2003 Ford Escape steering problems
44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2003 Ford Escape — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driving down the interstate coming from georgia, it would downshift suddenly without warning. I have not been able to drive it in about 4 months.I thought I had everything repaired, then my truck stopped pulling in drive at a red light. My safety neutral switch is brand new and the position sensor…”
filed Feb 28, 2021
“Lower control arm separated from sub frame. High corrosion area. Separated at a speed of about 65 mph going over highway bridge. Right front tire tipped out and sent vehicle into a uncontrolled swerve to the left and right. Ford's recall 14s02 cross brace patch was installed but still almost caused…”
filed Jul 23, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 Escape | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 Escape | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 Escape | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 Escape | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 Escape | 32 | 2% |
| 2017 Escape | 49 | 2% |
| 2016 Escape | 73 | 7% |
| 2015 Escape | 79 | 8% |
| 2014 Escape | 151 | 7% |
| 2013 Escape | 302 | 11% |
| 2012 Escape | 137 | 23% |
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.