Seven problems related to frame and members 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.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While the contact's daughter was driving 40 mph, the driver struck a pothole and the vehicle began to pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side lower control arm and subframe were bent due to rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
2003 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to waiting for vehicle parts to come in.
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.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. After the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure), it was discovered that the front passenger side subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,429.
2003 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to lower control arm corrosion recall notice problems. The dealer informed the consumer, the parts were not available and that was in may. The dealer stated to call back in July. To date, the recall has not been fixed. The consumer referenced recall # 14v165000.
I purchased a Ford Escape 2003 on July 2008. Last month I noticed the leather interior loosened from all four doors. I would like to know is this a factory defect.