2003 Ford Escape suspension problems
90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 2003 Ford Escape — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and links to take care of the problem. After ordering parts, the vehicle, while driving to work, a loud popping sound was heard and then the vehicle…”
filed Mar 11, 2022
“While replacing the control arms on my 2003 ford escape xlt 4x4 I noticed on the passenger side there was alot of corrosion so much so the control arm is barely hanging on there is a flat bar running from drivers side to passenger side which has been rendered useless because the bolt that is used…”
filed Jan 10, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Safety recall 14S02 - Corrosion at forward attachment of lower control arm - requests for recall service action
TSB160071 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 20162001-2004 Escape vehicles Safety Recall 14S02 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower…
16-0071 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2016Ford: the lower control arm (lca) forward attachment will separate from subframe, causing diminishing directional control, due to operating in high corrosion areas for extended period of time. Model 2001-2004 escape. *pe
TSB-14-0143 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2014
Suspension problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Escape | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 Escape | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 Escape | 8 | 1% |
| 2019 Escape | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Escape | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 Escape | 8 | 0% |
| 2016 Escape | 7 | 1% |
| 2015 Escape | 13 | 1% |
| 2014 Escape | 18 | 1% |
| 2013 Escape | 27 | 1% |
| 2012 Escape | 12 | 2% |
| 2011 Escape | 31 | 2% |
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.