One problem related to overdrive light on has 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.
Transmission failure in a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. This vehicle has 53,576 miles on it and showed no warnings of failure. While operating vehicle in traffic the overdrive light started flashing and the transmission started slipping and no movement from vehicle. This is a safety hazard as there is no way to safely exit drive lanes , and may cause rear end collisions. The cd4e transmission has major design flaws known by Ford hence the conversion of transmission manufacturers from batavia, ohio to livonia, michigan in 2006. I have yet to have the problem repaired as I may be using the vehicle for explanatory proof of poor quality and engineering.