NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports112,000 miles · Sep 21, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering
VEHICLE STALLED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. OIL CHANGE LIGHT AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER. HAD MAINTENANCE DONE A WEEK LATER. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT ANY RECALLS. NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REALLY LOOSE AFTER ROTATE AND BALANCE WAS DONE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED ISSUE WITH STEERING. DEALERSHIP ST…
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VEHICLE STALLED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. OIL CHANGE LIGHT AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER. HAD MAINTENANCE DONE A WEEK LATER. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT ANY RECALLS. NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REALLY LOOSE AFTER ROTATE AND BALANCE WAS DONE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED ISSUE WITH STEERING. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT MAY NEED ALIGNMENT BUT COULD NOT DO SERVICE UNTIL NEXT WEEK. PUT GAS IN CAR AND VEHICLE STALLED. BATTERY AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER A FEW MORE TIMES WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED. STALLED AGAIN STALLED AGAIN AT STOP LIGHT. MADE IT TO AUTO PARTS SHOP AND PUT FUEL INJECTION FLUID IN TANK. CAR STALLED. FINALLY STARTED AGAIN. MADE IT TO REPAIR SHOP. DID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS NO CODES REPORTED. THEY EXAMINED THE FUEL AND IT WAS GOOD. THEY GUESSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MAY NEED REPLACING. I RESEARCHED RECALLS ON MY VIN AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE 2 RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE THAT WERE NEVER PERFORMED. PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MAY. NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES. REPAIR SHOPS AND DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT CHECKING FOR RECALLS WHEN DIAGNOSING PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10637792
122,000 miles · Sep 16, 2014
Steering
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE ON THE NJ TURNPIKE GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WITH NO WARNING. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK NOW, AND FORD HAS NOT SENT THE PART TO THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP WHERE I TOOK THE CAR. I CANNOT GET AN ANSWER OUT OF THE SHOP OR OUT OF FORD. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD LAST WEEK, BUT NOTHING HAS BE…
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POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE ON THE NJ TURNPIKE GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WITH NO WARNING. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK NOW, AND FORD HAS NOT SENT THE PART TO THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP WHERE I TOOK THE CAR. I CANNOT GET AN ANSWER OUT OF THE SHOP OR OUT OF FORD. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD LAST WEEK, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE SINCE - THEY PROMISED TO EXPEDITE THE CASE, BUT THEY'VE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THERE IS A TRACKING NUMBER ON THE PART, BUT IT HAS NOT ARRIVED, NOR HAS ANYONE ATTEMPTED TO GET A REPLACEMENT FOR THE FIRST MISSING PART. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER CAR - A 1999 MERCURY SABLE WITH 130K MILES - WHICH IS VERY SKETCHY. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I LEARNED, VIA MY IPHONE, THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE AND THAT TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON WOULD TEMPORARILY FIX THE PROBLEM, WHICH I DID. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633517
74,000 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
36,100 miles · Sep 6, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
AT 35 MPH AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON, ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING AND DID NOT RESPOND TO PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL. IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING ALTOGETHER. I TURNED OFF IGNITION KEY AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND TRIED RESTARTING THE ENGINE. IT RESTARTED AND RAN PROPERLY AFTERWARDS. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALER AND D…
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AT 35 MPH AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON, ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING AND DID NOT RESPOND TO PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL. IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING ALTOGETHER. I TURNED OFF IGNITION KEY AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND TRIED RESTARTING THE ENGINE. IT RESTARTED AND RAN PROPERLY AFTERWARDS. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALER AND DESCRIBED PROBLEM AND THEY SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY - ABOUT AN $800 REPAIR. WENT ON LINE TO RESEARCH PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THERE ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM YET FORD HAS DONE AND IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY '09 ESCAPE HAS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 36,000 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY I WASN'T PULLING OUT INTO OR DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THIS THING WENT OUT. I HOPE FORD DOESN'T WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE BEFORE THEY CORRECT & RECALL VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD SAYS YOU HAVE ENOUGH "POWER" LEFT TO GET OVER TO SAFETY BUT YOU REALLY DON'T. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631245
111,937 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY,SCAN HAD CODE P2112. ENGINE HAD NO POWER IT STAYED AT IDLE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO 2 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631158
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
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT HER CHEST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT HER CHEST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT WOODEN BLOCKS AROUND THE TIRES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND CONTUSIONS TO THE SPINE, NECK, SHOULDER AND KNEES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10630622
100,000 miles · Aug 27, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AND UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10628860
65,000 miles · Aug 22, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY VEHICLE LOST ALL ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER AND POWERED OFF VEHICLE AND POWERED IT BACK ON (HAD SLIGHT TROUBLE TURNING OVER) CONTINUED ON MY WAY, THE VEHICLE ENDED UP LOOSING ACCELERATION THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING HOME, WAS ON THE BUSY HIGHWAY DOING 55MPG AT ONE POINT WHEN ALL …
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MY VEHICLE LOST ALL ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER AND POWERED OFF VEHICLE AND POWERED IT BACK ON (HAD SLIGHT TROUBLE TURNING OVER) CONTINUED ON MY WAY, THE VEHICLE ENDED UP LOOSING ACCELERATION THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING HOME, WAS ON THE BUSY HIGHWAY DOING 55MPG AT ONE POINT WHEN ALL ACCELERATION WAS LOST AGAIN. WHEN I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO FORD THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM, THEY ENDED UP REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY, BUT WHY WASN'T THIS A MANDATORY RECALL WHEN ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE OCCURRED FROM LOSS OF ACCELERATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10627422
72,000 miles · Aug 19, 2014
StructureVehicle Speed ControlWheelsCrash
THERE IS A KNOWN THROTTLE BODY ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE 2009, WHERE THE TRUCK GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" INDICATED BY AN ILLUMINATED WRENCH. I HAD JUST TAKEN IT IN FOR THIS ISSUE, FORD ONLY DID THE RECALIBRATION AND DID NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. THE NEXT DAY WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT AT MY WORK, THE VEHICLE WENT INT…
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THERE IS A KNOWN THROTTLE BODY ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE 2009, WHERE THE TRUCK GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" INDICATED BY AN ILLUMINATED WRENCH. I HAD JUST TAKEN IT IN FOR THIS ISSUE, FORD ONLY DID THE RECALIBRATION AND DID NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. THE NEXT DAY WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT AT MY WORK, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO "WRENCH MODE" OR "ENHANCED LIMP MODE (SINCE THE RECALIBRATION)" AND LURCHED INTO A CEMENT PILLAR CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. DAMAGE WAS ~$5K, RENTAL CAR $500, DEDUCTIBLE $100, HIGHER INSURANCE, STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE (PERMANENT LOSS OF VALUE). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10626347
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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