TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10383133
100,000 miles · Jan 28, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH OR ABOVE, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. ON OCCASION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW THE POWER STEERING ASSIST TO IMMEDIATELY RESET ITSELF AND OTHER TIMES, IT WOULD TAKE OVER FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE EN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH OR ABOVE, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. ON OCCASION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW THE POWER STEERING ASSIST TO IMMEDIATELY RESET ITSELF AND OTHER TIMES, IT WOULD TAKE OVER FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE STEERING PUMP FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10379397
79,000 miles · Jan 27, 2011
Steering
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING A BIT. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WENT OUT ENTIRELY. I BROUGHT TO A LOCAL SHOP OF A TRUSTED MECHANIC, WHO STATED IT LOOKED LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN. HE THOUGHT PERHAPS IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND SUGGESTED I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FIRST BECAUSE …
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WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING A BIT. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WENT OUT ENTIRELY. I BROUGHT TO A LOCAL SHOP OF A TRUSTED MECHANIC, WHO STATED IT LOOKED LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN. HE THOUGHT PERHAPS IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND SUGGESTED I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FIRST BECAUSE HE DIDN'T HAVE THE CODES YET FOR THE RESET. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED IT NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING ACTUATOR AND WOULD COST OVER $1600 IN PARTS AND LABOR. THEY ALSO STATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE, DESPITE VARIOUS NEAR-IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS, AND OTHER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS GETS INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED, AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO INTEREST IN FIXING IT FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN THEIR $1620. 2008 WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT FORD TESTED THIS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON THE ESCAPE, AND IT CLEARLY STILL HAS FLAWS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10380349
66,000 miles · Jan 19, 2011
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE AND BE DISABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS NOT BECOME A…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE AND BE DISABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS NOT BECOME A RECALL THIS IS A VERY DANGERS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE TO MAKE A QUICK MOVEMENT AND YOUR STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO HANDLE. MY CAR AS TO SIT FOR MONTHS NOW BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY IN ORDER FOR IT TO GET REPAIRED. AND ALSO MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS AND A HALF I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF I BEAT ON IT OR IF IT WAS EXTREMELY OLD BUT ITS NOT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377168
45,000 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10375574
45,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Steering
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AS I AM TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. IF I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE JUST FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, CROSSING A HIGHWAY, OR TURNING OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC IF THE STEERING FAILS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. EXTREMELY DI…
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THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AS I AM TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. IF I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE JUST FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, CROSSING A HIGHWAY, OR TURNING OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC IF THE STEERING FAILS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL, REQUIRES GREAT DEAL OF STRENGTH TO WRESTLE THE VEHICLE OUT OF HARMS WAY,
NHTSA ODI #10374468
68,000 miles · Dec 17, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY JERKS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371119
80,000 miles · Oct 17, 2010
Steering
STEERING COLUMNS HAS A CLICKING AND POPPING SOUND AS I'M PARKING MY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360842
46,500 miles · Jul 18, 2010
Steering
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE LOSES IT'S POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. HAS TRIED TO FIX IT TWICE AND IT CONTINUES TO FAIL. I AM AFRAID OF LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I SEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON LINE I FOUND IT…
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MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE LOSES IT'S POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. HAS TRIED TO FIX IT TWICE AND IT CONTINUES TO FAIL. I AM AFRAID OF LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I SEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON LINE I FOUND IT HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. ONE WOMAN SAID SHE CRASHED WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. IN HER INSTANCE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT SURPRISE ME. MY AIRBAG AND TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM LIGHTS APPEAR EVERYTIME THE STEERING FAILS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343836
59,750 miles · Mar 22, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THIS CAR IS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN GO ON FORD ESCAPE CUSTOMER FORUMS AND SEE COUNT…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THIS CAR IS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN GO ON FORD ESCAPE CUSTOMER FORUMS AND SEE COUNTLESS INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS. I HAVE ASKED FORD SEVERAL TIMES TO HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAY THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN $1700 CHARGE. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MOST OF THE POSTINGS I SAW AND WITH MY OWN VEHICLE AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE. CONTINUOUSLY PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN AND ALSO FOR MYSELF HAVE GOTTEN THE ANSWER FROM FORD THAT THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I AM NOT HAPPY BECAUSE I HAVE TO EXPEND THE MONEY TO FIX THIS BUT MORE SO I WANT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. IF AN ELDERLY PERSON WERE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THAT PROBLEM THEY WOULD WRECK BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING THE STRENGTH TO KEEP THE WHEEL IN MOTION CORRECTLY. SAME MAY BE WITH A YOUNGER DRIVER. PLEASE PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM FOR ME. *DT
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.
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.
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
3
DP15001 · 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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