2003 Ford Escape Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Ford Escape problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Ford Escape
2003 Ford Escapes for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Ford Escape problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 Ford Escape problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Ford Escape problems and repair histories that follow it.
Ford Escape Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Ford Escape | 26 Escapes, 9.5 months of data per Escape, average 132900 miles 73 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Ford Escape problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Ford Escape 4dr SUV
201-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD
| Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 85560 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 89940 | 370 | weird noise thought wheel bearing but driver side pads and rotors shot, replaced both sides |
| Mar | 2012 | 99200 | 200 | Muffler and tailpipe |
| Mar | 2013 | 106020 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2006 | 50 | Sway bar end links, both sides | |
| Nov | 2009 | 60760 | 40 | Outer tie rod end was loose; replaced with $30 in parts. Radiator drain cock snapped in half while hand-loosening; common problem with Fords as the drain cock is hollow. A 5/16" hex key was used to remove the stem, but parts counter did not have a direct replacement. Reused broken bit, will fix in 2 yrs. Both front ABS tone rings cracked, a common problem leading to premature ABS activation. Epoxied them back into place with JB weld; real cost to me was $0 as I already had a tube on hand. Factory fix is a new axle, as these are press-fitted. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Escape in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 104300 | 599 | Replace alternator Airbag light gives code 32. Clockspring is bad. Airbag light code 32. Replaced clockspring. |
| Dec | 2012 | 108000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Kansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 135000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 136000 | 20 | Replaced worn sway bar links |
| Feb | 2013 | 167500 | 200 | Oil Leaking from Timing Cover onto exhaust after driving. Replaced Timing cover gasket. Oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets must be replaced when the timing cover gasket is replaced. ABS tone ring on the front passenger side cracked and would cause the ABS to engage randomly when braking in a slow turn. |
| Mar | 2013 | 168000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 128000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 134000 | 450 | Alternator went out on interstate. Previously replaced in December 2006 and again in November 2007. Cost for 2006 was $700. Alternator was under warranty so cost was $525 for labor. |
| Mar | 2013 | 140000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 176000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 190000 | 50 | Drum brakes in back driver side were frozen. Needed to be cleaned up. |
| Ford Escape in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 89000 | 175 | Adjusted brake rotor to correct parking brake that was failing to engage on one wheel. Replaced exhaust gasket and other parts to repair exhaust leak. |
| Feb | 2011 | 95000 | 2092 | Two cylinders misfiring. Replaced the ignition coils and boots on the two misfiring cylinders, and replaced all six spark plugs. Due to Problem 1, the front catalytic converter became clogged and blew apart, damaging the rear catalytic converter. Replaced the front and rear catalytic converters. |
| Mar | 2011 | 95000 | 30 | Front left brake sticks. Caliper needs to be replaced. Decided to wait until other brake work needs to be done (e.g. pads/rotors) and have all work done simultaneously. |
| Dec | 2011 | 106000 | 174 | Headlight not working due to wiring corrosion. Replaced pigtail connector and bulb. Misfire in wet conditions (reappeared after 2 previous repair attempts). Replaced #4 ignition coil and spark plug. |
| Ford Escape in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 118000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 121000 | 0 | ball joint |
2003 Ford Escape 4dr SUV
201-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD
| Ford Escape in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 57660 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 58280 | 400 | tie rod diver side 6 cd changer stopped working |
| Jan | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Escape in Philippines | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 19220 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 21080 | 2900 | Intermittent loss of power during accelerating/overtaking at high gear somewhat like water contamination in fuel or worn out spark plug Drive belt noise during cold start but gone after engine start . Probably, tensioner bearing start to corrode or drive belt problem. The intermittent loss of power as previously reported was diagnosed as loss of current supply to the spark plug, thus high voltage coil plate has been replaced. Operation has returned to its normal status. |
| Jun | 2012 | 23560 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 157000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 159700 | 250 | Standard brake job with rotors |
| Mar | 2013 | 163000 | 550 | Replaced upper & lower radiator hoses, both serpentine belts, and replaced water pump with new unit. |
| Ford Escape in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 212 | replaced both front swa7y bar links | |
| Ford Escape in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2004 | 100 | Gas line leak | |
| Jan | 2005 | 200 | Front stabilizer bar loose | |
| Mar | 2013 | 122000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Utah, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 82000 | 30 | Oil pan gasket |
| Sep | 2010 | 84000 | 200 | Alternator |
| Nov | 2010 | 86700 | 200 | Front brakes |
| Apr | 2011 | 95000 | 700 | Replaced ABS control module |
