NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
41 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Jun 18, 2013
Structure
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN SUMMER OF 2010. MAY OF 2013 PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING RUST THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR WHAT HAD TO HAVE BEEN A LOT LONGER THAN JUST THE PREVIOUS WINTER. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY TO GET THIS RESPONSE (SHORTENED FOR SPACE): AFTER REVIEWING MY RESOURCES, THERE …
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I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN SUMMER OF 2010. MAY OF 2013 PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING RUST THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR WHAT HAD TO HAVE BEEN A LOT LONGER THAN JUST THE PREVIOUS WINTER. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY TO GET THIS RESPONSE (SHORTENED FOR SPACE): AFTER REVIEWING MY RESOURCES, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR PROGRAMS IN EFFECT THAT WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE OF YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. I HAVE ALSO VERIFIED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY OPEN RECALL PROGRAMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU FEEL THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF YOUR VEHICLE. HOWEVER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) WORK TOGETHER TO PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY AREAS OF CONCERN THROUGH INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER AND DEALER FEEDBACK. DURING AN INVESTIGATION FORD COOPERATES FULLY WITH NHTSA. DUE TO OUR RIGOROUS SAFETY STANDARDS AND CONSTANT TESTING, NOT ALL ISSUES RESULT IN RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS. IF A PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED ON A SPECIFIC COMPONENT, FORD WILL NOTIFY YOU BY MAIL. IT WAS FURTHER EXPLAINED TO ME VIA PHONE THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED 6/2007 IT WAS OUT OF A 5 YEAR WARRANTY AND FURTHER SINCE I WAS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NO WARRANTY. UPON DOING RESEARCH BEFORE CONTACTING FORD I FOUND THIS WAS AN ISSUE AS EARLY AS THE 2005 MODEL ESCAPE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A COMPANY TO CONTINUE TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS. I AM FORTUNATE THAT FINANCIALLY I AM IN A POSITION WHERE GETTING A BETTER CAR WAS POSSIBLE AND HAS BEEN DONE, BUT WHO RESOLVES THIS FOR OTHER OWNERS WHOM COULD NOT SEE THE ISSUE UNTIL PAINT CHIPS, LIKE ME AND THEN ARE TOLD, FORD WHOM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT WILL NOT BE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520473
80,903 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Service BrakesStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT AROUND 5-10 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. THE CAR TOOK OF AT AROUND 40-50MPH JUMPED A FENCE AND CRASHED INTO A RAVINE, HITTING A BIG TREE. I WAS PINNED IN THE AUTOMOBILE HIT MY HEAD AND INJURED MY LEG. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE I SUFFERED A SPINAL CORD INJUR…
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I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT AROUND 5-10 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. THE CAR TOOK OF AT AROUND 40-50MPH JUMPED A FENCE AND CRASHED INTO A RAVINE, HITTING A BIG TREE. I WAS PINNED IN THE AUTOMOBILE HIT MY HEAD AND INJURED MY LEG. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE I SUFFERED A SPINAL CORD INJURY AND A HUGE HEMATOMA ON MY LEFT LEG. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519404
75,000 miles · May 2, 2013
StructureCrash
OPENED HOOD TO JUMP BATTERY @ APPROXIMATELY 1:30AM IN NOVEMBER, CAR WAS JUMPED, HOOD SLAMMED DOWN. DRIVING ON THE I-4 THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAFETY CATCH DID NOT PREVENT THE HOOD FROM OPENING, WHEN TESTED AND REPLACED THE SAFETY CATCH DOES NOT KEEP HOOD FROM OPENING,,IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AND …
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OPENED HOOD TO JUMP BATTERY @ APPROXIMATELY 1:30AM IN NOVEMBER, CAR WAS JUMPED, HOOD SLAMMED DOWN. DRIVING ON THE I-4 THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAFETY CATCH DID NOT PREVENT THE HOOD FROM OPENING, WHEN TESTED AND REPLACED THE SAFETY CATCH DOES NOT KEEP HOOD FROM OPENING,,IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AND STILL DOES NOT CATCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510454
93,000 miles · Apr 12, 2013
StructureVisibility
I WAS DRIVING ON I 40 IN GARNER, NC, AND HEARD VERY LOUD NOISE, IT WAS MY MOON ROOF, EXPLODED, SHATTERED. I LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND NO RECALLS ON THIS. DID FIND PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES AND FORD NOT GOING GOOD FOR IT, WHAT DOES IT TAKE? INJURY? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508089
