NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints
36 reportsClear category filter64,789 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A STOP LIGHT AND FRONT LEFT ABS TONE RING BROKE. CAR SLIPPED GEARS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FOR 5-10 SECONDS. RSC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY. CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS RANDOMLY AND ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. ISSUE IS WITH TONE RING ON MANY FORD ESCAPES FROM 2000-2008.…
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I WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A STOP LIGHT AND FRONT LEFT ABS TONE RING BROKE. CAR SLIPPED GEARS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FOR 5-10 SECONDS. RSC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY. CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS RANDOMLY AND ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. ISSUE IS WITH TONE RING ON MANY FORD ESCAPES FROM 2000-2008. RINGS OFTEN BREAK BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP ON FORD COMPONENTS CAUSING EXPANSION. PART IS CONSTRUCTED VERY POORLY AND AS A RESULT SAFETY IS COMPROMISED AND SERVICE REPAIRS PROFIT GOES UP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632001
22,000 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING MY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE FORD ESCAPE ON A TRIP THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON. THIS DID NOT INITIALLY CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH NORMAL BRAKING WHILE DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS. AT THE END OF THE TRIP THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON EVERY STOP, SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING STOPPING DISTANCE ON DRY GROUND. MY INVES…
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WHILE DRIVING MY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE FORD ESCAPE ON A TRIP THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON. THIS DID NOT INITIALLY CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH NORMAL BRAKING WHILE DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS. AT THE END OF THE TRIP THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON EVERY STOP, SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING STOPPING DISTANCE ON DRY GROUND. MY INVESTIGATION FOUND THE FOLLOWING: RUSTING OF THE DRIVESHAFT SURFACE APPARENTLY CAUSED OUTWARD PRESSURE ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT RIGHT ABS TONE RING RESULTING IN IT SEPARATING IN ONE SPOT. THIS PROBABLY CREATED A ERROR IN THE MONITORING BY THAT ABS SENSOR RESULTING IN THE LIGHTS COMING ON. THE RING MAY HAVE HELD FAST TO THE RUST UNDER THE REMAINDER OF THE RING DURING MOST OF MY TRIP CAUSING NO OTHER PROBLEMS. NEAR THE END OF MY TRIP THE CRACKED RING APPEARS TO HAVE SHAKEN FREE, SLIPPING ON THE ROTATING DRIVESHAFT SURFACE. THIS MAY HAVE MADE THE SENSOR THINK THE WHEEL WAS NOT TURNING AND APPLIED THE ABS TO THAT WHEEL EACH TIME THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DANGER THEN BECAME INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE ON DRY GROUND AND UNKNOWN PERFORMANCE ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. IN CHECKING AROUND, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE OTHER RING WILL CRACK EVENTUALLY DUE TO SIMILAR RUSTING. REPAIRING THIS REQUIRES THE RING TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE DRIVESHAFT SECTION IT IS MOUNTED ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629467
60,000 miles · Jul 27, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T START MY CAR. SINCE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO I HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING MY KEY IN FURTHER AND FURTHER TO TRY TO GET MY CAR TO START. SOMETIMES IT TAKE 10-15 MIN BEFORE I CAN ACTUALLY GET IT STARTED. READING COMMENTS ABOUT THE CAR THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD …
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I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T START MY CAR. SINCE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO I HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING MY KEY IN FURTHER AND FURTHER TO TRY TO GET MY CAR TO START. SOMETIMES IT TAKE 10-15 MIN BEFORE I CAN ACTUALLY GET IT STARTED. READING COMMENTS ABOUT THE CAR THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL DONE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10616621
70,000 miles · May 26, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A CROWDED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MANY PEOPLE CROSSING THE ROADS WITH THE WEATHER BEING WARM. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE CAR STALLED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK, SO I TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, HELD THE HORN DOWN AND WAVED FRANTICALLY THROUGH MY OPEN WINDOW. LUCK…
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I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A CROWDED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MANY PEOPLE CROSSING THE ROADS WITH THE WEATHER BEING WARM. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE CAR STALLED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK, SO I TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, HELD THE HORN DOWN AND WAVED FRANTICALLY THROUGH MY OPEN WINDOW. LUCKILY I HAD ENOUGH SPACE IN FRONT OF ME SO I COULD ALLOW THE CAR TO CRUISE TO A HALT. I UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO ROLL THROUGH A STOP SIGN WHERE THE PEOPLE WERE AWARE THAT I WAS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. UPON STOPPING THE CAR AND TURNING IT OFF, I GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR ANY SMOKE OR OTHER ISSUES. I LET THE CAR SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED IT UP AGAIN. I WAS WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF MY RESIDENCE SO I ROLLED THE CAR ALL THE WAY HOME WITH MY HAZARDS ON. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS SITUATION WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES AND/OR FATALITIES (SMALL CHILDREN IN AREA). FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10594105
153,212 miles · Apr 12, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
EXPERIENCED FREQUENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT SPEED AND AT STOP A FEW MONTHS AGO. REPLACING THE BATTERY RESOLVED IT FOR 2 MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN WHEN IN TUCSON. EXTREME WOBBLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AT ALL TIMES. RESTARTING THE CAR HELPED RESET POWER STEERING FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS IF THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHILE AT…
