Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
160–25K
2125–50K
4450–75K
5275–100K
82100–150K
36150K+
251 reports with mileage · 64 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.
Steering. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
315 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2024
Electrical SystemSteering
My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is no…
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My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is now completely out. The dealer tested my SUV and stated that the entire steering column needs to be replaced. They claim that the problem has nothing to do with the recall, but I don't believe them. My issue is the exact same issue that prompted the recall in the first place. I should not have to pay for a failed recall repair. I think it's possible that the original dealership faked the repair, or simply chose the cheapest (but not proper) option to save themselves time and money. My shoulder is now damaged due to driving without power steering for so long. I need an honest evaluation of my vehicle and an investigation into whether or not the original dealer performed the proper repair. I would assume that the issue wouldn't come back if it had been repaired properly the first time.
NHTSA ODI #11563540
150,000 miles · Dec 14, 2023
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the steering wheel was jerking independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the power steering warn…
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The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the steering wheel was jerking independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11560107
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System
Charcoal canister and purge valve defective stuck at open. Check engine light, dropped fuel economy. Forced vehicle to shut off engine and no power, stop on freeway at full speed.
NHTSA ODI #11558739
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2023
Steering
The electronic power steering is not working and have already replaced the torque sensor twice. I need a ECM and steering column to fix it.
NHTSA ODI #11552540
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2023
Steering
Purchased used car in what appeared to be very good condition. Within a few months, Power Steering Failure. Very difficult and dangerous to drive without power steering. Need car for work.
NHTSA ODI #11542465
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2023
Steering
About 3 months ago, my power steering started to fail. After researching to find out the problem, we learned that my car does not have a power steering pump, as it is electronic. I learned that my car had a recall from Ford pertaining to the power steering failing. I called Ford and they told me that my car was part of the recal…
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About 3 months ago, my power steering started to fail. After researching to find out the problem, we learned that my car does not have a power steering pump, as it is electronic. I learned that my car had a recall from Ford pertaining to the power steering failing. I called Ford and they told me that my car was part of the recall and was "fixed" in 2015. A month ago I took it to a Ford dealership to have them do a diagnostic on my car and they informed me that it was my power steering torque sensor, which I already knew this by researching the issue. The issue now lies in the fact that the part is on back order and there is no available date. I believe that Ford should have replaced the parts needed instead of doing a "bandaid fix" by doing a software update, which they knew would not be the fix to the problem. Ford got away with not fixing something that is very dangerous to those who drive the Mercury Mariners. Mine is an 2009 and it is now dangerous on the highways to drive. I would like to add that while driving my car now with this issue, my battery light comes on, which is also a known issue to Ford.
NHTSA ODI #11538597
Mileage unknown · May 11, 2023
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control
The PCM shorts out and fails when sparkplug and Coil packs replaced this cause the steering system to fail speedometer to quit and no transmission connection
NHTSA ODI #11521608
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2023
Steering
Power steering failed during left hand turn, and I ran car into a yard
NHTSA ODI #11520043
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Steering
Driving and my steering totally quit...almost wrecked it was so hard to control. Had not had any previous issues prior to this. I had my vehicle towed to mechanic and code that came up says steering assist has failed and will need to replace whole steering column assembly. There was no warning light...nothing! Upon my researc…
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Driving and my steering totally quit...almost wrecked it was so hard to control. Had not had any previous issues prior to this. I had my vehicle towed to mechanic and code that came up says steering assist has failed and will need to replace whole steering column assembly. There was no warning light...nothing! Upon my research, I see this is a frequent problem and there was a recall (1 million vehicles) but only for certain models, and of course mine is not one, in fact I haven't read any reports where the steering column was replaced, only reprogrammed and then the problem comes back. My car was manufactured at the Kansas City plant, which I have seen complaints numerous times for this problem coming out of this facility. Mechanic contacted Ford to inquire about the part...was told it was a 6 month minimum time to get the parts!! 6 months...am I just SOL for 6 months since my car cannot be driven safely? I purchased a Ford because they were not part of the government buyout...big mistake. At this point, I cant have it repaired with no parts. They know this is an ongoing problem, yet refuse to do anything about it.
NHTSA ODI #11510684
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2023
Power TrainSteering
I have been intermittently losing power steering. The code is B1342. After researching, it looks like Ford is aware of this problem but is unwilling to fix the issue. This fix must be done at a dealership since it is a software issue and going to cost $2,000. Obviously losing power steering when going at fast speeds is incredibl…
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I have been intermittently losing power steering. The code is B1342. After researching, it looks like Ford is aware of this problem but is unwilling to fix the issue. This fix must be done at a dealership since it is a software issue and going to cost $2,000. Obviously losing power steering when going at fast speeds is incredibly dangerous for myself and others. There is no check engine light that comes on when the issue arises.
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
2
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
2009 Mercury Mariner Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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