Escort (3rd)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 130 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Escort Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Escort, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2003 Ford Escort
On a used 2000-2003 Ford Escort, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (60), the cooling system (59) and the transmission and drivetrain (50). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Ford Escort about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Ford Escort about the cooling system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Ford Escort about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Ford Escort about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Ford Escort about the seats, seat belts and interior.
Recalls (2)
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 F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2003 Ford Escort complaints?
Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Ford Escort. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the transmission.
Is the 2000-2003 Ford Escort a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Ford Escort. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2003 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 241 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2003 Ford Escort as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2003 Ford Escort?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2003 Ford Escort vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Escort?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Escort have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2003 Ford Escort. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 241 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.