| Mar | 2012 | 115000 | 0 | Broken wire in EGR solenoid circuit |
| Dec | 2012 | 131000 | 60 | Self-adjusters on rear brakes not working. Replaced adjuster hardware. |
| Mar | 2013 | 137000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 105400 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 109120 | 1800 | o2 sensors kept blowing....tests showed it was main computer..main computer was changed out. On way home from shop check engine light went on, turned around and then it was discovered it was probable the main electrical harness, changed it out. |
| Aug | 2009 | 109120 | 653 | cd kept sticking in 6cd changer U-joints needed to be replaced. Ball joints needed to be replaced. Overall deducted $653 in reconditioning costs when traded. |
| Ford Escape in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 99000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 101000 | 0 | Airbag indicator began blinking. Eventually diagnosed the code as the restraint connector underneath passenger seat. Made sure connection was secure; light went off, and has remained so. |
| Apr | 2010 | 114000 | 250 | Rear pinion gasket leaking, was replaced. |
| Aug | 2010 | 118000 | 275 | Tie rod ends worn out, needed replacement. Were making a 'knocking' or 'fluttering' sound when going over uneven pavement or bumps. |
| Dec | 2011 | 127000 | 450 | Car started to run very rough, as though it were 'missing'. Check engine light flashing. OBD II indicated coil #3 was shot. That coil and all spark plugs replaced. |
| Dec | 2012 | 138000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 400 | New sway bar end links | |
| Feb | 2009 | 86000 | 650 | New fuel pump and filter. |
| Jun | 2009 | 89000 | 175 | DIY new front rotors and pads. |
| Jan | 2010 | 96000 | 350 | Ignition coils 4 & 5 were bad and were replaced. |
| Aug | 2010 | 101500 | 530 | Broken radiator hose plus flush and fill. |
| Mar | 2011 | 108000 | 1000 | New front left wheel bearing and lower control arm. |
| Jan | 2012 | 120700 | 612 | Replaced right front control arm Serpentine belt and tensioner. |
| Mar | 2012 | 122000 | 450 | Front left control arm replaced. |
| Nov | 2012 | 132500 | 500 | New oil pan gasket. |
| Mar | 2013 | 137000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 130000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 176000 | 474 | sway bar links and a wheel bearing |
| Oct | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Escape in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 30000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 34000 | 125 | Shaky brakes (warped rotors), replaced front rotors and pads. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 155620 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 155620 | 250 | Had a transmission service (flush), same day service, approx $150 cdn. Done by dealer. Did not fix problem (transmission shudder, and miss). Then developed a transmission leak, paid approx $100, did not fix the leak. Was told it was a different problem, estimate $300 to fix, that’s when I traded it in. |
| Feb | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Escape in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 143000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 145000 | 1265 | Evaporator tube was clogged with shavings from pistons in condenser |
| May | 2011 | 155500 | 283 | Ignition cylinder locked-up (lock tumbler stuck). Ignition cylinder replaced and key reprogrammed. |
| Aug | 2011 | 160000 | 800 | Alternator went out - replaced |
| Jun | 2012 | 188000 | 700 | PCV Valve replacement, Throttle valve adjustment, replace belts |
| Aug | 2012 | 190700 | 500 | Vehicle had a very high idle with a low whine. Replaced two hoses. They also went ahead and replaced all belts. |
| Dec | 2012 | 196000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Montana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2005 | 2700 | Remove and replace C4DE Automatic Transmission. Original transmission completely failed at 4,000 miles past warranty. | |
| Feb | 2010 | 105000 | 2275 | Clogged (front/left) Catalytic Convertor. Clogged (front/left) Catalytic Convertor replaced with new part. Took approximately 10 days to get part. After replacement of clogged (front/left) catalytic convertor, the vehicle was still not running properly. It was determined that the main catalytic convertor was also clogged. A local exhaust shop replaced the cat and fixed the problem. Broken stud in rear/right exhaust manifold was causing an exhaust leak. Had to drill and use an EZ-Out to remove broken stud. Installed Heli-Coil insert and new stud and exhaust manifold gasket. |
| Apr | 2012 | 125000 | 900 | Cruise Control Inoperative: 1) Replaced Clock Spring in steering wheel. 2) Replaced Cruise Control Servo/Module |
| Mar | 2013 | 136000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Escape in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 47000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 47000 | 0 | Coil and spark plug replaced. Codes indicated misfiring cylinder #5. Claim this was due to the engine detailing and cleaning resulted in chemical getting into coil and ruining it. Rplaced and works fine. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Ford Escape 4dr SUV
127-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 142600 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 142600 | 400 | Passenger side front Wheel hub was warped. According to the dealership, this has never happened before, to any Escape. |
| Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 99820 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 103300 | 2900 | fuel idle module and another module |
| Dec | 2012 | 115320 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 60760 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 64480 | 400 | 2nd alternator in 1 year |
| Sep | 2008 | 65100 | 100 | Fuel pump,fuel meter sensor. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2003 Ford Escape Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Ford Escape problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2003 Ford Escape
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