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EXPERIENCED FREQUENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT SPEED AND AT STOP A FEW MONTHS AGO. REPLACING THE BATTERY RESOLVED IT FOR 2 MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN WHEN IN TUCSON. EXTREME WOBBLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AT ALL TIMES. RESTARTING THE CAR HELPED RESET POWER STEERING FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS IF THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHILE AT REST. RESTARTING THE CAR AT SPEED IS NOT POSSIBLE AND LOSING POWER STEERING IS PRETTY SUDDEN AND SCARY. WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON INTERSTATE 10 AND LOST POWER STEERING SEVERAL TIMES. HAD TO PULL OVER WITH AVAILABLE MANUAL STEERING, WHICH WAS HARD. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE--LOSS OF POWER STEERING BOTH AT REST AND AT SPEED. FILING COMPLAINT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579390
166,395 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND THEN GOING TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR GAS AND STEERING SHUT DOWN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE ANY LONGER. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO GOT STUCK IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND. THE GAS PEDDLE ALSO HAVE BEEN GETTING STUCK BEFORE THIS INCIDENT IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST 3YRS 2011 UNTIL 2014 THE PRESENT WE HAVE GO…
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WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND THEN GOING TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR GAS AND STEERING SHUT DOWN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE ANY LONGER. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO GOT STUCK IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND. THE GAS PEDDLE ALSO HAVE BEEN GETTING STUCK BEFORE THIS INCIDENT IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST 3YRS 2011 UNTIL 2014 THE PRESENT WE HAVE GONE TO CHECK IT PUT NO DIAGNOSIS WAS DONE TO LET US KNOW THE STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM WAS OUT UNTIL THIS YEAR WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT COMPLETELY. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE PROBLEM AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573473
52,000 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED DOWN A BUSY STREET, WHEEL LOCKED UP. COMPLETELY FROZEN, TOOK AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF STRENGTH TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. RESTARTED CAR AND IT WAS FIXED. HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT DAY GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. (IT'S LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, BUT IT IS ALL E…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED DOWN A BUSY STREET, WHEEL LOCKED UP. COMPLETELY FROZEN, TOOK AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF STRENGTH TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. RESTARTED CAR AND IT WAS FIXED. HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT DAY GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. (IT'S LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, BUT IT IS ALL ELECTRIC). THE WHEEL HAS CONTINUED TO LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES, WITH NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER FOR 20 (TWENTY!) MORE TIMES, I HAVE DOCUMENTED THEM ALL. NOTHING PROVOKES THIS HAPPENING, LIKE TURNING, GOING UP OR DOWN HILL, SLOW SPEEDS, NOTHING, IT JUST HAPPENS OUT OF NO WHERE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE BEEN IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH NO OUTLET AVAILABLE FOR ME TO TURN INTO. IT HAS HAPPENED WAITING AT A STOPLIGHT IN A TURN ONLY LANE, BUT I CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY AND I'VE HAD TO VERY FORCEFULLY ANGLE THE WHEEL SO I COULD GET ON THE SHOULDER. THE WHEEL UNLOCKS AFTER YOU RESTART THE CAR. MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TURNS ON EVERY TIME THE WHEEL LOCKS. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (A $1,300 FIX) DUE TO A FAULTY SWITCH. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I COULD VERY EASILY WRECK IF IT HAPPENS IN A BAD TIME OR BAD LOCATION. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS VERY CLOSE CALLS ALREADY AND I AM AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING EVERY DAY. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572787
75,000 miles · Feb 21, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
POWER STEERING ALL OF SUDDEN WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565374
82,000 miles · Jan 29, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN, AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN I ACCELERATED, THE CAR FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL AND THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK--THEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS THEN CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY--I HAD IT RE…
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I WAS AT A STOP SIGN, AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN I ACCELERATED, THE CAR FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL AND THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK--THEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS THEN CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY--I HAD IT REPLACED AT A FORD DEALER 3 YEARS AGO, AND NOW IT IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2008, AND I'M ON MY 3RD THROTTLE BODY--THE ORIGINAL ONE, THE ONE REPLACED AT THE FORD DEALER, AND NOW THIS ONE. THE FINANCIAL BURDEN IS STRESSFUL ENOUGH, BUT THEN ADD ON THE FACT THAT, AT ANY TIME, THE THROTTLE CAN FREEZE UP AND STOP WORKING WHICH CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562135
119,000 miles · Nov 13, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I REGISTERED THE COMPLAINT WITH ABOUTAUTOMBILE,.COM ON THAT VERY SAME DAY. THE # IS 10489579. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN LAST YEAR AND NO ONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM AS IT IS INTERMITTENT. 3 DAYS AGO, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING TO S…
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WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I REGISTERED THE COMPLAINT WITH ABOUTAUTOMBILE,.COM ON THAT VERY SAME DAY. THE # IS 10489579. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN LAST YEAR AND NO ONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM AS IT IS INTERMITTENT. 3 DAYS AGO, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND AS HE WAS TURNING RIGHT AT A CORNER (20MPG), THE WHEEL LOCKED. SINCE I WAS NOT WITH HIM, WE SAID WE WOULD KEEP AN EYE ON IT. TODAY, AGAIN HE WAS TURNING (THIS TIME LEFT AT 20 MPG) THE WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN. HE WAS ABLE TO GET IT ACROSS THE ROAD AND PARK IT IN A PLAZA. I PICKED HIM UP AND DROVE HIM TO SCHOOL. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON SERVICE TO CALL ME TO GET THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. AT THIS POINT, EVEN THOUGH HIS SCHOOL IS LOSE TO HOME THERE IS NO WAS I WANT MY SON TO DRIVE THIS FORD PRODUCT. I WORK AT HENRY FORD HOSPITAL AND I AM BEWILDERED AS TO WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. LOOKING ON-LINE, THERE HAVE BEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552066
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