2003 Ford Escape Ford Escape 2003

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2003 Ford Escape repairs by problem area

Engine (37%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (9%)

Suspension and Steering (24%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (1%)

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Chart based on 170 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Ford Escape.

2003 Ford Escape electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (6%)

$500 - $999 (27%)

$100 - $499 (39%)

< $100 (27%)

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Chart based on 33 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Ford Escape

Engine not specified

64480 mi

C $400
2nd alternator in 1 year  

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2003 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

201-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

134000 mi

US $450
Alternator went out on interstate. Previously replaced in December 2006 and again in November 2007. Cost for 2006 was $700. Alternator was under warranty so cost was $525 for labor. 
78300 mi

US $1300
Knob that adjusts cooling and heat not adjusting temperature 
121000 mi

US $116
Needed a new battery. Not a big deal. 
133600 mi

US $15
Needed to go through inspection. Was getting Airbag Code 47 flashing on dashboard ( common problem ). Took passenger seat out, disconnected yellow harness under said seat and cleaned and used dielectric gel on harness connectors. Bolted seat back in. Problem solved. No more Airbag light or flashing code on dashboard. Cost of Dielectric grease. 12.00. Took about 16 minutes. 
135000 mi

US $28
Blowing hot air thru aircon. Bought can of Freon and recharged it myself. Took 10 minutes. 
137000 mi

US $250
Warning light came on for battery. Battery was good. I was leaving for Ireland in two days, so gave car to friend to repair while I was gone. He investigated and discovered the idiot who replaced the Alternator previous to when I owned the car, did not shrinktape a wire connection, and it corroded into two pieces,hence no charge to battery. Gave my buddy 100.00 bucks for his trouble, because I know how difficult it is to get to the Alternator! 
135000 mi

US $700
Radio died, engine started running rough and within a couple minutes died. Car towed to shop and alternator and battery were replaced. 
106000 mi

US $174
Headlight not working due to wiring corrosion. Replaced pigtail connector and bulb. 
195000 mi

US $40
Replaced a/c compressor 
104200 mi Replace alternator Airbag light gives code 32. Clockspring is bad. Airbag light code 32. Replaced clockspring. 

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2003 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

201-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

62500 mi

US $600
passenger seatbelt retractor not working correctly, causing warning light for the airbag system 
131000 mi

US $300
Alternator stopped working. Part cost $200, but I needed to remove the plenum to pull the alternator up from the back of the engine. So extra cost was gasket kit 
169000 mi Loose air bag connector under driver's seat 
83700 mi

C $130
battery failed after a number of years. would not hold charge. purhcased new battery and works as required now. 
88740 mi Battery issue due to cold weather. Took out battery to ensure full charge, cleaned terminals and cables to ensure proper connection. Re-installed battery and connections. No further ussues. 
90520 mi Have not started vehicle for some time...battery dead. Charging now, and will see if that fixed it once again. 
85000 mi

US $95
Backup assist system failure 
200300 mi

US $606
Alternator failed, and needed replacement. 
235000 mi

US $500
Alternator failed; new one installed. 
109120 mi

C $653
cd kept sticking in 6cd changer 
101000 mi Airbag indicator began blinking. Eventually diagnosed the code as the restraint connector underneath passenger seat. Made sure connection was secure; light went off, and has remained so. 
125000 mi

US $900
Cruise Control Inoperative: 1) Replaced Clock Spring in steering wheel. 2) Replaced Cruise Control Servo/Module 
145000 mi

US $1265
Evaporator tube was clogged with shavings from pistons in condenser 
160000 mi

US $800
Alternator went out - replaced 
199000 mi

US $100
Connection leaking freon after recharge. Did not require them to drain in order to fix. 
58280 mi

C $400
6 cd changer stopped working 
84000 mi

US $200
Alternator 
155000 mi Alternator failure 
189900 mi

US $150
Replaced failed alternator 
197000 mi

US $25
Recharged AC 
204000 mi

US $120
Tired battery was replaced. 
139000 mi

US $520
New alternator installed. 
159000 mi

US $150
New battery 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2003 Ford Escape Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Ford Escape problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.