2003 Ford Escape engine problems
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2003 Ford Escape — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I was doordashing as it's my job and all of sudden my car starts not idling won't stay off od off switch that switch stayed consistently flickered either the engine or transmission is slipping or misfiring”
filed Apr 19, 2025
“Tl* the contact owned a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a ranch, someone looked out the window and found the vehicle on fire. The police and the fire department were called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. A fire report and police report were…”
filed Jul 19, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only. *tt
04208 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip. *tt
19016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt
041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
Engine problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 5 | 24% |
| 2024 Escape | 13 | 17% |
| 2023 Escape | 28 | 30% |
| 2022 Escape | 32 | 14% |
| 2021 Escape | 40 | 12% |
| 2020 Escape | 112 | 7% |
| 2019 Escape | 299 | 52% |
| 2018 Escape | 1,116 | 64% |
| 2017 Escape | 1,543 | 58% |
| 2016 Escape | 195 | 18% |
| 2015 Escape | 236 | 22% |
| 2014 Escape | 719 | 35% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.