NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
254 reportsClear category filter74,000 miles · Sep 7, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System
VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER AND IDLES HARD. REPEATEDLY OVER THE PAST MONTH WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP VEHICLE WILL LOOSE ALL ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WILL STILL MOVE FORWARD AS IF IT WAS IN GEAR WITHOUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS/BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST T-BONED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION…
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VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER AND IDLES HARD. REPEATEDLY OVER THE PAST MONTH WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP VEHICLE WILL LOOSE ALL ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WILL STILL MOVE FORWARD AS IF IT WAS IN GEAR WITHOUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS/BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST T-BONED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY I HAD NO POWER. I HAVE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF THEN START THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND IT WILL WORK JUST FINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ONCE THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER BUT ONCE YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT IS GONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631340
98,500 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO AN EMERGENCY LANE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TURN OFF AND AFTER RESTARTING IT RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO AN EMERGENCY LANE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TURN OFF AND AFTER RESTARTING IT RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED SLOWLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM NOTIFICATION RELATED TO THE FAILURE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE REPAIRS LISTED SINCE THE FAILURE CODE DID NOT SHOW DURING THE DIAGNOSIS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO HONOR THE CAMPAIGN UNLESS THE CODES WERE AVAILABLE DURING THE DIAGNOSIS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,500.
NHTSA ODI #10630634
47,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
EnginePower Train
ON JULY 31ST, MY CAR WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, A MINUTE AFTER I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL, MY CAR STALLED (A LIGHT WRENCH ON THE DASHBOARD APPEARED) -IT WOULD MOVE MAYBE 1 MPH BUT I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE ON THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER A MOMENT, THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING ...I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK ON, EVERYTHING WAS FINE,…
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ON JULY 31ST, MY CAR WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, A MINUTE AFTER I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL, MY CAR STALLED (A LIGHT WRENCH ON THE DASHBOARD APPEARED) -IT WOULD MOVE MAYBE 1 MPH BUT I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE ON THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER A MOMENT, THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING ...I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK ON, EVERYTHING WAS FINE, THE LIGHT WRENCH DISAPPEARED. AFTER 45 MINUTES LATER, ON THE ROAD, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND I HAD TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS FROM HAPPENING. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH CARMAX LESS THAN A WEEK LATER (BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, HAD IT FOR A YEAR). I WAS ADVISED TO COME BACK IF THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED BECAUSE NOTHING HAPPENED SINCE JULY 31ST AND THEY DIDN'T WANT ME TO WASTE MY MONEY IF THEY DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. SINCE THAT APPOINTMENT, THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 3RD-9TH. ON AUG 16TH, THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED ALONG WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT, WENT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE MENTIONED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS CONFIRMED TODAY (AUG. 18TH) WHEN I WENT TO AN UNSCHEDULED APPOINTMENT AT CARMAX (EVEN ON MY WAY THERE, THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON) THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10625961
67,000 miles · Aug 7, 2014
EnginePower Train
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN LIGHT. HAD COMPUTER READ. SHOWING A P2119 CODE/THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL. NOTE: VEHICLE WAS IN FORD DEALER ON 24 JULY 2014 DUE TO RECALL ISSUED ON PCM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10620729
105,000 miles · Aug 7, 2014
Engine
AFTER FILL-UP, ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. FIRST INSTANCE HAPPENED WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL ADDITIONAL TIMES BUT NOT FOR LONG ENOUGH TO SET THE TROUBLE CODE OR LIGHT. THIS RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITU…
