NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter88,000 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM. PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING NO FAULT CODE PRIOR TO THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM. PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING NO FAULT CODE PRIOR TO THE REMEDY BEING PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA ODI #10788094
76,000 miles · Oct 30, 2015
Steering
WHEN TURNING CAR ON , ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DOES NOT ALWAYS TURN ON .. THIS USE TO HAPPEN ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH,YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED 4-5 TIMES ,ITS GETTING WORSE YOU HAVE TO TURN ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON TO SEE IF IT WILL TURN ON , SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL TIMES TURNING ON / OFF TO MAKE IT TURN ON. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT H…
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WHEN TURNING CAR ON , ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DOES NOT ALWAYS TURN ON .. THIS USE TO HAPPEN ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH,YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED 4-5 TIMES ,ITS GETTING WORSE YOU HAVE TO TURN ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON TO SEE IF IT WILL TURN ON , SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL TIMES TURNING ON / OFF TO MAKE IT TURN ON. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED WHILE MOVING (DRIVING) AS I WILL NOT TAKE OFF UNTIL ITS WORKING. I'M AFRAID IT WILL PROGRESS TO TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING.I'M SURE THE LARGER PROBLEM OF TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING,STARTED OFF AS P/S NOT TURNING ON AND PROGRESSED. I CHECKED ON LINE AND FORD WAS RECALLING 100'S OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES FOR P/S PROBLEMS (ELEC . P/STR.) FROM 06 TO 15. I CALLED FORD CO. DIRECT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL EVEN THOUGH MY PROBLEM SOUNDED EXACTLY LIKE THEIR DESCRIPTION EXCEPT FOR CAR MOVING OR NOT ,IN OTHER WORDS , P/S TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING . FORD SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO , WITH DESCRIPTION , BUT WITH DATES OF MANUF. , PARTS USED , PLANT LOCATION ETC. ETC. THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE TO LOCAL FORD DEALER PAY TO REPAIR IT AND IF THEY DECIDED TO RECALL IT AT A LATER DATE , THEY WOULD INFORM ME BY MAIL AND REIMBURSE IF I HAD ALRE ADY HAD IT REPAIRED . THE PERSON AT FORD INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS AN ACTUAL RECALL ON MY CAR # 14S19 I TOLD HIM I KNEW ABOUT IT AND THEY HAD TOLD ME (EARLIER) THEY WOULD INFORM ME WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE .....NEVER INFORMED . THE P/STR. PROBLEM , STARTED AT APPROX . 70K MILES -6/7 MONTHS AGO,NOW HAS 76K
NHTSA ODI #10787157
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2015
Steering
2008 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, TO ADDRESS THE STEERING RECALL # 14V284000. UP UNTIL THAT TIME, THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2014, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SUDDENLY THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING SY…
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2008 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, TO ADDRESS THE STEERING RECALL # 14V284000. UP UNTIL THAT TIME, THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2014, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SUDDENLY THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER. APPARENTLY, WHAT THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATED THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE THE SAFETY NOTICE WAS A ONE-TIME FIX. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10672099
86,447 miles · Oct 26, 2015
Steering
IN JULY 2015 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE FORD COMPANY. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MIGHT REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING MODE DUE TO AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAULT RELATED TO THE TORQUE SENSOR RESULTING IN AN INCREASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE STEERING EFFORT WOULD BECOME GREATER AT LOW SPEEDS. ON SEPTEM…
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IN JULY 2015 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE FORD COMPANY. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MIGHT REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING MODE DUE TO AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAULT RELATED TO THE TORQUE SENSOR RESULTING IN AN INCREASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE STEERING EFFORT WOULD BECOME GREATER AT LOW SPEEDS. ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2015 I HAD MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES STATED FOR THE RECALL AND PERFORM REAL 14S05 CONCLUDING THAT NO CODE WAS PRESENT AND PROCEEDED IN REPROGRAMMING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 2015 UPON STARTING MY CAR AT WORK, THE POWER STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK AND MANUAL STEERING WAS REQUIRED UPON DRIVING TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. NO LIGHT WAS ON THE DASH BOARD OR THE INFO SETTING TO INDICATE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. UPON STARTING MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, THE SAME DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE RECALL 14S05 AGAIN CHECKING FOR DTC'S AND THE TORQUE LIGHT SENSOR FAULT CODE B2278 WAS PRESENT. NO PINPOINT TESTS AVAILABLE FOR THE CODE AND THE CHART CALLED FOR SENSOR REPLACEMENT. THE COST TO FIX THIS IS $700 AND WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID FOR BY THE RECALL A MONTH PRIOR IF IT HAD SHOWN UP ON THE PERFORMED RECALL TEST. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY HAD NOT SEEN ANY RECALL VEHICLES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMITTENTLY WORKING BUT HAD REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN ALL TOGETHER. FORD COMPANY: "ANY SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ASSIST REPAIRS EXPERIENCED AFTER COMPLETION OF MODULE REPROGRAMMING ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL". THE SOFTWARE UPDATES MAY EXTEND THE TIME STEERING ASSIST IS MAINTAINED. THE UPDATE PROVIDES INCREASED DRIVER AWARENESS BY SOUNDING A CHIME AND DISPLAYING THE WRENCH LIGHT OR WARNING IN THE MESSAGE CENTER WHEN A FAULT IS DETECTED." THIS CLEARLY DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN MY CAR LOST IT'S POWER STEERING ON OCTOBER 23RD, 2015.
NHTSA ODI #10786193
91,000 miles · Oct 22, 2015
Steering
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING, UNABLE TO MAKE TURNS, EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET CAR TO SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND TO MAKE A TURN REQUIRED GREAT STRENGTH.
NHTSA ODI #10785378
35,000 miles · Oct 21, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE WRENCH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE WRENCH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A YEAR PRIOR IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIANS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT NO REPAIRS WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THEY WOULD NO LONGER HONOR THE RECALL.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10785078
112,300 miles · Oct 19, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,300.
NHTSA ODI #10783370
83,500 miles · Oct 14, 2015
Steering
ON 10-2-15 WHILE MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN AT ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR, ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN, THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO POWER STEERING. I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY OTHER HAND AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ENOUGH TO KEEP FROM HITTING A CURB. THERE WAS ALSO A QUICK WARNING BUZZER BUT NO DASH LIGHTS STAYED LIT. THE…
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ON 10-2-15 WHILE MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN AT ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR, ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN, THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO POWER STEERING. I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY OTHER HAND AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ENOUGH TO KEEP FROM HITTING A CURB. THERE WAS ALSO A QUICK WARNING BUZZER BUT NO DASH LIGHTS STAYED LIT. THE LOSS OF STEERING WAS ONLY FOR A SPLIT SECOND BUT ENOUGH TO FEEL LIKE THE CAR HAD QUIT RUNNING WHICH WAS NOT THE CASE. I TOOK THE CAR TO GREAT LAKES FORD IN MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN ON 10-5-15, TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 10-12-15 TO HAVE IT CHECKED. I TOOK IT IN ON 10-12-15, THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND THEY RETRIEVED CODE B2278, DIAG. NEEDS STEERING COLUMN. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT UNDER RECALL14S05 AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. ON 10-13-15 I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. IN SEPT. 2014, I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER FROM FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND TOOK THE CAR TO GREAT LAKES FORD ON 10-27-14. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE RECALL WAS ABOUT AND THE PAPER WORK I GOT FROM THEM SIMPLY SAYS 14S05 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RECALL 14S05 "14S05C". NO ONE EVEN SAID WHAT THE RECALL WAS ABOUT. AS IS, THIS CAR IS FLAT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. FORD IS AWARE THAT IT IS DANGEROUS BUT DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT'S A MANUFACTURES DEFECT.02/15
NHTSA ODI #10781984
132,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED, BUT REQUIRED A GREATER EFFORT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED, BUT REQUIRED A GREATER EFFORT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED TWICE UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.
NHTSA ODI #10779870
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2015
Steering
ALL INSTRUMENT WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. SPEEDOMETER ZEROED OUT. STEERING FAILED. ALSO HAPPENED TODAY(9/23/15). COMPUTER UPDATE DONE 13 MONTHS AGO FOR STEERING RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #10775838
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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