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

87,150 miles · Sep 7, 2015

Service Brakes

THE ABS BRAKING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES LOCKED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME, HOWEVER, AFTER INSPECTION BY THE GARAGE WE FOUND THE HCU WAS DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE MASTER CYLINDER. TOTAL EXPENSE TO REPLACE WAS $7,000, THE CAR IS ONLY WORTH 6,000

NHTSA ODI #10761938

86,000 miles · Sep 2, 2015

Power Train

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VEHICLE DISPLAYED A WRENCH SYMBOL ON THE DASH AND VEHICLE LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS. AFTER PULLING OVER AND STOPPING I TRIED PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THEN I TRIED REVERSE AND AGAIN IT WOULD NOT MOVE. HAD IT SCANNED AND IT SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. AFTER READING PREVIOUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FORD SHOULD REALIZE THAT THIS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND PUT A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VEHICLE IS SEVEN YEARS OLD AND UNDER 87,000 MILES IT SHOULD NOT BE THE OWNERS RRESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10761145

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2015

Steering

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IN A FIRST INCIDENT, I WAS IN N.Y. AND I PARKED THE CAR. WHEN I WANTED TO GO HOME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND IT TOOK MY WHOLE STRENGTH WITH BOTH ARMS TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WHEN TO SLEEP. THE NEXT MORNING, I WENT TO THE CAR THAT STARTED NORMALLY AND STEERED NORMALLY. COME TO BE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR THE STEERING WHEEL. I MADE AND APPOINTMENT, THE NEXT WEEK, WITH A FORD DEALER AND THE FIXED THE RECALL BY GOING ON THE COMPUTER. THE SECOND INSTANCE WAS AROUND 8/12/15, THE CAR WAS PARKED NEAR MY HOME AND I INTENDED TO MOVE IT INTO THE STREET AND DRIVE OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE, BUT A FEW INCHES, EVEN WITH TOTAL STRENGTH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. THE MECHANIC IN CHARGE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CAR AND THAT TO CHECK IT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AROUND $90. I HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST STEERING SYSTEM (EPAS).

NHTSA ODI #10759170

60,000 miles · Aug 21, 2015

Structure

DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DROPPED SUDDENLY AND WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING OCCURRED TO A BACK WINDOW, THEN NEXT THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED TO TWO OTHER FORD VEHICLES - MY BROTHER'S TRUCK, AND A FRIENDS TRUCK. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, VERY INCONVENIENT, ESPECIALLY IF RA…

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NHTSA ODI #10750376

95,000 miles · Aug 9, 2015

Service Brakes

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THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACKING LIGHT COMES ON DASHBOARD INDICATING A PROBLEM. WHEN I GO TO STOP THERE IS THIS TRACKING RESISTANCE WHEN APPLY BRAKES. FORDS DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE RIGHT ABS RING IS CRACKED ON THE BRAKES. GOT FIXED, NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES, ONCE ON LEFT SIDE AND TWICE ON RIGHT SIDE. WHEN I HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T WORK AND MAKE THIS TRACKING NOISE AS LIKE WHEN YOU ARE ON ICE. VERY SCARY, MY CAR NOW HAS 145,000 MILES THIS LAST TIME. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FORDS TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS PART, MY SON SAYS THAT THE WATER GETS UP IN IT AND CAUSES IT TO RUST AND CRACK. I'M SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY FORD ESCAPE 2008 WITH THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10747301

115,000 miles · Aug 6, 2015

Vehicle Speed Control

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I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON AND HAD USED THE COAST BUTTON TO SLOW DOWN WHEN APPROACHING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I PROCEED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS PEDDLE CONTINUED TO GO DOWN AND SPEED INCREASE. I PRESSED THE OFF BUTTON ON CRUISE CONTROL AND IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD. AS I LEFT THE ROAD WAY I TRIED TURNING VEHICLE OFF BUT IT KEPT RUNNING AT ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR I TRIED PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD AT WHICH TIME I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE ENGINE STOPPED. AFTER 30 SECONDS I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE ROARED, SO I SHUT IT OFF. IN THE PROCESS OF CALLING FOR ASSISTANT, LESS THAN A MINUTE, I HEARD A SOUND OF SOMETHING BEING RELEASE AND THE GAS PEDAL HIT MY FOOT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE/SPEED WAS NORMAL. FRICK FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS ONLY AN ACCELERATION CODE SHOWING AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID IT PROBABLY IS THE FLOOR MAT AND I SHOULD REMOVE THEM. THEY ONLY WORRIED ABOUT WARRANTY AND RECALL ISSUE AND DID NOT ADVISE ANY SERVICE WORK I WOULD PAY FOR OR DID THE EVEN RECOMMEND THIS.

