NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,974 reports38,300 miles · Mar 29, 2011
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A VERY LOW SPEED OR A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CONDENSER TO HELP COOL THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A VERY LOW SPEED OR A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CONDENSER TO HELP COOL THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,300. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10393568
108,952 miles · Mar 27, 2011
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE POWER STEERING IS GOING IN AND OUT. THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. 3-27-11, STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD ALMOST RAN OVER A CHILD RIDING HER BIKE. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND THEN TURNED BACK ON THE PROBLEM STOPS.HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE POWER STEERING IS GOING IN AND OUT. THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. 3-27-11, STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD ALMOST RAN OVER A CHILD RIDING HER BIKE. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND THEN TURNED BACK ON THE PROBLEM STOPS.HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND FORD HAS NOT HAD A RECALL YET. HEY FORD, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE, A FATALITY BEFORE YOU RECALL THIS ON GOING PROBLEM. I WOULD HOPE THAT A HUGE COMPANY AS YOURSELF WOULD GET TO THIS MATTER IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS AND THEN WHAT? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392992
79,400 miles · Mar 16, 2011
Steering
ON THE MORNING OF 3/1/11 I GOT INTO MY FORD ESCAPE TO DRIVE TO WORK. I STARTED THE CAR, AND BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF, WHICH I ATTRIBUTED IN MY MIND TO THE ICE STORM FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE. THAT EVENING WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK THE STEERING WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY,…
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ON THE MORNING OF 3/1/11 I GOT INTO MY FORD ESCAPE TO DRIVE TO WORK. I STARTED THE CAR, AND BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF, WHICH I ATTRIBUTED IN MY MIND TO THE ICE STORM FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE. THAT EVENING WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK THE STEERING WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY, AGAIN THE STEERING WAS STIFF AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WAS FINE. AGAIN THAT EVENING ALL WAS FINE, BUT THE NEXT MORNING NO POWER STEERING. REPEATING MY STEPS FROM THE DAY BEFORE, I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND ALL WAS FINE, HOWEVER THAT EVENING AGAIN THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. I REFERRED TO MY OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND THAT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING RESERVOIR TO CHECK OR FILL. I CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND HE WASN'T SURE WITH NO RESERVOIR, SO HE AND I BOTH BEGAN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL WEBSITES WHICH LISTED MY VERY SAME PROBLEM, AND STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH ESTIMATES RANGING FROM $1100 TO $1700. THERE WERE SEVERAL ENTRIES WHICH MENTIONED ACCIDENTS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE POWER STEERING BEEN WORKING. THIS IS APPARENTLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH LEADS ME TO WONDER ABOUT THE AIR BAGS WORKING DURING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, HE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY GAVE HIM A COUPLE OF THINGS TO CHECK, BUT DOUBTED ANY OF THEM WOULD BE THE CAUSE. HE TOOK THE ESCAPE TO HIS LOCAL FORD DEALER TO GET A READING FROM THE CARS COMPUTER, AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT A STEERING COLUMN WAS NECESSARY. MY CONCERN IS THAT FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. I WOULD HATE TO THINK THAT SOMEONE HAS TO DIE BEFORE THIS PROBLEM GETS THE ATTENTION IT REQUIRES TO START A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10391947
77,000 miles · Mar 16, 2011
Power Train
I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS ONE OF THOUSANDS THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION COOLER. I AM ONE OF THOUSANDS WHO WANT SOMETHING DONE A RECALL PRODUCED AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEFECTIVE PART SEEMS TO BREAK WITHOUT WARNING. THE PART DEVELOPS A CRACK AND LEAKS ALL OF THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FL…
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I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS ONE OF THOUSANDS THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION COOLER. I AM ONE OF THOUSANDS WHO WANT SOMETHING DONE A RECALL PRODUCED AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEFECTIVE PART SEEMS TO BREAK WITHOUT WARNING. THE PART DEVELOPS A CRACK AND LEAKS ALL OF THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT WHICH CAN CAUSE 2 ISSUES. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN IGNITE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD BY BLOWING BACK ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR BY GOING UNDETECTED ALL THE FLUID CAN DRAIN OUT AND CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO NOT ENGAGE WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR HIGHWAYS CAUSING A CRASH. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART AS PART OF A MISTAKE IN THEIR MANUFACTURING. THEY WILL HAVE A MINIMUM WAGE CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATE SAY SORRY UNTIL YOU GET FRUSTRATED AND HANG UP ON THEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED AS WHEN I BROUGHT UP THAT FACT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIDN'T CARE AND THEY TOLD ME TO HOPE FOR A RECALL. THE OWNERS THAT HAVE PAID TO FIX THEIR CARS ARE ALSO OUT ANOTHER $1000 ON A CAR THAT IS ONLY 3 OR LESS YEARS OLD. I HOPE WHOEVER GETS THIS TAKES THIS SERIOUSLY AND DOES THE RESEARCH. YOU CAN CALL FORD AND QUESTION THEM AS I'M SURE THEY HAVE AT LEAST THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS, THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS, VIDEOS, AND MANY CONCERNED OWNERS. AGAIN THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED AND I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ALL OF US OWNERS GET RECOURSE BY GETTING A RECALL ISSUED AND KEEPING THE ROADS SAFE FROM THESE DEATH TRAPS FORD CONTINUES TO MANUFACTURE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10390332
44,000 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Steering
HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THIS CAR IS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN GO ON FORD ESCAPE CUSTOMER FORUMS AND SEE COUNTLESS …
