting the vehicle the light did not return until farther down the road. I contacted the dealership the following day made an appointment and they determined that a speed sensor had gone bad.”
NHTSA complaint #10103037, filed 2004-12, 42,182 milesRelated recalls
- 07V156000Apr 10, 2007On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (abs), the abs module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could…Covers: Ford Escape 2001–2004
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 34 | 14% |
| 2021 | 50 | 14% |
| 2020 | 45 | 3% |
| 2019 | 10 | 2% |
| 2018 | 27 | 1% |
| 2017 | 50 | 2% |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% |
| 2015 | 26 | 2% |
| 2014 | 38 | 2% |
| 2013 | 72 | 3% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 2% |
| 2010 | 50 | 2% |
| 2009 | 108 | 6% |
| 2008 | 140 | 7% |
| 2007 | 48 | 19% |
| 2006 | 68 | 15% |
| 2005 | 66 | 5% |
| 2004 | 32 | 6% |
| 2003 | 57 | 10% |
| 2002 | 195 | 19% |
| 2001 | 163 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Escape
121 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
90 complaintsAir bags
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsTires
17 complaintsFuel system
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology