NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,974 reports63,250 miles · Dec 7, 2020
Service Brakes
IT STARTED EARLY THANKSGIVINGS(11/26/2020) DRIVE AS I WAS COMING TO MY 4TH/5TH STOP OF THE MORNING, I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND FELT MY BRAKE PEDAL SINK WITH SLIGHT TO NO PRESSURE, NO RESPONSE. I PANICKED AND I REMEMBER PUMPING THE BRAKE RAPIDLY TO BUILD PRESSURE, BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED, I DID FEEL I SLIG…
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IT STARTED EARLY THANKSGIVINGS(11/26/2020) DRIVE AS I WAS COMING TO MY 4TH/5TH STOP OF THE MORNING, I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND FELT MY BRAKE PEDAL SINK WITH SLIGHT TO NO PRESSURE, NO RESPONSE. I PANICKED AND I REMEMBER PUMPING THE BRAKE RAPIDLY TO BUILD PRESSURE, BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED, I DID FEEL I SLIGHT JERK AND HEARD A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE BOTTOM ENGINE AREA. I MUST OF GONE OVER A POTHOLE THAT MADE MY TRUCK FEEL LIKE I JUMPED THE CURVE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35-45MPH. AFTER A FEW RAPID BRAKE PEDAL PUMPS MY VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP ON TIME BEFORE RUNNING THE LIGHT, LUCKILY I WAS ALONE IN THE STREET THAT EARLY MORNING. AS OF TODAY THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL FEEL MUSHY/SPONGY LACK OF PRESSURE AND SCARY UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11378263
150,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UPON STARTING THE NEXT MORNING THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PROGRESSIVE AUTO SALES (69 JEWETT AVE, SWANTON, VT 05488) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11377173
12 miles · Nov 26, 2020
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
DRIVING FOR THE 1ST COUPLE OF MILES WAS FINE. PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR 1ST TIME AT FRIENDS HOUSE THEN 2ND TIME AFTER GAS STATION STOP. AFTER CAR WAS RE~ENTERED ONTO THE ROAD IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON. THIS WAS AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC CO…
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DRIVING FOR THE 1ST COUPLE OF MILES WAS FINE. PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR 1ST TIME AT FRIENDS HOUSE THEN 2ND TIME AFTER GAS STATION STOP. AFTER CAR WAS RE~ENTERED ONTO THE ROAD IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON. THIS WAS AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND STARTED RESEARCHING . AFTER TALKING TO FRIENDS AT PARTS STORE HE WAS TOLD THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ONLY HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS SO I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING ANY WAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS. IT IS POSSIBLE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BUT HAS MOVED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS, OR WILL FORD CONTACT ME SINCE TITLE IS NOW IN MY NAME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11376465
84,000 miles · Nov 12, 2020
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE DR…
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TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TP HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER RICHMOND FORD WEST (10751 W BROAD ST, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23060, (804) 273-9700) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PRIOR TO PURCHASE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11374249
140,000 miles · Nov 10, 2020
SteeringStructureWheelsCrash
THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS VERY FAST IF YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL. YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO CONTROL IT ON THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. IF YOU TRY TO BACK UP, AND TURN THE WHEEL ONE WAY, IT WILL NOT STEER THE CORRECT DIRECTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS ON IT'S OWN. VERY DANGEROUS. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS REPLACED THE R…
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THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS VERY FAST IF YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL. YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO CONTROL IT ON THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. IF YOU TRY TO BACK UP, AND TURN THE WHEEL ONE WAY, IT WILL NOT STEER THE CORRECT DIRECTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPINS ON IT'S OWN. VERY DANGEROUS. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION AND IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUE IS.
NHTSA ODI #11374065
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering
I HAVE HAD REPLACED STEERING UJOINT.AND NOW NO POWER STEERING IT DONT WORK AND THE GARGAGE CANT EVEN FIGURE IT OUT.RIGHT AFTER REPLACEING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11373507
153,241 miles · Oct 28, 2020
Steering
WE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING CAME ON AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11366892
135,000 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Power TrainSteering
POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, WAS WORKING JUST FINE THEN JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT WORKING. DRIVING WENT TO TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS JUST EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN ALMOST WRECKED. PRIOR TO THIS I WAS DRIVING AND TURNED WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T GO I HAD TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL A TOW TRUCK, THE…
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POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, WAS WORKING JUST FINE THEN JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT WORKING. DRIVING WENT TO TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS JUST EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN ALMOST WRECKED. PRIOR TO THIS I WAS DRIVING AND TURNED WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T GO I HAD TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL A TOW TRUCK, THE SHOP SAID THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. BUT NO ISSUES BEFORE THIS, JUST WENT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN LIKE THE POWER STEERING NOW.
NHTSA ODI #11366743
193,700 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT USED A CODE READER TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CODE DISPLAYED REFERENCED A DEFECTIVE TORQUE SENSOR MODULATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT USED A CODE READER TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CODE DISPLAYED REFERENCED A DEFECTIVE TORQUE SENSOR MODULATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 193,700.
NHTSA ODI #11366740
172,700 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Steering
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APP. 50 MPH FROM INTERSTATE ONTO OFF-RAMP. WHILE TURNING, I NOTICED THE WHEEL BECOME VERY HEAVY. I PUT MORE FORCE INTO THE WHEEL, BUT IT WAS IF IT WAS LOCKED. THIS DID NOT FEEL LIKE A MECHANICAL LOCK, SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF - THAT GENERALLY HAS QUITE A BIT OF PLAY. I STOOD ON THE KICK PANEL AND …
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VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APP. 50 MPH FROM INTERSTATE ONTO OFF-RAMP. WHILE TURNING, I NOTICED THE WHEEL BECOME VERY HEAVY. I PUT MORE FORCE INTO THE WHEEL, BUT IT WAS IF IT WAS LOCKED. THIS DID NOT FEEL LIKE A MECHANICAL LOCK, SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF - THAT GENERALLY HAS QUITE A BIT OF PLAY. I STOOD ON THE KICK PANEL AND PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO DEFORM THE STEERING WHEEL. IT FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING BACK JUST AS HARD. A SCREECHING/HISSING NOISE THAT SOUNDED SIMILAR TO A POWER STEERING WHINE WAS OBSERVED. A FEW FEET SHORT OF GOING HEAD-ON INTO THE GUARDRAIL, THE WHEEL FINALLY RELEASED, AND THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT. THE STEERING WAS THEN ACTING FINE. ONE MILE LATER, THE STEERING BEGAN TO DIE COMPLETELY. 0.5 MILES LATER, IT BEGAN TO FIGHT AGAIN. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT WITH THE DEAD POWER STEERING (BEING ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT). THE WHEEL SUDDENLY FROZE UP AGAIN, THIS TIME THOUGH, I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON WHILE IN NEUTRAL. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS REGAINED, AND THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WAS DEAD AFTER THE FLARE-UP. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ANOTHER 2 MILES COMPLETELY DEAD, BUT NOT LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND I DON'T FEEL IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED FORD OF MURFREESBORO ON 10/26/2020, WHO WAS UNWILLING TO DIAGNOSE THE SAFETY ISSUE WITHOUT ME FIRST PROMISING TO PAY $135 BEFORE TAX. THIS IS NOT A DESIRED FAIL-SAFE OPERATION, AND I BELIEVE IT MAY POSE AN ISSUE WITH SIMILAR YEARS OF THE ESCAPE. I DON'T EXPECT IT TO BE FIXED FOR FREE, BUT FORD NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THE ESCAPE'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING TO MAKE SURE THIS WAS A FAILURE SPECIFIC TO THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11366502
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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