1. Ford Escape
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Structure

2003 Ford Escape Structure Problems

27
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

What owners report

  • paint peeling · 9 records
  • failure mileage · 6 records
  • passenger side · 4 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi8
100–150k mi4
30–60k mi3
1–30k mi2

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • April 7, 2017 · 96,000 miles

    Steering · Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle was unstable and there was loss of steering control. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (arlington heights ford located at 801 w dundee rd arlington heights, il 60004, [redacted]) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was cracked. The vehicle was repaired with a brace. Two months later, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer (fox…

    ODI 11003442

  • March 27, 2017 · 130,000 miles

    Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and that when driving it felt abnormal without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame had experienced severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated…

    ODI 10968999

  • December 9, 2016 · 107,700 miles

    Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle drove abnormally. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) prior to being purchased. The ontact stated that the frame of the vehicle had corroded where the support brackets were installed from the previous recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…

    ODI 10939292

  • September 1, 2015

    Structure

    2003 ford escape. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front subframe crossbrace recall issues. *smd

    ODI 10763634

  • June 1, 2015

    Structure

    2003 ford escape. Consumer writes in regards to excessive rust on vehicle sub-frame recall notice. *smd the consumer stated the arm cross bar was replaced. However, the subframe was not covered. The consumer has been unsuccessful at getting the sub frame replaced, because no was willing to sell the part. The part was being used for certain vin's. The consumer referenced recall # 14v165000. *jb

    ODI 10702623

  • March 31, 2015 · 114,000 miles

    Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v165000 (structure); however, the recall repair was not effective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the rear frame was completely rusted due to corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000. Ma 08/10/15 the dealer informed the consumer, the rear frame…

    ODI 10703041

  • March 9, 2015 · 57,600 miles

    Structure

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that while having a routine inspection performed, the vehicle failed to pass inspection due to rust on the right wheel well, the right fender, the cross member and the frame. The inspector determined that the components deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14v165000 (structure). The manufacturer…

    ODI 10693255

  • January 1, 2015

    Structure

    2003 ford escape. Consumer writes in regards to corrosion of the subframe lower control arm recall notice repairs and seeks reimbursement. *smd the consumer stated six months after the recall was performed, his wife heard a terrible noise and the vehicle became impossible to steer. The consumer arrived to where his wife was and did an inspection, and discovered the frame on the passenger side was completely rusted…

    ODI 10849535

  • September 6, 2014 · 85,000 miles

    Structure · Suspension

    This vehicle is part of the ford recall 14s02 (nhtsb #14v165000 ). I had the recall directed cross-brace installed in june 2014 (3 months ago). I was turning a corner at about 5-10 mph, heard a pop in the right front of the car and then heard a scraping sound and had difficulty steering. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership who found that the cross-brace had failed because the subframe gave way. I was told that…

    ODI 10631927

  • May 1, 2014 · 150,000 miles

    Engine · Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently which caused a loss of steering. The contact was able to regain control and maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed first to an independent mechanic and then authorized dealer. The technician informed that the passenger's side engine cradle was…

    ODI 10605857

  • August 1, 2013 · 82,000 miles

    Door · Structure

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that the rear driver side interior door was corroded and as a result, exhaust fumes were emitting into the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

    ODI 10622336

  • August 12, 2010

    Structure

    We have a 2003 ford escape limited. The paint has started peeling off around the hatch at the back. It's just bubbling up for no apparent reason. We have never abused the car and it still has less than 70,000 miles on it. *tr

    ODI 10349337

  • December 30, 2009

    Structure

    PAINT PEELING PREMATURELY ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *TR

    ODI 10325479

  • July 15, 2009

    Structure

    2003 ford escape ... Paint peeling on roof around sun roof opening. *tr

    ODI 10285533

  • March 1, 2009 · 65,000 miles

    Structure

    The paint on my ash gold 2003 ford escape has started to bubble and peel away from the metal body parts. Doors, hood, rear hatch and a large spot on the roof just behind the moon roof window. This is not something you can touch up. The paint is literally peeling off of the primer which then quickly erodes to expose the metal which starts to rust. There are hundreds of complaints on this spanning several years and…

    ODI 10264369

  • January 16, 2009 · 81,000 miles

    Structure

    We own a 2003 ford escape suv. The paint is peeling of the back tailgate. This car has been garage and only has 80,000 miles. This paint should not peel off like this. The dealer said i could pay $300 to have it repainted. *tr

    ODI 10255551

  • September 5, 2008

    Structure

    Paint peeling down to bare metal on roof of vehicle with paint blistering elsewhere. Exposed bare metal rusting due to exposure to elements. Attempting resolution via dealer but no help at this time. *tr

    ODI 10241695

  • August 1, 2008

    Structure

    Paint peeling off the roof and rear tailgate of vehicle. Brought the vehicle into the dealer. Body shop inspected and reported that it needed to be repainted. Internet search shows that this is not an uncommon event and that it has to do with improper prep or parts used. *tr

    ODI 10245524

  • June 7, 2008 · 74,000 miles

    Structure

    Paint is peeling off on the drivers side back under the hatch window and on top of the vehicle just behind the sun roof. This vehicle has 74k miles and is garaged. From nov. 2002 - feb. 2005 it was even in parking garage while i worked. I take great care of my vehicle and it has never been in an accident. I have read a lot of other people are having the exact same problem in the exact same place on the same make,…

    ODI 10278415

  • June 1, 2008

    Structure

    PAINT PEELING IN SEVERAL SPOT ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. *TR

    ODI 10263080

  • October 16, 2007 · 80,000 miles

    Structure

    Paint defective on 2003 ford escape with gold ash paint. *tr

    ODI 10349063

  • October 1, 2007 · 95 miles

    Structure

    I have a 2003 ford escape xlt,white in color and currently have a problem with the paint blistering and peeling on the rear hatch below the window both sides. Additionally, the paint peeling has started under passenger side rear cargo window. I visited a local ford dealership and they denied it as a defect. Out of warranty. I have had four autobody shops tell me $600.00 to a $1000.00 to repaint. "the problem is…

    ODI 10260039

  • July 29, 2007 · 19,350 miles

    Structure

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact noticed that the paint on the passenger side door, lift gate, and ledge showed signs of bubbling paint. The dealer stated that the failure was not covered under warranty and does not have a recall. The manufacturer stated that they will speak with the dealer. The current mileage was 19,400 and failure mileage was 19,350. The consumer provided a repair invoice.…

    ODI 10199490

  • June 10, 2007

    Structure

    Paint blistering and peeling above the windshield on roof. *tr

    ODI 10257482

  • April 20, 2007 · 45,000 miles

    Structure

    My problem is not mechanical but rather "physical". The paint has been peeling off the roof and hatch of my 2003 ash-colored ford escape limited since 2007. After reading others' blogs i am aware that i am not alone by any means. I purchased the suv for it's nice appearance and color. I wish i'd known beforehand that this was going to happen, otherwise i would never have purchased a ford. Apparently ford is doing…

    ODI 10263968