39 problems related to front suspension control arm 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.
2003 Ford Escape . Subframe rotted and control arm came off. Left passenger.
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.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. The contacted stated that the vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic who informed the contact that there was corrosion of the sub frame ball joints and control arms. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 124,000.
I have a 2003 Ford Escape that I just took to the dealer for repair. The replaced the bushings in the upper and lower control arms as they were coming out. I ask the dealer about the problem, and was told they had seen it before. Rare but had seen it. Seems to me if the bushings come out of the control arms an accident could occur. Seems to me to be a quality problem that Ford is ignoring. I did have the car repaired at my expense. Hopefully this only occurs once. It all started with a "clunk" noise in the front end as you go over a drive way.