NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Tires complaints
25 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 26, 2024
Tires
Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have…
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Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have a choice but to buy a new tire. The new tire cost me another $140.00+, before down time and a waste of energy. Time is everything in this country. Thank you,
NHTSA ODI #11610799
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2024
Tires
Tire Size: P235/70R16 104T In the first week of April, 2024, the rear passenger side tire was showing low air. I took it to a tire shop close by. They checked it and could not find any defection, except air. They inflated and balanced it. I started driving it hoping everything would be OK. After…
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Tire Size: P235/70R16 104T In the first week of April, 2024, the rear passenger side tire was showing low air. I took it to a tire shop close by. They checked it and could not find any defection, except air. They inflated and balanced it. I started driving it hoping everything would be OK. After 3 days the same thing happened. Again, I took it to a different tire shop, and they took their time and thoroughly checked, no nails or air leak at all. At that point and after I told them the history of the tire, they suggested that it is a manufacturer's defect or it is a defected tire. More over, the tire guy advised me to contact the NHTSA or the manufacturer. On top the purchasing price, I spent $60.00 for inspection, the purchasing price was $112.50, from Walmart. In conclusion, I purchased a new tire and replaced it, and costed me to mount it. I did not have a choice, and I kept the bad tire. I had to go through all these, because of the defected tire, or the manufacturer's fault. I cant't live without or I do everything with my car, and I have only 1 car. Car is a big part of my/our daily life in America. You guys can take it from here. That is all. Thank you
NHTSA ODI #11588452
140,000 miles · Sep 24, 2018
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 235/70R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES KEPT FLATTENING. THE CONTACT FOUND OUT ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURES FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. THE TIRES TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 235/70R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES KEPT FLATTENING. THE CONTACT FOUND OUT ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURES FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. THE TIRES THAT WERE GOING FLAT WERE BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE RECENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11130912
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
30,000 miles · Jun 8, 2011
Tires
2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4WD, EXCESSIVE TIRE NOISE ON CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TIRES, SIZE 235/70/R16. ROTATED AT PROPER MILEAGE THROUGHOUT THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR, NOW HAS 35000K ON IT. THIS SHOULD BE A TIRE RECALL DO TO THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT SEEM TO HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405675
43,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Tires
OWN A FORD ESCAPE 2008 WITH 43,000 MILES AND ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL TIRES. AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE I REQUESTED A TIRE ROTATION AN FOUND OUT THAT ONE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (FAILURE OF ONE STEEL BAND) AND WAS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT NOISE AND VIBRATION AT 60 MPH AND ABOVE. TIRE THREAD GAGE INDICATED 10/32". IT SEEMS THE TIRE HAS FAILED TO PE…
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OWN A FORD ESCAPE 2008 WITH 43,000 MILES AND ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL TIRES. AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE I REQUESTED A TIRE ROTATION AN FOUND OUT THAT ONE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (FAILURE OF ONE STEEL BAND) AND WAS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT NOISE AND VIBRATION AT 60 MPH AND ABOVE. TIRE THREAD GAGE INDICATED 10/32". IT SEEMS THE TIRE HAS FAILED TO PERFORM WHEN SIGNIFICANT LIFE WAS STILL AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10375009
33,000 miles · Oct 1, 2010
Tires
2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT V6 33,000 MILES CONTINENTAL CONITRAC TIRES WEARING VERY UNEVEN CAUSING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE. COMPANY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT EVEN THOUGH THERE IS STILL TREAD LEFT ON TIRE AND THEY HAVE BEEN ROTATED 4 TIMES. HAVE CONTACTED TWICE, AND THEY HAVE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358566
29,950 miles · Sep 10, 2010
Tires
I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH 29,950 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV TIRES. IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE HAD 2 OF THE TIRES BLOW OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRES APPEAR TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 7/26/10, WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE TECHNICIAN WH…
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I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH 29,950 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV TIRES. IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE HAD 2 OF THE TIRES BLOW OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRES APPEAR TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 7/26/10, WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE TECHNICIAN WHO EXAMINED AND REPLACED THE TIRE (WITH A COMPARABLE CONTINENTAL TIRE) SAID THAT THE TIRE FAILED DUE TO BELT/TREAD SEPARATION. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 9/6/10, WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. WE HAVEN'T REPLACED IT YET, BUT THE TIRE TECH SAID IT LOOKED IDENTICAL TO THE 1ST TIRE, AND HAD FAILED DUE TO BELT/ TREAD SEPARATION. I'VE CONTACTED BOTH FORD MOTOR COMP. AND CONTINENTAL TIRES. I WANT THEM TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. CONSIDERING THAT I WAS DRIVING AT 75MPH WHEN BOTH TIRES BLEW, IT'S A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T WRECK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10354788
29,598 miles · Aug 22, 2010
Tires
TIRE STEM FAILURE ON CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC P235/70R16 104T CAUSED TIRE TO LOOSE PRESSURE AND MADE A ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL NECESSARY AND SIDE TRIP TO REPAIR TIRE. SECOND TIRE TO HAVE THIS FAILURE THIS MONTH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351145
15,000 miles · Jun 10, 2010
SuspensionTiresWheels
I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE READ ONLINE OF MANY COMPLAINTS AS WELL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A REALLY LOUD SOUND LIKE I AM DRIVING AN AIRPLANE AND IT IS COMING FROM THE TIRES. I HAVE ROTATED, ALIGNED, AND BALANCED MY TIRES AND THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. THE TIRES HAVE ALSO STARTED TO…
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I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE READ ONLINE OF MANY COMPLAINTS AS WELL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A REALLY LOUD SOUND LIKE I AM DRIVING AN AIRPLANE AND IT IS COMING FROM THE TIRES. I HAVE ROTATED, ALIGNED, AND BALANCED MY TIRES AND THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. THE TIRES HAVE ALSO STARTED TO CUP. I WAS TOLD BY BRAKE CHECK THAT I HAD BAD SHOCKS, BUT I DID A FEW TESTS TO BE SURE OF THAT. IT IS NOT THE SHOCKS. THERE IS SOMETHING WITH THE VEHICLE. IT WORRIES ME THAT IT MAY BE THE VEHICLE ITSELF AND MY FAMILY AND I MAY BE IN DANGER. I AM CHANGING OUT THE TIRES WITH NEW ONES. BUT I REMEMBER THE EXPLORER CASE AND HOW IT WAS BLAMED ON THE TIRES, BUT WHY IS IT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD VEHICLES AND TIRES. THERE ARE MANY FORD VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND CHANGING OUT THE TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND DOES NOT HELP. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE MORE ARE KILLED BECAUSE OF FORD'S NEGLECT AND POORLY DESIGN OF THEIR VEHICLES. I HAD AN OLD CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I NEVER DID ANYTHING WITH MY TIRES AND IT RAN BEAUTIFUL. I BOUGHT THIS ESCAPE BRAND NEW AND IT HAS OCCURRED EARLY ON ABOUT 15,000 MILES AND FORD WILL IGNORE IT EVEN WHEN YOU TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WILL TELL YOU IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER YOUR WARRANTY. WHY IS IT THAT I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE (MY FIRST) AND ALL THE OLD AND USED CARS I HAD BEFORE NEVER GAVE ME THIS MUCH GRIEF. I AM PAYING FORD TO GIVE ME A CAR WITH PROBLEMS. IT IS ALL THE TIRES AND MAINLY IN THE REAR THAT I HEAR THE MOST NOISE COME FROM. PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335611
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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