Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||||
| 042513 | 12/27/2004 | 10014265 | Serviceability of instrument panel register vents. *tt | 04/29/2005 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | |||||
| 16420 | 11/01/2002 | 10008347 | Squeak, creak or rattle type noise from rear liftgate area. *tt | 07/28/2004 | |
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS | |||||
| 16103 | 08/01/2002 | 636122 | This bulletin states that the rear underbody heat shield is discontinued. *tt | 11/05/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 07/15/2009 | 1 | ||
| 2003 ford escape ... paint peeling on roof around sun roof opening. *tr | |||
| 06/07/2008 | 74000 | 1 | |
| Paint is peeling off on the drivers side back under the hatch window and on top of the vehicle just behind the sun roof. this vehicle has 74k miles and is garaged. from nov. 2002 - feb. 2005 it was even in parking garage while i worked. i take great care of my vehicle and it has never been in an accident. i have read a lot of other people are having the exact same problem in the exact same place on the same make, model and year. i called ford and they don't care!!! it is out of warranty and there is no recall.. what can i do? *tr | |||
| 03/01/2009 | 65000 | 1 | |
| The paint on my ash gold 2003 ford escape has started to bubble and peel away from the metal body parts. doors, hood, rear hatch and a large spot on the roof just behind the moon roof window. this is not something you can touch up. the paint is literally peeling off of the primer which then quickly erodes to expose the metal which starts to rust. there are hundreds of complaints on this spanning several years and several ford models. in this age where we have to keep cars longer, this is a terrible thing to discover - the company simply can't figure out how to paint a car!!! i am the second owner and bought from the original owner. he pointed out the peeling but we both thought it could be touched up as he had been doing for a couple years. the roof was not looked at until i was working on the roof rack. this is the worst case and is not going to get fixed by any touch up paint. *tr | |||
| 04/20/2007 | 45000 | 1 | |
| My problem is not mechanical but rather physical. the paint has been peeling off the roof and hatch of my 2003 ash-colored ford escape limited since 2007. after reading others' blogs i am aware that i am not alone by any means. i purchased the suv for it's nice appearance and color. i wish i'd known beforehand that this was going to happen, otherwise i would never have purchased a ford. apparently ford is doing absolutely nothing about the problem. is there anything you can do to help us? can't ford be forced into a recall for this? these vehicles aren't cheap!! please help. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| Paint peeling in several spot on 2003 ford escape. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2007 | 95 | 1 | |
| I have a 2003 ford escape xlt,white in color and currently have a problem with the paint blistering and peeling on the rear hatch below the window both sides. additionally, the paint peeling has started under passenger side rear cargo window. i visited a local ford dealership and they denied it as a defect. out of warranty. i have had four autobody shops tell me $600.00 to a $1000.00 to repaint. the problem is factory primer problem and should expect to see more peeling if not repainted soon. *tr | |||
| 06/10/2007 | 1 | ||
| Paint blistering and peeling above the windshield on roof. *tr | |||
| 01/16/2009 | 81000 | 1 | |
| We own a 2003 ford escape suv. the paint is peeling of the back tailgate. this car has been garage and only has 80,000 miles. this paint should not peel off like this. the dealer said i could pay $300 to have it repainted. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| Paint peeling off the roof and rear tailgate of vehicle. brought the vehicle into the dealer. body shop inspected and reported that it needed to be repainted. internet search shows that this is not an uncommon event and that it has to do with improper prep or parts used. *tr | |||
| 09/05/2008 | 1 | ||
| Paint peeling down to bare metal on roof of vehicle with paint blistering elsewhere. exposed bare metal rusting due to exposure to elements. attempting resolution via dealer but no help at this time. *tr | |||
| 12/20/2006 | 74000 | 1 | 12/12/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. three months after the vehicle was purchased, the contact noticed a block of paint chipping off of the hood. weeks later, the condition became progressively worse. the paint began bubbling and chipping excessively. when the contact attempts to wash the vehicle the paint will come off. she is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 74,000 and current mileage is 100,000. update 06/10/08 *bf updated 06/10/08 | |||
| 07/29/2007 | 19350 | 1 | 09/11/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. the contact noticed that the paint on the passenger side door, lift gate, and ledge showed signs of bubbling paint. the dealer stated that the failure was not covered under warranty and does not have a recall. the manufacturer stated that they will speak with the dealer. the current mileage was 19,400 and failure mileage was 19,350. the consumer provided a repair invoice. updated 08/31/07 *tr | |||
