NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter185,000 miles · Nov 19, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REMEDIED THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REMEDIED THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA ODI #10659444
86,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Power TrainSteering
PURSUANT TO THE 2014 RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, I TOOK MY 2008 ESCAPE TO BE SERVICED. UPON INFORMATION AND BELIEF, THE TORQUE SENSOR MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF STEERING. SAID SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON OCTOBER 1, 2014. ON NOVEMBER 14, 2014, THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING WITH MY YOUNG…
Read full complaint
PURSUANT TO THE 2014 RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, I TOOK MY 2008 ESCAPE TO BE SERVICED. UPON INFORMATION AND BELIEF, THE TORQUE SENSOR MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF STEERING. SAID SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON OCTOBER 1, 2014. ON NOVEMBER 14, 2014, THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING WITH MY YOUNG CHILD, THREE HOURS FROM HOME. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE WORK UNDER THE RECALL, I WAS TOLD WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS, DESPITE THE MECHANIC ADMITTING AND AGREEING WITH US THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC'S HANDS WERE TIED AS FORD WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED ON THE COMPANY'S EXPENSE. THE ESTIMATED PRICE OF REPAIRS IS $1600. THE MECHANIC ALSO TOLD US HAD WE NOT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AS INSTRUCTED BY THE WELL PUBLICIZED RECALL AND THE STEERING FAILED, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATES, "ALTERNATIVELY, THE DEALER MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR OR THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR)". FORD INDICATED BY PHONE THAT THIS ONLY APPLIES TO THE FIRST VISIT. ANY SUBSEQUENT VISIT FOR A RECALL ISSUE IS THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. FORD'S MISREPRESENTATIONS IN ITS RECALL NOTICE AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS ARE UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES, NOT TO MENTION AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE AND DANGER TO CONSUMERS WHO BELIEVE NOT THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER BEING SERVICED BY THE RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10658961
184,097 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,097.
NHTSA ODI #10658809
120,000 miles · Nov 16, 2014
Steering
I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY TOOK MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. I RECEIVED IT BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS REPROGRAMMED AND FIXED. A FEW DAYS LATER THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING IN SOUTHERN INDIANA.. I TOOK…
Read full complaint
I TOOK MY ESCAPE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY TOOK MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. I RECEIVED IT BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS REPROGRAMMED AND FIXED. A FEW DAYS LATER THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING IN SOUTHERN INDIANA.. I TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING COULD DO BECAUSE IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPROGRAMMED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10655304
20,000 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Steering
10/8 PER RECALL14S05/14V-284 BROUGHT VEHICLE INTO KOERNER FORD OF SYRACUSE WHERE THEY UPDATED THE PSCM. 11/6 WHILE DRIVING, CAR LOST POWER STEERING. 11/11 BROUGHT CAR INTO MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED IT AS A B2278 STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTION. CALLED KOERNER AS THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. KOERNER ADVISE…
Read full complaint
10/8 PER RECALL14S05/14V-284 BROUGHT VEHICLE INTO KOERNER FORD OF SYRACUSE WHERE THEY UPDATED THE PSCM. 11/6 WHILE DRIVING, CAR LOST POWER STEERING. 11/11 BROUGHT CAR INTO MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED IT AS A B2278 STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTION. CALLED KOERNER AS THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. KOERNER ADVISED THAT THEY'VE ALREADY SERVICED IT UNDER THE RECALL AND WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE FIXED. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TWICE (11/11 AND 11/13) WHO SAID THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER FROM KOERNER ADVISED THAT HIS RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT IF HE UPDATES THE SOFTWARE AND THERE IS NO OTHER CODES COMING UP WHEN THE CAR IS BROUGHT IN FOR THE RECALL SERVICE, THEY DO NOT NEED TO FIX IT. PER MY RECALL NOTICE, THAT IS NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY STATED. ALSO LEARNED FROM FORD REP ON 11/13 THAT THE KOERNER SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT UNDER THE RECALL. TO ME, THIS APPEARS TO BE SHADY BUSINESS PRACTICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654960
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE DEALER ONLY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE FOR THE POWE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE DEALER ONLY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE FOR THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE BUT DID NOT INDICATE IF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE AND IF THE TORQUE SENSOR SIGNAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10652219
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V2…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10652177
127,441 miles · Nov 2, 2014
Steering
AS I WAS DRIVING, I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN I HEARD A RAPID CLICKING NOISE. IT WAS THEN I REALIZED THAT STEERING WAS DIFFICULT. I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL TO COMPLETE MY TURN AS MY STEERING HAD CONVERTED TO MANUAL MODE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10651891
150,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Power TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED BETWEEN MAY AND NOVEMBER 2012. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL, REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, SHE NEEDED TO GET PRIOR APPROVAL FROM FORD. UPDATED 12/15/14*BF UPDATED 01/12/15
NHTSA ODI #10650301
131,500 miles · Oct 20, 2014
Steering
IN PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING WENT AWAY. RECENTLY HAD DEAD BATTERY, REPLACED BATTERY AND SEEMED TO FIX ISSUE. WEEK LATER, STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, HEARD CLICK, THEN WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM STOP LIGHT NO POWERING STEERING. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, CALLED SPOUSE, CAME TO PARKING LOT, STARTED CAR AND POWERING STEERING WORKING AG…
Read full complaint
IN PARKING LOT, POWER STEERING WENT AWAY. RECENTLY HAD DEAD BATTERY, REPLACED BATTERY AND SEEMED TO FIX ISSUE. WEEK LATER, STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, HEARD CLICK, THEN WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM STOP LIGHT NO POWERING STEERING. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, CALLED SPOUSE, CAME TO PARKING LOT, STARTED CAR AND POWERING STEERING WORKING AGAIN. DROVE CAR TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2008 ESCAPES, BUT NOT FOR THE ONE WITH THIS VIN. ISSUE SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2008 ESCAPES. WHY NOT HIS ONE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10648837
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
Illustration