NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
297 reportsClear category filter72,103 miles · May 16, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE POWER STEERING ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2017. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY BILL WALSH FORD LINCOLN KIA (2900 COLUMBUS STREET, OTTAWA, IL 61350). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE POWER STEERING ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2017. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY BILL WALSH FORD LINCOLN KIA (2900 COLUMBUS STREET, OTTAWA, IL 61350). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,103.
NHTSA ODI #11094108
147,000 miles · Apr 25, 2018
Steering
PERFORMED RECALL SERVICE AT BOZEMAN FORD IN BOZEMAN MONTANA FOR RECALL 14S05 ON OCTOBER 13,2014. ON APRIL 23, 2018 MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING THE INITIAL RECALL SERVICE. WAS INFORMED BY BISON FORD IN GREAT FALLS MONTANA THAT SINCE INITIAL RECALL…
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PERFORMED RECALL SERVICE AT BOZEMAN FORD IN BOZEMAN MONTANA FOR RECALL 14S05 ON OCTOBER 13,2014. ON APRIL 23, 2018 MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING THE INITIAL RECALL SERVICE. WAS INFORMED BY BISON FORD IN GREAT FALLS MONTANA THAT SINCE INITIAL RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, THIS SERVICE WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE $625.32 IN PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE THE SENSOR AGAIN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESOLVED BY THE INITIAL RECALL SERVICE AND I SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR FOLLOW UP SERVICE RELATED TO THE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11090171
95,500 miles · Apr 23, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER (TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN EVANSVILLE, INDIANA) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER (TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN EVANSVILLE, INDIANA) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,500.
NHTSA ODI #11089673
143,876 miles · Apr 15, 2018
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING. WITHIN 48HRS I LOST POWER STEERING AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME BECAUSE IT WENT OUT WHILE PICKING UP MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL. A MECHANIC GAVE ME THE DIAGNOSIS OF ERROR B2278. THE SAME CODE IDENTIFIED FOR RECALL 14S05 IN REPLACING THE TORQUE S…
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WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING. WITHIN 48HRS I LOST POWER STEERING AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME BECAUSE IT WENT OUT WHILE PICKING UP MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL. A MECHANIC GAVE ME THE DIAGNOSIS OF ERROR B2278. THE SAME CODE IDENTIFIED FOR RECALL 14S05 IN REPLACING THE TORQUE SENSOR. FORD DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE PROPERLY WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL. A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS DONE INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE FAULTY SENSOR, WHICH FORD IDENTIFIED AS THE SOURCE OF FAILED STEERING ASSISTANCE. I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 WEEKS BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. FORD DID NOT HONOR THE RECALL TO REPLACE THE SENSOR.
NHTSA ODI #11085101
143,750 miles · Apr 9, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
IN MARCH 2018, I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHEN COMING TO A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT AND MAKE A GRINDING SOUND. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS EVERY TIME FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. THEN TOWARD MID MARCH, I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT.IT STATED ON PANEL "POWER STEERING DEFAULT ASSIST." IT T…
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IN MARCH 2018, I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHEN COMING TO A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT AND MAKE A GRINDING SOUND. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS EVERY TIME FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. THEN TOWARD MID MARCH, I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT.IT STATED ON PANEL "POWER STEERING DEFAULT ASSIST." IT TOOK EXTREME EFFORT TO STEER THE WHEEL TO THE SIDE AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY RIGID. BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVE, IT HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN TO MOVE CAR IN APARTMENT PARKING LOT. I GOT THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2017 FROM A CAR DEALER WITH NO WARRANTY. FORD SAYS THIS VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL FOR TORQUE PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE. AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND A SAFETY HAZARD, I WANT THIS VEHICLE VIN ADDED TO RECALL LIST. IF I DRIVE IT ON OPEN ROAD, IT WILL SURELY CAUSE INJURY TO MY FAMILY. I CAN'T EVEN MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI #11084067
126,022 miles · Apr 6, 2018
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONWAY FORD (2393 US-501, CONWAY, SC 29526) WHERE IT WAS D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONWAY FORD (2393 US-501, CONWAY, SC 29526) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONTACT STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE WAS LEFT OVER NIGHT IN A PARKING GARAGE THE STEERING WAS COMPLETELY OUT UPON STARTING VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY STEERING WOULD WORK IS WITH THE HELP WITH ANOTHER PERSON TURNING THE WHEEL. CONTACT STATES IGNITION STOPPED WORKING AS WELL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11083660
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2018
Steering
I HAVE CHECKED IT ONLINE AND SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR SERIES. BUT I NEVER GOT AND UPDATE, OR MAIL FROM FORD, MERCURY FOR THE RECALL. NOW MY CAR HAS THE ISSUE AND CANT EVEN MOVE IT. IT IS FORD RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE CAR RIGHT. THIS IS NOT CAUSED BECAUSE OF DRIVER. I CALL FORD SERVICES AND THEY DONT EVEN WANT TO F…
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I HAVE CHECKED IT ONLINE AND SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR SERIES. BUT I NEVER GOT AND UPDATE, OR MAIL FROM FORD, MERCURY FOR THE RECALL. NOW MY CAR HAS THE ISSUE AND CANT EVEN MOVE IT. IT IS FORD RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE CAR RIGHT. THIS IS NOT CAUSED BECAUSE OF DRIVER. I CALL FORD SERVICES AND THEY DONT EVEN WANT TO FIX IT FOR THE CAR WHICH HAS A RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11083313
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringWheels
SENSOR IN STERING WHEEL IS BAD,ALSO JERKS WHEN IT SHIFTS
NHTSA ODI #11082691
205,000 miles · Mar 27, 2018
Steering
WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING FAILED DURING INTERSECTION TURN. NO ACCIDENT, JUST WRESTLED STEERING WHEEL THROUGH PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC SAID FAILURE WAS "STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR". UPON RESEARCH, I FOUND THIS SEEMS TO BE PART OF A RECALL THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF (REF 14V284000 ISSUED 5/29/2014 -- ALSO REF FORD 14S05). CALLE…
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WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING FAILED DURING INTERSECTION TURN. NO ACCIDENT, JUST WRESTLED STEERING WHEEL THROUGH PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC SAID FAILURE WAS "STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR". UPON RESEARCH, I FOUND THIS SEEMS TO BE PART OF A RECALL THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF (REF 14V284000 ISSUED 5/29/2014 -- ALSO REF FORD 14S05). CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR VERIFICATION. COULD NOT GET VERIFICATION OF PAST QUALIFICATION FOR MY VIN, JUST THAT "NONE OPEN NOW". SAID FOR RECALL IN QUESTION, THAT FORD MANAGEMENT HAD SINCE CLOSED THAT RECALL AS COMPLETE. HOW CAN I VERIFY THAT MY VIN ORIGINALLY PART OF THAT RECALL? AND IF SO, IS THERE NO RELIEF AVAILABLE? EXPENSIVE REPAIR -- $500+.
NHTSA ODI #11081560
240,000 miles · Mar 20, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (BOWKER FORD IN PONCA CITY, OK) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT ASS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (BOWKER FORD IN PONCA CITY, OK) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
NHTSA ODI #11080334
Official recalls
3Sep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Sep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
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.
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
2DP15001 · 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
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.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 CONTINUE TO
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