NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
329 reportsClear category filter136,078 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I WAS AT 3500 -4000 RPM. I GOT ON FREEWAY &COULDN'T GET TO SPEED LIMIT. THE WRENCH LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED & WHEN I LOOKED UP DESCRIPTION IN MANUAL IT STATES IT IS THE THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN.AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THEY DO HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS…
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VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I WAS AT 3500 -4000 RPM. I GOT ON FREEWAY &COULDN'T GET TO SPEED LIMIT. THE WRENCH LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED & WHEN I LOOKED UP DESCRIPTION IN MANUAL IT STATES IT IS THE THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN.AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THEY DO HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS BUT ON THE 2009-2012 MODELS. IT ALSO SPECIFIED THAT FORD AS OF FEB. 2014 HAD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLIES FOR 2005 - 2012 FOR 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. I CONTACTED FORD & THEN STATE THERE IS NO RECALL NOR CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03 FOR MY CAR. YET, THE HAVE THE SAME CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR THE 2011 MILANS. THIS I KNOW CAUSE MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2011 MILAN & SHE RECEIVED NOTICE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW FORD CAN NOT COMPLY WHEN THIS ESCAPE CLEARLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES FOR 2009-2012. ALL I WAS TOLD WAS TO GET IT FIXED & KEEP RECEIPT AND MAYBE SOME DAY COULD GET REIMBURSED. THIS IS REALLY FRUSTRATING AND ON FORD'S PART TOTALLY UNAWARE AND UNFAIR TO THEIR CONSUMERS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631157
75,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10630675
75,000 miles · Sep 3, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY, MY GEARS STARTED SLIPPING. I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THEN MY CAR DECELERATED TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK HOME AND I FEARED THAT I WOULD BE AT RISK FOR A CRASH. IMMEDIATELY THE NEXT MORNING, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A…
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TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY, MY GEARS STARTED SLIPPING. I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THEN MY CAR DECELERATED TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK HOME AND I FEARED THAT I WOULD BE AT RISK FOR A CRASH. IMMEDIATELY THE NEXT MORNING, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MY OPTIONS WERE TO FIX ONE BAND OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. UPON DOING RESEARCH ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THAT MANY OTHER FORD CUSTOMERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2008 FORD ESCAPE'S TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10630525
150,000 miles · Aug 28, 2014
Power Train
WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS REVVING BUT OUR SPEED WASN'T INCREASING AND IT SEEMED AS THOUGH IT WASN'T GOING INTO GEAR. FINALLY ONCE IT DID SHIFT THE WRENCH INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE IT EVALUATED I WAS TOLD THAT THE BANDS FOR 2ND AND 4TH GEAR WERE …
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WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS REVVING BUT OUR SPEED WASN'T INCREASING AND IT SEEMED AS THOUGH IT WASN'T GOING INTO GEAR. FINALLY ONCE IT DID SHIFT THE WRENCH INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE IT EVALUATED I WAS TOLD THAT THE BANDS FOR 2ND AND 4TH GEAR WERE BUSTED AND I'D NEED A NEW OR REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. I WON'T EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AFTER SEEING ALL OF THE OTHER REPORTS ON THIS AND KNOWING THAT THEY AREN'T ISSUING A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAN BE REAL DANGEROUS IF SOMEONE IS COMING AT YOU AND YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF THE WAY FAST ENOUGH! I'M TAKING THE LOSS AND TRADING IT IN ON SOMETHING MORE RELIABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629136
79,000 miles · Aug 4, 2014
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T DRIVE. I PRESSED THE GAS, BUT IT WOULDN'T GO. I LIMPED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, BUT FORTUNATELY THEY WERE NOT HURT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE EXIT (A FEW HUNDRED FEET). THIS SEEMS LIKE AN INCREDIB…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T DRIVE. I PRESSED THE GAS, BUT IT WOULDN'T GO. I LIMPED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, BUT FORTUNATELY THEY WERE NOT HURT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE EXIT (A FEW HUNDRED FEET). THIS SEEMS LIKE AN INCREDIBLE HAZARD - ONE THAT FORD SHOULD FIX! I CAN TELL YOU THIS, I WILL GET THE CAR FIXED TO WHERE IT CAN BE DRIVEN, BUT I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. FORD HAS PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK AND WON'T DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618830
100,000 miles · Aug 4, 2014
Power TrainSteering
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT BEEN…
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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (POWER STEERING) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. DJR
NHTSA ODI #10618625
97,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Power Train
DECEMBER 17, 2012 WITH ONLY 97,000 MILES ON THIS CAR IT COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AND COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. JULY 22,2014 VEHICLE STARTING TO EXCEL WHILE DRIVING AND LOSE POWER ....WRENCH LIGHT IS ON.....124,000 MILES RECALL NEEDS TO INCLUDE 2008 IT INCLUDES 2009---2013 FOR THR…
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DECEMBER 17, 2012 WITH ONLY 97,000 MILES ON THIS CAR IT COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AND COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. JULY 22,2014 VEHICLE STARTING TO EXCEL WHILE DRIVING AND LOSE POWER ....WRENCH LIGHT IS ON.....124,000 MILES RECALL NEEDS TO INCLUDE 2008 IT INCLUDES 2009---2013 FOR THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT AND EXTENDING WARRANTY TO 150,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615445
87,500 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Power Train
WHEN THE VEHICLE APPROACHES 15-20 MPH THE RPM'S REV. VEHICLE ALSO WANTS TO STALL AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN IDLING. WHILE ALL THESE ISSUES START OCCURRING THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON IN THE VEHICLE. IT MAKES THE VEHICLE USELESS TO DRIVE AND DOWN RIGHT DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615224
82,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE SENSOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SECOND AND FOURTH GEARS WERE FAULTY AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE SENSOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SECOND AND FOURTH GEARS WERE FAULTY AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10610387
80,800 miles · Jun 30, 2014
Power Train
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE KEPT SURGING UP TO 5 RPM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT! WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED THAT SAID: THROTTLE/POWERTRAIN. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME I HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. CALLED FORD DEALER AND APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED …
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MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE KEPT SURGING UP TO 5 RPM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT! WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED THAT SAID: THROTTLE/POWERTRAIN. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME I HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. CALLED FORD DEALER AND APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH ON 6/27; OF COURSE, I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AGAIN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED AND SAID IT IS MY TRANSMISSION!!?? HOW COULD THIS BE! I ONLY HAVE 80K MILES ON THE VEHICLE IN 5 YEARS! HOW IS THE TRANSMISSION FAILING AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE?! ONT HE NHTSA WEBSITE, I SEE THERE ARE MYRIADS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE, YET NO RECALLS?? NO WAY SHOULD I (CONSUMER) BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 80K MLIES, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S EVIDENT IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT! MY SUV IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT HAD TO BE RE-EVALUATED BY ONE OF THEIR TRANSMISSION EXPERTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10606985
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