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2010 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,764 reports with mileage · 305 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 558 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 508 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 493 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports3 fire reports19 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

71 reports
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75,653 miles · Sep 17, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

I RECENTLY HAD AN INCIDENT ON 8/28/13 WITH A FUEL VAPOR LEAK. IT WAS FIXED ON 9/6/13. AS OF 9/17/13 THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN.. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND HAVE NOT FIXED. SO NOW WHEN YOU HAVE A VAPOR LEAK & THEY REPLACE THE VAPOR SYSTEM, ITS REPLACED WITH THE SAME MODEL TYPE SO IT COULD…

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I RECENTLY HAD AN INCIDENT ON 8/28/13 WITH A FUEL VAPOR LEAK. IT WAS FIXED ON 9/6/13. AS OF 9/17/13 THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN.. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND HAVE NOT FIXED. SO NOW WHEN YOU HAVE A VAPOR LEAK & THEY REPLACE THE VAPOR SYSTEM, ITS REPLACED WITH THE SAME MODEL TYPE SO IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN & AGAIN. WHY THEY DIDN'T FIX THE VAPOR SYSTEM ISSUE SO THERE WOULD BE A NEWER MODEL IS BEYOND ME. MY CAR LASTED LESS THAN A WEEK AND HALF BEFORE IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I DROVE TO WORK & IT WAS FINE. I WENT TO LEAVE WORK 3 HRS LATER & THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS ON. HAD A SHOP READ THE CODE & IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE - P0456 IS THE CODE IN CASE ANYONE NEEDS TO KNOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10544055

74,000 miles · Sep 5, 2013
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

TRAVERSE CITY MI DRIVING AROUND 55 MPH VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD TRIED PUTTING IT IN REVERSE SINCE IT WOULDN'T GO FORWARD SLOWLY WENT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. RAN VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON HESITATED TO START BUT DID. RAN A LITTLE ROUGH BUT THAN WENT FOR A MILE OR LES…

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TRAVERSE CITY MI DRIVING AROUND 55 MPH VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD TRIED PUTTING IT IN REVERSE SINCE IT WOULDN'T GO FORWARD SLOWLY WENT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. RAN VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON HESITATED TO START BUT DID. RAN A LITTLE ROUGH BUT THAN WENT FOR A MILE OR LESS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RAN VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT AGAIN. . DID THE SAME AGAIN ROLLED TO A STOP. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND ON FINISHED GOING 5 MILES TO WORK. CALLED A WRECKER HAD TOWED TO FORD GARAGE. THEY SAID THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED PART WOULDN'T BE IN UNTIL TUESDAY DUE TO LABOR DAY. COST WOULD BE $503. TUESDAY TOLD ME IT WOULDN'T BE HERE UNTIL 10:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY .CAR WOULD BE DONE BY NOON. CALLED AT 12:30 WEDNESDAY TOLD ME PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER WON'T BE IN UNTIL OCTOBER,17 2013. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541981

28,018 miles · Sep 4, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ENTERING A RAMP, THE ENGINE JUST LOST POWER AND THERE WAS A RAPID DECELERATION. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WAS A WRENCH SYMBOL LIT UP ON THE DASH. I TOWED THE CAR TO A FORD DEALER IN BETTENDORF IOWA. THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS A BAD TH…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ENTERING A RAMP, THE ENGINE JUST LOST POWER AND THERE WAS A RAPID DECELERATION. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WAS A WRENCH SYMBOL LIT UP ON THE DASH. I TOWED THE CAR TO A FORD DEALER IN BETTENDORF IOWA. THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS A BAD THROTTLE BODY AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF PARTS BECAUSE THERE WAS 5 CARS AHEAD OF ME WAITING FOR THE SAME PARTS. SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON MAJOR PROBLEM. SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT COULD HAVE CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541918

57,000 miles · Sep 4, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING AND GOES INTO AN IDLE MODE. VEHICLE HAS TO BE SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IN ORDER TO GO BACK INTO A MODE THAT ALLOWS ACCELERATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541891

