2003 Ford Escape engine problems

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · OH

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 Jul 19, 2019 · Engine · 98,500 miles · TX · fire

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. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was totaled and was not towed away. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact inquired about the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 98,500.

Filed May 21, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 202,871 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving 20 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The only functioning warning indicator on the instrument panel was the check engine indicator. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil continuously. The failures were not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was emailed, but did not reply. The failure mileage was 202,871.

Filed Nov 28, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 108,000 miles · CA · crash

On many occasions, the engine has stalled while at a stop or going about 10 MPH. Two times the engine has stalled on the freeway going over 60 MPH, causing my car to be side swiped and stranded on the side of the freeway.

Filed Apr 25, 2017 · Acceleration, Body · 244,310 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control) and 14v165000 (structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle, especially near the control arm, was corroded to the point that it failed inspection. Also, the vehicle's RPM monitor fluctuated between 0-5, failing to correctly indicate an increase in rpms. The failure caused the vehicle to rev up without the contact purposely causing an increase. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 244,310. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 17, 2017 · Engine · 237,000 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact stated that the a neighbor alerted that the vehicle was caught on fire. The contact then noticed that there were flames coming from the engine compartment and under the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle remained at the contacts residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v005000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible reason for the failure however the VIN was not included. There were no injuries that required medical attention. The failure mileage was 237,000.

Filed Dec 21, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 148,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving 75 MPH, the contact smelled smoke coming from the engine. The contact noticed the vehicle was smoking and rushed home. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake system module harness and master cylinder needed to be replaced. In addition, the ABS warning light illuminated and the braking system caught fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 148,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 28, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 166,836 miles · OH

While I was driving back from the shooting range the engine did a hesitation and then when I pushed down on the gas to see if it would clear up the instrument panel gauges went haywire. The fuel, speed, RPM and heating cluster level arms all went to the max point and when I let off the acceleration to pull over the cluster panel gauges died like there was no power and when the engine idle leveled off the gauges went back to normal. The instrument panel did it 4 more times before I actually got home. I am afraid to drive it to work and this is my only transportation. What is causing the issue with this? I need to know as soon as possible. Thanks.

Filed May 18, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 180,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 5 MPH, there was smoke coming from the front driver side of the vehicle without warning. The contact discovered flames underneath the vehicle. A police officer extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 52,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine began to rev unexpectedly and the throttle became stuck even though the accelerator pedal was not depressed. The brake pedal was engaged and the vehicle resumed normal operation. In 2012, the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control); however, the failure recurred twice after the remedy was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the idle air control was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. Updated 6/3/15*cn updated 10/06/2017