NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,974 reports35,000 miles · Apr 28, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY DAUGHTER (WHO DRIVES THE VAN) COMPLAINED FOR 6 MONTHS THAT HER ABS ON HER BRAKES WAS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LET GO THEN GRAB EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. I TOOK THE ESCAPE TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL TIRE PROBLEMS PLUS AN ALIGNMENT, SINCE THE TIRES HAD CUPPED, AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AFTER CONTINUED…
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MY DAUGHTER (WHO DRIVES THE VAN) COMPLAINED FOR 6 MONTHS THAT HER ABS ON HER BRAKES WAS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LET GO THEN GRAB EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. I TOOK THE ESCAPE TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL TIRE PROBLEMS PLUS AN ALIGNMENT, SINCE THE TIRES HAD CUPPED, AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AFTER CONTINUED PROBLEMS I HAD NEW BREAKS INSTALLED AT AN EXPRESS BRAKES PLACE IN SOUTH PART OF KANSAS CITY, KS. THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE ABS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED WITH ADDITIONAL LOUD SQUEALING. FINALLY I TOOK IT TO BOB ALLEN FORD IN OVERLAND PARK, KS. WHERE THEY CHARGED ME $652.17 FOR REPLACING THE BROKEN RF TONE RING(S), UNFROZE THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT BARS (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT) THEN PUT ANOTHER SET OF BRAKE PADS ON, TURNED THE ROTORS THEN DID ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. THEY SAID THAT THE EXPRESS BRAKE PLACE HAD FAILED TO TURN THE ROTORS THAT THE BRAND-NEW BRAKES WERE EATEN UP. THE ESCAPE HAS 53K MILES ON IT BUT WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR. IN ADDITION, I WAS FORCED TO PUT NEW TIRES ON PRIOR TO ALL OF THIS BECAUSE TWO OF THE FACTORY TIRES HAD CUPPED AND ALL OF THEM HAD TURNED TO (SOMETHING LIKE) PLASTIC CAUSING THEM TO SKID AND SLIDE ON TAKE OFF AND ON STOPPING, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS POTENTIAL FOR MY DAUGHTER. I KEPT THE OLD TIRES. THE REPLACED TIRES ARE ALMOST NEW WITH LITTLE TREAD WEAR. NOTE: THAT I TRIED TO ALSO ADD A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TIRES BUT THAT SECTION DEMANDED INFORMATION THAT I COULDN'T PROVIDE THEREFORE IT SIMPLY REFUSED THE ENTIRE COMPLAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398158
44,000 miles · Apr 27, 2011
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK DUE TO FAULTY TRANSMISSION COOLER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398026
36,451 miles · Apr 19, 2011
Power Train
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION COOLER (PART 19712) WENT BAD AT 36,451 MILES. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE COST AS I WAS 451 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED. I'VE READ OVER 50 COMPLAINTS FROM MULTIPLE WEBSITES THAT DEAL WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE PARTS IN A CAR THAT DO NOT HOLD UP AN…
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MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION COOLER (PART 19712) WENT BAD AT 36,451 MILES. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THE COST AS I WAS 451 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED. I'VE READ OVER 50 COMPLAINTS FROM MULTIPLE WEBSITES THAT DEAL WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE PARTS IN A CAR THAT DO NOT HOLD UP AND BEGIN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE FOR THIS? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396789
76,000 miles · Apr 16, 2011
Steering
?WE OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS WITH APPROXIMATELY 76,XXX MILES ON IT. ?4/2: WITHIN 2 HOURS OF BEING ON THE ROAD IN THE EARLY MORNING, WE WENT TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A GAS STATION AND IT TOOK GREAT EFFORT TO TURN THE CAR. THIS WAS SUDDEN AND VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE WERE OTHER CARS AT THE ENTRY/EXIT POINT AND WE WERE NOT EXPEC…
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?WE OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS WITH APPROXIMATELY 76,XXX MILES ON IT. ?4/2: WITHIN 2 HOURS OF BEING ON THE ROAD IN THE EARLY MORNING, WE WENT TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A GAS STATION AND IT TOOK GREAT EFFORT TO TURN THE CAR. THIS WAS SUDDEN AND VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE WERE OTHER CARS AT THE ENTRY/EXIT POINT AND WE WERE NOT EXPECTING THE NEED TO APPLY SUCH PRESSURE TO TURN THE WHEEL. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR AT THE ENTRANCE, WE WOULD HAVE HIT THEM DUE TO THE WIDE TURN WE MADE. OWE WERE ABLE TO ENGAGE POWER STEERING AFTER MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES. SUCCESSFULLY PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT, BUT POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING ON THE ROAD. SUBSEQUENTLY STOPS HAD SIMILAR RESULTS. SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING ENGAGED IMMEDIATELY, AND SOMETIMES IT TOOK SEVERAL TURN OFF/TURN ON ATTEMPTS FOR IT TO RE-ENGAGE. OWE HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO PULSATE UPON IGNITION WHEN POWER STEERING WAS ENGAGED. THERE IS ALSO A LOW-LEVEL VIBRATION NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. HOWEVER, WHEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT, THE VIBRATION AND NOISE IS ELIMINATED. ?WE CONTACTED BOTH OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AS WELL AS ANOTHER DEALER NEAR OUR DESTINATION. BOTH SERVICE DEPARTMENTS WERE UNAWARE OF ANY SERVICE BULLETINS OF THIS BEING A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN FORD ESCAPE?S. ?WHILE THE CAR IS STILL DRIVABLE WITH MANUAL STEERING, NOT KNOWING WHEN THE POWER STEERING WILL DISENGAGE MAKES FOR VERY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS OR SUDDEN MANEUVERS. ?UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS BECOMING A MORE COMMON OCCURRENCE IN FORD VEHICLES THAT POSSESS THE EPS TECHNOLOGY AND HAVE SIMILAR MILEAGE. *ADDITIONALLY, CUSTOMERS ARE REPORTING MANY DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF WIRING HARNESSES, STEERING COLUMNS, AND OTHER COSTLY REPAIRS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396531
