2003 Ford Escape Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 558 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,715miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Ford Escape, 1% of the 558 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,715 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Ford Escape which I purchased in april of 2003 caught fire in the engine due to a defect in the fuel injectors. Within 20 minutes the entire front end of the car was engulfed in flames and destroyed. The flames also penetrated through the fire wall within little time. I am currently working with my insurance company as the car is a total loss. At this time I have had no response to my calls to Ford regarding this extreme malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #10070811, filed 2004-01, 5,600 miles“When the temperature is warmer, the Escape intermittedly will not start. Takes anywhere from 4 to 7 times of cranking before SUV starts. Occured first in aug., the Ford shop reprogrammed the computer. One month later doesn't start again. Ford shop left ticket open because they can't find problem. In october, happens again. Now they have installed a piece of equipment that I have to push a button as I'm cranking if the car doesn't start. The piece of equipment is only good for 1 week, have to keep going in to have it reset.”
NHTSA complaint #10069644, filed 2004-01, 4,530 miles“Hello. I recently purchased a new Ford Escape with continental tires in june 2003. Tire model: continental contitrac SUV tire model #: 235/70r16 we experienced a complete tire failure while traveling at 60 MPH, with sidewall and tread separation, for no apparent reason. As you can imagine this was very dangerous and unpleasant situation, thankfully no one was hurt. The vehicle (and tires) have 5k miles. There was no load or other unusual circumstances at the time. I am writing for several reasons: 1. Where do I officially report such an incident as a public safety issue? 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041340, filed 2003-10, 4,900 miles“Sizzling noise when air condition is used. Vehicle has been taken in to 2 separate Ford dealership and they claim that they cannot locate any problems. Kearny mesa Ford (original dealer) and north county Ford both claim not to be able to detect a problem. However, the problem still exist!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10041750, filed 2003-10, 2,571 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10013077Oct 1, 2002Various 2003 vehicles equipped with premium cd-6 radios - cd-6 shuffle feature between discs not available.
- 10013067Oct 1, 2002False alarm activation.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 3 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 0% |
| 2009 | 3 | 0% |
| 2008 | 7 | 0% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 12 | 1% |
| 2001 | 21 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Escape
121 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
90 complaintsAir bags
60 complaintsBrakes
57 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsTires
17 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