Three problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 2003 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2003 Escape.
I own a 2003 Ford Escape with a 6 cylinder engine which I bought new from harrold Ford in sacramento 11/2002. I noticed a strong oil burning smell. And oil leaking from the engine. I was unable to locate the source of the leak, so I took the vehicle into harrold Ford on 12/30/2009. The dealer informed me the oil was leaking thru the oil pan, and that Ford had a retrofit for the problem. I asked if this was a seal problem. I was told no, the material the oil pan was made of allowed the oil to eventually start leaking directly thru the material. I asked if this was a recall due to the fire danger, and was told no. The repair was completed and the oil pan was replaced. I kept the old oil pan.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop because the emissions indicator was illuminated. The repair shop kept the vehicle for two weeks due to the parts that needed to be ordered. When the gasket was installed in the vehicle, the engine became very hot and the corking (used to seal the gasket) melted onto the catalytic converter. The dealer stated that the failure was due to the catalytic converter and would cost $3,700 just to start the vehicle and determine what other malfunctions were occurring. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 70,000 and failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Without warning vehicle started smoking from underneath. The smoke was coming from vent area inside of vehicle. Also, there was a bad smell.