80,000 miles · Sep 4, 2012
EquipmentStructureTires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ABNORMAL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ABNORMAL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE AC WAS ON, THERE WERE FUMES EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AND COMING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE TIRES WERE BAD AND THE FRAME WAS BENT. UPDATED 10/17/12
NHTSA ODI #10473807
43,000 miles · May 17, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE PARTIALLY DETACHED UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE PARTIALLY DETACHED UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #10458797
53,700 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureVisibilityInjury
I PRESSED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THEN PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. MY SON THEN PUT HIS HAND UP TO CLOSE THE WINDOW DOWN AND THE ENTIRE GLASS JUST EXPLODED, CUTTING US BOTH. WE BOTH IMMEDIATELY FREAKED OUT THINKING SOMEONE MUST HAVE SHOT AT US. I CALLED THE POLICE AND WENT BAC…
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I PRESSED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THEN PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. MY SON THEN PUT HIS HAND UP TO CLOSE THE WINDOW DOWN AND THE ENTIRE GLASS JUST EXPLODED, CUTTING US BOTH. WE BOTH IMMEDIATELY FREAKED OUT THINKING SOMEONE MUST HAVE SHOT AT US. I CALLED THE POLICE AND WENT BACK INTO THE GROCERY STORE TO GET THE STORE MANAGER. GLASS SPREAD OVER 4 PARKING SPACES AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT SERIOUSLY. THE RIGHT REAR LIFTGATE STRUT HAD BLEW OFF DENTING MY VEHICLE AND SHATTERING THE GLASS INTO MORE THAN A THOUSAND PIECES, THEN LANDING ON THE GROUND SEVERAL FEET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360225
32,000 miles · May 20, 2010
StructureInjury
WHATEVER CAUSES THE BACK HATCH TO STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION WHILE LOADING OR UNLOADING STUFF IN THE BACK OF THE 2008 ESCAPE FAILED IN MY CAR. I WAS PUTTING GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY ESCAPE WHEN THE HYDRAULIC OR WHATEVER DIED AND THE WHOLE [XXX] BACK HOOD FELL TO THE CLOSED POSITION WITH ME STANDING UNDER IT. I BARELY HAD THE…
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WHATEVER CAUSES THE BACK HATCH TO STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION WHILE LOADING OR UNLOADING STUFF IN THE BACK OF THE 2008 ESCAPE FAILED IN MY CAR. I WAS PUTTING GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY ESCAPE WHEN THE HYDRAULIC OR WHATEVER DIED AND THE WHOLE [XXX] BACK HOOD FELL TO THE CLOSED POSITION WITH ME STANDING UNDER IT. I BARELY HAD THE STRENGTH TO LIFT IT ENOUGH TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. THEN THE WEIGHT OF IT SLAMMED SHUT AGAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331463
40,000 miles · Apr 28, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE 2WD IN FEBRUARY 2008. IN JANUARY 2010, MY HUSBAND NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM MY HOOD AND SOMETHING DRIPPING ON A OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAS SINCE BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY RADIATOR IS LEAKING WHERE THE PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS ARE "SEALED" TOGETHER. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS OUT OF MY 36K BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRA…
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I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE 2WD IN FEBRUARY 2008. IN JANUARY 2010, MY HUSBAND NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM MY HOOD AND SOMETHING DRIPPING ON A OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAS SINCE BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY RADIATOR IS LEAKING WHERE THE PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS ARE "SEALED" TOGETHER. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS OUT OF MY 36K BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY & THIS PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER FORD'S POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BUT CHECK THE RADIATOR COOLANT LEVEL WEEKLY. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT AN IDENTICAL RADIATOR WILL NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEREFORE, WE ARE HESITANT TO PAY THE $800 THE DEALERSHIP ASKED FOR TO FIX. ALSO, THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT OPEN. IT APPEARS TO LOCK & UNLOCK BUT THE DOOR DOESN'T CATCH THE HOOK TO RELEASE & OPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10327914
46,469 miles · Mar 14, 2009
StructureVehicle Speed Control
MY WIFE WAS STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL WHILE TRAVELING UP AN ON RAMP, THE GAS PEDAL BROKE OFF, SHE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10261822
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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