general problems of the 2003 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slightly veer to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side control arm had slightly detached. The dealer informed the contact the failure was a result of NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) and the vehicle was included; however, the fix needed exceeded the repair stated in the recall remedy. The dealer diagnosed that the front subframe was extremely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened. The contact was also referred to NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

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 contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and that when driving it felt abnormal without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame had experienced severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated two years prior to the failure vehicle was remedied under NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

2003 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to excessive rust on vehicle sub-frame recall notice. The consumer stated the arm cross bar was replaced. However, the subframe was not covered. The consumer has been unsuccessful at getting the sub frame replaced, because no was willing to sell the part. The part was being used for certain VIN's. The consumer referenced recall # 14v165000.

2003 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to corrosion of the subframe lower control arm recall notice repairs and seeks reimbursement. The consumer stated six months after the recall was performed, his wife heard a terrible noise and the vehicle became impossible to steer. The consumer arrived to where his wife was and did an inspection, and discovered the frame on the passenger side was completely rusted through and broken in half. The next day, a mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the front cross member was rusted out and broken on the passenger side and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The consumer was informed he was not entitled to reimbursement, because the lower control arm separated from the subframe after the recall was performed.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently which caused a loss of steering. The contact was able to regain control and maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed first to an independent mechanic and then authorized dealer. The technician informed that the passenger's side engine cradle was completely rusted. There was a voluntary recall issued by the manufacturer related to a newly designed engine cradle cross member bracket. The vehicle was repaired under the recall and the problem persisted. The remedy failed to correct the problem. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear driver side interior door was corroded and as a result, exhaust fumes were emitting into the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Paint defective on 2003 Ford Escape with gold ash paint.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact noticed that the paint on the passenger side door, lift gate, and ledge showed signs of bubbling paint. The dealer stated that the failure was not covered under warranty and does not have a recall. The manufacturer stated that they will speak with the dealer. The current mileage was 19,400 and failure mileage was 19,350. The consumer provided a repair invoice. Updated 08/31/07.

When the vehicle was driven in the rain water cames through the drivers side window frame. The water went down into the electrical buttons on door panel. Ford replaced all the rubber seals but it still leaks.