NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
120 reportsClear category filter193,210 miles · Jul 21, 2020
Service Brakes
TRAVELING ON MAIN HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, BRAKES GO ALMOST ALL OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. SHORTLY AFTER, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS OUR MECHANIC SA…
Read full complaint
TRAVELING ON MAIN HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, BRAKES GO ALMOST ALL OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. SHORTLY AFTER, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS OUR MECHANIC SAID THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ONLY A DEALERSHIP CAN FIX AND IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THERE WAS A RECALL 19S54 ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES 2006-2010 FORD FUSION, MERCURY MILAN, LINCOLN ZEPHYR AND MKZ VEHICLES FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. (THE VALVES WITHIN THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNITS (HCU) MAY REACT WITH BRAKE FLUIDS CONTAINING SPECIFIC CORROSION PREVENTATIVE ADDITIVES. THIS REACTION MAY CAUSE THE VALVES TO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY.) THIS RECALL SHOULD APPLY TO THE ESCAPE HYBRID AS WELL. THIS IS NOTHING TO DO WITH OWNER MAINTENANCE. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFAULT AND SHOULD BE COVERED AT FORD'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA ODI #11340737
232,000 miles · Jul 20, 2020
Service Brakes
YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED ON I95 IN CONNECTICUT, I APPROACHED STOPPED TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY USING THE BRAKES. MY FOOT WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT ANY VEHICLE BRAKING. I BEGAN TO PUMP THE BRAKES VIGOROUSLY AND WAS ABLE TO ACHIEVE BRAKING WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS VERY MUCH DISCONCERTED ME AS I DROVE STRAIGH…
Read full complaint
YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED ON I95 IN CONNECTICUT, I APPROACHED STOPPED TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY USING THE BRAKES. MY FOOT WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT ANY VEHICLE BRAKING. I BEGAN TO PUMP THE BRAKES VIGOROUSLY AND WAS ABLE TO ACHIEVE BRAKING WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS VERY MUCH DISCONCERTED ME AS I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME WITH WHAT APPEARED TO BE VERY POORLY FUNCTIONING BRAKES THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY IF I WAS NOT EVER VIGILANT OF TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME THAT I COULD ANTICIPATE NEEDED SLOWING AND STOPPING. I CHECKED MY BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WHEN HOME AND FOUND IT CORRECTLY FILLED AS WELL AS A SURVEY UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER THE VEHICLE THAT FOUND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED BY MYSELF AND A LOCAL SHOP. THE VEHICLE NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY AS I CONTEMPLATE MY NEXT COURSE OF ACTION. WEB RESEARCH INDICATES A FAILED HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FOR WHICH A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR SIMILAR YEAR/MODELS, BUT, NOT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. MANY OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE NOTED THIS EXPERIENCE WITH NO FEDERAL RESPONSE TO DATE. PLEASE REVIEW COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS DANGEROUS FAILED COMPONENT AND ACT. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11340321
83,000 miles · Jul 17, 2020
Service Brakes
BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN TOO FAR. DIAGNOSED AS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. CAR HAS 84K MILES ON IT. FORD SEEMS TO HAVE RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES FOR HYDRAULIC BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHY NOT THESE? VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11339998
197,667 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Service Brakes
THIS STARTED IN OCT.2019,WITH BRAKES IN THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID.I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY TIMES THE BRAKES FAILED LAST YEAR,BUT THIS YEAR ALONE THEY HAVE FAILED AT LEAST 5 TIMES.THE LAST 2 TIMES,VERY SERIOUS.I WAS ON ROAD WITH TRAFFIC,COMING TO A STOP SIGN,TRYING TO BRAKE.PUT MY FOOT HARD ON BRAKE,IT NEVER WENT DOWN RUBBERY LIKE A B…
Read full complaint
THIS STARTED IN OCT.2019,WITH BRAKES IN THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID.I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY TIMES THE BRAKES FAILED LAST YEAR,BUT THIS YEAR ALONE THEY HAVE FAILED AT LEAST 5 TIMES.THE LAST 2 TIMES,VERY SERIOUS.I WAS ON ROAD WITH TRAFFIC,COMING TO A STOP SIGN,TRYING TO BRAKE.PUT MY FOOT HARD ON BRAKE,IT NEVER WENT DOWN RUBBERY LIKE A BRAKE GOING OUT WOULD.IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO PUSH ON A CEMENT FLOOR.I SHOVED IT INTO PARK,IT FINALLY STOPPED.NEXT TIME WAS EVEN WORSE,IT WENT RIGHT ON THROUGH STOP SIGN,MADE LOUD NOISE WHEN I WAS SHOVING IT INTO PARK,BUT FINALLY STOPPED.MADE IT SAFELY HOME AND IT IS STILL SITTING PARKED.MY DAUGHTER SAID SHE HAD HEARD THEY WERE RECALLING MANY FOR BRAKES.IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL.IT WAS PARKED ON JULY 1,2020,AND HAS NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE.
