NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports650 miles · Mar 7, 2014
Power Train
CAR SLOWED THEN ACCELERATED TO OVER 100MPH. TOOK IT TO DEALER, TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. HAPPENED AGAIN PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT 5MPH, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND STOPPED WITH A BUMP TO MY GARAGE DOOR. TOOK IT TO DEALER, TOLD NOTHING WRONG AND NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW I FIND OUT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION LINKAGE PROBL…
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CAR SLOWED THEN ACCELERATED TO OVER 100MPH. TOOK IT TO DEALER, TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. HAPPENED AGAIN PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT 5MPH, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND STOPPED WITH A BUMP TO MY GARAGE DOOR. TOOK IT TO DEALER, TOLD NOTHING WRONG AND NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW I FIND OUT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION LINKAGE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE HAS A RECALL. DEALER WANTS $100 TO LOOK AT IT. IF THE PART BEING RECALLED IS FINE, THEY KEEP THE $100, IF NOT THEY DEDUCT IT FROM MY BILL OR REFUND IT TO ME. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY NOTHING COULD BE DONE, ACCORDING TO THEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL MORE OCCASIONS, INCLUDING THE SLOWING UP OF THE VEHICLE. YOU PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN AND YOU LOSE POWER, THEN SUDDENLY IT KICKS IN AND YOU'RE OFF AND RUNNING AT HIGH SPEEDS, WITH THE PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR. I'VE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF TO STOP AND THROWN IT INTO NEUTRAL AND WATCHED THE ENGINE TACH VERY HIGH BEFORE TURNING IT OFF (INTO ACCESSORIES SO I STILL HAVE BRAKES AND STEERING) TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY INFORMED ME THE DEALER HAS THE RIGHT TO CHARGE ME THE FEE BUT URGED ME TO GO TO DEALER AND PAY. IF THE LINKAGE IS ON RECALL THEN WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY A FEE UP FRONT? THEY CLAIM I SHOULD GET A REFUND IF IT IS THE LINKAGE, BUT I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NO WARNING LIGHTS, CHECK ENGINE OR ANYTHING CAME ON. I NOW HAVE THE CAR UP FOR SALE AND I AM PASSING THIS PROBLEM ONTO THE NEXT BUYER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN URGING ME TO HAVE TRANSMISSION FLUSHES SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36K MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567831
46,077 miles · Mar 4, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL AROUND 7:50 AM, MY SON (NEW DRIVER) STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR TOWN. HE WAS FIRST IN LINE. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD SLOWLY AND THEN STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. HE SAID HE WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE…
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ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL AROUND 7:50 AM, MY SON (NEW DRIVER) STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR TOWN. HE WAS FIRST IN LINE. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD SLOWLY AND THEN STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. HE SAID HE WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE ENGINE WASN'T RESPONDING. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, SO HE TRIED PRESSING THE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES AND STILL GOT NO RESPONSE. HE PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. HE RESTARTED THE TRUCK AND THE GAS PEDAL BEGAN TO RESPOND AND HE WAS ABLE TO PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. UPON DOING OUR OWN INVESTIGATIONS AND RESEARCH, WE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED LAST WEEKEND (NOT INEXPENSIVELY). SO FAR, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED, BUT THE INCIDENT HAS SHAKEN OUR FAITH IN THAT VEHICLE. WE'RE VERY CONCERNED THAT IT COULD LEAVE HIM IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AGAIN. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND FIX THIS PART BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY AND UNNECESSARILY INJURED (OR WORSE).
