NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter89,000 miles · Sep 13, 2015
Steering
ON 8/24/15 MY IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE PER MY INVOICE. WHICH I WAS TOLD WOULD BE NEEDED AS IT CAUSES STEERING DIFFICULTIES AND MAY REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT. IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. INITIAL I WENT IN BECAUSE I HAD TROUBLE WITH STARTING MY CAR. THE SAME I…
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ON 8/24/15 MY IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE PER MY INVOICE. WHICH I WAS TOLD WOULD BE NEEDED AS IT CAUSES STEERING DIFFICULTIES AND MAY REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT. IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. INITIAL I WENT IN BECAUSE I HAD TROUBLE WITH STARTING MY CAR. THE SAME ISSUES LISTED IN A SAFETY RECALL BACK IN JULY 2014 (RECALL NOTICE 14S05) BEGIN AGAIN. I FEEL THIS IS STILL A MATTER THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL LISTED ABOVE. I WOULD LIKE A REVIEW OF THE DETAILS CONCERNING MY VEHICLE. THANK YOU, *TR
NHTSA ODI #10763642
75,200 miles · Sep 8, 2015
Steering
WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM ST LOUIS, MO ON THIS AFTERNOON. AS WE WERE APPROACHING OUR STREET THE STEERING, POWER, WENT OUT. MINIMUM CONTROL AT ROLLING SPEED. NO CONTROL AT STOP. I PARKED FOR THE NIGHT. CALLED SERVICE, REQUESTED TO TEST COMPUTER. CODE CAME UP B2278. THEY CHECKED FOR RECALLED THERE IS ONE. WHEN THE DEALER SERVICED …
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WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM ST LOUIS, MO ON THIS AFTERNOON. AS WE WERE APPROACHING OUR STREET THE STEERING, POWER, WENT OUT. MINIMUM CONTROL AT ROLLING SPEED. NO CONTROL AT STOP. I PARKED FOR THE NIGHT. CALLED SERVICE, REQUESTED TO TEST COMPUTER. CODE CAME UP B2278. THEY CHECKED FOR RECALLED THERE IS ONE. WHEN THE DEALER SERVICED THIS VEHICLE ON JULY 31, 14 THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED 14SO5. AT THAT TIME THE CODE DID NOT APPEAR AND THE COMPUTER WAS RESET. SINCE THEN THIS CODE DID COME UP, B2278. WHICH STATES REPLACE TORQUE SENSOR. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND GEM CITY FORD, QUINCY IL STATED THE SAFETY RECALL EXPIRED. I AM FLABBERGASTED, HOW CAN A NATIONAL SAFETY RECALL EXPIRE?? IF THERE IS OR WAS A SAFETY DEFECT PLACED ON THIS VEHICLE HOW IN THE HELL CAN IT EXPIRE??? PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW, IF THIS WAS A TRUE CONCERN IN JULY, '14 AND THE SAME THING IS STILL HAPPENING "HOW" CAN THIS EXPIRE??? PLEASE EXPLAIN. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.
NHTSA ODI #10762185
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2015
Steering
IN A FIRST INCIDENT, I WAS IN N.Y. AND I PARKED THE CAR. WHEN I WANTED TO GO HOME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND IT TOOK MY WHOLE STRENGTH WITH BOTH ARMS TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WHEN TO SLEEP. THE NEXT MORNING, I WENT TO THE CAR THAT STARTED NORMALLY AND STEERED NORMALLY. COME TO BE THAT THERE WAS…
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IN A FIRST INCIDENT, I WAS IN N.Y. AND I PARKED THE CAR. WHEN I WANTED TO GO HOME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND IT TOOK MY WHOLE STRENGTH WITH BOTH ARMS TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WHEN TO SLEEP. THE NEXT MORNING, I WENT TO THE CAR THAT STARTED NORMALLY AND STEERED NORMALLY. COME TO BE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR THE STEERING WHEEL. I MADE AND APPOINTMENT, THE NEXT WEEK, WITH A FORD DEALER AND THE FIXED THE RECALL BY GOING ON THE COMPUTER. THE SECOND INSTANCE WAS AROUND 8/12/15, THE CAR WAS PARKED NEAR MY HOME AND I INTENDED TO MOVE IT INTO THE STREET AND DRIVE OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE, BUT A FEW INCHES, EVEN WITH TOTAL STRENGTH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. THE MECHANIC IN CHARGE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CAR AND THAT TO CHECK IT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AROUND $90. I HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST STEERING SYSTEM (EPAS).