| 33700 | 1 | ||
| When the vehicle was driven in the rain water cames through the drivers side window frame. the water went down into the electrical buttons on door panel. ford replaced all the rubber seals but it still leaks. *ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| The exterior paint is peeling off in large pieces. starting to rust. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2011 | |||
| The exterior paint is peeling off in large pieces. starting to rust. | |||
| 11/16/2011 | |||
| On both sides of my car just above the tires the paint has peeled off and has started to rust. | |||
| 09/05/2011 | |||
| Paint of ford escape 2003 peeling on the front. there are two large spots about 1 square foot each. i have called ford in greenville, sc few times but to no avail. this problem started about 4 years ago with two 3/8 of an inch size flakes. the suv has been garaged and has been taken good care of however now the paint is flaking with sections at a time. i have researched and have seen the exact same model with the same problem. at one point i have attempted to enter another ford escape assuming it was my car because of the similarity with the paint. there are several discussions about this problem: http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2003/consumer-discussions.html my concern is that ford has failed to remediate this issue with its active customer base and i believe it should be noted as gross negligence. | |||
| 07/16/2010 | 114000 | ||
| Paint defective on 2003 ford escape with gold ash paint. peeling around back window and 3 large patches, over 6 in diameter, on roof. | |||
| 04/01/2010 | 113000 | ||
| The paint is peeling around the wheel wells and has started to rust; caushing possible instability to the body of the car. i did some research online and this seems to be a common problem in 2003 ford escapes. can something be done? there were some claims that ford improperly prepared the escape for painting. please advise. | |||
| 03/10/2008 | 70000 | 1 | |
| My ford escape is a 2003 model and was purchased certified used in 2007 by us. within a year the paint on the roof and rear hatch started peeling. two years later, it is rusting where the peel is gone and still continuing to peel. we have not had any accidents or inclement weather that caused the damage. i have done research and seen where this is common in fords my vehicle's age. *tr | |||
| 11/25/2009 | 66000 | 1 | |
| Paint is peeling from the roof and two spots on the tailgate. the service manager at sloan ford in exton, pa wouldn't even look at it. a rep from ford advised that a dealer should look at it. the service manager at kennedy ford collision in conshohocken pa was kind enough to look at the vehicle and confirm that it is defective. ford declined assistance. the ford rep would not admit that there is a defect despite advising me that ford service managers have superior expertise in evaluating failures. *tr | |||
| 08/24/2009 | 98000 | 1 | |
| 2003 ford limited gold escape paint peeling and bubbling on hatch and above front window. ford will do nothing when i called since there is no recall on this paint issue. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| 1) the events leading to the failure are unknown 2) 2003 ford escape has an issue with its exterior paint. the paint is peeling away from the car and the exposed metal is rusting. this rusting leads to the compromise of the structural integrity of the car. this compromise can be detrimental in case of a collision. a google search revealed lots of 2003 ford escape owners complaining of the same issue. 3) nothing has been done to correct the failure. *tr | |||
| 07/31/2008 | 78000 | 1 | |
| Paint peeling -- delaminating -- from roof of 2003 ford escape xlt, color code c2. area is above junction of roof and windshield. body shop verified condition a result of bad primer. ford notified as well as two oklahoma city-area dealers -- overall ford and bob moore ford. no resolution from ford as of yet. *tr | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 11/02/2002 | 200 | 40 | 11/02/2002 |
| 2003 ford escape leaks dirt into passenger compartment when driving down a gravel road, at times the dust inside the passenger cabin is so thick it is impossible to see road or instruments. road dust is visible passing by door and seals. dealer has serviced vehicle twice for this condition. last visit the dealer suggested they would be happy to clean the vehicle out anytime we brought it in for service, and we should not operate the heater/air on gravel roads( we live on a gravel road). ford customer care was notified, but never responded. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 03/03/2004 | 1 | 07/12/2003 | |
| I purched my new vehicle on 7/12/03 and on 3/3/04 upon opening my driver door, i heard a clanking noise and the driver door fell off. upon further inspection i located the top pin inside the car but the clip was no where to be found. i closed the door & climed out the passenger side. i contacted a local ford dealer (not where i purchased it from) to get it fixed. they said they had never heard of this and they were very suprised. but, from what i just read.... its happened before. i took the vehicle into the local dealership and they did not have the clip so they jerry-rigged something to hold the pin in place. *ak | |||