76,613 miles · Apr 16, 2011
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK. I WAS TOLD THROUGH FORD THAT I NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY 1363.10 FOR THE REPAIR! I WAS SO UPSET! I CALLED FORDS MANUFACTURE N…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK. I WAS TOLD THROUGH FORD THAT I NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY 1363.10 FOR THE REPAIR! I WAS SO UPSET! I CALLED FORDS MANUFACTURE NUMBER SPOKE TO ONE OF THEIR LAWYERS AND STILL I WAS TURNED DOWN FOR A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I LOST ALL POWER TO MY STEERING WHEEL AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. I FEEL AT 76,000 MILES A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN AT THAT YOUNG AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT EVEN THOUGH A CUSTOMER DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME WE COULD NOT AFFORD THE WARRANTY.. IT HAS NOT BEEN DOCUMENTED YET BUT I HAD AN ISSUE OF MY ACCELERATOR FREEZING UP ON ME 3 WEEKS AGO AND I HAD TO GET OFF THE ROAD TO TRY TO GET THE PEDDLE TO UNSTICK AND AFTER TRYING A MINUTE OR SO I WAS ABLE TO GET STARTEDAGAINBUT WAS SO VERY NERVOUS THAT I WOULD LOSE THE FLEXIABILITYOF THE PEDDLE AGAIN! FORD TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE. I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES AS WELL AND IF THERE IS ANY WAY I CAN GET FORD TO PAY FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS OF MY FORD ESCAPE? I HAVE TO SAY I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE HAS BEEN IN A VERY STRESSFUL PLACE LATELY WITH A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE BACKING THEIR CUSTOMERS PATRONAGE! EVEN IF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS NOT PURCHASEDTHESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT FORD HAS SEEN ON MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS OF THERE CUSTOMERS! IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT HAVE HAD ANY OF THESE SAME EXPERIENCES AS MYSELF? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396074
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2011
Steering
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND I NOTICED MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON, IT WAS RAINING SO I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING WAS VERY VERY STIFF, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAI…
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I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND I NOTICED MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON, IT WAS RAINING SO I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING WAS VERY VERY STIFF, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WAS 'FRIED' AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. APPROX $1100. UNBELIEVABLE!! I HAVE HAD MY VEH FOR 3 YRS TO ALMOST THE DAY AND APPROX 43,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396054
48,883 miles · Apr 13, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE AT BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING SPEEDS. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TURN ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. ROAD CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACTIVATION WERE DRY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395747
96,000 miles · Apr 5, 2011
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED NOTICE OF AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURERS RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED OR HEAR ANY MENTION OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED NOTICE OF AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURERS RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED OR HEAR ANY MENTION OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FIVE MONTHS LATER WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE TOOK AT LEAST TWENTY MINUTES TO RESTART AS SHE PULLS BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED SHE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10394266
51,000 miles · Apr 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THERE WAS A BEEPING CHIME HEARD IN THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUCTING THE CONTACT TO STOP AND PULL OVER SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THERE WAS A BEEPING CHIME HEARD IN THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUCTING THE CONTACT TO STOP AND PULL OVER SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRONIC COOLING PUMP WAS BEING REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10393922
26,500 miles · Mar 30, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD VIOLENTLY AS THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD VIOLENTLY AS THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A LEAKAGE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,500.
NHTSA ODI #10393753
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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