NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter138,000 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Steering
I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ON FEBRUARY 2, 2015 IN REFERENCE TO THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE CODES WERE CLEARED AND THE CAR WAS TESTED AND WAS DRIVABLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLU…
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I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ON FEBRUARY 2, 2015 IN REFERENCE TO THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE CODES WERE CLEARED AND THE CAR WAS TESTED AND WAS DRIVABLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE COST OF $2,600. IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE BACK IN AUGUST 2014, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO OTHER ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST OR TORQUE SENSOR MODULE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND READING A LETTER DATED JULY 1, 2014 PERTAINING TO SAFETY RECALL 14S05 FROM THE OFFICE OF [XXX], DIRECTOR OF SERVICE ENGINEERING OPERATIONS, THIS LETTER INSTRUCTED DEALERSHIPS TO "REPROGRAM THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE IF NO CODE WAS PRESENT, REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR IF CODE B2278 WAS PRESENT OR REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY IF CODE B1342 OR B2277 IS PRESENT". WHAT THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE ACTUALLY DID WAS TO PROGRAM THE STEERING COLUMN SENSOR TO ILLUMINATE THE WRENCH ICON ON THE DASHBOARD TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS ABOUT TO BE DISABLED ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE! THIS IS NOT A FIX! WHEN THE VAST MAJORITY OF DRIVERS TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, THAT IS WHAT THEY EXPECT. THE SICK PART OF THIS REPROGRAMMING THE MODULE IS THAT ONCE THIS NOTIFICATION IS MADE, THE CAR IS INOPERABLE AND FORD WANTS YOU TO BRING THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THAT SAME STEERING ISSUE REPAIRED AT YOUR COST FOR $2,600. IT IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE FIXED, NOT REPROGRAMMED YOUR CAR TO NOTIFY YOU THAT YOUR POWER STEERING IS ABOUT TO DISABLE. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMNS ON ALL 2008 FORD ESCAPES THAT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. THAT WAS A QUICK FIX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681298
106,500 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Steering
THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO HONOR THEIR RECALL #14S05. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681206
86,625 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Steering
POWER STEERING FAILED - HAD RECALL IN AUGUST PERFORMED BY FORD TO PREVENT THIS BUT STEERING WHEN OUT ANYWAY. TOOK TO FORD DEALER WHO HAD TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN ANY SAID I HAD TO PAY WHICH THEY SAID IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER SAFETY RECALL (14S05). FORTUNATELY SHE WASN'T DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN IT WENT OUT! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681137
105,956 miles · Feb 2, 2015
Steering
TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE TO DEALER FOR THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR, RECALL BY FORD #14S05 IN AUGUST 2014. THE DEALER DID NOT GET ANY "BAD" CODES, SO THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE. ON JANUARY 26, I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR. FORTUNATELY, I WAS AT A STOP AND NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY…
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TOOK MY FORD ESCAPE TO DEALER FOR THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR, RECALL BY FORD #14S05 IN AUGUST 2014. THE DEALER DID NOT GET ANY "BAD" CODES, SO THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE. ON JANUARY 26, I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR. FORTUNATELY, I WAS AT A STOP AND NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY WHICH IS GOING TO COST ME $1200. FORD WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY SAID THE "SOFTWARE UPDATE" WAS DONE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER RECORDS OF THE SAME ISSUE NOT BEING COVERED BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680725
138,000 miles · Feb 2, 2015
Steering
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AT WORK, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY THE STEERING WHEEL HAD LOCKED UP SINCE I DID HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR DONE ON THE TRUCK IN AUGUST OF 2014.…
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WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AT WORK, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY THE STEERING WHEEL HAD LOCKED UP SINCE I DID HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR DONE ON THE TRUCK IN AUGUST OF 2014. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS BAD AND THAT THEY CLEARED THE CODES, TEST DROVE IT AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET MY STEERING COLUMN REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $2,600. I DROVE THE CAR TO WORK THAT MORNING AND THE WRENCH LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ONCE AGAIN. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET TO PAY FOR A REPAIR FOR SOMETHING I BELIEVE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE INITIAL RECALL ESPECIALLY SINCE IT WAS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS SINCE I HAD THE RECALL DONE. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND IT IS RIDICULOUS TO BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A MALFUNCTION DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN. SO, AS FOR NOW, THE CAR IS GOING TO SIT IN A GARAGE INOPERABLE. FORD HAS GOT TO DO BETTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680581
112,000 miles · Jan 29, 2015
Steering
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO VIBRATE AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT. MY VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING LAST SUMMER AND I RECEIVED A MAILED POSTCARD WITH A POWER STEERING RECALL. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY RESET A SENSOR. IT HAD BEEN WORKING FINE UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE P…
