2003 Ford Zx2 (escort) problems
The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.
Produced across three generations, the Escort was the first world car developed by Ford, with the first-generation American Escort designed alongside Ford of Europe, who transitioned the Escort Mk III to front-wheel drive. During its production, the Escort also underwent a wide use of platform sharing and rebranding. The first generation served as the basis of the longer-wheelbase Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, the two-seat Ford EXP/Mercury LN7 and was rebranded as the Mercury Lynx. The second generation was introduced for 1991, growing into the compact segment. Moving away from a shared design with Ford of Europe, the Escort now shared a platform with the Mazda 323 and sharing a body with the Ford Laser (a model line sold in Asia and Oceania); the Mercury Lynx was replaced by the Mercury Tracer. For 1997, the third generation served as an extensive redesign of the previous-generation sedan; the Escort ZX2 two-door was introduced, with the Mercury Tracer adopting a similar redesign.
Ford introduced the Ford Focus in North America for 2000 as its third "world car", phasing it in as the successor of the Escort. After 2000, the four-door Escort was moved primarily to fleet sales (with the coupe remaining available); production ended entirely after the 2002 model year. In contrast to the first-generation American Escort and Escort Mk III of Ford of Europe (and the Mondeo/Contour and Mercury Mystique), the Focus adopted a much larger degree of commonality between its European and North American variants, in effect, becoming the original world car Ford had originally envisioned with the Escort.
During its entire production, the Escort was produced by Wayne Stamping & Assembly in (Wayne, Michigan) and the first generation was also produced by Edison Assembly in (Edison, New Jersey), San Jose Assembly Plant in (Milpitas, California), and Oakville Assembly in (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) while the second and third generations were also produced by Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly in (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico).
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Common 2003 Ford Zx2 (escort) problems
The Ford Escort ZX2, produced in 2003, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues can be categorized into engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering.
Engine problems are the most prevalent issues reported by Ford Escort ZX2 owners. The 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 engine has been reported to have issues with leaking oil onto the spark plugs, requiring the replacement of gaskets, plugs, and coil packs.
Transmission problems are another area of concern for Ford Escort ZX2 owners. The shifter has been reported to stick in Park, requiring the use of a pen to depress the lever inside.
Brakes and traction control are another area of concern for Ford Escort ZX2 owners. Exhaust leaks at the flexpipe and bent rims have been reported, requiring the replacement of the exhaust line and muffler.
Suspension and steering problems have also been reported by Ford Escort ZX2 owners. Inner tie rod ends and lower ball joints have been reported to require replacement, as have 4-wheel alignments.
In conclusion, the Ford Escort ZX2 has several common problems that owners have reported, including engine issues, transmission problems, brake and traction control issues, and suspension and steering problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may require the replacement of several components.
Are Ford Escort good cars?
The Escort has been Ford's bread-and-butter car for over 15 years. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Ford family. The Escort's low price, decent reliability and above-average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.
How much is a Ford Escort ZX2 worth?
Enter a zip and mileage to find market value in your area
| Average Market Value | $4,433 |
|---|---|
| Low Market Value | $3,324 |
| High Market Value | $5,541 |
How long did the Ford Escort last?
Ford Escort (Europe)
| Ford Escort | |
|---|---|
| Production | January 1968–July 2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Small family car (C) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1967–1981, 1987) Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1980–2004) Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1990–2004) |
What year did Ford stop making the Escort?
The last Escort car was manufactured in 2002, although small-scale production of the van version continued for a couple of years. It truly was the end of an era. The Halewood plant switched to manufacturing Jaguars, which were then owned by Ford. Meanwhile, the new Focus was made in Germany and Spain.
What years did Ford make the ZX2?
About ZX2. A vehicle commissioned as a sporty two-door coupe version of the Ford Escort compact car in 1998, production of the ZX2 outlived the use of the Escort nameplate after 2002. For 2003, the car was known only as the Ford ZX2.
What is the top speed of the 2002 Ford Escort ZX2?
The speed governor limits the maximum speed of the ZX2 to around 106 mph.
How much does a Ford ZX2 weight?
2,478 lbs. 12.8 gal. 127 lb-ft.
What year was the first Ford Escort made?
Ford's first "World Car", the Escort, was introduced in the North American market for the model year 1981. The Ford Escort (a totally different version) had been available in other parts of the world as a rear wheel drive car from 1968-1980.
2003 Ford Zx2 (escort) complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford Zx2 (escort).
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Ford Zx2 (escort) problems:
What are common problems for the 2003 ford zx2?
Apr 9, 2020 ... The most common issue reported is a failing constant control relay module. This typically occurs at higher mileages, which is now more and more ...
Common problems with zx2?? | FEOA Forums
Jun 13, 2011 ... bad pcv elbows. ... worn shifter bushings. thats about it. just look for the normal used car stuff. a 2002 is a good choice as the 2000-2003s have ...
2000 Ford Escort ZX2: Troubleshooting Common Problems ...
Feb 11, 2009 ... 2000 Ford Escort ZX2. cranking issue (but starts easily and without hesitation). Had it for the past 4 years from 21k to - Answered by a ...
2003 Ford Escort Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top 2003 Ford Escort Problems · The Constant Control Relay Module May Fail. 212 people have reported this. 87 · Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause ...
I have a 2002 ford escort zx2. has the apparently common idle ...
Feb 17, 2011 ... also recently the car has been having problems running in the mornings. ive tried warming up the car for 20-30 minutes before. but what happens ...
Other years of Ford Zx2 (escort)
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