2003 Ford Escape engine and engine cooling problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2003 Ford Escape — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that the vehicle abnormally accelerated without warning. The vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling vehicle speed control) however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle later stalled…”
filed Mar 6, 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph he tried to accelerate and the rpms increased. The brake failed to engage until he put the gear shift into neutral. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road, where the vehicle…”
filed Jan 24, 2014
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 and Engine Cooling problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 4 | 19% |
| 2024 Escape | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Escape | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 Escape | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 Escape | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 Escape | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 Escape | 90 | 16% |
| 2018 Escape | 339 | 19% |
| 2017 Escape | 505 | 19% |
| 2016 Escape | 56 | 5% |
| 2015 Escape | 44 | 4% |
| 2014 Escape | 186 | 9% |
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.