NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
136 reportsClear category filter44,000 miles · Jun 9, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO TURN CORRECTLY TO START THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, BUT EVENTUALLY FAILED PERMANENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECCURED AFTER THE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO TURN CORRECTLY TO START THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, BUT EVENTUALLY FAILED PERMANENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECCURED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
NHTSA ODI #10873410
160,000 miles · Jun 7, 2016
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
TRUCK IS ACCELERATING AND SWITCHING GEARS ON ITS OWN. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT , A WRENCH LIGHT POPS ON AND THE TRUCK BEGINS TO SWITCH GEARS. ONCE THE TRUCK IS TURNED OFF, THE WRENCH LIGHT GOES AWAY BUT RETURNS AFTER DRIVING BEGINS AGAIN. TRUCK IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH POWER WHEN DRIVING AS IF IT IS GOING TO SHUT OFF. THERE ARE AL…
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TRUCK IS ACCELERATING AND SWITCHING GEARS ON ITS OWN. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT , A WRENCH LIGHT POPS ON AND THE TRUCK BEGINS TO SWITCH GEARS. ONCE THE TRUCK IS TURNED OFF, THE WRENCH LIGHT GOES AWAY BUT RETURNS AFTER DRIVING BEGINS AGAIN. TRUCK IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH POWER WHEN DRIVING AS IF IT IS GOING TO SHUT OFF. THERE ARE ALSO JERKING MOTIONS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10872902
102,060 miles · Apr 14, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
HAD THE TRUCK SERVICED RECEIVED A PERFECT REPORT, THEN 2 WEEKS LATER THE STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT AND HARD TO STEER.TOOK THE TRUCK TO 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS TO LEARN THEY WERE NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE AN ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING.
NHTSA ODI #10855411
52,000 miles · Mar 31, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND AND SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FAILED. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND AND SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FAILED. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER A RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2014 FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #10852821
115,412 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES. THE FAILURES INCLUDED THE LOSS OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS CONST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES. THE FAILURES INCLUDED THE LOSS OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,412.
NHTSA ODI #10850818
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
HI MY NAME IS [XXX] I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND I AM HAVING STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE AND I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND I LOOK LIKE THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING AND THAT MIGHT BE THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR. INFORM…
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HI MY NAME IS [XXX] I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND I AM HAVING STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE AND I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND I LOOK LIKE THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING AND THAT MIGHT BE THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10840168
121,000 miles · Mar 3, 2016
Electrical System
I TOOK MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED ON ELECTRIC POWER STEERING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF CORRECTLY TO START WITH. I FILED A COMPLAINT YESTERDAY FOR THAT ISSUE. I FORGOT TO MENTION AND ADD A COMPLAINT FOR ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I AM HAVING ALSO WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE I…
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I TOOK MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED ON ELECTRIC POWER STEERING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF CORRECTLY TO START WITH. I FILED A COMPLAINT YESTERDAY FOR THAT ISSUE. I FORGOT TO MENTION AND ADD A COMPLAINT FOR ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I AM HAVING ALSO WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. WHEN YOU TRY TO START THE VEHICLE IT WILL NOT START. IF YOU REMOVE THE KEY AND TRY AGAIN THEN IT WILL START. OR IF YOU SIT AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RETRY TO START THE VEHICLE THEN IT WILL START. I THOUGHT AT FIRST THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE SHAKEN IN THE STEERING WHEEL. HOWEVER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WAS A SEPARATE ISSUE AND BILL. I COULD ONLY AFFORD TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED FOR THE ELETRIC POWER STEERING WHEEL SO FOR NOW I CAN ONLY HOPE AND PRAY THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT GO COMPLETELY OUT AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HONESTLY... I WANT TO CRY! EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND IT IS SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALSO I HAD TO GET THE SERPENTINE BELT FIXED LAST WEEK AS WELL. I DONT KNOW OF WHAT MORE I CAN SAY AT THIS TIME. MY NERVES ARE SHOT WORRING ABOUT WHAT WILL GO WRONG NEXT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I WORRY IF IT WILL START TO PICK MY DAUGHTER UP FROM SCHOOL AND SOCCER OR IF SHE WILL BE LEFT STRANDED BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A RELIABLE VEHICLE. NOT TO MENTION HAVING TO WORRY; ABOUT HAVING MONEY FOR REPAIR AFTER REPAIR. I AM SO DISCUSSED WITH FORD! ALSO I HAVE A ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE MAKING A NOISE. I THOUGHT THE NOISE COULD BE RELATED TO THE SERPENTINE BELT BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. IT IS SOMETHING ELSE, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE UNTIL I CAN GET THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10839750
