NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
254 reportsClear category filter135,000 miles · Jul 6, 2017
Engine
WAS DRIVING ON I80 IN TRAFFIC, WITH THE TRAFFIC SPEEDS WERE ROUGHLY 35 MPH. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD IN TRAFFIC, WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE I NOTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD DIED. THIS LEFT ME UNABLE TO ACCELERATE OR DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN BREAK OR CRUISE IN A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. I THEN STOPPED THE CAR, PUT IT IN PARK, CYCLED THE KEY, TH…
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WAS DRIVING ON I80 IN TRAFFIC, WITH THE TRAFFIC SPEEDS WERE ROUGHLY 35 MPH. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD IN TRAFFIC, WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE I NOTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD DIED. THIS LEFT ME UNABLE TO ACCELERATE OR DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN BREAK OR CRUISE IN A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. I THEN STOPPED THE CAR, PUT IT IN PARK, CYCLED THE KEY, THE ENGINE FIRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE THE 10 MILE DRIVE HOME. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO. AND HONESTLY IT PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE A BIG DEAL BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE PAST AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON FORD'S IN GENERAL. THIS HAPPENED WITH THE SAME VEHICLE ROUGHLY 10 TIMES IN 2013. THE ENGINE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY TURN OFF, SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE, SOMETIMES IN MY WORK PARKING LOT, SOMETIMES ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. HIGHLY UNPREDICTABLE IN TERMS OF THE SPEED OR DRIVING CONDITIONS. AT THE TIME, FORD REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND EVENTUALLY RE-IMBURSED ME ONCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CAME OUT. THE ISSUE HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE THEN TIL TODAY. I SUSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY IS AT FAULT AGAIN, WITH A 95% CONFIDENCE. WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE SHOP TO CONFIRM. THIS FAILURE MODE IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND HAS BEEN RECALLED ON 2005-2009 MARINERS AND ESCAPES. THE FAILURE MODE OF LOSING POWER ON A CONGESTED TRAFFICWAY IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FORSEEABLE BOTH FOR NHTSA AND FORD. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE RECALLED, NOT ADDRESSED VIA AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11003510
100,000 miles · Jun 2, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-678-7986 AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10992898
102,000 miles · Nov 17, 2016
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY DECELERATED TO BELOW 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY DECELERATED TO BELOW 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10926650
98,000 miles · Oct 11, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
THIS HAPPENS IN ALL CONDITIONS. ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER AND START STUTTERING LIKE IT IS MISSING. EXHAUST WILL STINK AND DARKEN ENOUGH SO THAT IT IS VISIBLE. ACCELERATOR WILL NOT WORK AS NORMAL. VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY STALL AS SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. FUEL PUMP REPLACED TWICE IN 2 DAYS. MECHANICS FIND NO CODES STORED. THROTTLE BOD…
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THIS HAPPENS IN ALL CONDITIONS. ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER AND START STUTTERING LIKE IT IS MISSING. EXHAUST WILL STINK AND DARKEN ENOUGH SO THAT IT IS VISIBLE. ACCELERATOR WILL NOT WORK AS NORMAL. VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY STALL AS SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. FUEL PUMP REPLACED TWICE IN 2 DAYS. MECHANICS FIND NO CODES STORED. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED UNDER FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM. IT REOCCURRED THE NEXT DAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. THE VEHICLE WILL SLOW AND STALL SUDDENLY AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10915415
150,000 miles · Sep 30, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AS PART OF A MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AS PART OF A MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10910722
80,000 miles · Sep 28, 2016
Engine
WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR ON OUR WAY TO DINNER, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT WHATSOEVER (STEERING AND THE BRAKES WORKED). WE TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED A MINUTE, THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON. IT RESTARTED WITH SOME DIFFICULTY, BUT THEN WE WERE …
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WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR ON OUR WAY TO DINNER, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT WHATSOEVER (STEERING AND THE BRAKES WORKED). WE TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED A MINUTE, THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON. IT RESTARTED WITH SOME DIFFICULTY, BUT THEN WE WERE ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30-40 MILES PER HOUR, THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES ON THE WAY TO DINNER. THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES AS WE DROVE HOME FROM DINNER. THIS WAS THE FIRST DAY WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS SEVERE AND WE WERE DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I CONSIDERED THE CAR EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. FORD CONFIRMED THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED REPLACING.
NHTSA ODI #10910144
124,000 miles · Sep 1, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IS STALLING WHEN I COME TO A STOP. IT IS HAPPENING REGULARLY AND BECOMING A CONSIDERABLE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10903140
169,000 miles · Aug 17, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MASS AIR INDEX WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ABS, LOW TIRE PRESSURE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND PARKING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000. UPDATED 10/18/16*LJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10896519
51,000 miles · Jul 27, 2016
Engine
STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AT A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION WITH AN INTERSTATE OFF RAMP ON JULY 26, 2016. NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED/SHUTOFF ON ITS OWN. PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND IT RESTARTED AS NORMAL AND CONTINUED ON WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM. THERE WAS NO ENGINE LIGHT OR CLUE AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO OT…
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STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AT A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION WITH AN INTERSTATE OFF RAMP ON JULY 26, 2016. NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED/SHUTOFF ON ITS OWN. PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND IT RESTARTED AS NORMAL AND CONTINUED ON WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM. THERE WAS NO ENGINE LIGHT OR CLUE AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET RE THROTTLE BODY OR CAM OR CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS.
NHTSA ODI #10888888
110,000 miles · Jul 25, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
PLEASE SEE THIS CLIP ON YOUTUBE THAT EXPLAINS OUR ISSUE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UCUSQJ3-EVK MY VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING WILL LOSE POWER AND THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS. SAME THING, MECHANIC HAS NO CLUE. WHY CAN'T FORD FIGURE THIS OUT. IT'S DANGEROUS. MY WIFE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES IN TRAFFIC. WHAT CAN BE DONE? T…
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PLEASE SEE THIS CLIP ON YOUTUBE THAT EXPLAINS OUR ISSUE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UCUSQJ3-EVK MY VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING WILL LOSE POWER AND THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS. SAME THING, MECHANIC HAS NO CLUE. WHY CAN'T FORD FIGURE THIS OUT. IT'S DANGEROUS. MY WIFE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES IN TRAFFIC. WHAT CAN BE DONE? THANK YOU! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10888100
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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