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

Wheels complaints

14 reports

Clear category filter

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2023

SteeringWheels

Wheel hubs. Yes High. Yes. No, light came on after

NHTSA ODI #11530574

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2022

SuspensionWheels

Driving in the highway, the back shock absorber felt down crashing against the back right tire.

NHTSA ODI #11483446

140,000 miles · Nov 10, 2020

SteeringStructureWheelsCrash

THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS VERY FAST IF YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL. YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO CONTROL IT ON THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. IF YOU TRY TO BACK UP, AND TURN THE WHEEL ONE WAY, IT WILL NOT STEER THE CORRECT DIRECTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS ON IT'S OWN. VERY DANGEROUS. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS REPLACED THE R…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11374065

85,427 miles · Nov 10, 2019

Wheels

WHEEL MECHANICS FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION. NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL CONTROL BARS AND RIGHT FRONT STABILIZER BAR. MECHANIC SAID UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN A 100 MILES. MECHANIC ALSO SAID THIS RESULTED FROM A DESIGN FLAW OF CERTAIN FORD MODELS THAT AFFECTED THE FORD XLSS OF 2008 AND PERHAPS OTHER LATE 2008 OR 2009 MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11279280

13,360 miles · Dec 24, 2018

Power TrainStructureWheels

THE FRONT WHEEL HUB STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS AROUND 10 THREE 2018. THEN ON 12 20 2018 THE HOOD CAME UNDONE AND SMASHED MY WINDSHIELD. EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE 2015 IT HAD POWER ASSIST PROBLEMS IN THE STEERING.

NHTSA ODI #11163242

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesWheels

Read full complaint

WELL KNOWN 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID ANTI LOCK BRAKE PROBLEM BUT WHEN I BROUGHT CAR TO HEMPSTEAD FORD 301N. FRANKLIN STREET, HEMPSTEAD N.Y.11550. SUPERVISIOR NAME MARIA (888)457-8442 SERVICE DEPT CLAIM TO HAVENT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM.ASLO I WAS THERE FOR A COOLANT PUMP RECALL AND ALL THEY DID WAS CHECK MY ANTIFREEZE AND NEVER CHANGE COOLANT PUMP.WASTE OF MY TIME.I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY PHONE NUMBER, DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH. FORD IS PLAYING PHONE TAG. FORD HYBRID BRAKES ARE THE WORST I EVER EXPERIENCE IN A VEHICLE.REGENERATING BRAKING MANUFACTURE DEFECT ! THEY DON"T WANT TO RECALLED BECAUSE ANTI LOCK BRAKES COST MONEY.FORD MOTOR COMPANY PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX RECALL ANTI LOCK BRAKES FOR 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT AND WENT RIGHT THROUGH IT ENDING UP INTO THE INTERSECTION.LUCKY IT WAS NOT A BUSY ROAD OR ELSE I WOULD NOT BE HERE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM.TO MENTION ...NOT THAT MANY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID ON THE ROAD YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LOSE A LOT OF MONEY INSTEAD GAIN NEW CUSTOMERS FOR CORRECTING YOUR PROBLEM.I WOULD ACCEPT A SETTLEMENT OR A TRADE IN FOR WORKING VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11139327

150,000 miles · Jun 26, 2017

SteeringUnknown Or OtherWheels

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON ME CAUSING MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT TO BUST ALONG WITH I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE & ALMOST WRECK MY VEHICLE. GOOD THING I WAS NEAR A PARKING LOT THAT I COULD GET MY VEHICLE INTO ENOUGH TO GET MY VEHICLE OFF THE MAIN ROAD SO I WAS NOT HIT & INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I BOUGHT VEHICLE USED IN APRIL OF 2016 & DO NOT KNOW WHAT WAS DONE N WHAT WAS NOT. MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT ABT A MONTH AGO & IT HAS BEEN SITTING UNDRIVABLE SINCE THEN. A FRIEND THAT IS A MECHANIC FINALLY WAS ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT MY VEHICLE & AFTER JUST TAKING A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, HE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING OF ANY RECALL & ADVISED THAT IS WHAT THE ISSUE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. HE ADVISED I NEED CHECK INTO THIS TO HAVE FORD TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE. I RAN THE VIN # TO CHECK RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BUT CAME UP NO RECALLS HOWEVER MY VEHICLE FALLS IN THE YEAR OF THE RECALLS. RESEARCHED ONLINE & THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS & GETTING ALL THE RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF FOR MINE & MY PASSENGERS SAFETY, IF MY VIN # IS SHOWING AS NO RECALL BUT THE RECALL ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE? I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS SSAP, AS THIS IS/WAS MY ONLY & MAIN SOURCE OF TRANSPORTAION.

