2003 Ford Escape Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2003 model year · 5,443+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,443+ owner reports, the 2003 Ford Escape has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive ($100-$4,500 repair), Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration ($150-$700 repair) and Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation ($1,500-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive with 2,141 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

2,141 owners

On the 2001-2008 Ford Escape, complaints show a recurring pattern of automatic transmission failure on early Escapes, including harsh shifting, no movement in Drive, slipping, grinding, and in severe cases unexpected gear changes. Some owners report the transmission suddenly shifting abnormally at highway speed or losing the ability to stay in Park, creating both drivability and rollaway concerns.

Common Symptoms

Vehicle will not move in Drive
Harsh or incorrect shifting
Grinding noise from front/transmission area
Transmission slips or changes gears unexpectedly
Vehicle will not stay in Park

How to Fix

Diagnosis should include checking transmission fluid condition, shift cable/bushing integrity, range selector operation, and internal transmission damage. Repairs range from replacing the shift cable bushing or linkage to a full transmission rebuild/replacement if there is internal gear or clutch failure. Costs typically run from $100-$350 for linkage repairs up to $2,500-$4,500 for a remanufactured transmission installation.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,141+ owners who fixed this issue

TipIf the shifter position does not match actual gear engagement, inspect the shift cable bushing immediately before assuming the transmission itself has failed.
UpgradeAn upgraded shift cable bushing can restore proper gear selection when the original bushing deteriorates. (Dorman Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Bushing)
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TipBurnt fluid, delayed engagement, and grinding usually point to internal transmission damage and justify a professional rebuild estimate.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $4,500

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2,141+ owners have reported this issue

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High Confidence2,141 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

2,077 owners

On the 2001-2004 Ford Escape, a strong complaint pattern on 2001-2004 Escapes involves the throttle sticking open or engine speed hanging high, sometimes after full pedal application or in cold weather. Owners describe the vehicle continuing to accelerate after lifting off the pedal, very high idle, backfiring, and difficulty slowing the vehicle; this aligns with recalls involving the speed control cable and later throttle-related fire concerns on V6 models.

Common Symptoms

Accelerator pedal sticks
Vehicle keeps accelerating after pedal release
Idle surges to 3000-4000 RPM
Hard to slow down without shifting to neutral
Backfiring or erratic throttle response

How to Fix

Inspect the throttle body, throttle cable linkage, cruise control cable/servo cap, return spring action, and throttle plate for binding or contamination. Repairs may include replacing the cruise control cable, cleaning or replacing the throttle body, and adjusting or replacing the accelerator cable/linkage. Typical cost is about $150-$700 depending on whether only cleaning is needed or multiple cable/throttle components must be replaced.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,077+ owners who fixed this issue

TipIf the engine races unexpectedly, shift to neutral and brake firmly; do not continue driving until the throttle linkage is inspected.
UpgradeReplacing a worn or binding throttle body can cure persistent sticking and unstable idle that cleaning does not fix. (Dorman Throttle Body)
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UpgradeFresh intake and throttle-body gaskets help prevent vacuum leaks after service. (Fel-Pro Throttle Body Gasket)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $700

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2,077+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

1,225 owners

On the 2001-2004 Ford Escape, a major pattern in early Ford Escape complaints involves severe corrosion of the front subframe/crossmember, especially in salt-belt states. Owners report the lower control arm separating from the rusted subframe, causing sudden steering pull, wheel misalignment, clunking, and loss of control; some complaints also state the recall reinforcement bracket was insufficient once corrosion had already advanced.

Common Symptoms

Vehicle suddenly veers or pulls to one side
Steering wheel no longer aligns with wheel direction
Clunking or grinding from front end
Visible rust-through or flaking metal on subframe
Lower control arm separating from frame

How to Fix

Inspect the front engine cradle/subframe, lower control arm mounting points, and any recall-installed reinforcement brace for perforation, cracking, or separation. Mild corrosion may be addressed under recall remedies where applicable, but advanced rust usually requires full front subframe replacement plus alignment and often control arms/axles. Typical repair cost is about $1,500-$3,500 depending on rust severity and related suspension damage.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,225+ owners who fixed this issue

TipHave the front subframe and control arm mounts inspected on a lift before purchase, especially in rust-belt states.
UpgradeA complete replacement subframe or rust-free used cradle is often the only durable fix once perforation starts. (Dorman Front Suspension Crossmember)
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TipIf a recall brace is already installed, do not assume the structure is safe; complaints show rust can continue around the reinforced area.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,500

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1,225+ owners have reported this issue

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,443+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Ford Escape has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive, Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration, Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

The 2003-2003 Ford Escape has 3 known issues documented across 5,443+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive and Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration and Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive, typically costs $100-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2001-2008 Ford Escape Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive?

Complaints show a recurring pattern of automatic transmission failure on early Escapes, including harsh shifting, no movement in Drive, slipping, grinding, and in severe cases unexpected gear changes. Some owners report the transmission suddenly shifting abnormally at highway spe… Repairs typically run $100-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2004 Ford Escape Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration?

A strong complaint pattern on 2001-2004 Escapes involves the throttle sticking open or engine speed hanging high, sometimes after full pedal application or in cold weather. Owners describe the vehicle continuing to accelerate after lifting off the pedal, very high idle, backfirin… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2004 Ford Escape Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation?

A major pattern in early Ford Escape complaints involves severe corrosion of the front subframe/crossmember, especially in salt-belt states. Owners report the lower control arm separating from the rusted subframe, causing sudden steering pull, wheel misalignment, clunking, and lo… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

2003 Ford Escape Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2001-2008 Ford Escape: Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2001-2004 Ford Escape: Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2001-2004 Ford Escape: Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Escape problems?

Is the Ford Escape reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?

What is the 2001-2008 Ford Escape Automatic Transmission Failure and Loss of Drive?

What is the 2001-2004 Ford Escape Cruise Control Cable / Throttle Sticking and Unintended Acceleration?

What is the 2001-2004 Ford Escape Front Subframe Rust and Lower Control Arm Separation?