NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
72 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 4, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System
While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afra…
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While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afraid to even drive my car not knowing if it will happen again.I call the service and cannot get appt. for 2 weeks. and it will be at my expense.
NHTSA ODI #11558436
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2023
Engine
Oil engine leak .. clicking sound from the front wheels when turning ..
NHTSA ODI #11526489
200,000 miles · Mar 14, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove as designed. The contact stated that the “Stop Safely Now” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, th…
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove as designed. The contact stated that the “Stop Safely Now” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA ODI #11511777
85,000 miles · Dec 21, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would inadvertently stall. The contact stated that the check warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing throttle body link replaced but the vehicle was not repair…
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would inadvertently stall. The contact stated that the check warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing throttle body link replaced but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #11444570
94,000 miles · Aug 2, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to repair the failure however, the failure recurr…
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to repair the failure however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #11427478
105,000 miles · Sep 2, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING THE 2012 ESCAPE IT LOST EXCELLORATION A WENCH LIGHT LITE ON DASH THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC . THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN GIVEN GAS. TURNED VEHICLE OFF RESTARTED WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME TOOK TO DEALER THEY STATEED THEY FOUND NOTHING.A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SHOW…
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WHILE DRIVING THE 2012 ESCAPE IT LOST EXCELLORATION A WENCH LIGHT LITE ON DASH THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC . THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN GIVEN GAS. TURNED VEHICLE OFF RESTARTED WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME TOOK TO DEALER THEY STATEED THEY FOUND NOTHING.A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS PROBLEM HAS ACUURED FOR SOME TIME IN THIS MODLE PLEASE THIS IS DANGEROUS
NHTSA ODI #11352717
118,685 miles · Jun 24, 2020
EngineLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DOOR WAS CLOSED BUT FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DOOR WAS CLOSED BUT FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR LATCH WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,685.
NHTSA ODI #11330620
47,900 miles · Nov 7, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. I GOOGLED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE ETB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NHTSA DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR PROTECT THE PUBLIC BY REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE TOWING. INSTEAD NHTSA ONLY…
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MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. I GOOGLED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE ETB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NHTSA DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR PROTECT THE PUBLIC BY REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE TOWING. INSTEAD NHTSA ONLY REQUIRED THAT FORD EXTEND THE WARRANTY AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS LEAVING FORD OWNERS AT RISK OF INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11278709
64,769 miles · Aug 21, 2019
Engine
LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE AT IDLE AND WHILE DRIVING. SOUNDS AS THOUGH VALVES OR ENGINE COULD BE CRACKING.
NHTSA ODI #11245465
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. THE WRENCH ICON, CHECK ENGINE, AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. COURTESY FORD (6393 US-98 W, HATTIESBURG, MS 39402, (601) 264-5555) WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. THE WRENCH ICON, CHECK ENGINE, AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. COURTESY FORD (6393 US-98 W, HATTIESBURG, MS 39402, (601) 264-5555) WAS AWARE THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR SPECIAL COVERAGE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13N03 (THROTTLE BODY EXTENDED COVERAGE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED BECAUSE THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED 8,000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED; HOWEVER, BOTH REPAIRS FAILED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE SPEED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE...*BF CONSUMER ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CAMPAIGN #13N03 AND WAS TOLD CONSUMER WOULDN'T GET WHAT WAS NEEDED. THROTTLE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11184401
NHTSA investigations
2PE13003 · 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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