NHTSA ODI #11337873
196,342 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Service Brakes
BRAKES STARTED MESSING UP WHEN I FIRST GOT THIS LAST YEAR.I WAS DRIVING AND GETTING READY TO STOP.THE BRAKES NEVER WENT TO THE FLOOR,AS NORMALLY THEY WOULD,IF BRAKES WOULD BE GOING BAD.I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND IT WAS LIKE STEPPING OR PUTTING MY FOOT ON A STONE WALL.THIS HAPPENED THE WORST 1 DAY AGO.COMING TO STOP SIGN,IT'S LIK…
Read full complaint
BRAKES STARTED MESSING UP WHEN I FIRST GOT THIS LAST YEAR.I WAS DRIVING AND GETTING READY TO STOP.THE BRAKES NEVER WENT TO THE FLOOR,AS NORMALLY THEY WOULD,IF BRAKES WOULD BE GOING BAD.I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND IT WAS LIKE STEPPING OR PUTTING MY FOOT ON A STONE WALL.THIS HAPPENED THE WORST 1 DAY AGO.COMING TO STOP SIGN,IT'S LIKE THE BRAKE HARDENS,STEPPING ON IT INSTEAD OF GOING DOWN.(I PRAY)FINALLY STOPPED WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK.THEN GO ON VERY CAUTIOUSLY TO HOME.I HAVE BEEN IN VEHICLE WHEN BRAKES WERE MESSING UP,GOING OUT,OR WHAT EVER.THE BRAKE IN THIS IS NOT LIKE THAT.WHEN IT IS GOING RIGHT,IT IS A GOOD BRAKE THAT STOPS WELL.WHEN I HIT IT AT DIFFERENT TIMES,HIGHWAY,STREET TRAFFIC,PARKING,ETC.UNEXPECTEDLY,IT WILL BE LIKE HITTING CONCRETE OR CEMENT TRYING TO GET IT TO STOP.IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES,UNEXPECTEDLY.VERY UNNERVING,TO SAY THE LEAST.THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE IN VEHICLE WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED.THIS STARTED AS OF OCT.2019-JUNE 30,2020.NEVER KEPT TRACK OF ALL TO BE SPECIFIC IN DATES,OTHER THAN LAST ONE ON JUNE 30,2020.MORE THAN 10 UNEXPECTED STOPS,SO FAR.MAYBE I DID NOT SAY THAT RIGHT.I WAS EXPECTING TO BE ABLE TO STOP NORMAL AS I HAD MANY TIMES BEFORE WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE;INSTEAD,PRAYED AND THREW SHIFT INTO PARK,IT STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI #11331937
88,000 miles · May 21, 2020
Service Brakes
BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY SOFT, HAS A VERY LONG AMOUNT OF TRAVEL TO ENGAGE BRAKES AND IS SOFT WHEN BEING DEPRESSED. TOOK TO EARNHARDT FORD IN CHANDLER, AZ, AND THEY DID A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND BLEED TO ENSURE NO AIR WAS IN THE LINES, THEY ADVISED THE BRAKE BOOSTER, AND MASTER CYLINDER HAD ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED ALREADY, AND RECEN…
Read full complaint
BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY SOFT, HAS A VERY LONG AMOUNT OF TRAVEL TO ENGAGE BRAKES AND IS SOFT WHEN BEING DEPRESSED. TOOK TO EARNHARDT FORD IN CHANDLER, AZ, AND THEY DID A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND BLEED TO ENSURE NO AIR WAS IN THE LINES, THEY ADVISED THE BRAKE BOOSTER, AND MASTER CYLINDER HAD ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED ALREADY, AND RECENTLY ACCORDING TO THEIR INFORMATION, WE AGREED TO THE DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE, AND THE DIAGNOSIS CAME BACK THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED, THE SERVICE TECH ADVISED US HE BELIEVES THERE IS A PENDING RECALL/INVESTIGATION RELATING TO THIS ISSUE DURING OUR VISIT WHICH IS WHAT LED US TO MAKE THIS REPORT. VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 88,000 MILES, AND HAS NO OTHER EXISTING ISSUES. ACCORDING TO PAPERWORK, THEY REFILLED THE SYSTEM WITH DOT3 BRAKE FLUID DURING THE BLEED, CONTROL MODULE WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME SO REPLACEMENT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325482
121,000 miles · May 11, 2020
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WAS FIRM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ADDED PRESSURE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, EXTENDING THE BRAKING DISTANCE. THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE R…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WAS FIRM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ADDED PRESSURE WAS NEEDED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, EXTENDING THE BRAKING DISTANCE. THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HOFFMAN FORD LINCOLN (600 CONNECTICUT BLVD, EAST HARTFORD, CT 06108) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
NHTSA ODI #11324104
120,000 miles · Apr 20, 2020
Service Brakes
WHEN RUNNING THE CAR (STATIONARY, AND THEN MOVING), ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, AND IT SAID "REGEN BRAKES DISABLED". ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE CAR, THE BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK MOST OF THE TIME, BUT WERE MORE DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS SOMETIMES. AFTER TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNI…
Read full complaint
WHEN RUNNING THE CAR (STATIONARY, AND THEN MOVING), ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, AND IT SAID "REGEN BRAKES DISABLED". ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE CAR, THE BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK MOST OF THE TIME, BUT WERE MORE DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS SOMETIMES. AFTER TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11321711
5 miles · Apr 12, 2020
Service Brakes
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR OUT OF NOWHERE MY PASSENGER BREAK DECIDED TO LOCK UP AND STARTED BURNING BREAK PAD SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY CALIPERS BREAK PADS ROTORS AND MY ABS HCU WHICH IT RUN TO 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS I ALSO BEEN READING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS BUT FORD DOE…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR OUT OF NOWHERE MY PASSENGER BREAK DECIDED TO LOCK UP AND STARTED BURNING BREAK PAD SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY CALIPERS BREAK PADS ROTORS AND MY ABS HCU WHICH IT RUN TO 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS I ALSO BEEN READING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS BUT FORD DOESN'T WANT TO MAKE A RECALL ON THEM. PEOPLE HAVE FAMILIES IN CARS AND FOR US TO BE IN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE BREAK FAKING ON US SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR FORD
NHTSA ODI #11320911
159,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED THE ENGINE, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT LOOSE WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MECHANIC THAT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BRAKE HYDRAU…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED THE ENGINE, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT LOOSE WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MECHANIC THAT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO ADVISED THAT THAT SEVERAL CODES WAS RECEIVED WHEN THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED CODE 1491 AND CODE U2023. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE BRAKE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
NHTSA ODI #11300705
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
Illustration