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AFTER FILL-UP, ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. FIRST INSTANCE HAPPENED WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL ADDITIONAL TIMES BUT NOT FOR LONG ENOUGH TO SET THE TROUBLE CODE OR LIGHT. THIS RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION AND ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS POTENTIAL DEFECT NEED TO BE RECALLED. TOOK TO THE FORD DEALER ON 7/28/14 AND THEY ADVISED ME THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM UNLESS THE TROUBLE CODES WERE STORED IN THE PCM. 'THIS IS NOT RIGHT- THEY NEED TO REPAIR BECAUSE THE NHTSA STATES THAT ONLY APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM HAVE TRIGGERED THE TROUBLE CODES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619518
73,317 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Engine
ENGINE STARTED IN PARKING LOT WITH A VERY ROUGH IDLE. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A FUEL ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR STARTED BUT DIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER GIVING GAS TO THE PEDAL. THE 2009 FORD ESCAPE WAS TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE REPORTED IT HAS A SEIZED ENGINE ON THE EXHAUST VAVLE #1 CYLINDER. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEAL…
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ENGINE STARTED IN PARKING LOT WITH A VERY ROUGH IDLE. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A FUEL ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR STARTED BUT DIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER GIVING GAS TO THE PEDAL. THE 2009 FORD ESCAPE WAS TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE REPORTED IT HAS A SEIZED ENGINE ON THE EXHAUST VAVLE #1 CYLINDER. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A NEW FORD ENGINE REPLACED. I AM CONCERNED THIS IS RELATED TO THE GAS THROTTLE RECALL AS THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FINE AND WITH LOW MILES AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES IT JUST DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP COST FOR A NEW ENGINE IS $7000. YOU WOULD HOPE FORD COULD STAND BY THEIR RECALL PRODUCT, BUT THEY SAID NO WARRANTY ON POWERTRAIN. THIS IS A VERY UNFORTUNATE AND VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. UPDATED 4/24/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10616934
96,000 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Engine
I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED AND WAS HOLD THAT I HAVE A "PERFUSE" OIL LEAK IN MY MOTOR. AND MY MOTOR HAS LESS THAN A 100,000 MILES ON IT.. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10616841
91,320 miles · Jul 10, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE SENSOR LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE SENSOR LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,320.
NHTSA ODI #10609689
52,000 miles · Jun 26, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
VCT SOLENOIDS AND CAM SENSORS ARE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY, ENGINE LAGS AND EXIBITS POOR FUEL MPG. THE PROBLEM OCCURED JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND UPON RESEARCH; I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE IS VERY VAST WITH 2009-2011 FORD ESCAPES, MERCURY MARINERS, 2010-2011 FORD FUSION AND MERCURY MILAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.0L…
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VCT SOLENOIDS AND CAM SENSORS ARE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY, ENGINE LAGS AND EXIBITS POOR FUEL MPG. THE PROBLEM OCCURED JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND UPON RESEARCH; I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE IS VERY VAST WITH 2009-2011 FORD ESCAPES, MERCURY MARINERS, 2010-2011 FORD FUSION AND MERCURY MILAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.0L ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 3-1-2011. MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE AND MANY OTHERS VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AT NO COST OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10606083
90,000 miles · Jun 24, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
MY FAMILY WERE RETURNING FROM VACATION WHEN THE CAR DECELERATED WITH NO WARNING. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AND WE WERE INCHES FROM BEING REAR ENDED BY THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ISSUE IS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT IT IS NOT BEING RECALLED BECAUSE YOU CAN STILL DRIVE IT. HOW ABOUT YOU TELL THAT TO MY TERRIFIE…
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MY FAMILY WERE RETURNING FROM VACATION WHEN THE CAR DECELERATED WITH NO WARNING. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AND WE WERE INCHES FROM BEING REAR ENDED BY THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ISSUE IS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT IT IS NOT BEING RECALLED BECAUSE YOU CAN STILL DRIVE IT. HOW ABOUT YOU TELL THAT TO MY TERRIFIED GIRLS (AGES 6 AND UNDER) THAT IT IS SAFE TO HAVE CARS AND TRUCKS FLYING PAST YOU AT 70 MPH AND YOU CAN'T ACCELERATE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY QUICK ENOUGH. A MONTH LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY WIFE RETURNING FROM WORK. THAT'S TWICE IN 2 MONTHS. WE HAVE ONLY THE ONE CAR AND HAVE NOT BEEN ON VACATION FOR FEAR OF THE CAR DECELERATING. I GUESS INSTEAD OF BEING IN THE BUSINESS OF PREVENTING ACCIDENTS, PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING WILL BE DONE TO PROTECT CONSUMERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10605487
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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