NHTSA ODI #10567367
98,200 miles · Mar 4, 2014
Steering
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD ABOUT 5 MIN AFTER LEAVING MY HOUSE WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD TO PULL OVER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE STEERING WORKED BUT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN IT IS IN THE CENTER POSITION. NOW EVERYTIME I START THE CAR I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. I TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND LE…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD ABOUT 5 MIN AFTER LEAVING MY HOUSE WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD TO PULL OVER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE STEERING WORKED BUT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN IT IS IN THE CENTER POSITION. NOW EVERYTIME I START THE CAR I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. I TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND LETTING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO RESET. BUT THAT DOES NOTHING. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING CULUMN AND THEY WOULD CHARGE ABOUT $1300. NOW AS I AM STARTING THE CAR IF I PULL THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT I HAVE POWER STEERING BUT THE STEERING WHEEL STILL SHAKES IF IT IS IN THE CENTER POSITING. IF I JUST START THE CAR LIKE NORMAL THE POWER STEERING NEVER WORKS. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD BUT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR ANY DRIVER AND THE CARS AROUND THEM. MANY OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10567278
62,000 miles · Mar 4, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
CAR LOST POWER. PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD, ENGINE WOULD IDLE ONLY. THROTTLE BODY HAD GONE BAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567041
130,000 miles · Mar 2, 2014
Steering
POWER STEERING CUTS OUT OF ITS OWN ACCORD. HOWEVER WHEN THE STEERING WORKS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND TWITCHES, PULLING THE STEERING WHILE IT MOVES A LITTLE EACH TIME. I HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS TO STEADY THE WHEEL AS I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYDAY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WILL CUT OUT MID TURN, RESULTING IN MAN…
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POWER STEERING CUTS OUT OF ITS OWN ACCORD. HOWEVER WHEN THE STEERING WORKS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND TWITCHES, PULLING THE STEERING WHILE IT MOVES A LITTLE EACH TIME. I HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS TO STEADY THE WHEEL AS I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYDAY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WILL CUT OUT MID TURN, RESULTING IN MANY POTHOLE STRIKES, I AM SURPRISED THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND ANOTHER CAR IN TIME OR HEAVEN FORBID A PERSON OR ANIMAL AND THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566712
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2014
Seat Belts
DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY EXTENDED POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IN THE PAST IT HAS EVENTUALLY RETRACTED ON ITS OWN AFTER A FEW DAYS. THIS TIME I CAN ONLY USE THE SEAT BELT IF I MOVE THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK FARTHER THEN I'M COMFORTABLE WITH. I BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE NOT O…
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DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY EXTENDED POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IN THE PAST IT HAS EVENTUALLY RETRACTED ON ITS OWN AFTER A FEW DAYS. THIS TIME I CAN ONLY USE THE SEAT BELT IF I MOVE THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK FARTHER THEN I'M COMFORTABLE WITH. I BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT'S STUCK BUT ALSO THE BELT PRETTY MUCH PINS ME TO THE SEAT WHEN I USE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566551
154,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Steering
OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO, UPON TURNING KEY, MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT ENGAGE, STAYING LOCKED - AT FIRST WAS A RARE OCCURRENCE, BUT LATELY HAVE HAD TO RESTART VEHICLE 2-3 TIMES TO GET THE POWER STEERING. MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IS ALSO LOSING STEERING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING - ON ONE INSTANCE, JANUARY 3, 2014, I WAS TU…
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OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO, UPON TURNING KEY, MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT ENGAGE, STAYING LOCKED - AT FIRST WAS A RARE OCCURRENCE, BUT LATELY HAVE HAD TO RESTART VEHICLE 2-3 TIMES TO GET THE POWER STEERING. MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IS ALSO LOSING STEERING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING - ON ONE INSTANCE, JANUARY 3, 2014, I WAS TURNING LEFT IN AN INTERSECTION, AND MY STEERING WHEEL FROZE MID-TURN, WITH TRAFFIC COMING RIGHT AT ME! I WAS ABLE TO SPEED UP AND FORCE TURN, BARELY CLEARING A VEHICLE PARKED ON THE SIDE. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE - UPON RESTARTING THE ENGINE, IT STEERED JUST FINE. I ASSUMED IT WAS A MINOR GLITCH IN STEERING, BUT THE INCIDENTS BECAME MORE FREQUENT, FINDING MYSELF UNABLE TO STEER TO TURN INTO/OUT OF DRIVEWAY, PARKING LOT AND EVEN TRAFFIC. YESTERDAY, 2-26-2014, TOPPED IT. I WAS DRIVING AROUND TOWN AT MAX.30 MPH, I LOST STEERING, 5 TIMES IN 15 MINUTES, NO WARNING OF ANY KIND ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD TO FIGHT THE STEERING TO PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC - THAT IS END OF SCHOOL DAY, PARENTS AND CHILDREN WALKING/RUNNING AROUND ALL OVER! THIS STEERING PROBLEM IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS MORNING I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP - AND I BETTER NOT HAVE TO PAY WHAT I'M SEEING OTHER PEOPLE HAD TO PAY FOR EXACTLY THE SAME STEERING PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF/RECALLED BY FORD, AS IT APPEARS TO BE A FAILURE IN THEIR ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, AND THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED BY IT, RISKING CRASHES AND LOSS OF LIVES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566250
