2003 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Escort years (#14 of 14 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 10 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints

Tires1 complaint

Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)1 complaint

Service Brakes, Air (brakes)1 complaint

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)1 complaint

“2003 ford escort. Consumer writes in regards to door hinge/latch problems recall notice. Consumer has previous correspondence with another vehicle in artemis. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *js”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · May 2016

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 (na) ford escort. While driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2014

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escort. The contact stated the oil dip stick fractured when attempting to check the oil level. An authorized dealer stated the defect was a common problem with that model year vehicle. The dip stick was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 01/05/12*lj updated 01/12/12”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2011

Show 5 more owner reports

“Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the engine running, the idle was rough. There was also a rumbling noise coming from the front right of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the vibration was due to the way the engine mounts and brackets were installed, and that some vibration was inherent to the design of the vehicle. The consumer also stated there was a clicking sound when the brake pedal was applied while in reverse. The heater core was replaced due to it leaking. The front pads were replaced. Updated 12/05/06. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2006

“Dt: the caller says vehicle vibrates when it is in idle. Also when vehicle is at a stop light or signs the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. This happened for the last 6 months and it became worse. Dealer said there was nothing they could do to fix it. The manufacturer said it was a characteristic of the vehicle, and it could not be fixed. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2005

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escort. In 2004, the ABS light began illuminating intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times. The dealer was not able to repair the failure. The contact recently received recall # 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). The dealer performed the repair, however, the ABS light illuminated before she left the parking lot. The manufacturer told the contact to take the vehicle to another ford dealer. The current mileage is 49,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Oct 2004

“While driving at 25 mph consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and the air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries. Manufacturer had not been contacted.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2004

“Vehicle severely vibrated while in motion at 70 mph, and in non motion. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions. Dealer informed consumer that it was the normal characteristic of that vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2003

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEAT BELTS:FRONT04E048000 · Jul 2004

CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

How other years compare

200168 complaints · 1 recalls 200233 complaints · 1 recalls 2003 (this page)10 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact Escort by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Ford Escort reliable?

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.

Does the 2003 Ford Escort have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.