2003 Ford Escape - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2003 Ford Escape belongs to a Ford Escape lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 14 model years, from 2001 to 2026. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Escape entirely. It is configured as front-wheel drive with a manual 5-spd. The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2001) and later (2026) Escape model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, Motorcraft Gold battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 100 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around vehicle speed control (71), structure (70), power train (51). A representative report reads: "I was doordashing as it's my job and all of sudden my car starts not idling won't stay off od off switch that switch stayed consistently flickered either the..." There are 9 safety recalls on record; one covers: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $2,000.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $2,000 |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Motorcraft Gold |
| Open recalls on record | 9 |
| Technical service bulletins | 70 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.