NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
254 reportsClear category filter153,000 miles · Sep 10, 2018
Engine
2009 FORD ESCAPE, 3.0L XLT. VEHICLE ENGINE POWER LOST AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ON SEPT 7, 2018. A RED WRENCH LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH DURING THE EVENT. WAS ABLE TO AVOID TRAFFIC, PARK ON THE SHOULDER, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEED TO THE NEAREST EXIT. THIS SAME POWER L…
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2009 FORD ESCAPE, 3.0L XLT. VEHICLE ENGINE POWER LOST AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ON SEPT 7, 2018. A RED WRENCH LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASH DURING THE EVENT. WAS ABLE TO AVOID TRAFFIC, PARK ON THE SHOULDER, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEED TO THE NEAREST EXIT. THIS SAME POWER LOSS HAS OCCURRED AT NORMAL DRIVING SPEED TWO MORE TIMES AFTER THE HIGHWAY EVENT. THERE ARE NO ENGINE CODES FOUND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK BY LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS. THIS ESCAPE WAS DIAGNOSED BY FORD DEALER IN 2017 FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03 REGARDING THROTTLE BODY FAILURES. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE THROTTLE BODY AT THAT TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11128412
98,000 miles · Sep 6, 2018
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE STALLS/SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON SIDE STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. RECENTLY HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 30 MINUTES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11127899
134,000 miles · Aug 5, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control
ENGINE TURNS OFF WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS IN VARYING CONDITIONS; IE. DRIVING SLOW, DRIVING FAST, ON THE HIGHWAY ON SIDE STREETS.
NHTSA ODI #11115813
75,000 miles · Jul 23, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT LOW SPEEDS, IT LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. BILL CURRIE FORD (5815 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL) WAS CALLED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN RECALLS. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT LOW SPEEDS, IT LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. BILL CURRIE FORD (5815 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL) WAS CALLED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #11112982
135,000 miles · Feb 16, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VIN W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11073230
161,444 miles · Feb 8, 2018
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, "JUMPED", AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO PHIL LONG FORD AT CHAPEL H…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, "JUMPED", AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO PHIL LONG FORD AT CHAPEL HILLS AT (719) 387-1099 LOCATED AT 1565 AUTO MALL LOOP, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80920 AS AN ATTEMPT TO TRADE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE INQUIRED ABOUT DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER REFUSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,444.
NHTSA ODI #11071769
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other
I HAVE 80,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. MY CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I HAVE HESITATION WHEN GIVING IT GAS. I HAVE A VIBRATION WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND IN DRIVE I TOOK TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY CHECK FOR THE ISSUED ANS IT CAME UP WITH A CODES, P0012, P0022, P0341, P0346 RELATED TO 11-12-5. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO TEAR DOWN…
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I HAVE 80,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. MY CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I HAVE HESITATION WHEN GIVING IT GAS. I HAVE A VIBRATION WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND IN DRIVE I TOOK TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY CHECK FOR THE ISSUED ANS IT CAME UP WITH A CODES, P0012, P0022, P0341, P0346 RELATED TO 11-12-5. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE TO INSPECT, NOT REPAIR, BUT INSPECT. ESTIMATED COST WOULD BE $1500. MY CAR ONLY HAVE 80000, SHOULD THIS BE UNDER A WARRANTY.FORD NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND REPAIR MY CAR. I'M CONFUSED WHY WOULD MY CAR HAVE THIS ISSUE WHEN IT ONLY HAVE 80000 MILES AND NOT 10 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA ODI #11062913
76,000 miles · Aug 23, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE SERVICE ENGINE AND WRENCH WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHSIDE FORD LINCOLN DEALER (LOCATED AT 1312 NORTH KELLER DR, EFFINGHAM, IL 62401, PHONE NUMBER: (21…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE SERVICE ENGINE AND WRENCH WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHSIDE FORD LINCOLN DEALER (LOCATED AT 1312 NORTH KELLER DR, EFFINGHAM, IL 62401, PHONE NUMBER: (217) 342-3929) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED AT NORTHSIDE FORD LINCOLN DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #11019218
40,200 miles · Aug 10, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND, WHILE DRIVING, THE SPEED WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE LOCAL DEALER (AL PIEMONTE FORD LOCATED IN MILROSE PARK, ILLINOIS) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND, WHILE DRIVING, THE SPEED WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE LOCAL DEALER (AL PIEMONTE FORD LOCATED IN MILROSE PARK, ILLINOIS) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,200.
NHTSA ODI #11014265
141,000 miles · Aug 1, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WAS ACCELERATING AFTER COASTING TO SLOW DOWN FOR A TURN ON CITY STREETS. ENGINE STALLED OUT AND SERVICE, OIL, AND BATTERY LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED ON THE PANEL. VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. PUT IT IN PARK, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS…
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WAS ACCELERATING AFTER COASTING TO SLOW DOWN FOR A TURN ON CITY STREETS. ENGINE STALLED OUT AND SERVICE, OIL, AND BATTERY LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED ON THE PANEL. VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. PUT IT IN PARK, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS, ALL IN SIMLIAR SCENARIOS WHERE ACCELERATING AFTER COASTING.
NHTSA ODI #11012008
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
PE13003 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Feb 28, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding 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.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that
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.
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