MYRModel Year Report

2003 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
2003 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:39:34.057Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 45 complaints 1987: 56 complaints 1987 1988: 143 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 101 complaints 1990 1991: 327 complaints 1992: 162 complaints 1993: 379 complaints 1993 1994: 279 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 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003
2003: 10 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198645
198756
1988143
1989152
1990101
1991327
1992162
1993379
1994279
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, 20150102

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

VISIBILITY

1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility.

TIRES

1 of 10 total reports mentions: tires.

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, 20050407

SUSPENSION

1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE SEVERELY VIBRATED WHILE IN MOTION AT 70 MPH, AND IN NON MOTION. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS THE NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THAT VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20041025

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040827 — seat belts

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 F7CZ54611B09A

Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Campaign 04E048000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.