NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter114,000 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Steering
THE STEERING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE "FAILED" INTERMITTENTLY. IN ESSENCE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME NON-POWER STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER THAN A CAR THAT HAD STANDARD STEERING. IF THE CAR WAS RE-STARTED, ON OCCASION IT WOULD RECOVER THE POWER STEERING. I NEEDED…
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THE STEERING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE "FAILED" INTERMITTENTLY. IN ESSENCE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME NON-POWER STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON 3 OR 4 OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER THAN A CAR THAT HAD STANDARD STEERING. IF THE CAR WAS RE-STARTED, ON OCCASION IT WOULD RECOVER THE POWER STEERING. I NEEDED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED, WHICH WAS A REPAIR THAT COST $970.60. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572918
52,000 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED DOWN A BUSY STREET, WHEEL LOCKED UP. COMPLETELY FROZEN, TOOK AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF STRENGTH TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. RESTARTED CAR AND IT WAS FIXED. HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT DAY GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. (IT'S LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, BUT IT IS ALL E…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, TURNED DOWN A BUSY STREET, WHEEL LOCKED UP. COMPLETELY FROZEN, TOOK AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF STRENGTH TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. RESTARTED CAR AND IT WAS FIXED. HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT DAY GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. (IT'S LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, BUT IT IS ALL ELECTRIC). THE WHEEL HAS CONTINUED TO LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES, WITH NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER FOR 20 (TWENTY!) MORE TIMES, I HAVE DOCUMENTED THEM ALL. NOTHING PROVOKES THIS HAPPENING, LIKE TURNING, GOING UP OR DOWN HILL, SLOW SPEEDS, NOTHING, IT JUST HAPPENS OUT OF NO WHERE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE BEEN IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH NO OUTLET AVAILABLE FOR ME TO TURN INTO. IT HAS HAPPENED WAITING AT A STOPLIGHT IN A TURN ONLY LANE, BUT I CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY AND I'VE HAD TO VERY FORCEFULLY ANGLE THE WHEEL SO I COULD GET ON THE SHOULDER. THE WHEEL UNLOCKS AFTER YOU RESTART THE CAR. MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TURNS ON EVERY TIME THE WHEEL LOCKS. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (A $1,300 FIX) DUE TO A FAULTY SWITCH. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I COULD VERY EASILY WRECK IF IT HAPPENS IN A BAD TIME OR BAD LOCATION. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS VERY CLOSE CALLS ALREADY AND I AM AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING EVERY DAY. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572787
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2014
Steering
THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR TO A NEARBY GARAGE THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING WAS WRONG ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALER W…
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THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR TO A NEARBY GARAGE THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING WAS WRONG ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALER WHERE THEY KNEW OF THE ISSUE AND SAID IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE IN THE 2008 FORD ESCAPES. THE FIX WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET FOR 2008 FORD ESCAPE POWER STEERING FAIL YIELDED MULTIPLE RESULTS AND A PENDING RECALL IN CANADA FOR AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING SENSOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572645
96,889 miles · Mar 15, 2014
Steering
WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE SIMPLY WENT OUT. I HAD NO ISSUES OR INDICATION THAT THE STEERING WAS ABOUT TO FAIL AND SUDDENLY, THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING. FORTUNATELY, THIS LOSS OF POWER STEERING DIDN'T RESULT IN A CRASH IN MY CASE. I QUICKLY SCHEDULED AN INSPECTION AT THE FORD DEA…
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WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE SIMPLY WENT OUT. I HAD NO ISSUES OR INDICATION THAT THE STEERING WAS ABOUT TO FAIL AND SUDDENLY, THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING. FORTUNATELY, THIS LOSS OF POWER STEERING DIDN'T RESULT IN A CRASH IN MY CASE. I QUICKLY SCHEDULED AN INSPECTION AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD IN FACT FAILED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF MY STEERING COLUMN. THIS WAS ALMOST A $1,600 REPAIR BUT HAD TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY DUE TO THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THE FAILURE. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND SCORES OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I DISCOVERED THAT FORD HAD CHANGED FROM A HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM TO AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM STARTING IN 2008. CLEARLY THIS SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT ONE DAY SOME ONE WILL BE KILLED WHEN THIS SYSTEM FAILS AGAIN. DON'T LET THIS TURN INTO ANOTHER ISSUE LIKE IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING WITH GM IGNITIONS AND LIVES ARE LOST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572589