| 07/30/2003 | 1 | 05/26/2003 | |
| We bought my escape xlt on 5/26/03. on 7/30/03, upon exiting my vehicle, the front driver's side door fell off. i do not feel safe in this vehicle. ford will not issue me a different escape unless we paid $9k towards a new one and i've only made one payment on my new vehicle. they said they've never seen this before and it won't happen again. we bought this vehicle because of the safety markings it received from consumer reports. i found that on march of 2003 another consumer had this same issue. that means that we're likely not the only ones to have this happen to us, like the ford dealerships would have us believe. after they returned the vehicle to me, they said it was fixed, but upon examination we noticed a part had been left off and my door was damaged and scuffed. we have contacted a lawyer and are persuing our options. *jt | |||
| 03/17/2003 | 4150 | 1 | 01/15/2003 |
| I went to shut my drivers side door and it felt a little funny. i opened it again and when i shut it i heard a clanking noise. when i opened my door again the pin and clip fell out and the door (the top hinge) came off. i had to remove the bottom pin and clip to re- hang my drivers side door in order to go to the dealership to have them do nothing and tell me that i am the only person they have ever seen it happen too and that it shouldn't happen again. *jb | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | |||
| 05/01/2007 | 52000 | 1 | 09/19/2003 |
| 2003 ford escape. noticed paint around lift gate ledge bubbling and peeling. only top layer of paint is peeling, gray layer appears to be fine, no signs of bubbling or peeling. talked to dealer and they said it was because the two layers never bonded when the car was painted at the factory. when i contacted the manufacturer to see if they would cover it, they said to go to the dealer and they would look at it and decide what to do. never heard back from dealer after i made contact with them. *tr | |||
| 05/29/2003 | 1021 | 0 | 01/20/2003 |
| Rear hatch - sheet metal around plastic trim piece used for handle and space between window and handle dent easily during normal opening and closing. several body shops we have taken the vehicle to for estimates says this happens alot. area should be reinforced or hatch should be made of composite material like the mini-vans. *nlm | |||
| 11/02/2002 | 200 | 40 | 11/02/2002 |
| 2003 ford escape leaks dirt into passenger compartment when driving down a gravel road, at times the dust inside the passenger cabin is so thick it is impossible to see road or instruments. road dust is visible passing by door and seals. dealer has serviced vehicle twice for this condition. last visit the dealer suggested they would be happy to clean the vehicle out anytime we brought it in for service, and we should not operate the heater/air on gravel roads( we live on a gravel road). ford customer care was notified, but never responded. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD | |||
| 02/12/2008 | 1 | 02/04/2003 | |
| My 2003 ford escape xlt paint is peeling in strips off the hood and from the sunroof back. i have made multiple complaints to ford in righting on the phone and in person. they claim to have never heard of the problem. in my research i have found @ least 45 others with the same issue. this is something they should not be allowed to sweep under the rug. it is a defect they are responsible for. *tr | |||
| 02/20/2005 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Dt: the caller pulled the hood release and with the hood in the release position and the safety latch on the hood while she was driving the hood flew up. the caller said the latch that held the hood from the outside did not hold when the hood flew up. the dealer fixed it, and said there was nothing wrong with the latch. the manufacturer said there was nothing wrong with the latch. the caller was able to get the vehicle off the road. *ak *sc | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 50000 | 1 | 10/08/2003 |
| The paint is coming off the roof of the car near the front wind shield area and also on the hatchback door. *cn | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 70000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 ford escape. while driving 25 mph, the low sub frame on the passenger side separated from the vehicle and the contact lost control of the vehicle. a local mechanic diagnosed that the sub frame failed due to rust. the dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 70,000. the vin was unavailable. | |||
| 07/21/2008 | 1 | ||
| I purchased a ford escape 2003 on july 2008. last month i noticed the leather interior loosened from all four doors. i would like to know is this a factory defect. *tr | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS | |||
| 12/12/2012 | 94160 | 1 | |
| The vehicle was being operated on city streets. as the vehicle approached a stop sign the brakes were applied, a loud crash and screech was heard as the vehicle fell to the ground and tire was dragged along. the front passenger side control arm has come detached from the vehicle because the front sub-frame had failed. the vehicle had to be towed to the shop. the failure was reported to be caused by corrosion. the vehicle only has 94,160 miles on it. *tr | |||