NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 21, 2021
Service Brakes
I bought my Ford Escape Limited, 4 wheel-drive SUV in August, 2009 from a dealer in Baltimore County, Maryland. Later I retired from the Maryland Highway Administration and moved to Augusta, GA in February, 2015. In mid 2020 I saw the ABS light showing the my vehicle needed a repair to the ABS system. When I took the vehicle to…
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I bought my Ford Escape Limited, 4 wheel-drive SUV in August, 2009 from a dealer in Baltimore County, Maryland. Later I retired from the Maryland Highway Administration and moved to Augusta, GA in February, 2015. In mid 2020 I saw the ABS light showing the my vehicle needed a repair to the ABS system. When I took the vehicle to my friendly mechanic shop, he told me that the ABS Module was defective and that he could not fix it. Since then I have been having a serious safety problem with the ABS Module which makes driving my vehicle very risky, especially when it is raining. The risk is felt whenever I am driving and need to stop at the red light or when another vehicle suddenly comes close to my vehicle which requires a quick decision to avoid accident using the ABS system that was designed for that purpose. In that case, I had difficulties stop and my vehicle will often pull to the left even with new brake pads on. That poses a serious safety threat. But as auto makers, the Ford Company know or should know that nearly all Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles are assumed to have ABS Module and other defects. Sadly, the Ford Company neglected to notify me of the recall. The defects in the ABS Module of my SUV pose a serious safety risk to me; so, that is very concerning to me. Thanks for your help with this complaint. Note: I coincidentally found the recall information last night on Google Search on 9/20/2021. Date of this complaint: 9/21/2021 Ford’s False Claim Number for this recall: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”*JB
NHTSA ODI #11433842
114,000 miles · Sep 21, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the power steering returned and operated as needed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the power steering returned and operated as needed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The contact then reached out to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was also informed that there was a warranty placed on the vehicle for the power steering; however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
NHTSA ODI #11433801
Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2021
Service Brakes
Purchased car in Dec 20. Brakes were 'mushy'. Previous owner had over $1000 in brake work done (new pads-front, shoes - rear, new master cylinder, new rotors, etc.) I am a GM and John Deere-trained mechanic. I determined the defect was in the ABS valve assembly. There is at least 1 of 4 ABS side solenoid valves not seatin…
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Purchased car in Dec 20. Brakes were 'mushy'. Previous owner had over $1000 in brake work done (new pads-front, shoes - rear, new master cylinder, new rotors, etc.) I am a GM and John Deere-trained mechanic. I determined the defect was in the ABS valve assembly. There is at least 1 of 4 ABS side solenoid valves not seating/sealing properly. Replaced the defective ABS unit with a low mileage used valve assembly, keeping the original ECU since it is keyed to the VIN. 9 months later, the ECU has failed (Code B1342 ABS ECU inoperative). Service brakes are still tight and function. Tried cleaning / reseating main wiring connector with no luck. Problem was sporadic over past 60 days (ABS light / ASC / Parking brake lights illuminated) and then would disappear. ECU finally failed completely with warning lights on continuously. Vehicle has 142,000 miles and is over 12 yrs old. Ford says they have never heard ofan ABS issue but confirmed the defect. The local dealer will gladly replace the ABS module for approx $1000. Ford has a responsibility to address this issue not only in Escapes of all years but throughout their model lineup. This is a safety issue that needs to be fixed. Not looking for a freebie but would rather not be the victim of an avoidable car accident and be cleaned off the pavement with a stick and a spoon. Needless to say, Ford reputation has suffered a loss of credibility.
NHTSA ODI #11432626
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2021
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
Subject vehicle is a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the lower control arm separated from the front frame otherwise known as the engine cradle or subframe. The failure is identical to the subframe failures on the 2001 - 2004 Ford Escapes currently under recall. The failure was immediate with no prior war…
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Subject vehicle is a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the lower control arm separated from the front frame otherwise known as the engine cradle or subframe. The failure is identical to the subframe failures on the 2001 - 2004 Ford Escapes currently under recall. The failure was immediate with no prior warning. The vehicle exhibited loss of steering control, wheel lock up from the front tire contacting the back of the wheel opening, and loss of transmission engagement from cv joint separation. In my opinion, whatever PCA actions or quality root cause was identified by Ford Motor Company during the prior recall investigation isolating the condition to 2001 - 2004 Escapes was either incomplete or inaccurate. This is supported by the same failure occurring in Escapes outside of that model year window. No mechanism was added after the 2004 Escapes were produced to prevent this failure from occurring. Images attached show the failure that was experienced. I was unable to obtain a good used frame locally that did not exhibit signs of corrosion with perforation present or starting. This further supports the failure mode is beyond the scope of the initial recall. The recall should be expanded to prevent future accidents that could have the potential for injury or death.
NHTSA ODI #11432006
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2021
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
Subject vehicle was a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the front passenger lower control arm separated from the k-frame/cradle causing the vehicle to lose control. Loss of steering was experienced as well as tire lock up from the front tire lodging against the back of the fender. The CV shaft also separat…
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Subject vehicle was a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the front passenger lower control arm separated from the k-frame/cradle causing the vehicle to lose control. Loss of steering was experienced as well as tire lock up from the front tire lodging against the back of the fender. The CV shaft also separated during the failure resulting in loss of transmission engagement. There was no warning prior to the event, the failure was sudden and immediate. The loss of vehicle control was extreme. Failure is identical to RCRIT-14V165-9596 for the 01-04 Escapes. The reason the recall was only isolated to the 01-04 Escapes is unknown. In my opinion, whatever PCA actions or supplier related issues identified by Ford Motor Company during the prior recall investigation to support the recall only affecting 01-04 model years was either incomplete or inaccurate. The frame rust through condition extends beyond the model years listed in the recall and was not resolved as shown by subsequent failures on vehicles outside of the recall model year window. No mechanism was put in place to prevent the control arm separation in the later model year Escapes to prevent the same safety issue from occurring. I was unable to obtain a front cradle from a local salvage yard that did not exhibit perforation present or starting supporting this condition is occurring on all model year Escapes from 2001 to 2012 in corrosion prone areas. The recall should be extended to all model years involved to prevent potential accidents.
NHTSA ODI #11431998
90,000 miles · Sep 3, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who performed various brake tests and found no faults with the braking system. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who performed various brake tests and found no faults with the braking system. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #11431666
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2021
Fuel System, Gasoline
Fuel tank leaks from seam or seal on side of tank
NHTSA ODI #11431440
120,000 miles · Aug 30, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local …
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER ADVISED THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11431092
72,337 miles · Aug 20, 2021
Steering
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact’s mother informed him that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle which restored functionality temporarily. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic b…
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The contact's mother owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact’s mother informed him that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle which restored functionality temporarily. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic but was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,337.
NHTSA ODI #11429853
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2021
Steering
Out of the blue as I was driving the power steering randomly stopped working, jerking me to the side. I have to manually turn it now and have no idea what went wrong. I believe this is the same safety recall issue you sent notices out for but for some reason my vin number is not listed and I think this is a error on your part.
NHTSA ODI #11428060
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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