2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) Problems & Complaints

Better than average43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ZX2 (escort) at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 43% fewer than a typical ZX2 (escort) model year at the same age, making the 2003 one of the better ZX2 (escort) years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (2 complaints, typically around 10,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) problems

  • Engine & cooling~10,000 miles
    233%
  • Speed control & acceleration~0 miles
    117%
  • Electrical system
    117%
  • Air bags
    117%
  • Brakes~2,000 miles
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~63,000 miles
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford ZX2 (escort) complaints by model year

199819992000200120022003815718126
Owner complaints per model year, Ford ZX2 (escort). Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best ZX2 (escort) years: 2000, 1998, 2003. Years to avoid: 2001, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 ZX2 (escort) rates better than average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ZX2 (escort) at the same age. It is one of the best ZX2 (escort) years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort)?

The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the speed control & acceleration (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort). You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford ZX2 (escort)?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1998 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 1999 and 2002. See the full Ford ZX2 (escort) years comparison.

At what mileage do 2003 Ford ZX2 (escort) problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.