NHTSA ODI #10746851

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2015

Steering

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO RESET THE COMPUTER. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE DEALER STATING THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/25/15

NHTSA ODI #10746824

98,000 miles · Aug 4, 2015

Fuel/propulsion System

DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR AND VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION OR THROTTLE RESPONSE. VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND ENGINE STOPPED. CAR RESTARTED WITHOUT INCIDENT. SEEMS TO BE VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY ISSUES WITH OTHER FORDS.

NHTSA ODI #10746097

129,800 miles · Jul 23, 2015

Steering

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RELATES TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S05/NHTSA RECALL 14V-284, RECEIVED IN JULY 2014, WITH MY CAR FIRST INSPECTED ON 08/21/2014. MY CAR HAD NOT HAD A POWER STEERING FAILURE BUT I TOOK IT IN AS DIRECTED BY THE RECALL NOTICE. ABOUT MAY 30, 2015, I EXPERIENCED A POWER STEERING FAILURE AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT, FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN THE OUTER TURN LANE AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. SHE GAVE ME A CASE # CAS7268220T6F2P6 TO GIVE TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY. AFTER A FEW DAYS, THEY SAID ON INSPECTION IT ONLY NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED TO FIX THE ISSUE. ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE SAME FORD DEALER ON 06/22/2015 AND ON 06/25/2015 WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD DID NOT APPROVE THEM TO ADDRESS MY POWER STEERING FAILURE BECAUSE MY CAR HAD EXCEEDED 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES FROM THE FIRST DATE ADDRESSED. I CALLED FORD TO DISPUTE THEIR DECISION, STATING THAT I THOUGHT THE PURPOSE OF THE RECALL WAS TO FIX AN OVERWHELMING FAILURE OF A PART OR SYSTEM. I SAID THAT WHAT IF THE REPROGRAMMING DID NOT WORK, WERE THEY NOT OBLIGATED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART IF NECESSARY. WILL FORD NOW HIDE BEHIND A 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE RULE. THE FORD REP SAID HER HANDS WERE TIED BY COMPANY POLICY. I AM PASSING THIS ON TO THE NHTSA FOR FAIR RESOLUTION. THIS 2008 FORD ESCAPE HAD ANOTHER RECALL # 14S19 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC COOLING PUMP FAILURE. FORD SENT NOTICES OUT IN MAY 2015. MY COOLING PUMP FAILURE OCCURRED IN MAY 2013. I SPENT $747.31 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE DEALERSHIP SAID, WITH THE PART REPLACED, I ONLY NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. FORD AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $747.31. SHOULD FORD NOT NOW BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IF REPROGRAMMING HAS FAILED (QUOTED AT $1135+TAX).

NHTSA ODI #10743261

150,000 miles · Jul 23, 2015

Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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I THINK MY VEHICLE HAS SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL SHORT. AFTER I TAKE THE KEY OUT SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL START BY ITSELF AND TODAY THE LOCKS STARTED LOCKING UNLOCKING BY THEMSELVES. I WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS RUNNING. ALSO THE BACK WINDSHIELD MOTOR COVER FELL OFF AND NO LONGER WORKS. I CAN NO LONGER LOCK MY BACK WINDOW AND IT OPENS AND SHUTS THE WHOLE TIME I AM DRIVING. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. MY LAST FORD ESCAPE I HAD 10 YEARS AND RACKED UP OVER 250,000 MILES - THAT CAR WAS A DREAM. THIS USED 2008 I BOUGHT SEEMS TO BE A LEMON : *TR

NHTSA ODI #10736051

Official recalls

15V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 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

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)

14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

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.

14V284000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

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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