112,650 miles · Feb 26, 2014
Steering
STARTED VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND DROVE ABOUT 1 MILE TO LOCAL STORE. THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT INDICATING A LACK OF POWER STEERING. AFTER SHOPPING AT STORE, I DROVE ABOUT .25 MILES TO A BANK. AGAIN THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. AFTER THE BANK, I DROVE 25 MILES TO WORK (WITH POWER STEERING) AND THEN ANOTHER 25 MILES HOME IN T…
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STARTED VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND DROVE ABOUT 1 MILE TO LOCAL STORE. THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT INDICATING A LACK OF POWER STEERING. AFTER SHOPPING AT STORE, I DROVE ABOUT .25 MILES TO A BANK. AGAIN THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. AFTER THE BANK, I DROVE 25 MILES TO WORK (WITH POWER STEERING) AND THEN ANOTHER 25 MILES HOME IN THE EVENING. WHEN I STARTED THE DRIVE HOME, I HAD NO POWER STEERING. AFTER TALKING TO MY FORD DEALER EARLIER IN THE DAY AND AFTER READING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB OF THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOM, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THIS TIME I HAD POWER STEERING. APPARENTLY THERE IS A SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT ACTIVATES THE ELECTRICAL (?) POWER STEERING PUMP. THIS SWITCH CAN BECOME INTERMITTENT CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL. REPORTED REPAIR COST IS $1400 BECAUSE OF DIFFICULT ACCESS TO SAID SWITCH. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A VERY DISCONCERTING PROBLEM WITH HUGE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. WEB REPORTS TELL OF LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE STEERED BUT ONLY WITH GREAT EFFORT. SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS HARDLY FAIL-SAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566186
75,000 miles · Feb 24, 2014
Steering
POWER STEERING/STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT. 250 MILES INTO MY TRIP I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED AND WITHOUT WARNING I HAD NO POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT TO GET OFF THE BUSY STREET. HOPING FOR A SIMPLE ANSWER I CHECKED THE "FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING M…
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POWER STEERING/STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT. 250 MILES INTO MY TRIP I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED AND WITHOUT WARNING I HAD NO POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT TO GET OFF THE BUSY STREET. HOPING FOR A SIMPLE ANSWER I CHECKED THE "FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE (EPAS) , PARK AID MODULE" FUSE AND IT WAS FINE. IT WAS LATE EVENING - THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED, NO RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE. THE POLICE ENDED UP TAKING ME, MY DOGS, MY LUGGAGE, ETC. TO A MOTEL. IN THE MORNING ARRANGED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND RENTAL CAR. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC WAS A JERK BECAUSE I HAD PULLED THE FUSE AND RESET THE ERROR CODE. TOLD HIM WHEN YOU'RE IN A STRANGE AREA WITH NO HELP TO BE FOUND, YOU'RE DESPERATE AND WILL TRY WHATEVER YOU CAN. WAS NOT IN THE MOOD TO PUT UP WITH HIS ATTITUDE. GOT ON THE ROAD IN THE RENTAL CAR AND HOURS LATER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $1,300+ AND THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED HAD EXPIRED 1/21/2014. I HAVE SEEN SO MANY POSTS REGARDING THIS MATTER. WHEN IS FORD GOING TO REALIZE THIS IS NOT A RANDOM PROBLEM? I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT ISSUE I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (AT ABOUT 31K); FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED; THE LEFT, FRONT SPEAKER THAT WAS REPLACED HAS GONE BAD AGAIN. I AM NOT A BAD DRIVER (HAVE NEVER HAD A TICKET OR BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS BEHIND THE WHEEL), I AM CAREFUL WITH MY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. NEXT TIME IT BREAKS DOWN I'LL BE TEMPTED TO WALK AWAY FROM THE THING AND NOT LOOK BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565596
77,000 miles · Feb 24, 2014
Steering
POWER STEERING FAILURE (ELECTRONIC). TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED ($878.00) AND IT FAILED WITHIN THE DAY. WAS REPLACED AGAIN. NOW IT IS STILL FAILING AND AM HAVING TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO RE-EXAMINE AGAIN TOMORROW. *TR A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE REC…
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POWER STEERING FAILURE (ELECTRONIC). TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED ($878.00) AND IT FAILED WITHIN THE DAY. WAS REPLACED AGAIN. NOW IT IS STILL FAILING AND AM HAVING TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO RE-EXAMINE AGAIN TOMORROW. *TR A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 10/01/14.
NHTSA ODI #10565563
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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