ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND SHUT OFF. THIS PROBLEM STARTED RIGHT OVER MY 40,000 MILE MARK. STRANGELY THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN FOR FOUR MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, THEN WOULD COME BACK ON. I REPORTED IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR MY LIFETIME OIL CHANGE. IN JULY 2014 I RECEIVED A L…
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ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND SHUT OFF. THIS PROBLEM STARTED RIGHT OVER MY 40,000 MILE MARK. STRANGELY THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN FOR FOUR MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, THEN WOULD COME BACK ON. I REPORTED IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR MY LIFETIME OIL CHANGE. IN JULY 2014 I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ISSUED A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. IN THE SAME PARAGRAPH IT SAID REPLACEMENT OF TORQUE SENSOR OR STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT MAY BE NEEDED. I TOOK THE CAR IN AUG. AND A REBOOT WAS DONE TO THE COMPUTER SO THE ERROR FOR THE STEERING FAULT WOULD ALARM. I THOUGHT THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED. WELL I WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK, AND MY STEERING ALARM WENT OFF THEN MY STEERING SHUT OFF. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TRIED TO GET THE CAR BACK IN TO FIX THE STEERING PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT FORD DECIDED TO NOT PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN THAT WE WERE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OURSELVES. I CALLED THE FORD HELP LINE, AND THEY CREATED A CASE# AND I SPOKE WITH A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE, THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT UNLESS THE STEERING WAS OUT AT THE EXACT TIME OF THE RECALL THAT THE DON'T HAVE TO FIX IT. I CONTINUED TO ARGUE MY LETTER STATING THAT IT SAID, THAT EITHER ITEM COLUMN OR SENSOR WERE COVERED AND GOING TO BE REPLACED. NOWHERE DOES IT SAY ONLY THE FIRST TIME YOU TAKE IT IN FOR THE RECALL, EITHER OR WOULD BE REPLACED. THE WOMAN THEN KEPT REITERATING THAT FORD DOESN'T HAVE THE FINANCIAL RECOURSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WOW APPARENTLY EVERYONE ELSE HAS $2000 LAYING AROUND TO FIX IT TOO. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS SLIMY BUSINESS PRACTICE BY THIS COMPANY. I EXPECTED MORE FROM SUCH A REPUTABLE COMPANY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM FORD AGAIN! THEY ARE NOT GUARANTEEING THEIR RECALL! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671990
130,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10671146
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2015
Steering
AFTER THEY DID THE RECALL ON THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE WENT AND GOT IT FIX THEN IN JANUARY 7 2015 THE POWER STEERING JUST COMPLETELY WENT OUT WHILE IN MID TURN ON A HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670859
120,000 miles · Jan 7, 2015
Steering
FORD ISSUED A RECALL IN JULY 2014 FOR STEERING TORQUE SENSOR ISSUES. REMEDIES INCLUDED REPROGRAMMING THE PCSM OR REPAIRING/REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2014. APPARENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP ONLY FOUND IT NECESSARY TO REPROGRAM THE PCSM. IN THE IMMEDIATE WEEKS F…
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FORD ISSUED A RECALL IN JULY 2014 FOR STEERING TORQUE SENSOR ISSUES. REMEDIES INCLUDED REPROGRAMMING THE PCSM OR REPAIRING/REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2014. APPARENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP ONLY FOUND IT NECESSARY TO REPROGRAM THE PCSM. IN THE IMMEDIATE WEEKS FOLLOWING, I STARTED TO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS AND WAS GETTING FAULT CODES FOR POWER STEERING SENSOR FAILURE. I THUS TOOK MY VEHICLE IN AGAIN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH INCIDENTALLY REQUIRED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED.. THIS IS THE EXACT ISSUE FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR, AND AGREED TO FIX, BUT HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR BECAUSE THEY SAID THE "REPAIR" WAS PERFORMED WHEN THEY REPROGRAMMED THE PCSM. THIS WAS NOT A REPAIR. (INCIDENTALLY, IT MAY HAVE BEEN WHAT ACCELERATED OR CAUSED THE ULTIMATE TORQUE SENSOR FAILURE.) A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH REVEALS I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM. THIS FORUM HAS NUMEROUS 2008 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS DESCRIBING EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME: HTTP://WWW.ESCAPE-CITY.COM/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?F=24&T=25610 . PLEASE REQUEST THAT FORD ACTUALLY REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUES IN ITS VEHICLES, INSTEAD OF USING THE GUISE OF REPROGRAMMING IN AN ATTEMPT TO LIMIT ITS LIABILITY.
