Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1140–25K
18725–50K
21950–75K
32675–100K
577100–150K
291150K+
1,714 reports with mileage · 260 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 1,127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 329 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
59 crash reports6 fire reports36 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,974 reports
68,000 miles · Jan 5, 2011
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE PEDAL WOULD HESITATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A COUPLE OF TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START MOVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE PEDAL WOULD HESITATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A COUPLE OF TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START MOVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAS THE VEHICLE BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN UPDATED 05/05/11
NHTSA ODI #10374792
51,000 miles · Jan 5, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
A/C CONDENSER-TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAK. TRANS. OIL ALL OVER ENGINE BAY WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD. CAR WANTS TO TAKE OFF ON IT'S OWN WHICH IS CAUSED WHEN TRANS. FLUID GETS LOW. PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE'S HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE OF THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND FORD IS YET TO DO A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374711
45,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Steering
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AS I AM TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. IF I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE JUST FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, CROSSING A HIGHWAY, OR TURNING OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC IF THE STEERING FAILS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. EXTREMELY DI…
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THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AS I AM TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. IF I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE JUST FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, CROSSING A HIGHWAY, OR TURNING OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC IF THE STEERING FAILS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL, REQUIRES GREAT DEAL OF STRENGTH TO WRESTLE THE VEHICLE OUT OF HARMS WAY,
NHTSA ODI #10374468
28,500 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
2008 FORD ESCAPE - 28,500 MILES - PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR STICKING. LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE REQUIRED TO BREAK THROUGH THE STICKING POINT WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FASTER THAN DESIRED - ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY…
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2008 FORD ESCAPE - 28,500 MILES - PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR STICKING. LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE REQUIRED TO BREAK THROUGH THE STICKING POINT WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FASTER THAN DESIRED - ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IT. THANKFULLY, THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10374437
35,000 miles · Dec 21, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2008 FORD ESCAPE FAILURE TO EXCEL OR STICKING WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER HAPPENING TOO MANY TIMES, AND SCARES US TO USE THE CAR WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS. ACCORDING TO WARRANTY, THIS IS NOT COVERED YET THERE WAS NO REGULAR MAINTENANCE NEEDED OR REQUIRED ON THE GAS PEDAL. THEY WEREN'T GOING TO HONOR OUR EXTENDED WARRANT…
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2008 FORD ESCAPE FAILURE TO EXCEL OR STICKING WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER HAPPENING TOO MANY TIMES, AND SCARES US TO USE THE CAR WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS. ACCORDING TO WARRANTY, THIS IS NOT COVERED YET THERE WAS NO REGULAR MAINTENANCE NEEDED OR REQUIRED ON THE GAS PEDAL. THEY WEREN'T GOING TO HONOR OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY UNTIL WE SHOWED THEM NUMEROUS ONLINE EMAILS OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WE HAD TO PAY $100 DEDUCTIBLE FROM OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY POLICY. WE FEEL THEY AREN'T TELLING THE GENERAL PUBLIC THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. WE FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372004
45,000 miles · Dec 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2008 FORD ESCAPE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN COLD WEATHER. WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IN THE MORNING AFTER A COLD NIGHT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN. AFTER WARMING IT IS DRIVABLE BUT HAS OCCASIONALLY, IN COLD WEATHER BECOME DIFFICULT TO PUSH DOWN AFTER A FEW MILES ALSO. THIS IS VERY SCARY. MY ESCAPE IS A STICK SHIFT SO I WAS…
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2008 FORD ESCAPE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN COLD WEATHER. WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IN THE MORNING AFTER A COLD NIGHT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN. AFTER WARMING IT IS DRIVABLE BUT HAS OCCASIONALLY, IN COLD WEATHER BECOME DIFFICULT TO PUSH DOWN AFTER A FEW MILES ALSO. THIS IS VERY SCARY. MY ESCAPE IS A STICK SHIFT SO I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TRY TO PUMP THE PEDAL UP AND DOWN TO LOOSEN IT UP. CAR IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND WAITING FOR THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT WHICH IS ON BACK ORDER. WEB SEARCH FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER CAR HAS ABOUT 40K MILES. DO NO SEE ANY RECALLS AT THIS TIME BUT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371194
68,000 miles · Dec 17, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY JERKS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371119
40,000 miles · Dec 15, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL IT REMAINED STUCK. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM BE CLEANED ONCE EVERY 20,000 MILES. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE V…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL IT REMAINED STUCK. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM BE CLEANED ONCE EVERY 20,000 MILES. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY FLUSHED THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10370760
72,771 miles · Dec 15, 2010
Power Train
I BOUGHT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT IN 2007. IN AUG. OF 08' I HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION. THEY FOUND THAT THE PUMP SUPPORT WAS WORN AND WORN THROUGH THE SEAL RINGS. I WAS AT 29,094 MILES. FORD FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS NOW DECEMBER OF 10' AND I AM AT 73,000 MILES AND HAVING THE EXA…
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I BOUGHT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT IN 2007. IN AUG. OF 08' I HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION. THEY FOUND THAT THE PUMP SUPPORT WAS WORN AND WORN THROUGH THE SEAL RINGS. I WAS AT 29,094 MILES. FORD FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS NOW DECEMBER OF 10' AND I AM AT 73,000 MILES AND HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUES ONLY THIS TIME I TOOK IT IN AND THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THE TECH REPORT I RECEIVED STATES THE EXACT SAME THING IT DID WHEN I TOOK IT IN 08'. I WENT TO THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCAPE/2008/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_COOLER_FAILURE-TSB_EXISTS.SHTML AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I PAID 25,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 TRANSMISSIONS! WHAT I NOTICED BOTH TIMES IS THAT IT WOULD SHIFT HARD INTO REVERSE AND IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS SLIPPING ONCE IT WARMED UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10370712
33,000 miles · Dec 13, 2010
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT HER REAR WINDSHIELD HAD EXPLODED. SHE INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD HERSELF AND SAW THAT PIECES OF THE GLASS WERE STAINED BROWN AND SHE BELIEVED THAT THE DEFROSTER HAD OVERHEATED. NO POLICE WERE CALLED AND NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED B…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT HER REAR WINDSHIELD HAD EXPLODED. SHE INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD HERSELF AND SAW THAT PIECES OF THE GLASS WERE STAINED BROWN AND SHE BELIEVED THAT THE DEFROSTER HAD OVERHEATED. NO POLICE WERE CALLED AND NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.
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.
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.
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
3
DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO
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