89,003 miles · Feb 29, 2016
Electrical System
THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NOW THE PROBLEM IS STARTING AGAIN THE KEY JUST TURNS AND CAR DOESN'T TURN OVER AND IT BEEPS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT PUT KEY IN RIGHT POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #10839043
131,000 miles · Feb 22, 2016
Electrical SystemSteeringWheels
AUGUST 2014 TOOK MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE INTO LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RECALL NOTICE RECALL 14S05 - POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ISSUE WITH TORQUE SENSOR REPLACEMENT - LINDQUIST FORD DEALERSHIP JUST UPGRADED A PROGRAM INTO MY ESCAPE FOR ABT 20-30MINS, DIDN'T CHECK ANY PARTS FOR REPLACEMENT, TOLD ME NO PARTS WERE REPLACED THERE WAS NO WA…
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AUGUST 2014 TOOK MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE INTO LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RECALL NOTICE RECALL 14S05 - POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ISSUE WITH TORQUE SENSOR REPLACEMENT - LINDQUIST FORD DEALERSHIP JUST UPGRADED A PROGRAM INTO MY ESCAPE FOR ABT 20-30MINS, DIDN'T CHECK ANY PARTS FOR REPLACEMENT, TOLD ME NO PARTS WERE REPLACED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT SO THEY DIDN'T PHYSICALLY TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK. FEBRUARY 2016 - NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT WHEN I TURN THE KEY OVER FOR THE LAST 6WKS SOMETIMES MY ESCAPE STARTS UP SOMETIMES, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT WITH A NOTICE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" - AS WEEKS WENT BY, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING MORE RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING. THE ONLY WAY TO START MY FORD ESCAPE IS BY REMOTE START TO BYPASS THE STARTER. RECENTLY,I TOOK MY CAR INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, AFTER THOROUGH INVESTIGATION THE TORQUE SENSOR IS CRACKED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD EMPLOYEES, 2 OTHER LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS & THE MECHANIC TO TAKE THE ESCAPE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO OPENED UP THE ORIGINAL RECALL BACK IN AUGUST 2014. THAT ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP DID MAKE A CLAIM, FORD WARRANTY DENIED THE CLAIM- THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T "CHOOSE" TO TELL FORD WARRANTY THEY NEVER LOOKED AT THE RECALL PARTS IN AUGUST 2014 THEY JUST DID THE UPGRADE, THEIR LIABILITY "THAT'S WHAT THE LETTER TOLD THEM TO DO, NO WARNING LIGHT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS". I PAID $70+ FOR WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST DID FOR FREE. THAT DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHECK FOR ANY PARTS THAT NEEDED REPLACED BACK ON 2014. NOT ONLY DID THE DEALERSHIP CHARGE ME $70, I TOOK THE ESCAPE BACK TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND PAID $500 FOR A NEW TORQUE SENSOR; SAME EXACT PART FALLING UNDER THE RECALL "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". DENIED CLAIM ON 2/19/2016, REASON- IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE MY RECALL UPDATE WAS DONE THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED THE PART BACK IN 2014. I DRIVE 2 CARS, SERIOUSLY?
NHTSA ODI #10837528
108,000 miles · Jan 19, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAD A RECALL ON IT. AFTER I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, MY CAR STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE RECALL. AFTER TAKING IT TO TWO DIFFERENT FORD COMPANIES AND PROVING THAT THE RECALL FIX DID NOT WORK AND IS CAUSING PROBLEMS, FORD REFUSES TO AUTHORIZE THE OTHER REPAIRS THAT IS COVER…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAD A RECALL ON IT. AFTER I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, MY CAR STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE RECALL. AFTER TAKING IT TO TWO DIFFERENT FORD COMPANIES AND PROVING THAT THE RECALL FIX DID NOT WORK AND IS CAUSING PROBLEMS, FORD REFUSES TO AUTHORIZE THE OTHER REPAIRS THAT IS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, BECAUSE ONE REPAIR SHOP DID THE INITIAL UPDATE. NOW MY CAR IS HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS, AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX IT. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE TALKED TO 5 DIFFERENT PEOPLE ABOUT THE ISSUE AT FORD BUT THEY KEEP SAYING THAT THE CASE NUMBER I PROVIDE THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT HOWEVER IT DOES NOT. IM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 WITH LOW INCOME AND IF MY CARS POWER STEERING GOES OUT AT A CRUCIAL TIME I COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10821158
Official recalls
3Sep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Sep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
May 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO
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