2003 Ford Escape: engine failure

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 130,693 miles · OH

On june 9 2014, I took my escape to the ford dealer to have recall 14s02 performed. We had recently purchased the car and had gotten the recall notice. The service writer called me to say that "the car wasn't safe to drive" because of the rust spots that had eaten through the engine cradle. He warned me that if this went unrepaired, the frame could collapse under the weight of the engine. He reassured me that he was working with ford to replace the engine cradle as part of the recall. He took pictures (twice) of the car and submitted them and a request to ford for the repair. On july 13 2014, more than a month later, the service writer let me know that ford had rejected the repair claim, saying that "they didn't think the rust was significant, it was surface rust, and the car was actually safe to drive." the dealer installed a bracket across the bottom of the rusty cradle. I understand that the bracket is part of the recall. I picked the car up on july 14 2014 and was told that it was safe and not to worry about the rust. We subsequently spent over $1,500 making other repairs to the car, believing it was a good investment. Less than 2 months later, on september 5 2014, my daughter experienced a catastrophic failure of the engine cradle, bending the drive axle on the passenger side and rendering the car unable to drive. The service writer had been correct, it was unsafe to drive and it did fail. We had the car towed to the nearest dealer. On september 9 2014, I was told that ford had again rejected the claim to repair the (broken) engine cradle. This time, the reason given was "they had already done the recall" that was meant to address the cradle damage from rust. I have appealed the rejection through ford customer care and through the special services group and they continue to reject the repair. I would like ford to repair the vehicle at their expense.

Filed Aug 26, 2011 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NC

Abs light on 2003 ford escape keeps coming on....was never notified by ford about a recall on this...also have had to replace an engine in it only had it for 37,000 miles when I had to replace the engine....ford does not notify customers of potential problems with this vehicle.

Filed Jul 16, 2008 · Engine · 77,000 miles · MO

Dealership failed to notify me of current vehicle recalls regarding my 2003 ford escape limited, failed to identify mechanical problems during scheduled maintenance (oil change) as recommended by the ford motor company, which states its technicians perform a "multi-point inspection" "with the most up-to-date training" which LED to subsequent engine failure (locked-up).

Filed Aug 29, 2007 · Transmission · 85,834 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. On august 26, 2007, while driving 37 MPH, the engine failed. The failure is now occurring at least four times per day when the vehicle is started. The federal safety agency recall number 04v165000 (power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM, PCM)) was referenced. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 85,834.

Filed Jun 5, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 66,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving under 40 MPH, the engine failed. The failure has occurred on four different occasions. Safety recall # 04v165000 (power train:automatic transmission control module (TCM, PCM)) does not apply to the VIN. The purchase date and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 66,000. Updated 02/01/08. *lj updated 02/01/08

Filed Sep 5, 2006 · Engine · 35,552 miles · ID

I was driving my vehicle from minnesota to idaho when, I've been told, a connector belt broke and broke through the engine. As a result, the entire engine must be replaced. I was pulling a 5 x 8 trailer with a class 3 hitch and I've been advised by the service technician that the trailer did not contribute to the breakdown. As the vehicle cleared a hill on an interstate, there was a loud noise from the bottom of the truck and spraying liquid and smoke. When we inspected the vehicle, the oil had completely drained from the oil reservoir (I've been advised that the oil cap was firmly in place and did not contribute to the incident). The vehicle was towed to a local dealership and is currently in process of receiving a new engine. There is a hole in the bottom of the truck and "metal parts in the engine." I've asked about why the failure occurred and the service technician stated that they didn't know. When I called ford customer service about this they told me that the engine will be sent to ford for analysis but the findings will not be shared with me. My concern about this breakdown is that this is the second new ford vehicle I've purchased where the engine had to be replaced shortly following the expiration of the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. This current vehicle has 35,552 miles and the warranty expired on 6/14/06.

Filed Aug 21, 2004 · Engine · CA · fire

New car, owned 10 months. 16,000 miles on it. Sudden engine failure, no warning what so ever, ie; no overheating, alarm etc. Engine replaced, 10 days later drove only 12 miles on new engine. Blew head gasket, and engine began to burn. Again no warning.