2003 Model Year

Ford Escape

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
558
Recalls
1
Crashes
43
Severe
94

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

04V165000 Apr 2004

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

AIR BAGS,ENGINE
Apr 2025

I was doordashing as it's my job and all of sudden my car starts not idling won't stay off od off switch that switch stayed consistently flickered eit...

Structure
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during accele...

Electrical System Crash
Apr 2024

Never received a recall letter or notice

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was smoking....

Suspension
Nov 2022

Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and li...

Air Bags Crash
Dec 2021

I had a rear end at fault collision that totaled my 2003 Ford Escape on Dec.19, 2021....not one air bag deflated (yes I was at fault) because I was th...

Suspension
Oct 2021

WHILE REPLACING THE CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 I NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THERE WAS ALOT OF CORROSION SO MUCH SO THE CONTROL ARM...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Fire
Sep 2021

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact's nephew stated while driving approximately 35 mph, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The c...

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 2021

I was recently driving on the interstate and the gas pedal got stuck so the car started speeding up very fast and the brakes and emergency brake would...

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 2021

DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE COMING FROM GEORGIA, IT WOULD DOWNSHIFT SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT IN ABOUT 4 MONTHS.I THO...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2003 Ford Escape has 558 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. 43 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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