NHTSA ODI #11001485

112,700 miles · Jun 19, 2017

SuspensionWheels

WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE FRONT SUSPENSION OR WHEELS SOUND LIKE THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT SOUNDS UNSTABLE ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING.

NHTSA ODI #11000010

131,000 miles · Feb 22, 2016

Electrical SystemSteeringWheels

Read full complaint

AUGUST 2014 TOOK MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE INTO LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RECALL NOTICE RECALL 14S05 - POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ISSUE WITH TORQUE SENSOR REPLACEMENT - LINDQUIST FORD DEALERSHIP JUST UPGRADED A PROGRAM INTO MY ESCAPE FOR ABT 20-30MINS, DIDN'T CHECK ANY PARTS FOR REPLACEMENT, TOLD ME NO PARTS WERE REPLACED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT SO THEY DIDN'T PHYSICALLY TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK. FEBRUARY 2016 - NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT WHEN I TURN THE KEY OVER FOR THE LAST 6WKS SOMETIMES MY ESCAPE STARTS UP SOMETIMES, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT WITH A NOTICE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" - AS WEEKS WENT BY, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING MORE RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING. THE ONLY WAY TO START MY FORD ESCAPE IS BY REMOTE START TO BYPASS THE STARTER. RECENTLY,I TOOK MY CAR INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, AFTER THOROUGH INVESTIGATION THE TORQUE SENSOR IS CRACKED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD EMPLOYEES, 2 OTHER LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS & THE MECHANIC TO TAKE THE ESCAPE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO OPENED UP THE ORIGINAL RECALL BACK IN AUGUST 2014. THAT ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP DID MAKE A CLAIM, FORD WARRANTY DENIED THE CLAIM- THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T "CHOOSE" TO TELL FORD WARRANTY THEY NEVER LOOKED AT THE RECALL PARTS IN AUGUST 2014 THEY JUST DID THE UPGRADE, THEIR LIABILITY "THAT'S WHAT THE LETTER TOLD THEM TO DO, NO WARNING LIGHT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS". I PAID $70+ FOR WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST DID FOR FREE. THAT DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHECK FOR ANY PARTS THAT NEEDED REPLACED BACK ON 2014. NOT ONLY DID THE DEALERSHIP CHARGE ME $70, I TOOK THE ESCAPE BACK TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND PAID $500 FOR A NEW TORQUE SENSOR; SAME EXACT PART FALLING UNDER THE RECALL "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". DENIED CLAIM ON 2/19/2016, REASON- IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE MY RECALL UPDATE WAS DONE THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED THE PART BACK IN 2014. I DRIVE 2 CARS, SERIOUSLY?

NHTSA ODI #10837528

42,000 miles · Jul 14, 2015

Power TrainSteeringWheels

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION FOR MY SON IN COLLEGE, FIRST, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES WHICH SOUNDED LIKE THE TIRES WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE SECOND ISSUE PERTAINED TO THE STEERING/SUSPENSION AND THAT COST ME $900. THE DEALERSHIP CONSTANTLY STATES, "JUST KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS." TODAY, I CONTACTED SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD VA REGARDING THE NEW PROBLEM WHICH IS THE THROTTLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND HE COULD NOT SHIFT THE VEHICLE AT ALL. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER AND INFORMED ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. I EXPLAINED TO THE GENTLEMAN THAT I WAS ON LINE AND FOUND INFORMATION THAT FORD HAS ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLIES AND SENSORS FOR 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES BASED ON AN INVESTIGATION BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) FOR A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED THROTTLE BODY FAILURES IN 2005-2012 FORD ESCAPES (COMPLAINTS FROM NC). I WAS INFORMED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE ONLY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS WERE INCLUDED. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND I HAVE PUT TOO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE. AFTER READING THE COMMENTS ON LINE, THIS VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE NUMEROUS DEFECTS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR OUR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION, LOST OF LIVES? IS THE DOLLAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE LIVES? WE NEED TO START HOLDING THESE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE. THERE IS CLEARLY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I WANT FORD TO PAY FOR MY REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #10733831

Official recalls

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

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)

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

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

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems

Ford Escape transmission problems →Ford Escape electrical problems →