NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter160,000 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10552243
54,000 miles · Nov 13, 2013
Steering
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY, SHE WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST SO SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP. SHE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE SAME THING HAPPENED A SECOND…
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WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY, SHE WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST SO SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP. SHE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE SAME THING HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ABOUT TWO TO THREE WEEKS LATER. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE DID SOME RESEARCH AND WAS ABLE TO LOCATE HUNDREDS OF 08 ESCAPE OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552163
141,231 miles · Nov 13, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS OR EPAS) FAILED. THE CAR INSTANTLY LOST ALL ABILITY FOR POWER STEERING, WITHOUT ALERTING THE DRIVER. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND MAY FAIL AT ANY TIME. THE EPAS CAN SOMETIMES BE RE-INSTITUTED BY STOPPING THE CAR (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AT TIMES, OR FREEWAY), TUR…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS OR EPAS) FAILED. THE CAR INSTANTLY LOST ALL ABILITY FOR POWER STEERING, WITHOUT ALERTING THE DRIVER. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND MAY FAIL AT ANY TIME. THE EPAS CAN SOMETIMES BE RE-INSTITUTED BY STOPPING THE CAR (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AT TIMES, OR FREEWAY), TURNING OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY ... WAITING 10 SECONDS, AND RESTARTING THE CAR. BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE SAME DRIVING INCIDENT. THE EPAS CONTINUES TO FAIL AT INOPPORTUNE TIMES, WITHOUT ALERTING THE DRIVER UNTIL FAILURE HAS OCCURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552127
119,000 miles · Nov 13, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I REGISTERED THE COMPLAINT WITH ABOUTAUTOMBILE,.COM ON THAT VERY SAME DAY. THE # IS 10489579. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN LAST YEAR AND NO ONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM AS IT IS INTERMITTENT. 3 DAYS AGO, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING TO S…
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WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I REGISTERED THE COMPLAINT WITH ABOUTAUTOMBILE,.COM ON THAT VERY SAME DAY. THE # IS 10489579. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN LAST YEAR AND NO ONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM AS IT IS INTERMITTENT. 3 DAYS AGO, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND AS HE WAS TURNING RIGHT AT A CORNER (20MPG), THE WHEEL LOCKED. SINCE I WAS NOT WITH HIM, WE SAID WE WOULD KEEP AN EYE ON IT. TODAY, AGAIN HE WAS TURNING (THIS TIME LEFT AT 20 MPG) THE WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN. HE WAS ABLE TO GET IT ACROSS THE ROAD AND PARK IT IN A PLAZA. I PICKED HIM UP AND DROVE HIM TO SCHOOL. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON SERVICE TO CALL ME TO GET THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. AT THIS POINT, EVEN THOUGH HIS SCHOOL IS LOSE TO HOME THERE IS NO WAS I WANT MY SON TO DRIVE THIS FORD PRODUCT. I WORK AT HENRY FORD HOSPITAL AND I AM BEWILDERED AS TO WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. LOOKING ON-LINE, THERE HAVE BEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552066
116,000 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Steering
I PLACED A MESSAGE ON THE NHTSA DATABASE ON 11/04/13 CONCERNING THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I CALLED THE FORD CORPORATE CENTER AT 800/392-3673 - THE FORD CENTER STATED THAT BY CALLING THEIR NUMBER THEY WILL HAVE A RECORD OF THE PROBLEM AND THE MORE PEOPLE THAT CALL THE CENTER IS HOW THE RECALLS ARE INITIATED AND …
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I PLACED A MESSAGE ON THE NHTSA DATABASE ON 11/04/13 CONCERNING THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I CALLED THE FORD CORPORATE CENTER AT 800/392-3673 - THE FORD CENTER STATED THAT BY CALLING THEIR NUMBER THEY WILL HAVE A RECORD OF THE PROBLEM AND THE MORE PEOPLE THAT CALL THE CENTER IS HOW THE RECALLS ARE INITIATED AND NOT BY SIMPLY USING THE NHTSA DATABASE. IF YOU ARE HAVING POWER STEERING ISSUES WITH YOUR FORD ESCAPE, PLEASE CALL THE FORD CORPORATE CENTER AND GET YOU NAME ON THE LIST AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN HAVE THIS VEHICLE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS TERRIBLY HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551929
42,000 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WOULD ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WOULD ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING POWER ASSIST UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10551912
63,000 miles · Nov 5, 2013
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED ME…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,600.
NHTSA ODI #10551001
109,858 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Steering
WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT I WENT TO DRIVE AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG BUT I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THEN POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. THIS HAS SINCE HAPPENED AGAIN ON 11/4/2013 WITH MY WIFE DRIVING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE THEN RESTART AND EVERYTHING B…
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WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT I WENT TO DRIVE AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG BUT I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THEN POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. THIS HAS SINCE HAPPENED AGAIN ON 11/4/2013 WITH MY WIFE DRIVING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE THEN RESTART AND EVERYTHING BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD DOESN'T SEEM TO BE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT'S A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY YOU CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550898
110,000 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Steering
MY DAUGHTER HAS HER CAR ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS AND DRIVING AROUND THE DRILL FIELD AT 20 MPH THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. THE DATE LISTED WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP BUT HAS DONE IT A SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I MYSELF WAS IN A KROGER PARKING LOT AND PUT THE …
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MY DAUGHTER HAS HER CAR ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS AND DRIVING AROUND THE DRILL FIELD AT 20 MPH THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. THE DATE LISTED WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP BUT HAS DONE IT A SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I MYSELF WAS IN A KROGER PARKING LOT AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT LOCKED UP. IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS THE POWER STEERING HAS LOCKED UP ON MY DAUGHTER 3 TIMES WHILE ON CAMPUS - NEARLY CAUSING A 10 CAR PILEUP BEHIND HER. AS A COLLEGE STUDENT, ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN FOR US. I HAVE READ MANY MANY MANY COMPLAINTS TO FORD ON THE POWER STEERING ISSUE AND CAN NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE CONTINUING TO PUT PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER BY NOT RECALLING AND FIXING THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550878
70,610 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Steering
SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH, 2013. WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. THIS WAS LIKE TRYING TO DRIVE A TANK. WHEN I GOT TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE STEERING WORKED OK AT THAT TIME. I TOOK MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE STEERING CHECKED AND…
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SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH, 2013. WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. THIS WAS LIKE TRYING TO DRIVE A TANK. WHEN I GOT TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE STEERING WORKED OK AT THAT TIME. I TOOK MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE STEERING CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE ONLY PACE TO GET THIS FIXED WAS AT A FORD DEALER AND THAT THIS TYPE FAILURE ON THE 2008 ESCAPE WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. LOOKING ON LINE I CONFIRMED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS VERY FREQUENT WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. FORTUNATELY IT HAPPENED TO ME ON A QUITE SUNDAY MORNING WHEN THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT ENDANGERING MYSELF OR OTHER DRIVERS. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH POTENTIAL PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR A LOSS OF LIFE ACCIDENT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THE 2008 FORD ESCAPES EQUIPPED WITH THIS TYPE STEERING AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO PROTECT THE LIVES OF BOTH THE FORD DRIVERS AND OTHERS THAT MIGHT BE ENCOUNTERED ON THE ROAD SHOULD THE STEERING FAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549478
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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