NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Apr 25, 2014
Steering
SPORADIC LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT NOTICE. NO ERROR CODES. STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. KNOWN FAILURE IS SENSOR IN STEERING COLUMN. POTENTIAL OF AN ACCIDENT IS HIGH. CANADA ALSO HAS AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION. ( [XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C…
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SPORADIC LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT NOTICE. NO ERROR CODES. STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. KNOWN FAILURE IS SENSOR IN STEERING COLUMN. POTENTIAL OF AN ACCIDENT IS HIGH. CANADA ALSO HAS AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION. ( [XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584956
154,000 miles · Apr 24, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA ODI #10584582
59,260 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Steering
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING STOPPED. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER AND TURNING LEFT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AND VERY PAINFUL. I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO PARK THE CAR. I WAS VERY AFRAID THAT I WOULD LOSE ALL STEERING CAPABILITY AND GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584306
130,522 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Steering
I WAS PICKING UP MY TODDLER FROM DAYCARE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I WAS TERRIFIED AND UNABLE TO STEER. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO EXERCISE THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT LOOSENED A LITTLE BUT WOULD KEEP LOCKING UP AFTER A FEW MINUTES. FOUND OUT LATER THIS HAPPENED TO MAY OTHER 2008 FORD ESCAPE DRIVERS …
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I WAS PICKING UP MY TODDLER FROM DAYCARE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I WAS TERRIFIED AND UNABLE TO STEER. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO EXERCISE THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT LOOSENED A LITTLE BUT WOULD KEEP LOCKING UP AFTER A FEW MINUTES. FOUND OUT LATER THIS HAPPENED TO MAY OTHER 2008 FORD ESCAPE DRIVERS AND THEY EXPERIENCED THE SAME TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE OF DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKING UP. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND COST WAS ABOUT A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR. HAD TO GET A BRAND NEW STEERING COLUMN. A MONTH OR TWO LATER I FIND OUT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON PREVIOUS YEAR ESCAPES, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE FOR MOST OF THEM. THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON 2008'S THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. IF THERE IS A RECALL ISSUED, I THINK REFUNDS SHOULD BE ISSUED TO THOSE OF US WHO PAID ALL THIS MONEY TO HAVE THESE DANGEROUS ISSUES RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584205
52,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Steering
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 CHILDREN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CHANGE LANES EVEN WITH THE ASSIST THAT THE VEHICLE GIVES. IF IT WAS MY WIFE IN THE CARE I DON'T THINK SHE WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL IT. SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND READ THE MANUAL AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. WHEN…
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I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 CHILDREN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CHANGE LANES EVEN WITH THE ASSIST THAT THE VEHICLE GIVES. IF IT WAS MY WIFE IN THE CARE I DON'T THINK SHE WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL IT. SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND READ THE MANUAL AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. WHEN I TRIED IT AGAIN THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK. IT THANKFULLY WHICH IS NOT GOOD WENT OUT AGAIN BUT I WAS CLOSE TO HOME SO I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME AND PARK IT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THAT IT IS A CURRENT PROBLEM FORD IS HAVING AND QUITE COMMON. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT THERE WAS NONE. I HOPE THIS DOESN'T TURN INTO A PROBLEM LIKE GM WHERE IT COSTS PEOPLE THEIR LIVES. I HOPE NHTSA CAN HELP AND GET THIS DEFECT RECALLED. I WAS TOLD FROM THE DEALER I BROUGHT IT TO (FOX FORD) THAT IT WAS A SENSOR IN THE COLUMN BUT THEY COULDN'T JUST CHANGE THE SENSOR IT HAD TO BE THE WHOLE COLUMN SO NEEDLESS TO SAY $2300 LATER IT WAS FIXED WHICH THE MONEY DOESN'T COMPARE TO MY KIDS SAFETY. AGAIN HOPE YOU CAN HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584126
131,100 miles · Apr 20, 2014
Steering
STARTING IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF MARCH, POWER STEERING WILL FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. SINCE THEN IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. IF YOU JUST START THE CAR WITH THE STEERING WHEEL BASICALLY ON CENTER, THERE WILL BE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. IF YOU CRANK THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AS YOU START THE CAR, THE STEERING WILL WORK FOR A WHILE …
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STARTING IN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF MARCH, POWER STEERING WILL FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. SINCE THEN IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. IF YOU JUST START THE CAR WITH THE STEERING WHEEL BASICALLY ON CENTER, THERE WILL BE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. IF YOU CRANK THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AS YOU START THE CAR, THE STEERING WILL WORK FOR A WHILE BUT THE WHEEL WILL SHAKE AND MAKE A NOISE WHEN IT IS ON-CENTER. IT WILL THEN SOMETIMES FAIL COMPLETELY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE CAR MAY GET IT TO WORK FOR A WHILE.
NHTSA ODI #10583840
80,000 miles · Apr 18, 2014
Power TrainSteering
WHEN I START MY CAR THE POWER STEERING WONT WORK. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT WILL WORK. I NOTICED MY ESCAPE WAS LEAKING FLUID TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE. AFTER 2500. ITS FIXED AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON BOTH AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON BOTH OF THESE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10583566
68,000 miles · Apr 16, 2014
Steering
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LOST STEERING! BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS NOT KILLED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS NEXT TO ME. MY HUSBAND GRABBED THE WHEEL AS IT WAS LOCKED AND WE BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. THEY SAID THERE WAS A TSB AND THEY THOUGHT IT HAD A BAD SENSOR. THAT WASN'T THE PROB…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LOST STEERING! BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS NOT KILLED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS NEXT TO ME. MY HUSBAND GRABBED THE WHEEL AS IT WAS LOCKED AND WE BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. THEY SAID THERE WAS A TSB AND THEY THOUGHT IT HAD A BAD SENSOR. THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF HAVING THE CAR, THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. I PAID THE $2,000. BILL BUT DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO AS FORD SHOULD BE RECALLING THESE VEHICLES! THERE ARE MANY INSTANCES OF THE SAME SITUATION PEOPLE HAVE HAD THAT I FOUND ONLINE. LOCALLY I COMPLAINED, AND THE FORD REGIONAL OFFICE DENIED MY REQUEST. I WROTE TO FORD'S PRESIDENT AND DID NOT GET A REPLY. IF I HAD DIED AND IT GOT INTO THE NEWS, THEY WOULD STEP UP, BUT I AM SURE THEY ARE ASSESSING WHICH WOULD HAVE MORE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON THEM. IT IS CLEAR THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIVES. INSTEAD OF RECALLING, THEY ARE STAYING MUM. WHAT A SHAME AND A REFECTION ON THE COMPANY. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10583161
204,089 miles · Apr 14, 2014
Steering
AFTER STARTING MY CAR TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT FROM MY WORK, I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING AS I WAS BACKING OUT. I PULLED BACK INTO MY SPOT, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, SHOOK THE STEERING WHEEL TO TRY TO GET IT TO WORK, AND NOTHING. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT, STILL NOTHING. I RESTARTED IT ONCE MORE, …
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AFTER STARTING MY CAR TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT FROM MY WORK, I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING AS I WAS BACKING OUT. I PULLED BACK INTO MY SPOT, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, SHOOK THE STEERING WHEEL TO TRY TO GET IT TO WORK, AND NOTHING. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT, STILL NOTHING. I RESTARTED IT ONCE MORE, SHOOK THE WHEEL WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE AND IT WORKED FINE. I NOW HAVE TO WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST TURNS ON. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579714
153,212 miles · Apr 12, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
EXPERIENCED FREQUENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT SPEED AND AT STOP A FEW MONTHS AGO. REPLACING THE BATTERY RESOLVED IT FOR 2 MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN WHEN IN TUCSON. EXTREME WOBBLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AT ALL TIMES. RESTARTING THE CAR HELPED RESET POWER STEERING FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS IF THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHILE AT…
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EXPERIENCED FREQUENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT SPEED AND AT STOP A FEW MONTHS AGO. REPLACING THE BATTERY RESOLVED IT FOR 2 MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN WHEN IN TUCSON. EXTREME WOBBLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AT ALL TIMES. RESTARTING THE CAR HELPED RESET POWER STEERING FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS IF THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHILE AT REST. RESTARTING THE CAR AT SPEED IS NOT POSSIBLE AND LOSING POWER STEERING IS PRETTY SUDDEN AND SCARY. WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON INTERSTATE 10 AND LOST POWER STEERING SEVERAL TIMES. HAD TO PULL OVER WITH AVAILABLE MANUAL STEERING, WHICH WAS HARD. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE--LOSS OF POWER STEERING BOTH AT REST AND AT SPEED. FILING COMPLAINT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579390
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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