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2003 FORD Escape

9 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #15V606000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
The shift lever in your vehicle is connected to the transmission by a bolt. In some cases, this bolt wasn't tightened properly during a recent transmission repair, which can cause the lever to come loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the shift lever comes loose while you're driving, you might not be able to change gears, and the gear indicator on your dashboard might not show the correct gear position. This means your vehicle could roll away when you park it, putting you and others at risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will check the transmission and tighten the shift lever bolt or replace the entire lever assembly - all at no cost to you. Just schedule a service appointment when you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Original — Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #12V353000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The speed control cable in your 2001-2004 Escape is connected to the engine cover. If it's not properly aligned, the speed control cable could get stuck when you press the accelerator pedal all the way down.
Risk if Unfixed
If the throttle gets stuck, your vehicle could reach extremely high speeds and be hard to stop or slow down, which could cause a serious crash, injury, or even death.
Free Fix
Ford will contact you to schedule a free repair. Your dealer will adjust the engine cover to fix the clearance issue and prevent the cable from getting stuck. Alternatively, they can disconnect the speed control cable as a temporary fix, and then install the permanent repair when the parts become available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07V156000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The ABS module is like a computer brain that helps your vehicle stop smoothly. In some 2007 Ford SUVs, the electrical connector to this module might have a problem that lets dust or moisture get inside.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your ABS system could fail while you're driving, and you might see the ABS warning light come on. In the worst case, the module could overheat and catch fire, causing a burning smell or smoke.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will inspect and fix or replace the electrical connector to the ABS module – it's free. They'll also check the connector on the module itself and replace it if it's damaged. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07E023000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
What Happened
The master cylinder in your brake system is a crucial part that helps you stop your vehicle. It's used in certain vehicles and has a specific part number or date code that could make it faulty.
Risk if Unfixed
If the seal in your master cylinder fails, brake fluid can leak out, and you may experience poor braking performance. This could lead to a vehicle crash, especially in emergency situations where you need to stop quickly.
Free Fix
Your dealer will notify you, and you should contact them to arrange a free repurchase of the defective master cylinder. This is a free service, and you'll need to get in touch with the dealer as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #04V165000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The transmission control module in your vehicle is the computer brain of your automatic transmission. It helps your engine and transmission work together smoothly. In some 3.0L V6 engine models, the control module can malfunction.
Risk if Unfixed
If the transmission control module fails, your engine could stall when you're slowing down, which could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your authorized Ford dealer will update the control module with the correct software settings, free of charge. You should schedule the update as soon as you get the recall notice and expect it to be done within a reasonable time frame.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15E045000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

Manufacturer
Timken Company
What Happened
The wheel bearing in your vehicle's front suspension is a crucial part that helps your wheels turn smoothly. The affected wheel bearings are slightly too small and could be installed in your vehicle if you replaced the original ones with an aftermarket part.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wrong-sized wheel bearing is used, it could cause your vehicle to lose braking and steering control, making it more likely to crash.
Free Fix
You should contact Timken's customer service at 1-866-984-6536 to arrange for a replacement wheel bearing, which will be provided free of charge by the distributor.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #14V165000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
The lower control arm in your Escape helps connect your wheels to your steering system. It's designed to absorb bumps and shocks on the road, but in certain areas with high salt usage, it can corrode and weaken over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lower control arm fails, it could break and cause a loss of steering control. This could make it hard to drive your vehicle, increasing the risk of a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will install a new reinforcement bracket to prevent corrosion and keep your lower control arm secure – all at no cost to you. As soon as you get the recall notice, schedule the repair to ensure your vehicle's safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S02.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V602000 Plain English
Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The latch on the rear liftgate of your vehicle is the mechanism that keeps the gate shut while you're driving. Unfortunately, in certain 2001-2005 models, it's not strong enough to keep the gate closed in a crash.
Risk if Unfixed
If you forget to lock the liftgate and get into a crash, it could swing open, which could cause injury or damage to people or property.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty latch mechanism with a stronger one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V574000 Plain English
Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The accelerator cable in your vehicle is like a messenger that tells the engine how fast to go. In some cases, this cable can get stuck, preventing the engine from returning to idle.
Risk if Unfixed
If the accelerator cable fails, your engine may idle at a higher speed than usual. This could make it harder to stop your vehicle in time, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the faulty accelerator cable with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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