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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO VIBRATE AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT. MY VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING LAST SUMMER AND I RECEIVED A MAILED POSTCARD WITH A POWER STEERING RECALL. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY RESET A SENSOR. IT HAD BEEN WORKING FINE UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO. THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT SEVERAL MORE TIMES FOR SHORT PERIODS. I CALLED FORD REGARDING THE ISSUE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME THIS TIME & THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE. I FEEL AS IF THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BECAUSE OF THE RECALL FROM LAST SUMMER, FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT. UPDATED 09/23/15.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10679844
128,000 miles · Jan 29, 2015
Steering
I WENT TO MY FORD GARAGE AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES COMPLAINING THAT THE POWER ASSIST STEERING STOPS WORKING SPORADICALLY. WITH NO WARNING THE CAR STEERS MANUALLY, WITH NO LIGHTS THAT GO ON. AFTER STARTING THE CAR SOMETIMES IT WOULD DRIVE FINE AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE KNOWING SOMETHI…
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I WENT TO MY FORD GARAGE AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES COMPLAINING THAT THE POWER ASSIST STEERING STOPS WORKING SPORADICALLY. WITH NO WARNING THE CAR STEERS MANUALLY, WITH NO LIGHTS THAT GO ON. AFTER STARTING THE CAR SOMETIMES IT WOULD DRIVE FINE AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE KNOWING SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND THEY TESTED IT AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. AGAIN IT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 115,000 MILES AND WHEN THEY TESTED IT THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I TOLD THEM THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT, WHETHER THE CODE IS SHOWING UP OR NOT. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AND 123,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING ASSIST FAIL, WHICH I KNEW WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR FROM THE BEGINNING. AT THAT TIME, THEY SAID AGAIN, THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE FIXED. NOW AT 128,000 MILES THE POWER ASSIST FAIL LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AND I ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE FOR WHICH I THOUGHT WOULD BE COVERED REPAIRS AND THEY STATED THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACE, WHICH IS NEEDED, BECAUSE THE RECALL SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE LAST TIME I WAS IN. TO ME THAT IS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM AT ALL, IT IS SIMPLY NOW ABLE TO TELL ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH I KNEW ABOUT OVER 28,000 MILES AGO. THE GARAGE SAYS IT IS TOTALLY UP TO FORD TO DECIDE IF THEY WILL PAY FOR THE RECALL AND THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THIS IS NOT HOW A RECALL SHOULD BE REPAIRED. THEY ARE NOT COVERING WHAT IS ACTUALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, JUST THE SENSOR THAT TELLS YOU SOMETHING IS WRONG. ACCORDING TO MY PAPERWORK WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL, IF REPEATED PROBLEMS THE STEERING COLUMN SHOULD BE A COVERED RECALL BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679792
145,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Steering
2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD START TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WAS SLIGHTLY DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE FORD CHAPMAN DEALERSHIP IN WARMINSTER, PA WHO WOULDN'T 'SEE' THE CAR AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 2 WEEKS AWAY. DRIVING INTO WORK THURSDAY MORNING, 22-JAN-2015, THE "P…
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2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD START TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WAS SLIGHTLY DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE FORD CHAPMAN DEALERSHIP IN WARMINSTER, PA WHO WOULDN'T 'SEE' THE CAR AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 2 WEEKS AWAY. DRIVING INTO WORK THURSDAY MORNING, 22-JAN-2015, THE "POWER STEERING ASSISTANT FAILURE" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER WORK, WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE, MY CAR WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN AT ALL SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. STEERING WHEEL WAS NOW IN 'MANUAL' MODE. DEALERSHIP SAID TO DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP. DEALERSHIP SAID THE STEERING SENSOR HAS FAILED AGAIN, THE COLUMN NEEDS TO BE FULLY REPLACED, BUT ISN'T COVERING IT, WHICH COSTS ~$1,500 PLUS A RENTAL CAR. FORD ESCAPE HAD AN INITIAL STEERING SENSOR FAIL IN 2014. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679479
150,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING)…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10679381
110,898 miles · Jan 25, 2015
Steering
MY CAR WAS SERVICED AT CENTURY FORD MT. AIRY ON 11/14/2014 AT 110,472 MILES FOR FORD RECALL 14S05. TICKET SHOWED RECALL WORK WAS "COMPLETED". ON 1/24/15 AT 110,898 MILES, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT. OBVIOUSLY, THE WORK BEING C…
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MY CAR WAS SERVICED AT CENTURY FORD MT. AIRY ON 11/14/2014 AT 110,472 MILES FOR FORD RECALL 14S05. TICKET SHOWED RECALL WORK WAS "COMPLETED". ON 1/24/15 AT 110,898 MILES, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT. OBVIOUSLY, THE WORK BEING CONDUCTED BY FORD TO CORRECT THIS STEERING FAILURE ISSUE UNDER RECALL 14S05 IS NOT WORKING. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE WHAT TYPE OF WORK FORD HAS DONE ON MY CAR AND OTHERS THAT IS NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. FORD MAY JUST BE COMPLETING A "SOFTWARE UPDATE" TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE FOR THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (PSCM) AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE SYSTEM THAT IS NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM AND THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM MY NEED TO BE REPLACED TO AVOID SUCH SYSTEM FAILURES IN THE FUTURE. UPDATED 04/13/15. *JB .....UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10678801
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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