45,372 miles · Sep 4, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING ON I80 WEST, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST POWER AND THE CAR STARTED TO DECELERATE, LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SAW THE "WRENCH" ICON LIT. PULLED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO LOSE SPEED AND LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION PARKING LOT. TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND CONSULTED THE USER MANUAL AND FOUND THE ISSUE …

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DRIVING ON I80 WEST, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST POWER AND THE CAR STARTED TO DECELERATE, LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SAW THE "WRENCH" ICON LIT. PULLED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO LOSE SPEED AND LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION PARKING LOT. TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND CONSULTED THE USER MANUAL AND FOUND THE ISSUE RELATED TO THE "POWERTRAIN/THROTTLE CONTROL". TURNED THE IGNITION BACK ON AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF AFTER STARTING THE CAR. HEADED BACK TO HOME VIA SIDE STREETS AND HAD ONE MORE INCIDENT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES. FOLLOWED THE SAME PROCEDURE AS BEFORE AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME (6 MILES). IF THIS HAD HAPPENED OUT IN THE COUNTRY MILES FROM NOWHERE I WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY WORRIED. PARKED CAR UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAY AND CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE SERVICE. TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING(9/4) AND WAS TOLD LATER THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS BAD. NEW ONE WAS BACK ORDERED TO OCTOBER 26TH. SERVICE TECHNICIAN(KYLE) TOLD ME I COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANT, SO A RENTAL CAR WILL NOT BE COVERED. I CAN'T AFFORD $1800 FOR A RENTAL, SO NOW WHAT? DEALER SYMPATHETIC, BUT UNABLE TO HELP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541826

76,000 miles · Sep 4, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I JUST EXITED THE PA TURNPIKE WHEN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE RPMS WERE FLUCTUATING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT AM GLAD THIS HAPPENED AFTER I GOT OFF THE TURNPIKE WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND HAD NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF TO. IT HAPPENED TWICE THIS WEEK. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, AS I WAS TRAVELIN…

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I JUST EXITED THE PA TURNPIKE WHEN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE RPMS WERE FLUCTUATING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT AM GLAD THIS HAPPENED AFTER I GOT OFF THE TURNPIKE WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND HAD NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF TO. IT HAPPENED TWICE THIS WEEK. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND, AS I WAS TRAVELING APX 55 MPH ON PA RT 422 AND AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY AS I WAS DRIVING ON COUNTY LINE RD AT APX. 40 MPH. EACH TIME THE SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN. MY VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND RPMS WOULD FLUCTUATE AS THE ENGINE DIED. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY SEVERAL CARS THE LAST TIME SINCE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SHOULDER FOR ME TO GET MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF THE ROAD AS THE ENGINE DIED. ALL TEMPERATURES WERE FINE AND MY FLUIDS ARE GOOD. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO A DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THROTTLE VALE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I HAVE NOTICED MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS UNSAFE ISSUE! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541778

65,380 miles · Sep 3, 2013
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

ENGINE FAILED. CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED. WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED. RESTARTED CAR AND WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT BUT ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON SOLID. GOT GOING ON THIRD TRY AND MANAGED TO GET HOME ABOUT 8 MILES. SAME SCENARIO CONTINUED AND MY MECHANIC THOROUGHLY CLEANED THROTTLE ASSEMBLY. PROBLEM CONTINUES... TRIED AGAIN....THIS TIME FAILED …

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ENGINE FAILED. CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED. WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED. RESTARTED CAR AND WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT BUT ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON SOLID. GOT GOING ON THIRD TRY AND MANAGED TO GET HOME ABOUT 8 MILES. SAME SCENARIO CONTINUED AND MY MECHANIC THOROUGHLY CLEANED THROTTLE ASSEMBLY. PROBLEM CONTINUES... TRIED AGAIN....THIS TIME FAILED AT INTERSECTION...GOT GOING AGAIN BUT ALMOST HAD VEHICLE BEHIND ME REAR END ME....../TOTALLY UNSAFE. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND THE RAMIFICATIONS ARE APPARENT. HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY BRAND NEW 2008 TAURUS IF I RECALL CORRECT. FORD FIXED IMMEDIATELY.. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD COVER THIS ALSO ALTHOUGH. I MUST CORRECT IMMEDIATELY. I WILL KEEP ALL INVOICES FOR REIMBURSEMENT. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE. THANK YOU.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10541710

