2003 Ford Zx2 (Escort) problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Vehicle Speed Control (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum (1) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Zx2 (Escort) model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (9)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2004-12-13 · 042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
general (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:rear Window 2004-12-13 · 04189 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair. *tt
Electrical System 2004-09-06 · 04174 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series. *tt
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element 2004-08-09 · 041514 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair. *tt
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element 2004-07-12 · 031501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns. *tt
Electrical System 2003-09-15 · 03181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 9 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2007-12-15 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 63,000 mi“the automatic transmission, or related critical component parts, on this vehicle has failed. it was towed to avis ford about two weeks ago. the service manager, john, was requested to contact the manufacturer's representative to review the problem. despite daily promises of a call from the manf. rep, no call has been received, totally ignoring …”
2006-11-09 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum · 2,090 mi · 💥 crash“kinked and crimped vacuum brake hose causing the brakes to go hard as a rock, losing control of the car upon braking and 2 accidents. car was under warranty and the dealer failed to diagnose the problem leading to the accidents. accident 1. $6,000 damage. accident 2, $1,600 damage. i have photos of the crimped brake hose closed off under the ho…”
2006-06-25 · Air Bags“the other day i was driving my 2003 ford zx2 and my air bags went off, leaving with arm scrapes, broken windshield. i was going over railroad tracks when it happened. the police were shocked that this happen and said i should tell you guys about. my car is still in the shop and progressive insurance is on my side. *nm …”
2006-03-01 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline“the vehicle dies/stalls when braking to turn off a highway. when driving on highway going 55-60 mph the vehicle dies when braking. you lose power steering. car will turn back on. *nm…”
2005-06-05 · Vehicle Speed Control · 11 mi“whenever the a/c compressor is on.....and you take your foot off the accelerator pedal....the car continues to maintain its speed!!....just as if you had the cruise control set. the only time the vehicle does this is when the a/c compressor is activated. i have brought the car to both local dealerships here and neither of them were able to correc…”
2004-07-13 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 10,000 mi“i have a 2003 ford zx2 that has had a severe idle vibration for nearly one year that ford is refusing to fix. the defect causes a severe vibration in the steering wheel, glove box, vents, and seats of the car and occurs on a daily basis in any gear or any driving condition. this vehicle is still under warranty and it is obvious that the company is …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.