2003 Ford Escort

Introduction:

The 2003 Ford Escort is a compact sedan that was popular for its affordability and practicality. It offered a range of engine and transmission options, including:

• 2.0L Zetec 4-cylinder (130 hp, 135 lb-ft) with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
• 2.3L Duratec 4-cylinder (150 hp, 155 lb-ft) with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission

The Escort was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable seats, and peppy performance with the 2.3L engine. However, it was criticized for its bland styling, low-quality materials, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.0L Zetec 4-cylinder

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, poor acceleration, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace camshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

2.3L Duratec 4-cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Failure (2nd Gear):
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into 2nd gear, grinding noises
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration when accelerating, transmission slipping
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, flickering gauges, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on or flickering
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Bumper Cover Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks around the rear license plate area
  • Solution: Replace rear bumper cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noises from the dashboard
  • Solution: Tighten or replace loose parts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or intermittent operation
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2003 Ford Escort is a relatively reliable vehicle with some common issues that can be costly to fix. The most severe problems involve the intake manifold gasket and synchronizer failures, which can lead to engine damage or transmission failure. While the Escort has some other minor issues, they are generally less frequent and less expensive to address.