2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,045miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort). The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags (1) and brakes (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,045 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 33%
- Air bags1 17%
- Brakes1 17%
- Electrical system1 17%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I have a 2003 Ford zx2 that has had a severe idle vibration for nearly one year that Ford is refusing to fix. The defect causes a severe vibration in the steering wheel, glove box, vents, and seats of the car and occurs on a daily basis in any gear or any driving condition. This vehicle is still under warranty and it is obvious that the company is aware of the problem due to service bulletin 03-15-15. I have been told by the dealerships that the vehicle's emissions are so low the vehicle is trying to turn off at idle and that the check engine light will likely come on soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080940, filed 2004-07, 10,000 milesAir bags: “The other day I was driving my 2003 Ford zx2 and my air bags went off, leaving with arm scrapes, broken windshield. I was going over railroad tracks when it happened. The police were shocked that this happen and said I should tell you guys about. My car is still in the shop and progressive insurance is on my side.”
NHTSA complaint #10160685, filed 2006-06Brakes: “Kinked and crimped vacuum brake hose causing the brakes to go hard as a rock, losing control of the car upon braking and 2 accidents. Car was under warranty and the dealer failed to diagnose the problem leading to the accidents. Accident 1. $6,000 damage. Accident 2, $1,600 damage. I have photos of the crimped brake hose closed off under the hood. An independent repair service opened the hood and immediately saw the problem and called the dealership and told them what was wrong. He had the car towed to the dealership and the dealership fixed it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173025, filed 2006-11, 2,090 milesElectrical system: “The vehicle dies/stalls when braking to turn off a highway. When driving on highway going 55-60 MPH the vehicle dies when braking. You lose power steering. Car will turn back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10151548, filed 2006-03Mileage when problems were reported
75% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,090 and 10,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
Other model years of the Ford ZX2 (escort)
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 6,045 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 12 | 46,436 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 18 | 65,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 7 | 68,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 15 | 91,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 8 | 98,341 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford ZX2 (escort) model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 1.
Has the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,045 miles and the middle half falls between 2,090 and 10,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.