NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports85,000 miles · May 16, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING FUEL SINCE FEB. 2016 THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I'VE REPLACED THE EVAP. CANISTER DUE TO THE LEAK, THE SEAL WITH IT AS WELL, AND THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. ALL THIS WORK WAS DONE AT 2 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS. I WAS STILL LEAKING FUEL AND WROTE TO FORD WHO TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND…
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THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING FUEL SINCE FEB. 2016 THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I'VE REPLACED THE EVAP. CANISTER DUE TO THE LEAK, THE SEAL WITH IT AS WELL, AND THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. ALL THIS WORK WAS DONE AT 2 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS. I WAS STILL LEAKING FUEL AND WROTE TO FORD WHO TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD FIX IT GRATIS. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE GASKET GOING INTO THE TANK AND THAT "SHOULD" TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. IT DIDN'T. GAS FUMES STILL FILLED MY CAR, AND LEAKED GAS ALL OVER THE GROUND WHEREVER I DROVE OR PARKED. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM I WAS STILL LEAKING FUEL, BUT NO ENGINE LIGHT AS IN THE LAST VISIT. THEY COULD SMELL IT AND SEE IT HAD SOAKED THE REAR END OF MY VEHICLE. THIS TIME THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS A PLASTIC RING AROUND THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT WAS CRACKED AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TANK AND SYSTEM FOR APPROXIMATELY $1000 ADDITIONAL ON TOP OF WHAT I HAD ALREADY REPLACED. I ASKED HIM HOW ALL THESE MECHANICS COULD MISS THIS?? AND HOW CAN IT CRACK IF IT'S SO TIGHT IN THERE UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR IS THERE A DESIGN FLAW, OR A FAILURE OF THE PART ITSELF BECAUSE OF SOME PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURING. THE CAR LEAKS WHILE PARKED, IN MOTION, AND FILLS WITH GAS FUMES. I AM TERRIFIED I MAY HIT A POT HOLE AND BLOW UP. MYSELF I DON'T MIND, BUT I HAVE MY 2YO GRANDSON WITH ME AND THAT IS JUST SCARY AS ALL GET OUT. AND THERE IS NO ENGINE LIGHT THAT COMES ON FOR THIS. HE TELLS ME THE PART SEALS AS THE SYSTEM COMPRESSES WHEN STARTING AND THE GAS EXPANDS WITH HEAT THAT'S WHY THE OVERFLOW.THAT MAY EXPLAIN SOME, BUT I LOSE A TANK OF GAS EVERY 2-4 DAYS. IF THE BREAK IS AT THE TOP HOW IS THE GAS LEAVING MY TANK IN SUCH EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNTS? AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SERVICED THAT CAR WERE FORD "MECHANICS".COMPUTER ILLITERATE FOR UPLOADS, BUT I HAVE DOCUMENTATION& PICS
NHTSA ODI #10865203
69,000 miles · May 6, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #10863660
126,000 miles · May 1, 2016
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE ESCAPE THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS UP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. I HAVE TO GET THE ESCAPE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT IT OFF AND RESTART TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK. HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT ON RECALL SO THEY CANT FIX IT. THEY DID CLEAN THE WIRES AND SAID IT SHOULD …
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WHILE DRIVING THE ESCAPE THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS UP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. I HAVE TO GET THE ESCAPE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT IT OFF AND RESTART TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK. HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT ON RECALL SO THEY CANT FIX IT. THEY DID CLEAN THE WIRES AND SAID IT SHOULD BE FINE, BUT IT STILL DID IT AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10862383
101,000 miles · Apr 25, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA ODI #10861328
140,000 miles · Apr 20, 2016
Steering
POWER STEERING SUDDENLY QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING! AFTER RESEARCHING ISSUE ON INTERNET, ESCAPES HAVE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS INVOLVING STEERING., BUT NOT MY 2009. IT IS OBVIOUS THE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING HAS BEEN GOING ON MANY YEARS BUT FORD HAS NOT CORRECTED. IF MY SON HAD BEEN DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OUT…
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POWER STEERING SUDDENLY QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING! AFTER RESEARCHING ISSUE ON INTERNET, ESCAPES HAVE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS INVOLVING STEERING., BUT NOT MY 2009. IT IS OBVIOUS THE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING HAS BEEN GOING ON MANY YEARS BUT FORD HAS NOT CORRECTED. IF MY SON HAD BEEN DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OUT, I SHIVER TO THINK WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE OUTCOME. STEERING ISSUES ARE VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS. COME ON FORD FIX THE ESCAPES ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #10860592
88,457 miles · Apr 15, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING COLUMN SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COLUMN ASSEMBLY STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING COLUMN SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COLUMN ASSEMBLY STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,457.
NHTSA ODI #10859798
111,000 miles · Apr 15, 2016
Steering
STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE SHAKING STOPPED FOR 1 DAY - THEN BEGAN AGAIN. TWO DAYS FOLLOWING THE DASHBOARD SENSOR READ - POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. POWER STEERING FAILED AT THIS TIME. I CONTACTED FORD - AS I BELIEVE THIS TO BE DIRECTLY…
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STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE SHAKING STOPPED FOR 1 DAY - THEN BEGAN AGAIN. TWO DAYS FOLLOWING THE DASHBOARD SENSOR READ - POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. POWER STEERING FAILED AT THIS TIME. I CONTACTED FORD - AS I BELIEVE THIS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO A LARGE RECALL 14S05 1.3M VEHICLES. FORD COURTESY CAS9191445. FORD HAS DENIED THIS IS RELATED TO THE RECALL - ADVISING THIS VEHICLE VIN DOES NOT MATCH THE REFERENCED VIN'S- HOWEVER I AM EXPERIENCING THE NOTED ISSUES. WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN THE NHTSA PROVIDE ADDING THIS VEHICLE INTO THE RECALL. I CONTACTED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS IN HOPE OF RECEIVING ASSISTANCE/GUIDANCE - THIS ALSO WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. FORD HAS REFERENCED TSB NO. 14-0016
NHTSA ODI #10855634
108,000 miles · Apr 14, 2016
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NORMALLY, ALL OF THE SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING THE WRENCH INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON, AND THERE'S IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER. MOTOR BEGINS TO STRUGGLE, AND THERE IS NO RESPONSE WHEN HITTING THE GAS PEDAL. STRUGGLES TO EVEN MAKE IT TO GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. AFTER TURNING …
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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NORMALLY, ALL OF THE SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING THE WRENCH INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON, AND THERE'S IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER. MOTOR BEGINS TO STRUGGLE, AND THERE IS NO RESPONSE WHEN HITTING THE GAS PEDAL. STRUGGLES TO EVEN MAKE IT TO GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. AFTER TURNING OFF VEHICLE, WAITING A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN RESTARTING VEHICLE, IT WILL DRIVE NORMALLY AGAIN, & THE WRENCH LIGHT IS NO LONGER THERE. HOWEVER, THIS SCENARIO KEEPS OCCURRING. IT STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, THEN A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, & THEN TO SEVERAL TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #10855566
64,000 miles · Apr 5, 2016
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LIFTGATE WINDOW DETACHED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LIFTGATE WINDOW DETACHED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10853455
150,000 miles · Mar 24, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING BACK IN AUGUST OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING BACK IN AUGUST OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10851459
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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