Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSteering
MY 2008 ESCAPE HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR FOR MAJOR ISSUES. 1) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL 2) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK, 3) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LEAK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID I THANK GOD THAT THE THIS HAPPEN TO THE CAR WHILE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, SO THE DEALER REPLACE THE PARTS FOR …
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MY 2008 ESCAPE HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR FOR MAJOR ISSUES. 1) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL 2) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK, 3) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LEAK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID I THANK GOD THAT THE THIS HAPPEN TO THE CAR WHILE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, SO THE DEALER REPLACE THE PARTS FOR FREE. I JUST CANT UNDERSTAND WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS WITH ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SO MANY UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS HAS TO SPEND EXTRA MONEY IN HARD TIMES TO GET THERE CAR REPAIR. I CALLED FORD AND THEY JUST TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL NOTED IN MY ACCOUNT. WHAT WILL THAT DO FOR ME NOTHING! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10316908
59,725 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON SO THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON SO THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED . THE DEALER ORDERED THE PART AND THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59725 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60212.
NHTSA ODI #10316127
21,000 miles · Feb 26, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train
TCCF TRANSMISSION COOLER CONDENSER FAILURE- JULY 16,2008 REPAIRED; -LEAKING -SLIPPING ON SHIFTING-HAD VERY LITTLE TRANSMISSION OIL ON DIP STICK WHEN REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP UNDER THE 36,000 LIMITED WARRANTY--AFTER 4 DAYS JULY 20, 2008 WIFE WAS REAR ENDED BY A DWI TRAVELING AT ESTIMATED MORE THAN 75 TO 80 MPH(MY WIFE TRAVELING O…
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TCCF TRANSMISSION COOLER CONDENSER FAILURE- JULY 16,2008 REPAIRED; -LEAKING -SLIPPING ON SHIFTING-HAD VERY LITTLE TRANSMISSION OIL ON DIP STICK WHEN REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP UNDER THE 36,000 LIMITED WARRANTY--AFTER 4 DAYS JULY 20, 2008 WIFE WAS REAR ENDED BY A DWI TRAVELING AT ESTIMATED MORE THAN 75 TO 80 MPH(MY WIFE TRAVELING ON A STATE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL REGULATED SPEED OF 50 MPH) -DAMAGES OF OVER $13,500 TO OUR CAR-ALL SHOP AND REPAIRS DONE BY FORD DEALERSHIP , OUR ONLY SHOP AND SERVICE PLACE FOR THIS ESCAPE 2008. ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010(AT 21,000 MILES LATER THE 2ND TCCF-LEAKING FLUID SEEN IN SNOW-DEALERSHIP AFTER CONTACT WITH FORD.COM REPLACED AND REPAIRED UNDER GOOD WILL CUSTOMER PLAN OF THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ALSO REPLACED ON OUR COMPLAINT OF A "CLACKING" TYPE NOISE , A STEERING RIGHT FRONT ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO US) THERE EVIDENTLY A TSB ON IT. IN ADDITION WE HAVE A HEATING-COOLING FLOW OF AIR FROM OUR HEAT AND AIR VENTS PROBLEM-TEMPERATURES NOT AS WE REGULATE THEM.. THE DEALERSHIP HAD REPLACED A ACTUATOR IN BEHIND DASH(HAVE RECORD OF THAT ALONG WITH ALL SERVICE DATES ON FORD OWNERSHIP HOME PAGE-BELIEVE IT ABOUT ON PREVIOUS SERVICE FOR OIL CHANGE) ON COMPLETION OF RECENT REPAIRS AND OUR VEHICLE RETURNED TO US ON FEBRUARY 18, 2010 WE ADVISED THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE CONTINUING AIR-HEAT REGULATOR PROBLEM-ADVISED THEY WOULD REEXAMINE IT ON NEXT SERVICE OR AT OUR CONVENIENCE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS STOOD BEHIND THE FORD, WE MUST ADMIT THAT-BUT OUR INCONVENIENCE AND THE SO MANY THAT HAVE SEEN BY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET SEEM TO WARRANT A RECALL AS TO ALL THREE RELATED PROBLEMS--SOME OF WHICH SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE SAME TCC PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314636
78,000 miles · Feb 2, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SHE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SHE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 78,000. UPDATED 3/16/10 *CN UPDATED 06/17/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10303871
6,818 miles · Sep 19, 2008
SteeringCrashInjury
ON MONDAY, 15 SEP 2008, ON MY WAY TO WORK (ABOUT 7AM) MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRIED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. ON TUESDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. I CAL…
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ON MONDAY, 15 SEP 2008, ON MY WAY TO WORK (ABOUT 7AM) MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRIED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. ON TUESDAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. I CALLED THE DEALER FIRST THING WEDNESDAY MORNING TO SCHEDULE THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE. I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN ON THURSDAY. ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON WEDNESDAY, I WAS GOING TO DROP IT OFF AT THE DEALER SO THEY COULD START RIGHT AWAY. AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN AND THIS TIME I COULD NOT STOP BEFORE DRIVING OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A ROCK WALL. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT I STILL HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE DEALER SAID HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242887
8 miles · May 28, 2008
Steering
WHEN BACKING UP IN REVERSE, WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229133
246 miles · Jun 10, 2007
Steering
I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 FORD ESCAPE ON JUNE 2,2007. MY DAUGHTER IS ACTUALLY COOWNER/DRIVER. SHE GOT IN THE VEHICLE ON WED, JUNE 6 AND WHEN SHE WENT TO START IT, IT WAS LOCKED UP. NOTHING WORKED TO GET THE STEERING, ETC. TO WORK. SHE SAID IT WAS LOCKED IN ADVANTRAC MODE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN …
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 FORD ESCAPE ON JUNE 2,2007. MY DAUGHTER IS ACTUALLY COOWNER/DRIVER. SHE GOT IN THE VEHICLE ON WED, JUNE 6 AND WHEN SHE WENT TO START IT, IT WAS LOCKED UP. NOTHING WORKED TO GET THE STEERING, ETC. TO WORK. SHE SAID IT WAS LOCKED IN ADVANTRAC MODE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, WHERE SHE WORKS. THEY HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE, AND IT TOOK THEM 2 1/2 DAYS TO GET A DIAGNOSIS TO DO WITH THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THEY SAY PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILAABLE UNTIL JULY 5, 2007, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. HER CAR PAYMENT IS DUE BEFORE THEN, AND SHE HAS ONLY DRIVEN 240+ MILES. I BELIEVE THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, OR IT WAS NOT INSPECTED PROPERLY BEFORE BEING SOLD. THEY SAY THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER, WHICH MAKES ME THINK THERE HAVE BEEN MORE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAN THEY WILL ADMIT. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FORD CANCEL OUR PURCHASE, AND TAKE THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE BACK. I DO NOT WANT TO WORRY ABOUT MY DAUGHTER DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT LOCKING UP, CAUSING A ROLLOVER,ETC. I THINK THIS VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP IT . WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET HELP, I WILL PROBABLY CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF VIRGINIA TOMORROW. I AM VERY UPSET OVER THIS HAPPENING, AND FEEL THAT WE GOT CONNED INTO BUYING A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, SO WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR OUR TROUBLE, AND RELEASED FROM THIS PURCHASE. LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME. THANK YOU.
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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