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HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THIS CAR IS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN GO ON FORD ESCAPE CUSTOMER FORUMS AND SEE COUNTLESS INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS. I HAVE ASKED FORD SEVERAL TIMES TO HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAY THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN $1700 CHARGE. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MOST OF THE POSTINGS I SAW AND WITH MY OWN VEHICLE AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE. CONTINUOUSLY PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN AND ALSO FOR MYSELF HAVE GOTTEN THE ANSWER FROM FORD THAT THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I AM NOT HAPPY BECAUSE I HAVE TO EXPEND THE MONEY TO FIX THIS BUT MORE SO I WANT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. IF AN ELDERLY PERSON WERE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THAT PROBLEM THEY WOULD WRECK BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING THE STRENGTH TO KEEP THE WHEEL IN MOTION CORRECTLY. SAME MAY BE WITH A YOUNGER DRIVER. PLEASE PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM FOR ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10386920
38,900 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING WHEN FIRST STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR BELT BRACKET PULLEY WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING WHEN FIRST STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR BELT BRACKET PULLEY WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,900.
NHTSA ODI #10386819
42,000 miles · Mar 7, 2011
Power Train
I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE WAS LEAKING SOME FLUID ON THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD ALSO NOTICED SOME SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. MY SERVICE STATION ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER. THEY ENCOURAGED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IT WAS LIKELY UNDER WARRANTY. TH…
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I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE WAS LEAKING SOME FLUID ON THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD ALSO NOTICED SOME SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. MY SERVICE STATION ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLER. THEY ENCOURAGED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IT WAS LIKELY UNDER WARRANTY. THE ESCAPE WAS A "CERTIFIED PRE'OWNED" MODEL WHICH CARRIED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER CONFIRMED THAT TRANSMISSION LEAK, BUT DECLINED TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS, BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THE ITEM WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. AFTER LEARNING OF THE PROBLEM, I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AMONG OWNERS OF 2008 FORD ESCAPES. I FEEL THAT THIS TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE PROBLEM POSES A SAFETY RISK TO THE PUBLIC. IF FORD IS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, THEN THIS MODEL SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10386765
61,023 miles · Mar 4, 2011
Steering
WE BOUGHT OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN JUNE OF 2011. IT WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ON OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY BEGINS VIBRATING AT STOP LIGHTS. ON THREE OCCASIONS NOW, THE STEERING HAS BECOME EXTREMELY HARD, ALMOST AS…
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WE BOUGHT OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN JUNE OF 2011. IT WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ON OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY BEGINS VIBRATING AT STOP LIGHTS. ON THREE OCCASIONS NOW, THE STEERING HAS BECOME EXTREMELY HARD, ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING JUST QUICK WORKING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN IT STOPS. THIS MORNING WHEN WE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY LOCKED. MY HUSBAND TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN ON, THEN OFF, THEN ON AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. WE ARE EXTREMELY WORRIED THAT THE STEERING MAY FAIL WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED THE DEALER THIS MORNING TO TELL THEM THAT WE ARE BRINGING THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10386488
78,000 miles · Mar 1, 2011
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE SO HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS JUST SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR NOT EVEN IN DRIVE THAT I WAS SHAKING WHILE HOLDING IT. THEN THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR LIGHTS OR ANYTHING INDICATING A PROBLEM. MY ISSUE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN 2…
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I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE SO HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS JUST SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR NOT EVEN IN DRIVE THAT I WAS SHAKING WHILE HOLDING IT. THEN THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR LIGHTS OR ANYTHING INDICATING A PROBLEM. MY ISSUE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN 2-3 WEEK PERIOD WHEN I WOULD START THE CAR AND DRIVE I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL AND IT WAS SOO HARD TO TURN. THEN IT STARTED TO HAPPEN ALMOST EVERYTIME I STARTED THE CAR SO I WOULD START THE CAR TRY AND MOVE THE WHEEL AND IF I FELT THE TENSION TURNED OFF THE CAR AND KEPT RESTARTING HOPING IT WOULD "FIX ITSELF". I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ONLINE AND SAW ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, SOME HAD THIS ISSUE WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING AND LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. I HAVE TWO TODDLERS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND I DID NOT WANT TO RISK THIS ISSUE GETTING THAT BAD. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND IT WAS TOLD THE STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR AND THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED COSTING $1100.+ WITH ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND SAFETY ISSUES I'M SHOCKED THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT WE , THE CONSUMER, HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10386103
68,000 miles · Feb 17, 2011
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10383133
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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