On both sides of my car just above the tires the paint has peeled off and has started to rust.

- Westland, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she noticed a leakage on her driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they informed her that the brake hose fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. In addition, the contact mentioned that the lift gate would not open. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

- Riviera Beach, FL, USA

Paint of Ford Escape 2003 peeling on the front. There are two large spots about 1 square foot each. I have called Ford in greenville, SC few times but to no avail. This problem started about 4 years ago with two 3/8 of an inch size flakes. The SUV has been garaged and has been taken good care of however now the paint is flaking with sections at a time. I have researched and have seen the exact same model with the same problem. At one point I have attempted to enter another Ford Escape assuming it was my car because of the similarity with the paint. There are several discussions about this problem: www.edmunds.com/Ford/Escape/2003/consumer-discussions.html my concern is that Ford has failed to remediate this issue with its active customer base and I believe it should be noted as gross negligence.

- Greenville, SC, USA

Paint defective on 2003 Ford Escape with gold ash paint. Peeling around back window and 3 large patches, over 6" in diameter, on roof.

- Trumansburg, NY, USA

The paint is peeling around the wheel wells and has started to rust; causing possible instability to the body of the car. I did some research online and this seems to be a common problem in 2003 Ford Escapes. Can something be done? there were some claims that Ford improperly prepared the Escape for painting. Please advise.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

My Ford Escape is a 2003 model and was purchased certified used in 2007 by us. Within a year the paint on the roof and rear hatch started peeling. Two years later, it is rusting where the peel is gone and still continuing to peel. We have not had any accidents or inclement weather that caused the damage. I have done research and seen where this is common in Ford my vehicle's age.

- Gassville, AR, USA

Paint is peeling from the roof and two spots on the tailgate. The service manager at sloan Ford in exton, pa wouldn't even look at it. A rep from Ford advised that a dealer should look at it. The service manager at kennedy Ford collision in conshohocken pa was kind enough to look at the vehicle and confirm that it is defective. Ford declined assistance. The Ford rep would not admit that there is a defect despite advising me that Ford service managers have superior expertise in evaluating failures.

- Exton, PA, USA

2003 Ford limited gold Escape paint peeling and bubbling on hatch and above front window. Ford will do nothing when I called since there is no recall on this paint issue.

- Eagan, MN, USA

1) the events leading to the failure are unknown 2) 2003 Ford Escape has an issue with its exterior paint. The paint is peeling away from the car and the exposed metal is rusting. This rusting leads to the compromise of the structural integrity of the car. This compromise can be detrimental in case of a collision. A google search revealed lots of 2003 Ford Escape owners complaining of the same issue. 3) nothing has been done to correct the failure.

- Safety Harbor, FL, USA

Paint peeling -- delaminating -- from roof of 2003 Ford Escape XLT, color code C2. Area is above junction of roof and windshield. Body shop verified condition a result of bad primer. Ford notified as well as two Oklahoma city-area dealers -- overall Ford and bob moore Ford. No resolution from Ford as of yet.

- Edmond, OK, USA