MYRModel Year Report

2003 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
2003 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:06.839Z

Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 10

2003: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 (Na) Ford Escort. While driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-02

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Service brakes

2 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Visibility

1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.

Tires

1 of 10 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving 2003, Ford, escape with 13.970 mile with general ameri - trac, 225/70R15 passenger rear tire thread separated from tire, causing damage to under carriage and bumper.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-07

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2004-08-27Seat belts04E048000 Certain trw driver's side seat belts manufactured on December 6 and 9, 2002, for use as replacement equipment for 1997 Ford Escort 4-door and station wagon platform vehicles, Ford's p/n…

    Remedy: Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2004.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04E048000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford Escort reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Escort have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.