NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,974 reports46,068 miles · Sep 16, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), THE POWER STEERING SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY RECALIBRATED THE TORQUE SENSOR, BUT DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE NO FAULT CO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), THE POWER STEERING SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY RECALIBRATED THE TORQUE SENSOR, BUT DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE NO FAULT CODE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR DAYS LATER BECAUSE A FAULT CODE APPEARED. THE POWER STEERING SENSOR ILLUMINATED, BUT THE DEALER FAILED TO REMEDY THE RECALL ONCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,068.
NHTSA ODI #10633686
121,632 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE MAINTENANCE WRENCH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE MAINTENANCE WRENCH INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (POWER STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/24/14*CN UPDATED 4/17/15 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10633336
138,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 3 OF THE 4 ELECTRIC WINDOWS IN MY WIFE'S FORD ESCAPE HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR DUE TO THE REGULATORS FAILING. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A RECALL FOR THIS EQUIPMENT PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CALLED. IN 2 OF THE INCIDENTS, THE WINDOWS FELL WHILE BEING PARKED IN A BUSINESS PARKING LOT WHICH COULD'VE MADE THE…
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IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 3 OF THE 4 ELECTRIC WINDOWS IN MY WIFE'S FORD ESCAPE HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR DUE TO THE REGULATORS FAILING. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A RECALL FOR THIS EQUIPMENT PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CALLED. IN 2 OF THE INCIDENTS, THE WINDOWS FELL WHILE BEING PARKED IN A BUSINESS PARKING LOT WHICH COULD'VE MADE THE VEHICLE OPEN TO THEFT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633298
101,000 miles · Sep 11, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (POWER STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (POWER STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED HONORING THE RECALL SINCE THE REPAIRS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY UPDATED THE MODULES. A MONTH LATER, A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT STATED POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. UPDATED 02/03/15*JB
NHTSA ODI #10632577
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
116,000 miles · Sep 8, 2014
EnginePower Train
THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631692
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
90,000 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS TONE RING BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10630966
75,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10630675
90,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Steering
WHILE DRIVING AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE NOTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING RESULTING IN DIFFICULTY ACCOMPLISHING CURVE, STOPPED AT SIDE OF ROAD WHEN OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF TURNED OFF IGNITION, RESTARTED AND VEHICLE RETURNED POWER STEERING. RETURNED VEHICLE TO PLACE OF PURCHASE AS WAS UNDER WARRANTY THEY WERE NOT A…
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WHILE DRIVING AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE NOTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING RESULTING IN DIFFICULTY ACCOMPLISHING CURVE, STOPPED AT SIDE OF ROAD WHEN OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF TURNED OFF IGNITION, RESTARTED AND VEHICLE RETURNED POWER STEERING. RETURNED VEHICLE TO PLACE OF PURCHASE AS WAS UNDER WARRANTY THEY WERE NOT A FORD DEALER, MADE ADJUSTMENTS TO WIRING HARNESS THEY FELT WAS AT FAULT, VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMALLY FOR SOME WEEKS. THEN VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY LOSE POWER ASSIST AND AT TIMES UPON STARTUP WOULD NOT HAVE POWER STEERING, EACH INSTANCE WAS RELIEVED BY TUNING OFF AND RESTARTING VEHICLE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH AND CONVERSATIONS WITH FORD PERSONAL WAS ADVISED ENOUGH PROBLEMS REPORTED TO EXPECT RECALL AND TO WAIT TILL THEN FOR REMEDY. UPON RECALL TOOK TO LOCAL DEALER THEY REPROGRAMMED AND ASSURED PROBLEM WAS FIXED. PROBLEM RETURNED THAT PM, RETURNED TO DEALER THEY REFUSED TO DO MORE WORK AS THEY CLAIMED RECALL WAS DONE IGNORING STEPS 2 AND 3 OF RECALL. NOW FORD CORPORATION SAYS I AM ON MY OWN TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10630609
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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