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2003 Ford Escort problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Ford Escort is acceleration and speed control. It has fewer complaints than a typical Escort model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
90/100
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
25mpg

The worst 2003 Ford Escort problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Ford Escort 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

2003 Ford Escort fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD2328-3025

What 2003 Ford Escort owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 19, 2018 · Locks · IA

2003 ford escort. Consumer writes in regards to door hinge/latch problems recall notice. Consumer has previous correspondence with another vehicle in artemis. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.

Filed Jan 2, 2015 · Acceleration · 115,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 (na) ford escort. While driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford escort. The contact stated the oil dip stick fractured when attempting to check the oil level. An authorized dealer stated the defect was a common problem with that model year vehicle. The dip stick was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 01/05/12*lj updated 01/12/12

Filed Oct 2, 2008 · Transmission · 30,724 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escort. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. It would not move in reverse or forward. The vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The transmission rattles and shakes, and the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The ford dealer tested and repaired the transmission in 2007, but the failure recurred. The transmission has a 80,000 mile warranty, but the dealer does not want to repair the vehicle. The contact took her vehicle to four different ford dealers and they stated that the transmission was the cause of the failure. She feels that because her vehicle has so few mileage and is still under warranty, it should be repaired. The failure mileage was 30,724.

Filed May 4, 2007 · Brakes · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escort. In 2004, the ABS light began illuminating intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times. The dealer was not able to repair the failure. The contact recently received recall # 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). The dealer performed the repair, however, the ABS light illuminated before she left the parking lot. The manufacturer told the contact to take the vehicle to another ford dealer. The current mileage is 49,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 13, 2006 · Body, Brakes · 23,600 miles · CT

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the engine running, the idle was rough. There was also a rumbling noise coming from the front right of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the vibration was due to the way the engine mounts and brackets were installed, and that some vibration was inherent to the design of the vehicle. The consumer also stated there was a clicking sound when the brake pedal was applied while in reverse. The heater core was replaced due to it leaking. The front pads were replaced. Updated 12/05/06.

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Acceleration · 12,000 miles · PA

Dt: the caller says vehicle vibrates when it is in idle. Also when vehicle is at a stop light or signs the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. This happened for the last 6 months and it became worse. Dealer said there was nothing they could do to fix it. The manufacturer said it was a characteristic of the vehicle, and it could not be fixed.

Filed Apr 7, 2005 · Tires · 13,970 miles · HI

While driving 2003, ford, escape with 13.970 mile with general ameri - trac, 225/70r15 passenger rear tire thread separated from tire, causing damage to under carriage and bumper. While replacing tire with spare noticed driver's rear tire also started to separate. Escape was to unsafe to drive at this point, and had to be towed to cutter ford dealership, aiea hawaii. Dealership would not do anything, saying tires were on for 12,000 miles or 1 year. Took car to sears to have tires replaced which cost little over 250.00, but this didn't include any body damage caused by the tire. It appeared to m that dealership wish to avoild any problems with tires, like previous tire problems. Tires have always been diven on paved roads. Have retained the paperwork from sears on the condition of tires.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Suspension · 3,000 miles · DC

Vehicle severely vibrated while in motion at 70 MPH, and in non motion. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions. Dealer informed consumer that it was the normal characteristic of that vehicle.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Airbags · 12,000 miles · VA · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 25 MPH consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and the air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries. Manufacturer had not been contacted.

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Compare the 2003 Ford Escort

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Questions about the 2003 Ford Escort

Is the 2003 Ford Escort reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2003 Ford Escort, fewer than a typical Escort model year.

What is the 2003 Ford Escort year score?

The 2003 Ford Escort scores 90 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Escort: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Escort?

Acceleration and speed control, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Escort have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Escort get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Ford Escort range from 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23 city and 28-30 highway.

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