NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter103,000 miles · Feb 19, 2013
Steering
WHILE BACKING UP AT A GAS STATION, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND IT JERKED THE WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT. POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING, I DID MANAGE TO GET THE VEHICLE BACKED UP AND WENT INTO NEXT PARKING LOT. WASN'T SURE WHAT TO DO, SO I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF, THEN STARTED IT BACK UP AND MY POWER STEERING WAS BACK. NOW A…
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WHILE BACKING UP AT A GAS STATION, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND IT JERKED THE WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT. POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING, I DID MANAGE TO GET THE VEHICLE BACKED UP AND WENT INTO NEXT PARKING LOT. WASN'T SURE WHAT TO DO, SO I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF, THEN STARTED IT BACK UP AND MY POWER STEERING WAS BACK. NOW AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS IT HAS ME SCARED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM HASN'T HAPPEN SINCE 02-14-13 BUT I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND IT'S SAD THAT FORD AND THE RECALL DEPARTMENT HASN'T TAKEN THE RIGHT ACTION ON THIS PROBLEM. HOW MANY DEATHS MUST HAPPEN BEFORE YOU TO DECIDE TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. IT'S NOT A CHEAP FIX FOR THE OWNER OF THESE TRUCKS. AND FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED PLENTY OF TIMES ABOUT THE STEERING ISSUE AND HAVE DECIDED TO IGNORE THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10499213
86,000 miles · Feb 16, 2013
Steering
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOING 40 MPH DOWN THE ROAD, I WENT TO GO TAKE A TURN AND MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY JUST WENT, I ALMOST HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AND THE GUY BEHIND ME TURNING LUCKILY SWERVED AROUND ME. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR THEN TURN IT BACK ON FOR IT TO WORK AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE EPS SYSTEM ELECTRICA…
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I WAS DRIVING WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOING 40 MPH DOWN THE ROAD, I WENT TO GO TAKE A TURN AND MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY JUST WENT, I ALMOST HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AND THE GUY BEHIND ME TURNING LUCKILY SWERVED AROUND ME. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR THEN TURN IT BACK ON FOR IT TO WORK AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE EPS SYSTEM ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING) IS THE ISSUE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM AND FROM WHAT I SEE THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE ESCAPES, BUT YET IT HASN'T BEEN RECALLED. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE PEOPLE GET SERIOUSLY INJURED! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10498384
110,000 miles · Feb 7, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE 5 FREEWAY. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 45 MINUETS. I CHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. I PULLED OF THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT OFF RAMP. THE ENTIRE TIME THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. I CAME TO A STOP TURNED OFF THE CAR, CHECKED ALL MY FLUIDS, AND GOOGLED THE ISSU…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE 5 FREEWAY. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 45 MINUETS. I CHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. I PULLED OF THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT OFF RAMP. THE ENTIRE TIME THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. I CAME TO A STOP TURNED OFF THE CAR, CHECKED ALL MY FLUIDS, AND GOOGLED THE ISSUE ON MY PHONE. ALL RESULTS LEAD TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND ALL FUNCTION RETURNED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496722
102,000 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED AND THE SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY RESET BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED AND THE SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY RESET BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10496488
62,000 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10496461
44,000 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Steering
POWER STEERING WILL NOT WORK. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING, IT WORKS. SAME PROBLEM EVERY OTHER DAY. MUST BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR FORD. AFRAID IT MAY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496439
135,000 miles · Feb 1, 2013
Steering
THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TURN IT IN EITHER DIRECTION. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT. UPON RETURNING HOME AND PULLING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND MOVE ON IT'S OWN. …