81,000 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY ON MY 2010 FORD ESCAPE DOING A LOT OF THE SAME THINGS. ITS THROWING ITSELF INTO LIMP HOME MODE AND POWER FAILURE WITH THE THROTTLE AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. AND NO POWER WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. I HAVE READ UP ON ALL THE REPORTS AND THE INVESTIGATION. SO I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY CAR TO TOW…

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I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY ON MY 2010 FORD ESCAPE DOING A LOT OF THE SAME THINGS. ITS THROWING ITSELF INTO LIMP HOME MODE AND POWER FAILURE WITH THE THROTTLE AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. AND NO POWER WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. I HAVE READ UP ON ALL THE REPORTS AND THE INVESTIGATION. SO I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY CAR TO TOWN EAST FORD IN MESQUITE TEXAS WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. THE SERVICE TECH GUY AT TOWN EAST FORD. REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE INVESTIGATION AND REFUSED TO CHECK MY CAR OUT WITHOUT ME PAYING HIM A BUNCH OF MONEY AND REFUSED TO CALL MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WITHOUT COLLECTING THE MONEY UP FRONT. HE PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THEIR DEALERSHIP IS NOT PART OF FORD SO THEREFORE HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON AND I CAN SHOW HIM ALL I WANT TO ON THE INTERNET BUT HE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING UNTIL I PAY ALL THE MONEY UP FRONT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE TECH WAS VERY RUDE AND I FINALLY LEFT THERE WITHOUT GETTING MY CAR FIXED AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. FORD NEEDS TO COME OUT WITH THIS RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE WINDS UP IN SERIOUS WRECKS FROM IT AND THE DEALERSHIPS NEED TO HONOR THE PRODUCTS AND VEHICLE THEY SELL OF FORD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10538577

41,144 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE, OUTSIDE OF TOWN WHEN I ACCELERATED TO MERGE LANES & MY ESCAPE STARTED LURCHING AND I LOST POWER CAUSING MY CAR TO COST TO A STOP. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO A LOCATION THAT WAS SAFE AND HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WHERE…

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ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE, OUTSIDE OF TOWN WHEN I ACCELERATED TO MERGE LANES & MY ESCAPE STARTED LURCHING AND I LOST POWER CAUSING MY CAR TO COST TO A STOP. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO A LOCATION THAT WAS SAFE AND HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WHERE I HAVE ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY LANDMARK FORD SERVICE THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO GET THE PART IN AND AROUND $520.00 TO FIX IT. I SPOKE WITH FORD CORP AND THEY SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM (THUS, THE BACK ORDER ON REPLACEMENT PARTS). MY ESCAPE IS 3 YEARS OLD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10538547

68,000 miles · Sep 3, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND I NO LONGER COULD ACCELERATE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD BEGAN FLASHING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET ON TO THE SHOULDER AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. PER THE DEALER WHERE MY VEHIC…

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I WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND I NO LONGER COULD ACCELERATE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD BEGAN FLASHING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET ON TO THE SHOULDER AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. PER THE DEALER WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO, THE PART NEEDED WAS ON FORD'S NATIONAL BACKORDER LIST AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. IT TOOK 5 WEEKS TO GET THE PART. IT HAS ONLY BEEN ABOUT 7 WEEKS AND MY CAR DID THE SAME JERK ON THE EXPRESSWAY AGAIN TODAY. I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO WORK AS NO SERVICE LIGHTS IGNITED ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT I WILL BE TAKING MY VEHICLE IN TO GET CHECKED AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10538472

Official recalls

3

16V777000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 26, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

14V284000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

May 29, 2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

10V222000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

May 24, 2010

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

DP15001 · 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.

PE11016 · Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage

Opened Apr 27, 2011 · Closed Aug 18, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut; Visibility; Visibility:glass, Side/rear

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Visibility

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Visibility:glass, Side/rear

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems