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2008 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,714 reports with mileage · 260 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 1,127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 329 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

59 crash reports6 fire reports36 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

175 reports
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36,000 miles · Oct 23, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

DURING COOLER WEATHER THE GAS PEDAL BECOMES "STUCK" AND CAN NOT BE PUSHED. ALMOST AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS PLACED UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. YOU HAVE TO LITERALLY STOMPED ON IT TO GET IT DOWN AND SOMETIMES THAT DOESN'T EVEN WORK. WHEN THIS PROBLEM INITIALLY STARTED HAPPENING, IT WOULD HAPPEN RIGHT AFTER STARTING. I BEGAN TO TELL MY DA…

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DURING COOLER WEATHER THE GAS PEDAL BECOMES "STUCK" AND CAN NOT BE PUSHED. ALMOST AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS PLACED UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. YOU HAVE TO LITERALLY STOMPED ON IT TO GET IT DOWN AND SOMETIMES THAT DOESN'T EVEN WORK. WHEN THIS PROBLEM INITIALLY STARTED HAPPENING, IT WOULD HAPPEN RIGHT AFTER STARTING. I BEGAN TO TELL MY DAUGHTER TO WARM HER CAR AND PRESS THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES BEFORE LEAVING. SHE JUST CALLED ME AND THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING! IT IS 54 DEGREES HERE AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE LAST WINTER. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND FEEL THAT IT IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649391

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

AS I WAS EXITING A RAMP, THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING COMPLETELY. .FORCING ME TO PULL OVER, AS I CONTINUE ON IT DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS IS PUSHED COMPLETELY DOWN. WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON BUT LEAVES WHEN CAR IS OFF. DRIVING APROX. 3 BLOCKS BEFORE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648468

149,000 miles · Oct 14, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR UNTIL REACHING 3500 - 4000 RPMS. CAN LET OFF GAS TO EASE CHANGE, ELSE VEHICLE JERKS INTO 2ND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644691

97,000 miles · Oct 14, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

"STUCK GAS PEDAL": AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN MODERATELY HEAVY TRAFFIC ON US 127 IN MICHIGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 8 A.M., ON 10 OCTOBER 2014, THE GAS PEDAL FROZE ON MY (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND I BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED QUICKLY FROM THE 70 MPH I HAD BEEN TRAVELING. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN NO MATTER HOW HA…

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"STUCK GAS PEDAL": AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN MODERATELY HEAVY TRAFFIC ON US 127 IN MICHIGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 8 A.M., ON 10 OCTOBER 2014, THE GAS PEDAL FROZE ON MY (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND I BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED QUICKLY FROM THE 70 MPH I HAD BEEN TRAVELING. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED OR PULLED AT IT. I TRIED KICKING IT AS BEST AS I COULD BUT IT WOULD NOT BUDGE, AND THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT NEAR THE PEDAL AT ALL. I HAD TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CONTINUED 'COASTING' WHILE I TRIED TO GET THE PEDAL TO MOVE. THE AREA I WAS AT WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO A FULL STOP UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY DUE TO THE CLEARANCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CURVE I WAS ON. MY SPEED HAD DROPPED TO LESS THAN 55 MPH WHEN THE GAS PEDAL FINALLY RELEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT DOWN TO INCREASE MY SPEED AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY WORK BACK INTO TRAFFIC, THOUGH WITH CAUTION IN CASE IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS STILL NOT IN AN AREA SAFE FOR A FULL STOP. THE TEMPERATURE AT THAT TIME WAS AROUND FREEZING. I TOOK THE ESCAPE TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID NO CODES APPEARED WHEN SCANNED SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO INDICATE IT HAD HAPPENED. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT NEITHER MY VEHICLE, NOR THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IN IT ARE LISTED AS PART OF THE RECALL FOR "STICKY ACCELERATOR PEDAL" FOR FORD ESCAPES. THIS IS A 2008 MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 4 CY., 4-DOOR, 2WD ESCAPE. WHY WAS IT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS PEDAL 'CATCHING' AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RELEASING SINCE WE BOUGHT IT (AT ABOUT 16000 MILES), BUT THE DEALER COULD NEVER DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THIS "FROZEN" OR "STUCK" PEDAL (WHERE THE PEDAL WILL NOT DEPRESS AT ALL) IS NOT A NEW ISSUE AND ACROSS ALL MODEL YEARS, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY FORD AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644602

201,000 miles · Sep 29, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE GAS PEDDLE STICKING AND AFFECTING BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THEREFORE TO DRIVE SAFE. TOOK IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND IT IS A $500 + REPAIR TO FIX THE THROTTLE BODY. LOTS OF OTHER FORD ESCAPES ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM PER RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD FOR NOT HAVING A RECALL TO FIX THIS DANGEROU…

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THE GAS PEDDLE STICKING AND AFFECTING BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THEREFORE TO DRIVE SAFE. TOOK IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND IT IS A $500 + REPAIR TO FIX THE THROTTLE BODY. LOTS OF OTHER FORD ESCAPES ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM PER RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD FOR NOT HAVING A RECALL TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. I CAN CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH THIS ISSUE BUT DECIDED TO PAY THE $500 TO MAKE IT WORK CORRECTLY AND NOT PUT MYSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639777

64,789 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

I WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A STOP LIGHT AND FRONT LEFT ABS TONE RING BROKE. CAR SLIPPED GEARS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FOR 5-10 SECONDS. RSC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY. CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS RANDOMLY AND ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. ISSUE IS WITH TONE RING ON MANY FORD ESCAPES FROM 2000-2008.…

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I WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A STOP LIGHT AND FRONT LEFT ABS TONE RING BROKE. CAR SLIPPED GEARS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FOR 5-10 SECONDS. RSC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY. CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS RANDOMLY AND ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. ISSUE IS WITH TONE RING ON MANY FORD ESCAPES FROM 2000-2008. RINGS OFTEN BREAK BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE RUST BUILD UP ON FORD COMPONENTS CAUSING EXPANSION. PART IS CONSTRUCTED VERY POORLY AND AS A RESULT SAFETY IS COMPROMISED AND SERVICE REPAIRS PROFIT GOES UP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632001

136,078 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I WAS AT 3500 -4000 RPM. I GOT ON FREEWAY &COULDN'T GET TO SPEED LIMIT. THE WRENCH LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED & WHEN I LOOKED UP DESCRIPTION IN MANUAL IT STATES IT IS THE THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN.AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THEY DO HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS…

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VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I WAS AT 3500 -4000 RPM. I GOT ON FREEWAY &COULDN'T GET TO SPEED LIMIT. THE WRENCH LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED & WHEN I LOOKED UP DESCRIPTION IN MANUAL IT STATES IT IS THE THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN.AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THEY DO HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS BUT ON THE 2009-2012 MODELS. IT ALSO SPECIFIED THAT FORD AS OF FEB. 2014 HAD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLIES FOR 2005 - 2012 FOR 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. I CONTACTED FORD & THEN STATE THERE IS NO RECALL NOR CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03 FOR MY CAR. YET, THE HAVE THE SAME CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM FOR THE 2011 MILANS. THIS I KNOW CAUSE MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2011 MILAN & SHE RECEIVED NOTICE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW FORD CAN NOT COMPLY WHEN THIS ESCAPE CLEARLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES FOR 2009-2012. ALL I WAS TOLD WAS TO GET IT FIXED & KEEP RECEIPT AND MAYBE SOME DAY COULD GET REIMBURSED. THIS IS REALLY FRUSTRATING AND ON FORD'S PART TOTALLY UNAWARE AND UNFAIR TO THEIR CONSUMERS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631157

75,000 miles · Sep 3, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY, MY GEARS STARTED SLIPPING. I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THEN MY CAR DECELERATED TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK HOME AND I FEARED THAT I WOULD BE AT RISK FOR A CRASH. IMMEDIATELY THE NEXT MORNING, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A…

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TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY, MY GEARS STARTED SLIPPING. I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THEN MY CAR DECELERATED TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK HOME AND I FEARED THAT I WOULD BE AT RISK FOR A CRASH. IMMEDIATELY THE NEXT MORNING, I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MY OPTIONS WERE TO FIX ONE BAND OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. UPON DOING RESEARCH ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THAT MANY OTHER FORD CUSTOMERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2008 FORD ESCAPE'S TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630525

77,320 miles · Aug 13, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

I WAS DECELERATING TO A RED LIGHT, WHEN MY ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED AND STUCK TO THE FLOOR ON IT'S OWN, I HAD TO SHUT THE IGNITION OFF AND COAST INTO THE GAS STATION TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TOO A STOP. I TOOK IT TO ANDY MOHR FORD AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, WHICH IS A 600.00 REPAIR. I BOUGHT MY ESCAPE…

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I WAS DECELERATING TO A RED LIGHT, WHEN MY ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED AND STUCK TO THE FLOOR ON IT'S OWN, I HAD TO SHUT THE IGNITION OFF AND COAST INTO THE GAS STATION TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TOO A STOP. I TOOK IT TO ANDY MOHR FORD AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, WHICH IS A 600.00 REPAIR. I BOUGHT MY ESCAPE USED SO THERE IS NO WARRANTY NOR COULD I AFFORD THIS REPAIR. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, BUT WAS TOLD BY ANDY MOHR, THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY TO MY SPECIFIC BUILD. I THEN CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE AND OPENED A CLAIM WITH THEM, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT ( BECAUSE IT'S A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND A SAFETY ISSUE )AND WAS REFERRED BACK TO ANDY MOHR THIS TIME I SPOKE WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AND TOLD THE SANE THING, THAT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY,, THE REPAIR ISN'T COVETED AND I'M THEREFORE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT OR LEGAL, THIS PROBLEM POSES A SAFETY RISK TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS MY FELLOW DRIVERS I COULD POTENTIALLY HURT OR KILL WHEN THIS ACCELERATOR DECIDES TO DEPRESS AND STICK AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622080

11,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

THIS MORNING DRIVING TO WORK, AGAIN....MY GAS PEDAL STUCK...WAS GOING 50 TO 1 MPH IN A SECOND. I HAVE HAD MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE BACK TO THE DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2009 AND THEY STATED...THEY COULD NOT "REPLICATE" THE ISSUE. I HAVE JUST LEARNED ON 8/12/14 THERE IS A RECALL ON THE THROTTLE AND I HOPE TH…

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THIS MORNING DRIVING TO WORK, AGAIN....MY GAS PEDAL STUCK...WAS GOING 50 TO 1 MPH IN A SECOND. I HAVE HAD MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE BACK TO THE DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2009 AND THEY STATED...THEY COULD NOT "REPLICATE" THE ISSUE. I HAVE JUST LEARNED ON 8/12/14 THERE IS A RECALL ON THE THROTTLE AND I HOPE THEY HONOR THE RECALL. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY SCARY SITUATION OVER THE YEARS, WHERE MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER AND ALL I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS THAT THEY CANNOT "REPLICATE" THE ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN EACH TIME SOON AFTER IT HAPPENED. I AM CALLING MY LOCAL FORD DEALER NOW! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621618

Official recalls

3

15V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 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.

14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

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.

14V284000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

3

DP15001 · 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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