NHTSA ODI #10759170
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO RESET THE COMPUTER. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO RESET THE COMPUTER. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE DEALER STATING THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/25/15
NHTSA ODI #10746824
129,800 miles · Jul 23, 2015
Steering
RELATES TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S05/NHTSA RECALL 14V-284, RECEIVED IN JULY 2014, WITH MY CAR FIRST INSPECTED ON 08/21/2014. MY CAR HAD NOT HAD A POWER STEERING FAILURE BUT I TOOK IT IN AS DIRECTED BY THE RECALL NOTICE. ABOUT MAY 30, 2015, I EXPERIENCED A POWER STEERING FAILURE AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT, FROM A STOP AT A TRA…
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RELATES TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S05/NHTSA RECALL 14V-284, RECEIVED IN JULY 2014, WITH MY CAR FIRST INSPECTED ON 08/21/2014. MY CAR HAD NOT HAD A POWER STEERING FAILURE BUT I TOOK IT IN AS DIRECTED BY THE RECALL NOTICE. ABOUT MAY 30, 2015, I EXPERIENCED A POWER STEERING FAILURE AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT, FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN THE OUTER TURN LANE AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. SHE GAVE ME A CASE # CAS7268220T6F2P6 TO GIVE TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY. AFTER A FEW DAYS, THEY SAID ON INSPECTION IT ONLY NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED TO FIX THE ISSUE. ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE SAME FORD DEALER ON 06/22/2015 AND ON 06/25/2015 WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD DID NOT APPROVE THEM TO ADDRESS MY POWER STEERING FAILURE BECAUSE MY CAR HAD EXCEEDED 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES FROM THE FIRST DATE ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD TO DISPUTE THEIR DECISION, STATING THAT I THOUGHT THE PURPOSE OF THE RECALL WAS TO FIX AN OVERWHELMING FAILURE OF A PART OR SYSTEM. I SAID THAT WHAT IF THE REPROGRAMMING DID NOT WORK, WERE THEY NOT OBLIGATED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART IF NECESSARY. WILL FORD NOW HIDE BEHIND A 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE RULE. THE FORD REP SAID HER HANDS WERE TIED BY COMPANY POLICY. I AM PASSING THIS ON TO THE NHTSA FOR FAIR RESOLUTION. THIS 2008 FORD ESCAPE HAD ANOTHER RECALL # 14S19 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC COOLING PUMP FAILURE. FORD SENT NOTICES OUT IN MAY 2015. MY COOLING PUMP FAILURE OCCURRED IN MAY 2013. I SPENT $747.31 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE DEALERSHIP SAID, WITH THE PART REPLACED, I ONLY NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. FORD AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $747.31. SHOULD FORD NOT NOW BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IF REPROGRAMMING HAS FAILED (QUOTED AT $1135+TAX).
NHTSA ODI #10743261
94,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE STEERING WHERE THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10735247
42,000 miles · Jul 14, 2015
Power TrainSteeringWheels
I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION FOR MY SON IN COLLEGE, FIRST, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES WHICH SOUNDED LIKE THE TIRES WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE SECOND ISSUE PERTAINED TO THE S…
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I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION FOR MY SON IN COLLEGE, FIRST, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES WHICH SOUNDED LIKE THE TIRES WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE SECOND ISSUE PERTAINED TO THE STEERING/SUSPENSION AND THAT COST ME $900. THE DEALERSHIP CONSTANTLY STATES, "JUST KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS." TODAY, I CONTACTED SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD VA REGARDING THE NEW PROBLEM WHICH IS THE THROTTLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND HE COULD NOT SHIFT THE VEHICLE AT ALL. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER AND INFORMED ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. I EXPLAINED TO THE GENTLEMAN THAT I WAS ON LINE AND FOUND INFORMATION THAT FORD HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLIES AND SENSORS FOR 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES BASED ON AN INVESTIGATION BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) FOR A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED THROTTLE BODY FAILURES IN 2005-2012 FORD ESCAPES (COMPLAINTS FROM NC). I WAS INFORMED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE ONLY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS WERE INCLUDED. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND I HAVE PUT TOO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE. AFTER READING THE COMMENTS ON LINE, THIS VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE NUMEROUS DEFECTS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR OUR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION, LOST OF LIVES? IS THE DOLLAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE LIVES? WE NEED TO START HOLDING THESE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE. THERE IS CLEARLY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I WANT FORD TO PAY FOR MY REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI #10733831
75,000 miles · Jul 10, 2015
Steering
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FOR THE TORQUE SENOR TOLD THE GENTLEMEN SEVERAL TIMES MY STEERING LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND MADE A KLUCKING NOISE, HE SAID WE WILL CHECK IT OUT WILL 10 MINUTES LATER MY CAR WAS DONE ANOTHER GENTLEMEN SAID WE RESET YOUR TORQUE SENSOR THIS DID NOTHING FOR MY PROBLEM I HAVE READ THE INVESTAGATIO…
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TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FOR THE TORQUE SENOR TOLD THE GENTLEMEN SEVERAL TIMES MY STEERING LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND MADE A KLUCKING NOISE, HE SAID WE WILL CHECK IT OUT WILL 10 MINUTES LATER MY CAR WAS DONE ANOTHER GENTLEMEN SAID WE RESET YOUR TORQUE SENSOR THIS DID NOTHING FOR MY PROBLEM I HAVE READ THE INVESTAGATION ABOUT THE PRIOR RECALL ON MY FORD ESCAPE AND I DO BELIEVE IF THEY WOULD OF FIXED THE PROBLEM PROPERLY AND CHANGE THE TORQUE SENOR OR DROVE MY CAR TO SEE EXCATLY HOW THE STEERING WAS ACTING NOW THEY WANT 100:S OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE MY STEERING COLUM THS IS NOT RIGHT AT ALL .PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME.
NHTSA ODI #10733239
35,000 miles · May 22, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10720965
158,000 miles · May 21, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AND TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA ODI #10717845
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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