88,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Steering
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, MAKING THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. THIS IS A PROBLEM MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED, I CAN ONLY HOPE ENOUGH PEOPLE REPORT IT SO THAT YOU PERFORM A RECALL. THE POWER STEERING CAN COME ON AND GO OFF AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY, BUT THIS ONLY GIVES THE DRIVER A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY…
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THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, MAKING THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. THIS IS A PROBLEM MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED, I CAN ONLY HOPE ENOUGH PEOPLE REPORT IT SO THAT YOU PERFORM A RECALL. THE POWER STEERING CAN COME ON AND GO OFF AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY, BUT THIS ONLY GIVES THE DRIVER A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY AND ALLOWS THE PROBLEM TO GO UNCHECKED A LITTLE LONGER! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569382
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10569303
70,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Steering
LOST POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING FROM A STOP. PULLED OVER STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING CAME BACK. HAPPENED AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER. WHEN THE STEERING GOES OUT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS AT 30 MPH AND WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE NEAR A SHOPPING CENTER WHERE I COULD PULL I…
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LOST POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING FROM A STOP. PULLED OVER STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING CAME BACK. HAPPENED AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER. WHEN THE STEERING GOES OUT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS AT 30 MPH AND WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE NEAR A SHOPPING CENTER WHERE I COULD PULL IN, STOP AND RESTART THE CAR. THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT JUST GOES! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569258
87,000 miles · Mar 13, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10569062
80,000 miles · Mar 12, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568895
80,000 miles · Mar 12, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
I WAS HEADING TO WORK ONE MORNING, AND I STARTED THE CAR UP AND DIDN'T HAVE POWER STEERING. I SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND THE STEERING CAME BACK. (AT THE BEGINNING, SHUTTING THE CAR OFF WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM RIGHT WAY.) I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING. THERE WAS ALSO A QUIET GRINDING…
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I WAS HEADING TO WORK ONE MORNING, AND I STARTED THE CAR UP AND DIDN'T HAVE POWER STEERING. I SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND THE STEERING CAME BACK. (AT THE BEGINNING, SHUTTING THE CAR OFF WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM RIGHT WAY.) I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING. THERE WAS ALSO A QUIET GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN (AT STOP LIGHTS ETC.), THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK MORE AND THE NOISE GREW A LITTLE LOUDER. AS THE DAYS WENT ON (3-4 DAYS LATER), THE SHAKING AND NOISE GOT WORSE UNTIL IT WAS AN UNCONTROLLABLE, CONSTANT SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE NOISE BECAME SO LOUD AND HORRID THAT I THOUGHT THE CAR MIGHT BREAK DOWN. WITHIN THAT WEEK, AS I STARTED MY CAR, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ABOUT A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES, AND I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT. UNLIKE AT THE BEGINNING, BY THE END OF THE WEEK, I HAD TO SHUT MY CAR OFF 4-5 TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING WOULD COME BACK. THE LAST DAY OF DRIVING THE CAR, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SO LOOSE THAT IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL ON THE BACK ROADS/HIGHWAYS/FREEWAYS AND OVER POT HOLES. AT ONE POINT, I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN, AND I ALMOST THOUGHT I WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE STEERING WHEEL/CAR BACK. THANKFULLY, I (AND NO ONE ELSE) HAS DIED FROM THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE 2008 FORD ESCAPES, BUT IS THAT WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568891
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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