NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports105,000 miles · Dec 12, 2018
Engine
THE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. IT JUST SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING--NO ENGINE PROBLEMS APPARENT, LIKE SPUTTERING OR ANY OTHER WARNING SIGN. IT IS SCARY, AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED TWICE. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND START IT, AND IT STARTS AGAIN WITHOUT A PROBLEM, BUT…
Read full complaint
THE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. IT JUST SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING--NO ENGINE PROBLEMS APPARENT, LIKE SPUTTERING OR ANY OTHER WARNING SIGN. IT IS SCARY, AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED TWICE. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND START IT, AND IT STARTS AGAIN WITHOUT A PROBLEM, BUT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE NOT HAD THE ISSUE RESOLVED BY A MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI #11160932
144,874 miles · Dec 6, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO GANLEY FORD (2835 BARBER ROAD, NORTON, OH 44203, (800) 942-6305) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ANGLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO GANLEY FORD (2835 BARBER ROAD, NORTON, OH 44203, (800) 942-6305) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ANGLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,874.
NHTSA ODI #11156639
148,000 miles · Dec 3, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WENT INTO MANUAL MODE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MANLEY MOTORS (1800 N STATE ST, BELVIDERE, IL 61008, …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WENT INTO MANUAL MODE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MANLEY MOTORS (1800 N STATE ST, BELVIDERE, IL 61008, (888) 388-4940) AND WAS INFORMED OF THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FEES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONSUMER STATED DAUGHTER OWNS VEHICLE AND ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN.*JB
NHTSA ODI #11155671
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2018
Steering
WAS PART OF RECALL 14S05 BY FORD THEY REPLACED A SENSOR BUT VEHICLE STILL GETS STUCK IN MANUAL STEERING MODE AND WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO STEER, SO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING NEVER WORKS
NHTSA ODI #11155555
164,000 miles · Dec 1, 2018
Steering
RECALL #14S05 INITIATED IN 2014 WAS REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR RECURRED ON JAN. 2018. I HAD THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE RECALL REISSUED SO I MAY BE REIMBURSED BY FORD . WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. I MADE IT …
Read full complaint
RECALL #14S05 INITIATED IN 2014 WAS REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR RECURRED ON JAN. 2018. I HAD THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE RECALL REISSUED SO I MAY BE REIMBURSED BY FORD . WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. I MADE IT HOME OK BUT I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT JUST BEFORE ARRIVING TO MY HOUSE DUE TO THE STEERING FAILURE. PLEASE SEE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL AND MY REPAIR DOCUMENTS IN JAN. 2018. I PUCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN AUGUST 2015 I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL AT THAT TIME OR AT THE TIME OF THE FAILED REPAIR FROM 2014.
NHTSA ODI #11155322
95,000 miles · Nov 28, 2018
Steering
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND MADE A LEFT TURN, WHILE STEERING TURNING BACK TO THE RIGHT IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO LOCK BUT EVENTUALLY BROKE AND WENT TO NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASED. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA, THEY TOLD ME AFTER TESTING, I NEEDED A ST…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND MADE A LEFT TURN, WHILE STEERING TURNING BACK TO THE RIGHT IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO LOCK BUT EVENTUALLY BROKE AND WENT TO NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASED. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA, THEY TOLD ME AFTER TESTING, I NEEDED A STEERING COLUMN EPAS AT THE TUNE OF $1400. THEY SAID YOU COULD NOT JUST REPLACE THE EPAS PART ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND IT WAS NOT ONE OF THE ONES RECALLED EARLIER. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE AND CHECKING WITH ANOTHER DEALER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE EPAS PART CAN BE REPLACED BUT APPARENTLY FORD WILL NOT LET THEIR SERVICE TECHS JUST REPLACE THAT PART. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I HAVE PAID A LOT FOR THIS VEHICLE, NEW, AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THAT STEERING IS MORE THAN I RECEIVE A MONTH FROM DISABILITY. THANKFULLY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A SITUATION OF AN ACCIDENT. WHAT CAN WE AS CONSUMERS DO TO DEMAND THAT FORD TAKE OWNERSHIP AND HELP OUT THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS? I AM LOOSING MORE AND MORE FAITH IN FORD (3 OUT OF MY 4) SERVICE VISITS SHOWED THAT THE SERVICE TECH PUT A CHECK MARK THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS OK?????? ANOTHER PROBLEM, IN FEB. 2018 SERVICE VISIT, THEY SAID MY TREAD WAS IN THE YELLOW. BACK AGAIN FOR SERVICE IN AUG. 2018, SHOWED TREAD IN GREEN??? THIS IS WHY I WENT BACK FOR THIS CHECK UP ON ALL THINGS AT NOT CHARGE AFTER SPEAKING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. IF I HAD NOT TAKEN IT BACK FOR A REVISIT, I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE STEERING! I WILL SAY MY LAST VISIT WAS THE BEST I HAVE HAD TO DATE, THANKS TO THE SERVICE TECH. STILL I AM NOT SURE I WOULD EVERY PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD!
NHTSA ODI #11154628
100,000 miles · Nov 28, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR WA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11154416
117,500 miles · Nov 27, 2018
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, AN ALARM SOUNDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO A PARKING LOT TO ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE IGNITION, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ASHEVILLE FORD LINC…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, AN ALARM SOUNDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO A PARKING LOT TO ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE IGNITION, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ASHEVILLE FORD LINCOLN (611 BREVARD RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806) WHERE THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,500.
NHTSA ODI #11154267
140,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
ON A SNOWY MORNING THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED NORMALLY AND THE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS CAUSED ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TO ACTIVATE. THEY SEEMED TO WORK NORMALLY, BUT AFTER THAT ACTIVATION THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY SOFT AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VERY END OF THE PEDAL TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL STOP, BUT THE BRAKES WERE UNPR…
Read full complaint
ON A SNOWY MORNING THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED NORMALLY AND THE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS CAUSED ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TO ACTIVATE. THEY SEEMED TO WORK NORMALLY, BUT AFTER THAT ACTIVATION THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY SOFT AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VERY END OF THE PEDAL TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL STOP, BUT THE BRAKES WERE UNPREDICTABLE AND UNSAFE. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) AND WAS REPLACED WITH THE ABS MODULE AS A UNIT ($1700). THE NEW UNIT REQUIRED REPROGRAMMING AND BLEEDING AT THE DEALERSHIP ($200). BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY COMPONENT WITHIN A REASONABLE MILEAGE (140,000 VEHICLE MILEAGE), THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE OEM WITH AT LEAST A TSB.
NHTSA ODI #11154249
130,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO LINDSAY FORD (LOCATED AT 11250 VEIRS MILL RD, WHEATON, MD 20902, (888) 457-7005) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEH…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO LINDSAY FORD (LOCATED AT 11250 VEIRS MILL RD, WHEATON, MD 20902, (888) 457-7005) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, ONLY THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, WHICH WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE PART WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11154202
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.
Illustration