NHTSA ODI #10670665
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2015
Steering
WE PURCHASED THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS IN MAY 2014. SOON AFTERWARDS THE POWER STEERING WOULD RANDOMLY CEASE FUNCTIONING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES BETWEEN MAY 2014 TO DECEMBER 2014. THIS PROMPTED ME TO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO THE ISSUE. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FACTORY RECALL (14S05) THAT D…
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WE PURCHASED THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS IN MAY 2014. SOON AFTERWARDS THE POWER STEERING WOULD RANDOMLY CEASE FUNCTIONING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES BETWEEN MAY 2014 TO DECEMBER 2014. THIS PROMPTED ME TO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO THE ISSUE. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FACTORY RECALL (14S05) THAT DEALT WITH THE FAULTY SOFTWARE/HARDWARE. ON FRIDAY 12/05/2014, IN THE AM, BROUGHT 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS, TO THE KEN GARFF FORD IN AMERICAN FORK FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE NECESSARY ACTION TO RESOLVE FORD ESCAPE RECALL 14S05. I DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE AND ASSUMING THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO FULLY COMPLETE THE WORK CALLED FOR IN THE RECALL. MY WIFE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE THAT EVENING AND WE ASSUMED THAT ALL STEPS IN THE RECALL WERE COMPLETED. ON THURSDAY 12/11/2014, IN THE AM, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE TWICE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THAT DATE (12/11/2014). THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY, FRIDAY 12/12/2014. ON THAT DATE, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE STEERING COLUMN PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED AND THAT ALL THE DID WAS PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY HAD NOT REPLACED PART THAT WAS CALLED FOR IN THE RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY CHECKED THAT THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES RECORDED. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT HAD JUST FAILED THE PREVIOUS WEEK. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN PER THE RECALL AS THEY HAD FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION THE PREVIOUS WEEK AND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD DEEMED THE RECALL AS COMPLETED. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER AS IT IS MY BELIEF THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND KEN GARFF FORD IN AMERICAN FORK DID NOT PROPERLY EXECUTE THIS RECALL AND THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR TO MAKE MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670328
139,000 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ALSO, THE AIR BAG AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ALSO, THE AIR BAG AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #10670221
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ADDI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10669547
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2014
Steering
TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE 14S05 RECALL, WHICH IS INTENDED TO CORRECT A STEERING ISSUE. THIS OCCURRED ON 12/10/2014. THE REPAIR SUPPOSEDLY REPROGRAMMED THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR TO PREVENT THE POWER STEERING FROM TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. ON 12/28/2014 THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE REASON FOR THE RECA…
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TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE 14S05 RECALL, WHICH IS INTENDED TO CORRECT A STEERING ISSUE. THIS OCCURRED ON 12/10/2014. THE REPAIR SUPPOSEDLY REPROGRAMMED THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR TO PREVENT THE POWER STEERING FROM TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. ON 12/28/2014 THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE REASON FOR THE RECALL. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR ON 12/29/2014. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY DENIED REPAIRING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALL WORK WAS ALREADY DONE ON THE VEHICLE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE SERVICE ACTION COMPLETED ON 12/10/2014 BY THE LAWLEY FORD, SILVER CITY DEALERSHIP, DIRECTED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DID NOTHING TO ACTUALLY FIX A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. IN ADDITION, IT PROVIDED MY FAMILY WITH A FALSE SENSE OF SAFETY BECAUSE IT IS REASONABLE TO ASSUME THE STEERING ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669417
150,000 miles · Dec 29, 2014
Steering
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAS FAILED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FIST WAS IN 2012 AND CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. AT THAT TIME I HAD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOOSING STEERING SE…
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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAS FAILED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FIST WAS IN 2012 AND CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. AT THAT TIME I HAD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOOSING STEERING SENSATION IN A WAY THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT IS SLIPPING ON ICE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL TURN AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE VEHICLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS IS A NIGHTMARE. THE VEHICLE FEELS UNSAFE AND OUT OF CONTROL WHEN IT EXHIBITS THESE CHARACTERISTICS. I CHECKED RECALL INFO AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THESE VEHICLES. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. I HOPE THIS GETS HANDLED QUICKLY BEFORE THERE ARE MORE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668763
28,311 miles · Dec 24, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
THE CONDENSER IS COMBINED WITH POWER STEERING AND TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT OF HAD A LEAK AS IT ONLY HAS 28311 MILES ON IT. THIS IS BAD FOR GROUND WATER AS FLUID LEAKS GOES ON STREET AND INTO STORM DRAINS. COST TO FIX IS ABOUT $700.00. *TR
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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