Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While my 2003 Escape was in motion, the vehicle jerked and kicked ad I pressed accelerating on a heavy city highway. The vehicle couldn't drive or move forward. I believe it is the transmission went out. The gears were slipping or not going in position. I was using more gas, having a recall on transmission was announced on 2003 Ford Escape. Recall id 234608 on powertrain automatic transmission. And recall id 234607 automatic transmission: gear position indication. Recall id 234607 I called the Ford service center. I was told no recalls under my VIN number. I asked for assistance to fix my transmission. No was answer. I took my car back to place I purchased it carter's radiator, purchased 5-8-2020. Carter radiator did diagnose, found it was the transmission. I was told car will not go into gears. 4th gear is in-operative. Ony 1st & 2nd gears operating. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Mark mclarty Ford located at 4400 landers rd, north little rock, ar 72117, [phone], was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15V606000 (power train) and 04V165000 (power train), however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 229,000.
While I was driving on hwy 45 my Escape jumped out of gear and overdrive indicator showed it had turned off at the same time. Also it caused my vehicle to almost stoll while traffic was behind me and beside me. I had to shift gear shift until light showed again then shift it to drive. Also had to click overdrive back on several times until it kicked on. I had my sister and my 2 children 9yrs and 10 yrs old in vehicle when it happened. Also had my vehicle to start jumping and shaking like it was missing . Engine light is on all the time now, and airbag light. Is it safe to drive?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle decelerated on its own and completely stopped. The contact also stated that the gear selector did not engage in the selected gear. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
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. 10/12/2020 when problem arose after replacing sensors 02/09/2021 any ideas why it is doing this?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and lunge. In addition, there was a burning odor. The contact shut off the engine but after restarting, he was unable to shift into any gear. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 195,000.
I have a 2003 Ford Escape and I have had to replace 2 of the shifter cables. The cables to allow the truck to go from prnd12.on the dashboard if the black bold square isn't around the p when I turn off the truck then I cannot take my key out of the ignition when parked.I do not want the vehicle to keep moving .
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
O/d off light flashes. No check engine light. Transmission column shifter moves properly in all gears p,r,n,d,2,1 but vehicle only moves in reverse and engages in park and neutral. Vehicle will not move in drive, 2 or 1. Transmission fluid condition and level is normal.
Vehicle moved forward when in reverse gear when I was trying to back up at work. I had to have people at work come help me pull the vehicle backwards to avoid crashing into the wall. It still only goes forward, even in reverse gear. It is not safe to drive!!!
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 engines, during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (PCM) with the appropriate calibration. Owner notification began on April 21, 2004.
Transmission complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Escape, 10% of the model year's 558 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Escape transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-606 (floor shift, Sep 29, 2015); NHTSA recall 04V-165 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Apr 6, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Escape transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.