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THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TURN IT IN EITHER DIRECTION. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT. UPON RETURNING HOME AND PULLING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND MOVE ON IT'S OWN. I PARKED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF AND WAITED A COUPLE OF MINUTES BEFORE STARTING IT UP AGAIN. AT THAT TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN IT EVEN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES. SO AS OF THIS MORNING (FEB 1, 2013) THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AND IS LOCKED WHEN I START THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496042
84,652 miles · Jan 29, 2013
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND ASKED A GENTLEMAN FOR ASSISTANCE. HE HAPPENED TO OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. HE SAID TO TURN IT OFF AND START IT AGAIN AND IT WILL WORK. IT DID. NOW WHILE IDLING THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES LEFT AND RIGHT ERRATICALLY. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM …
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND ASKED A GENTLEMAN FOR ASSISTANCE. HE HAPPENED TO OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. HE SAID TO TURN IT OFF AND START IT AGAIN AND IT WILL WORK. IT DID. NOW WHILE IDLING THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES LEFT AND RIGHT ERRATICALLY. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND IT IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE, IN SOME CASES WITH SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. I RESEARCHED THE STEERING SYSTEM USED. I USES A STEPPER MOTOR FOR POWER ASSISTANCE. I WORK WITH CNC EQUIPMENT WITH STEPPER MOTORS. GENERALLY WHEN A STEPPER MOTOR ACTS ERRATICALLY OR LOCKS IN POSITION IT IS A PROBLEM WITH SOFTWARE HAVING BEEN CORRUPTED OR AN INCIDENCE THAT CAUSES THE ENCODER TO LOSE POSITION. ( BOTH CASES CAN BE CAUSED BY SHOCK, POWER SURGE OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION) WHEN A STEPPER MOTOR IS UNDER POWER IT IS LOCKED IN POSITION UNTIL IT RECEIVES COMMUNICATION TO MOVE,IN STEPS,VERY SMALL INCREMENTS. (YOU CANNOT MOVE THEM BY HAND) THIS IS OK ON A CNC MACHINE. YOU JUST RUIN WHAT EVER YOU ARE FABRICATING. ON A VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM, ITS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE (YOU CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL) AND A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND HAVING IT WORK AGAIN SOUNDS LIKE THE SYSTEM REBOOTS. THE RE OCCURRENCE MAKES IT SOUND LIKE THE FIRMWARE IS CORRUPT. THE SYSTEM IS APPARENTLY NOT ISOLATED ENOUGH TO AVOID BEING CORRUPTED. IT MAY ALSO BE JUST A BAD BATCH OF ENCODERS AT ANY RATE IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. IT ISN'T JUST THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLE THAT NEED IT FIXED. EVERYONE ON THE ROAD IS ENDANGERED. I LOOKED AT NHTSAS TEST PROTOCOL AND FOUND NO TESTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEMS. IN THE PAST THIS WASN'T AN ISSUE WITH HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS, YOU HAD MANUAL OVER-RIDE. YOU CAN'T TURN THESE SYSTEMS MANUALLY. YOU GO WHATEVER DIRECTION IT IS POINTED WHEN IT LOCKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10495171
69,000 miles · Jan 28, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AS IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AS IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #10494986
57,000 miles · Jan 28, 2013
Steering
2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH SERIOUS STEERING WHEEL SHAKING DURING DRIVING. FEELS LIKE COLUMN IS GOING TO LOCK UP OR MAKE VEHICLE SWERVE OFF COURSE. WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND TURNED OFF, AND BACK ON SYMPTOMS WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, UPON DRIVING VEHICLE AGAIN, SAME CONDITIONS CAME BACK- VERY STRONG AND VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP VEHICLE ON …
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2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH SERIOUS STEERING WHEEL SHAKING DURING DRIVING. FEELS LIKE COLUMN IS GOING TO LOCK UP OR MAKE VEHICLE SWERVE OFF COURSE. WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND TURNED OFF, AND BACK ON SYMPTOMS WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, UPON DRIVING VEHICLE AGAIN, SAME CONDITIONS CAME BACK- VERY STRONG AND VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP VEHICLE ON DRIVE PATH. WHEN GOOGLED- MANY REPORTS SHOW UP ABOUT SERIOUS AND EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENTS OF THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ARE OUT THERE. SEE:HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2008/FORD/ESCAPE/STEERING THERE ARE MANY OTHER SITE WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. HOW CAN FORD NOT ISSUE A RECALL ABOUT POWER STEERING COLUMN FAILURES? THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS RISK ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10494981
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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