NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,974 reports97,000 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
115,987 miles · Oct 13, 2014
Power Train
WHILE NORMALLY ACCELERATING FROM STOP, VEHICLE REACHED 4000 RPM THEN SHIFTED VERY HARD, DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS EXPERIENCED A JOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DIAGNOSIS REVEALED CODES P0732 & P0734 - CD4E TRANSMISSION. THE SHOP MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION ISSUES IN BOTH GEARS 2 &…
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WHILE NORMALLY ACCELERATING FROM STOP, VEHICLE REACHED 4000 RPM THEN SHIFTED VERY HARD, DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS EXPERIENCED A JOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DIAGNOSIS REVEALED CODES P0732 & P0734 - CD4E TRANSMISSION. THE SHOP MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION ISSUES IN BOTH GEARS 2 & 4 AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED/RE-BUILT. AN "IDENTIFIX - DIRECT HIT" DOCUMENT WAS PROVIDED SHOWING 60 CONFIRMED FIXES REGARDING TRANSMISSION REPLACE/REBUILDS ON 2008 FORD ESCAPES UNDER THE SAME ISSUE. UPON REVIEW OF THE NHTSA WEBSITE, I AM SEEING MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME/IDENTICAL ISSUE. PLEASE CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS CONCERN AS I AM CURRENTLY FACING A REPAIR BILL OVER $3000.00 ON A VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED LESS THAN 8 MONTHS AGO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10644297
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2014
Power Train
YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE CAUSING MY CAR TO LURCH FORWARD FASTER THAN I WAS ANTICIPATING. THEN TODAY THE SAME THING ALTHOUGH TODAY THE WRENCH SYMBOL SHOWED UP HAVING ME LOOK UP IN MY MANUAL WHAT THIS MEANT. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE (HAVING NO CAR KNOWLEDGE TO SEE WHAT THIS M…
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YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE CAUSING MY CAR TO LURCH FORWARD FASTER THAN I WAS ANTICIPATING. THEN TODAY THE SAME THING ALTHOUGH TODAY THE WRENCH SYMBOL SHOWED UP HAVING ME LOOK UP IN MY MANUAL WHAT THIS MEANT. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE (HAVING NO CAR KNOWLEDGE TO SEE WHAT THIS MEANT) AND FIND OUT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS.THIS IS A SCARY SITUATION WHEN I USUALLY ALWAYS HAVE MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE ARE JABBING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10643554
101,000 miles · Oct 8, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND AND REVVED UNTIL THE ENGINE INCREASED TO 4 RPMS. THE TRANSMISSION JERKED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND THE WRENCH WARNING DISPLAY ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND AND REVVED UNTIL THE ENGINE INCREASED TO 4 RPMS. THE TRANSMISSION JERKED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND THE WRENCH WARNING DISPLAY ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA ODI #10643374
86,433 miles · Oct 5, 2014
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE WHICH WAS PAID OFF LAST JANUARY WILL RIGHT AFTER IT GOT PAID OFF MY TRANSMISSION WENT WHICH COST ME 3320 NOW A YEAR LATER I AM HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS STARTED WITH A CLUNKING NOISE WILL TURNING GREASED JOINTS PROBLEM WAS FINE FOR A WHILE NOW AGAIN TODAY I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A BRIDGE AND T…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE WHICH WAS PAID OFF LAST JANUARY WILL RIGHT AFTER IT GOT PAID OFF MY TRANSMISSION WENT WHICH COST ME 3320 NOW A YEAR LATER I AM HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS STARTED WITH A CLUNKING NOISE WILL TURNING GREASED JOINTS PROBLEM WAS FINE FOR A WHILE NOW AGAIN TODAY I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A BRIDGE AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT FOR A SECOND BUT CAME BACK THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS RECEIVED THE FORD RECALL FOR THE TORQUE SENSOR WHICH I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER THEY DID NOT REPLACE ANY PART AND AT THE TIME I TOLD THE DEALER SHIP I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING HEARING A CLUNKING NOISE SAID HE WOULD LOOK AT IT BUT I WAS ONLY THERE ABOUT 20 MINUTES WHICH WASN'T LONG ENOUGH TO CHANGE ANY PART OR DO ANY TYPE OF REPAIR PLEASE I AM NOT STUPID I READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE THIS IS VERY UPSETTING IS FORD GOING TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED AND WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE THE CASE ARE OUR LIVES NOT AS VALUABLE TO YOU AS THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR. COME ON FORD GET WITH IT I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY AND CAN'T AFFORD THESE REPAIRS THAT ARE YOUR PROBLEM AND YOUR PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641551
59,050 miles · Oct 5, 2014
Steering
I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING ABOUT 50,000 MILES. THE POWER STEERING WOULD GO OUT FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND THEN "SNAP" BACK AND WORK. I CALLED THE DEALER 4 TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND YOU COULD TELL THEY WANTED NO PART OF IT. BUT, SAID I COULD BRING IN FOR A DIAGNOST…
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I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING ABOUT 50,000 MILES. THE POWER STEERING WOULD GO OUT FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND THEN "SNAP" BACK AND WORK. I CALLED THE DEALER 4 TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND YOU COULD TELL THEY WANTED NO PART OF IT. BUT, SAID I COULD BRING IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY COULD RECOMMEND REPAIRS. AFTER A YEAR OF PROBLEMS, FORD FINALLY "RE-CALLED" FOR THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL "FIX". THEY SAID IT WAS JUST A SOFTWARE UPDATE. WELL, ABOUT A MONTH OR SO LATER, I STARTED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT WOULD MAKE A LOUD SCREECH NOISE BEFORE IT HAPPENED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NEED FORD CORPORATION TO APPROVE ANY REPAIRS, SO I CALLED FORD CORPORATION AND WAS TALKED TO LIKE A "DOG" BY A VERY CONDESCENDING CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON. SHE WAS DOWN RIGHT RUDE. WELL, NOW I JUST WENT FOR A SHORT RIDE TO THE GROCERY STORE AND MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT COMPLETELY - "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE". CAN ANYBODY HELP ME OUT THERE? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS TIME AND THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. IT'S PRETTY BAD WHEN YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE AND STILL HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641493
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
220,000 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
NHTSA ODI #10638538
99,812 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN A LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. IT STATED POWER STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT. MY STEERING WAS OK AT THE TIME. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING BY THE TIME I GOT TO MY STREET. I STRUGGLED TO TURN THE WHEEL ONTO MY STREET AND INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE TO…
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN A LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. IT STATED POWER STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT. MY STEERING WAS OK AT THE TIME. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING BY THE TIME I GOT TO MY STREET. I STRUGGLED TO TURN THE WHEEL ONTO MY STREET AND INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE SENSOR. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A RECALL IN MAY, 2014. THE RECALL WAS STOPPED. I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE ABOUT THIS. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AROUND 100,000 MILES AND THE TORQUE SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY OR GOING VERY FAST WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10638425
98,000 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNABLE TO BE PERFORMED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA ODI #10638338
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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