NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports89,700 miles · Sep 27, 2013
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,700. U…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,700. UPDATED 12/20/13*CN THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/26/13
NHTSA ODI #10545634
90,000 miles · Sep 26, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM AN OUTING, AT 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE BODY QUIT, CAUSING A LOSS OF SPEED. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED HOME. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AN UN-NECESSARY LENGTH OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR, DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER....UPDATED 11-06-13 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10551308
59,613 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,613.
NHTSA ODI #10545352
29,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Power Train
THE FORD ESCAPE LOST POWER WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD TO LIMP BACK TO HOME. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS. DROPPED THE CAR IN A FORD DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD US THE CAR HAS A FAILED TROTTLE BODY. WE ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE REPLACEMENT WILL COST US AROUND $700. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. WHY COULD…
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THE FORD ESCAPE LOST POWER WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD TO LIMP BACK TO HOME. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS. DROPPED THE CAR IN A FORD DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD US THE CAR HAS A FAILED TROTTLE BODY. WE ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE REPLACEMENT WILL COST US AROUND $700. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. WHY COULD THIS HAPPEN? *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545305
63,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Engine
I TURNED ON CAR, PROCEEDED TO DRIVE, YELLOW WRENCH ILLUMINATED ON DASH, TRIED TO ACCELERATE, VEHICLE WAS BUCKING AND LOSING POWER, TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND IT WAS FINE. UNTIL 9/23/13 WHEN THE CAR REPEATED THIS ACTION AGAIN. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545270
64,000 miles · Sep 24, 2013
Power Train
I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME THROTTLE BODY ISSUES THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING AND WANT TO SUBMIT MY INFORMATION TO INCLUDE. I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY GET STUCK OPEN MANY TIMES AND AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING A REPAIR SHOP TO REPLACE IT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545136
113,090 miles · Sep 24, 2013
Power Train
ON THURSDAY 9/19, MY WIFE WAS LEAVING WORK IN OUR 2009 FORD ESCAPE WHEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE AND STALLED ON THE ROAD. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING, SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN FOR A FEW MILES BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. LUCKILY WE WERE CLOSE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WERE ABLE TO…
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ON THURSDAY 9/19, MY WIFE WAS LEAVING WORK IN OUR 2009 FORD ESCAPE WHEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE AND STALLED ON THE ROAD. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING, SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN FOR A FEW MILES BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. LUCKILY WE WERE CLOSE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WERE ABLE TO GUIDE IT THERE AFTER ANOTHER COUPLE OF STALLING INCIDENTS. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY WAS STUCK OPEN (CODE P2111) AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500. THE SERVICE ADVISOR MENTIONED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPES AND THAT MANY OF THE ORIGINAL PARTS HAVE FAILED BUT THE NEWER PARTS ARE MUCH MORE RELIABLE. I FOUND A PETITION ONLINE WHICH ALERTED ME TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.NCCONSUMER.ORG/NEWS%20ARTICLES/NCCC%20PETITIONS%20NHTSA%20FOR%20DEFECT%20INVESTIGATION%20INTO%20FORD%20ESCAPE%20VEHICLES.HTML *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545098
78,000 miles · Sep 23, 2013
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
SEVERAL TIMES, DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF ACCELERATION. ENGINE THROTTLE REVVED BUT PUSHING PEDAL MADE NO DIFFERENCE. ONE OCCASION WE ALMOST WRECKED AT HIGH SPEED. THE CAR REMAINS ON, BUT ACCELERATION PEDAL DOES NOTHING. TURN CAR OFF, TURN BACK ON AND IT WORKS FINE. HAS HAPPENED IN PARK, SLOW SPEEDS AND HIGH…
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SEVERAL TIMES, DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF ACCELERATION. ENGINE THROTTLE REVVED BUT PUSHING PEDAL MADE NO DIFFERENCE. ONE OCCASION WE ALMOST WRECKED AT HIGH SPEED. THE CAR REMAINS ON, BUT ACCELERATION PEDAL DOES NOTHING. TURN CAR OFF, TURN BACK ON AND IT WORKS FINE. HAS HAPPENED IN PARK, SLOW SPEEDS AND HIGH SPEEDS. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA ODI #10545039
31,872 miles · Sep 23, 2013
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE POWER TRAIN LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STALL AND LOSS POWER. I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD TO STOP, PUT THE CAR ON PARKING, TURN IT OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND THEN THE CAR FUNCTION PERFECTLY. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT SAME THING HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #10545004
96,000 miles · Sep 23, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AS THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OFF THE ROADWAY AS THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AS THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OFF THE ROADWAY AS THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96000.
NHTSA ODI #10544926
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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