2003 FORD ESCAPE Steering Problems
42 NHTSA complaints on file
Steering Issues in the 2003 FORD ESCAPE
42 steering complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD ESCAPE. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.
42
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Steering Complaints
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 THOUGHT I HAD EVERYTHING REPAIRED, THEN MY TRUCK STOPPED PULLING IN DRIVE AT A RED LIGHT. MY SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH IS BRAND NEW AND THE POSITION SENSOR. 10/12/2020 WHEN PROBLEM AROSE AFTER REPLACING SENSORS 02/09/2021 ANY IDEAS WHY IT IS DOING THIS?
FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT AND SPLIT HALF WAY ACROSS PULLS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 14S02 COMPLAINT
LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME. HIGH CORROSION AREA. SEPARATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH GOING OVER HIGHWAY BRIDGE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TIPPED OUT AND SENT VEHICLE INTO A UNCONTROLLED SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. FORD'S RECALL 14S02 CROSS BRACE PATCH WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. I DON'T BELIEVE THE INSPECTION BY FORD WAS DONE PROPERLY WHEN THEY INSTALLED THE BRACE. IF THEY HAD THEY WOULD BE REPLACING THE SUB-FRAME ALSO.
MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE FORD RECALL # 14S02 AND A CROSS BRACE WAS INSTALLED. THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A SUBFRAME CORRODING AWAY IN SOME PARTS OF THE US INCLUDING MY REGION. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT FORD DID NOT CORRECTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR CROSS BRACE. THEY SIMPLY BOLTED A CROSS BRACE FROM ONE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE OTHER AND IT DOES NOTHING WHEN THE SUBFRAME ACTUALLY CORRODES AWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT A WEEK AGO WHEN MY FRAME THAT HAS THE CROSS BAR INSTALLED FINALLY GAVE WAY AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CROSS BRACE AND SUBFRAME THAT HAS CORRODED TO NOTHING. FORD HAS CLAIMED THAT SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND MAKE FORD ACTUALLY FIX THIS PROBLEM...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ONLY FUNCTIONING WARNING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS EMAILED, BUT DID NOT REPLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,871.
THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 17653427. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,907.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*JS
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, 888 481-8607) 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 FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 2501 N ELSTON AVE CHICAGO, IL 60647 773-687-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: CASDASH12577845 AND CAS12593478. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE WAS GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE JUST BUCKLED UNDER WHILE HE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY HE WASN'T ON A HEAVILY-TRAVELED ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED, BECAUSE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, IS NOT PART OF RECALL #14S02. WHY, I DON'T KNOW? NO ONE AT FORD CAN EXPLAIN THIS TO ME, AS IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL/YEAR. WE HAD IT REPAIRED AT GREAT COST TO US, WITH EXACTLY THE PARTS/LABOR THAT FORD HAD BEEN DESCRIBING IN THE RECALL. OUR MECHANIC EVEN GOT THE REPLACEMENT CROSSMEMBER FROM FORD! FORD THEMSELVES WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND CROSSMEMBER, THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT...
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS CRACKED AND FORD HAD A RECALL IN PLACE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. INSTEAD, THEY PUT A CROSS-BAR ON THE CRACKED SUB FRAME BECAUSE THEY DETERMINED IT WAS "NOT BROKEN" ONLY "CRACKED". THE SUB FRAME HAD "RUSTED AND CORRODED" DUE TO FORD'S OWN ADMITTANCE OF "FAULTY PARTS". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND AGAIN THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THIS WAS A "BANDAID" THAT THEY PUT ON TO MAKE THEMSELVES FEEL BETTER ABOUT THE FACT THAT ANYONE OPERATING THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE TOTAL CONTROL. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER, WHO TOLD...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A HIGHWAY(60MPH) WHEN MY STEERING BECAME LOOSE, WEAVING LEFT AND RIGHT. HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 20MPH UNTIL I GOT HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME HAD BROKEN IN 2. FORD IS RECALLING 385,762 2001-'04 FORD ESCAPE SUVS BECAUSE A RUST PROBLEM MAY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN DIMINISHED STEERING CONTROL. FORD DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT CROSSBRACE ON THE AFFECTED ESCAPES. THE SUBFRAME HAS BROKEN APART DUE TO THE CORROSION, AND IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE FORD IS AWARE OF THIS, THEY SHOULD HAVE BOTH SUBFRAME REPLACE AS A RECALL AND NOT ADDING A CROSSBAR AS A RECALL. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR WAS TOO COSTLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE ATTACHMENT AREA AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
MY WIFE OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE ROAD SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WAS GETTING UNCONTROLLABLE. SHE PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED AAA FOR A TOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MIDAS WHERE WE USUALLY HAVE OUR WORK DONE ON OUR VEHICLES. MIDAS LOOKED AT THE CAR WHILE STILL ON THE TOW TRUCK. THEY SAID THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL ON THE CAR. MIDAS CALLED WAIKEM FORD AND WAS TOLD TO TELL US TO BRING IT THERE. WE HAD THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TAKE IT THERE. THIS WAS ON 11/05/15. I WAS CALLED ON 11/6 AND TOLD THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THE CAR THAT DAY AND MONDAY 11/9 THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. THIS WAS IN A MESSAGE TO MY PHONE. MONDAY I RECEIVED ANOTHER MESSAGE FROM A GUY NAMED CRAIG THAT HE HAD TAKEN PICTURES...
STEERING LOSE WITH LITTLE CONTROL. MECHANIC STATES A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN FRAME. MATCHES FORD RECALL 14S02. YET RECALL WAS PERFORMED JUNE 2014. SO SAFETY RECALL FAILED.
WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT MY CAR STEERING ITSELF SHARPLY. I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TO STRAIGHT. AS I WAS DOING THIS, I HEARD A CRACK. I HAVE BEEN HEARING SIMILAR CRACKS IN THE PAST MONTHS WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS AT SLOW SPEEDS. I CAME UPON RECALL #14S02. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO APPLE FORD IN APPLE VALLEY, MN TO GET MY BRACE INSTALLED. MY TECH SAID THE CARS SUB FRAME FAILED INSPECTION. THE FRAME WAS SO BAD YOU COULD STICK A PEN THOUGH IT. HE SUBMITTED PHOTOS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO GET A NEW FRAME APPROVED. FORD DENIED THE REPAIR AS THE SUB FRAME IS NOT BROKEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THIS FIX IS ON THE CUSTOMER FOR $2200. I CANNOT PAY THAT. I ASKED, SINCE MY FRAME WAS SO BAD IF IT WAS SAFE? IT WAS RECOMMENDED I STAY OFF THE HIGHWAY, OR STAY...
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND THE FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF THE TRUCK. THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART AND WE HAD THE SERVICE COMPLETED. FORD ADDED A CROSS MEMBER TO THE PART AS THE PARTS WERE RUSTING. THIS WAS DONE WITHIN THE YEAR. THE TRUCK IS NOW AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I AM GRATEFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT HOWEVER THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. A YEAR EARLIER DURING A SERVICE VISIT A FORD CERTIFIED MECHANIC FORGOT TO PUT A BOLT BACK ON. THAT DEALERSHIP DID PAY TO HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED AND APOLOGIZED. AGAIN IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT.
A RECALL ON OUR FORD ESCAPE WAS PERFORMED LAST AUGUST.THE RECALL WAS FOR RUSTED FRAME/CRADLE AREA THAT HOLDS FRONT SUSPENSION TOGETHER.AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CRADLE WAS WEAK AND VERY RUSTY OVER AND ABOVE ANY OTHER RUST ON CAR.THE DEALER INSTALLED A BRACE BETWEEN THE TWO RAILS OF THE FRAME AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE EXTENT OF THE RECALL.THE OTHER DAY WHILE DRIVING THE CRADLE GAVE OUT AND THE ENGINE,THE STEERING GEAR DROPPED DOWN A FEW INCHES RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE.I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BRACE NOT THE WEAK CRADLE. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN THIS RECALL STOP ANYONE FROM A WRECK OR DAMAGE WHEN THE ENTIRE CRADLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. THIS RECALL HAD TO BE APPROVED BY SOMEONE IM SURE. THIS...
VEHICLE WENT IN FOR CONTROL ARM BRACE RECALL IN 2014 DUE TO POOR METZL USED ON THE SUBFRAME, MARCH OF 2015 IT FAILED LEAVING LIMITED CONTROL OF STEERING, FORD WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROL ARM RECALL AND TO CONTACT THE DEALER. THEY SAID THEY DID WHAT THEY WERE TOLD TO DO AND THE ROTTED SUBFRAME WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THE SUBFRAME PART BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
HAD MY 2003 ESCAPE IN TO THE DEALER FOR A WHEEL BEARING PROBLEM, WHILE IT WAS IN THE SHOP THEY DID THE OPEN RECALL 14S02 SUB FRAME BRACE INSTALLATION. DROVE THE CAR 2 TIMES. THE WIFE DECIDED TO DRIVE TO THE STORE ON A 3RD TIME AND CALLED ME TO SAY CAR WAS PULLING HARD TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME I REMOVE THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE THINKING THAT WE HAD A STICKING BRAKE CALIPER AND COULD SEE RIGHT AWAY THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD RIPPED APART RIGHT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS UP. AFTER MORE INVESTIGATION AND MANY PHOTOS IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE BOLT THAT WAS USED TO INSTALL THE BRACE PER THE RECALL HAS CAUSE THE UPPER PART OF THE FRAME TO RIP APART FROM THE LOWER PART (SPLIT IT OPEN) THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST ON THE FRAME BUT THIS REALLY LOOKS...
DAUGHTER DRIVING HER VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK NOTICED SEVERE VIBRATION IN FRONT OF VEHICLE AND GRADUAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING. FOLLOWING DAY, VEHICLE BROUGHT TO REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. DISCOVERED THAT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKEN. DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE RECALL FOR EXACT ISSUE. REMEDY SAID TO BE SUPPORT BRACE/CROSS MEMBER. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. RECALL DEVICE INSTALLED, HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP FAILED TO ADVISE VEHICLE OWNER OF ROTTING SUB FRAME IN RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE. INSPECTED BY INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP AFTER INSTALL AND SEVERE ROTTING AND STRUCTURAL DEFECTS FOUND IN RIGHT FRONT SUB FRAME. SUPPORT BRACE SUPPLIED BY RECALL ESSENTIALLY USELESS AS IT BOLTS IN TO ROTTING SUB FRAME. INDEPENDENT SHOP ADVISES THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE FOR BOTH OCCUPANTS AND OTHER DRIVERS DUE TO SERIOUS LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS OF CONTROL. NOTE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON SAME ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT A...
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVE FELT AN UNUSUAL TUG OF STEERING WHEEL, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS ROTATED APPROX. 30 DEGREES. DROVE IT TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE SUBFRAME MOUNT AND THE SUBFRAME WAS SIGNIFICANTLY RUSTED. ALSO WAS NOTIFIED OF SAFETY RECALL 14S02. MADE APPOINTMENT AND SLOWLY DROVE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE RECALL ADDRESSED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ONLY SUB FRAME CROSSBRACE AS DIRECTED BY FORD MOTOR CO. SUBFRAME IS STILL RUSTED IN OTHER AREAS SURROUNDING NEWLY INSTALLED CROSSBRACE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP WANTED OVER $2000 TO REPLACE SUBFRAME. *TR
SEVERE CORROSION CAUSED STEERING FAILURE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN JUNE 2014 FOR RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT SEVER CORROSION MAY CAUSE STEERING FAILURE. THEY INSTALLED A NEW BRACKET. APPARENTLY THE NEW BRACKET DID NOT HELP BECAUSE IT STILL FAILED 6 MONTHS LATER. LOVE DRIVING A CAR YOU CAN NOT STEER SAFELY. FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO ACTUALLY MAKE THEIR CAR SAFE. IT IS HEADING TO THE JUNKYARD WITH 46,000 MILES ON IT. CASE 5501030 DENIED BY FORD. IF YOU ARE DRIVING AN ESCAPE, LOOK OUT. IT WILL FAIL AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP YOU. YOU MAY DIE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT COMPLETE A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION PRESENT. THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS AN ENFORCED PROCEDURE PER THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WAS INCLUDED IN THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE STEERING BECAME AFFECTED DUE TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
AT A SLOW SPEED, STEERING ALL OF THE SUDDEN BECAME ERRATIC. IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN, SO MY LOCAL DEALER TOOK A LOOK AT IT. HE IS A CERTIFIED FORD MECHANIC. HE SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS DAMAGED AND IT WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL #14S02 WHICH IS FOR A CROSSBAR TO THE SUBFRAME DUE TO A POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE ONLY FORD DEALERSHIP IN OUR AREA, ONEONTA FORD. THE PUT THE CROSSBAR IN AND PERFORMED ONLY THE SPECIFIC RECALL WORK. THEY ARE TELLING ME NOW THAT IT STILL CANNOT BE DRIVEN AS THE SUBFRAME IS DAMAGED. THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ISSUE AND THE RECALL. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. ONEONTA FORD IS NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING. *TR
DRIVING VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POP AND SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. LIMPED THE VEHICLE HOME AND TOOK TO DEALER WHO CONTACTED FORD FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. THEY INSTALLED A CROSS BRACE THAT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE SUBFRAME BECAUSE IT HAS NOT FULLY DETACHED. THERE IS NO STEERING CONTROL AT ALL OVER 15MPH AND IN THEIR EYES IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DROVE THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED FOR HIMSELF THAT THERE IS NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM AT ALL. *TR
I AM WRITING ABOUT A RECALL FOR MY FORD ESCAPE. THIS RECALL INCLUDED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND THE SUBFRAME. THEY WERE BEING RECALLED FOR CORROSION ON THE CONTROL ARMS AND IF SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME IT COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT STEERING LOSS AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND INCREASING CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FIX, THEY INSTALLED A REINFORCEMENT PART AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. AFTER THIS, SLOWLY, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED BECOMING COCK-EYED. AFTER DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR A FEW DAYS,I NOTICED THAT AFTER I TAKE A LEFT TURN THE CAR WOULD JERK AS THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENED. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT FIXED THE RECALL, SINCE THE RECALL CLEARLY STATED THAT IT COULD LOSE STEERING CONTROL AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN, THINKING THAT HE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY OR SOMETHING ELSE...
HI, I TOOK MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A RECALL FIXED AND SINCE THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAS GOTTEN WORSE, THE RECALL WAS FOR A STEERING STABILIZER AND MY STEERING HAS GOTTEN MORE WOBBLY....I HAVE EMAIL BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPANY AND SO FAR NOTHING AND THAT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JUNE. THANK YOU. *TR
THE ENCLOSED FORM WITH THE THINGS FIXED SHOULD HELP. I WAS TURNING AND THE WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT SO NOTHING WAS HIT OR HURT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SUBFRAME BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA AND ALSO BECAME BENT. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ALSO FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A FORD DEALER THREE WEEKS AGO AND THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME FOR MY REPAIRS. MIKE CASTRUCCI ST. RT.28 MILFORD,OHIO 45150. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTICE 14V165000 (STEERING) IN MAY 2014 AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.
I CANT REMEMBER I JUST REMEMBER MY HEAD LIGHTS GOING OUT AND I TRIED TO CONTROL MY CAR AND COULDN'T. *TR
WHILE THAT VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED; DECELERATING FROM ABOUT 35 MPH, A VERY LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BECAME UNSTABLE AND STEERING BECAME UNRELIABLE. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION IS APPEARS THAT THE WHEEL BECAME PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. AFTER A THOROUGH INSPECTION IS APPEARS THAT THE REAR MOUNTING BOLT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD DETACHED FROM THE SUB-FRAME. THIS PART OF THE SUB-FRAME SHOW EXCESSIVE CORROSION WHICH LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING POINT. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ABILITY TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE STABILITY. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY DECELERATING AND BEING OPERATED ON A ROADWAY THAT HAD SUFFICIENT ROOM TO MAKE CORRECTIVE MEASURE OTHERWISE THE OUTCOME OF THIS FAILURE EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AND FATAL. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. THE BODY AND OTHER PARTS OF THE...
ON MAY 2 2013, MY DAUGHTER LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A BUSY CITY STREET. THE VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP IN THE ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY OF A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. IT WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSSION WHICH CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE TO BECOME PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THE FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING DISCHARGING CONDENSATE ON THE AFFECTED PART. THE FORD DEALER ADVISED THEY HAD SEEN 1 OTHER VEHICLE RECENTLY WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE ASKED FOR A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE BUT SO FAR MY REQUEST HAS NOT BEEN HONORED. *TR
2003 FORD ESCAPE . SUBFRAME ROTTED AND CONTROL ARM CAME OFF. LEFT PASSENGER. *TR
LEFT WORK AND DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AT 15 MPH AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A LOUD SNAP/POP. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE INSTANTLY SLAMMED DOWN/DROPPED TO THE ROAD; STEERING LOCKED; I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE; SLID A FEW FEET AND STOPPED. THE PASSENGER TIRE WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE VEHICLE. THE AXLE WAS HANGING AND THE SUB FRAME WAS VISIBLE. IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD LITERALLY SNAPPED AT A WELD JOINT WITHOUT WARNING. WELD JOINT SNAPPED ON SUBFRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 9YRS W/70K MILES AND MOSTLY GARAGED; A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THIS WOULD HAVE WORSE AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, IF NOT FATAL. VEHICLE THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED TO HAVE A FORD REP REVIEW THE CASE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I HAD TO CALL FORD. AFTER CALLING, THEY THEN TOLD...
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED ON CITY STREETS. AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, A LOUD CRASH AND SCREECH WAS HEARD AS THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND AND TIRE WAS DRAGGED ALONG. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAS COME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRONT SUB-FRAME HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO BE CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 94,160 MILES ON IT. *TR
MY WIFE'S HAS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WE WERE DRIVING LUCKILY AT A LOW SPEED WHEN WE HEARD A POP IN THE PASSENGER FRONT END AND LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. THE SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM POPPED AND SUBFRAME IS ROTTED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD. I SAW THAT NHTSA DID AN INVESTIGATION THAT DEEMED 2003 WINDSTARS UNSAFE DO TO THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 11S16. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND IF SHE WAS DRIVING ANY FASTER AND THIS HAD HAPPENED FORD COMPANY COULD HAVE PUT MY WIFE AND OUR BABY IN DANGER. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE SAME YEAR VEHICLES HAVE ISSUES WITH THEM. MY NEXT CONTACT IS MY LAWYERS OFFICE BECAUSE IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY WIFE THE DAY BEFORE WHEN WE WERE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD SNAP AND A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND CONTINUED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE A FRAME WAS CORRODED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ABS AND THE TIE ROD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COOPERATE AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STEER FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED HER TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, WHERE SHE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE BODY SHOP AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS BADLY BRUISED FROM THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,700.
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Other 2003 FORD ESCAPE Problem Areas
Suspension
79 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
65 complaints
Structurebody
50 complaints
Air Bags
38 complaints
Electrical System
29 complaints
Structure
29 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
25 complaints
Engine
24 complaints
Power Train
24 complaints
Unknown Or Other
23 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
20 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
19 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
18 complaints
Structureframe And Members
18 complaints
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
15 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
14 complaints
Wheels
12 complaints
Service Brakes
11 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
11 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
11 complaints
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
10 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
9 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
7 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
7 complaints
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
7 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
7 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
5 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
4 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
4 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
4 complaints
Electrical Systemignition
3 complaints
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
3 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
3 complaints
Fuel System Other
3 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
3 complaints
Seat Belts
3 complaints
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
3 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
3 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
2 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
2 complaints
Equipmentelectrical
2 complaints
Power Traindriveline
2 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
2 complaints
Structurebodydoor
2 complaints
Structurebodyhood
2 complaints
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
2 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
2 complaints
Child Seatshield Assembly
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
1 complaint
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
1 complaint
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
1 complaint
Exterior Lighting
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
1 complaint
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfront
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor
1 complaint
Service Brakes Electric
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipwheel Speed Sensortone Ring
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
1 complaint
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
1 complaint
Suspensionfront
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Visibility
1 complaint
Visibilityglass Siderear
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherlinkages
1 complaint