2003 Ford Escape: engine knocking or ticking

5 of the 558 complaints about the 2003 Ford Escape describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 10 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

2022
1
2021
2
2020
5
2019
7
2018
18
2017
21
2016
5
2015
5
2014
12
2013
6
2012
1
2011
8
2010
7
2009
1
2008
7
2007
3
2006
6
2005
22
2004
4
2003
5
2002
8
2001
5

What owners say

Filed May 28, 2019 · Body · 88,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. The contact heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. An independent mechanic discovered that the subframe was rusted and quoted a repair cost of $2,000 to have the frame replaced. Several unknown dealers were contacted and quoted repairs costs as high as $4,800. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2012 · Steering · 45,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact noticed a loud snap and a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. A few days later the contact noticed that the steering wheel became uncontrollable and continued to pull to one side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the a frame was corroded and detached from the vehicle, causing damage to the ABS and the tie rod. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Aug 8, 2012 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · CT

While driving my escape, the front brakes started to make a knocking/thumping noise. When I got home, I removed the tires and notice that both the front disk brakes rotors where de-laminating. With you finger nail you could pull off hunks of metal. I still have both rotors. And the brakes had only about 15,000 miles on them. Brake job was done by a ford dealer. The disk where turned and they are original equipment.

Filed May 15, 2009 · Brakes · 49,600 miles · OH

I have an 03 escape. Since fall 08 I have heard, felt this stutter, but didn't know what to call it. At first it was occasional, but has grown increasingly frequent--three to four times in a row accompanied once in a while with a ticking sound, and pulling the car to the left. Mechanics couldn't replicate the problem. Today they are replacing the tone rings. Having a term to use, I got on line and found out it is a frequent problem for owners.

Filed Apr 1, 2007 · Airbags · FL

I own a 2003 ford escape up to now I have not had any problems I guess knock on wood I have been lucky. Lately the airbag light started blinking and then it stays on. From reading some of the complaints there might be several reasons as to why this happens. I have read that there are many people having this same problem, maybe ford should take the first step and recall the vehicles to get this fixed.