NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
120 reportsClear category filter63,250 miles · Dec 7, 2020
Service Brakes
IT STARTED EARLY THANKSGIVINGS(11/26/2020) DRIVE AS I WAS COMING TO MY 4TH/5TH STOP OF THE MORNING, I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND FELT MY BRAKE PEDAL SINK WITH SLIGHT TO NO PRESSURE, NO RESPONSE. I PANICKED AND I REMEMBER PUMPING THE BRAKE RAPIDLY TO BUILD PRESSURE, BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED, I DID FEEL I SLIG…
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IT STARTED EARLY THANKSGIVINGS(11/26/2020) DRIVE AS I WAS COMING TO MY 4TH/5TH STOP OF THE MORNING, I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND FELT MY BRAKE PEDAL SINK WITH SLIGHT TO NO PRESSURE, NO RESPONSE. I PANICKED AND I REMEMBER PUMPING THE BRAKE RAPIDLY TO BUILD PRESSURE, BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED, I DID FEEL I SLIGHT JERK AND HEARD A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE BOTTOM ENGINE AREA. I MUST OF GONE OVER A POTHOLE THAT MADE MY TRUCK FEEL LIKE I JUMPED THE CURVE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35-45MPH. AFTER A FEW RAPID BRAKE PEDAL PUMPS MY VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP ON TIME BEFORE RUNNING THE LIGHT, LUCKILY I WAS ALONE IN THE STREET THAT EARLY MORNING. AS OF TODAY THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL FEEL MUSHY/SPONGY LACK OF PRESSURE AND SCARY UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11378263
12 miles · Nov 26, 2020
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
DRIVING FOR THE 1ST COUPLE OF MILES WAS FINE. PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR 1ST TIME AT FRIENDS HOUSE THEN 2ND TIME AFTER GAS STATION STOP. AFTER CAR WAS RE~ENTERED ONTO THE ROAD IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON. THIS WAS AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC CO…
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DRIVING FOR THE 1ST COUPLE OF MILES WAS FINE. PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR 1ST TIME AT FRIENDS HOUSE THEN 2ND TIME AFTER GAS STATION STOP. AFTER CAR WAS RE~ENTERED ONTO THE ROAD IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON. THIS WAS AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND STARTED RESEARCHING . AFTER TALKING TO FRIENDS AT PARTS STORE HE WAS TOLD THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ONLY HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS SO I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING ANY WAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS. IT IS POSSIBLE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BUT HAS MOVED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS, OR WILL FORD CONTACT ME SINCE TITLE IS NOW IN MY NAME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11376465
113,000 miles · Oct 23, 2020
Service Brakes
ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS REGEN BRAKES DISABLED. HAD IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD HCU IS BAD. FROM EVERYTHING I'VE READ AND BEEN TOLD FORD SHOULD'VE ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11365875
140,000 miles · Oct 3, 2020
Service Brakes
AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE CALIPERS AND BRAKES PADS NEVER RELEASED FROM THE ROTOR! THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND THE BRAKES/ROTORS AND WHEELS TO GET VERY HOT. A SERVICE STATION SAID IT APPEARS THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT IS STICKING, NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO COME OFF OF THE ROTOR. I …
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AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE CALIPERS AND BRAKES PADS NEVER RELEASED FROM THE ROTOR! THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND THE BRAKES/ROTORS AND WHEELS TO GET VERY HOT. A SERVICE STATION SAID IT APPEARS THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT IS STICKING, NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO COME OFF OF THE ROTOR. I HAVE READ THAT THE FORD FUSION HAS THIS SAME ISSUE AND A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
NHTSA ODI #11362559
73,000 miles · Oct 1, 2020
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME SOFT AND STICKY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL REMAINED ON THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS FLUSHED, INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, AND REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID HOWEVER, THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME SOFT AND STICKY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL REMAINED ON THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS FLUSHED, INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, AND REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #11362306
105,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
EngineService Brakes
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK BRAKES TOOK TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AND MODULE THAT WAS GOING OUT. THEY WAITED ME A PRICE OF 2400 DOLLARS TO GET A NEW MODULE AND 1200 TO INSTALL. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE I…
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WHILE DRIVING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK BRAKES TOOK TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AND MODULE THAT WAS GOING OUT. THEY WAITED ME A PRICE OF 2400 DOLLARS TO GET A NEW MODULE AND 1200 TO INSTALL. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT HOME THE TWO LIGHTS CAME ON AND ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT. I CALLED A WEAKER AND HAD IT DROPPED OFF AT MY HOUSE.
NHTSA ODI #11355678
215,561 miles · Sep 4, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
SUDDENLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI #11353193
185,000 miles · Aug 28, 2020
Service Brakes
BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR WHEN I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. DIAGNOSIS AS ABS MODUEL/PUMP & BRAIN. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OVER $3,000 AT FORD DEALER. ON JUST ONE WEB SITE, CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE ABS MODUEL ON THE 2008-09 FORD ESCAPE. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ACCIDENT…
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BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR WHEN I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. DIAGNOSIS AS ABS MODUEL/PUMP & BRAIN. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OVER $3,000 AT FORD DEALER. ON JUST ONE WEB SITE, CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE ABS MODUEL ON THE 2008-09 FORD ESCAPE. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS & INJURIES, NO DEATHS THAT I CAN FIND. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER SERVICE REP I SPOKE TOO. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS SAFETY ISSUE VIA A RECALL ON THE ABS MODUEL IN ALL 2008-09 FORD ESCAPES.
NHTSA ODI #11351792
139,000 miles · Jul 26, 2020
Service Brakes
ON HOT DAYS THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS THE FOLLOWING ERROR "ABS LIGHT ON REGEN BRAKES DISABLED". THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. IT ALMOST FEELS AS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP AND TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO COME TO A STOP. IN A SITUATION WHERE AN IMMEDIATE STOP WOULD BE NECCESSARY THIS ERROR IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN A …
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ON HOT DAYS THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS THE FOLLOWING ERROR "ABS LIGHT ON REGEN BRAKES DISABLED". THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. IT ALMOST FEELS AS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP AND TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO COME TO A STOP. IN A SITUATION WHERE AN IMMEDIATE STOP WOULD BE NECCESSARY THIS ERROR IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN A VEHICLE COLLISION. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURING ALL OF THIS YEAR (2020) ON DAYS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 85 DEGREES. THE MOST RECENT BEING ON JULY 25, 2020. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS.
NHTSA ODI #11341526
197,655 miles · Jul 22, 2020
Service Brakes
I GOT THIS VEHICLE IN 2019,THE BRAKES STARTED ACTING UP OFF AND ON,THEN IN 2020,AS OF JULY 1,MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE OUT SHOPPING.WHEN I SAY THE BRAKES WERE ACTING UP,THIS IS NOT LIKE MOST BRAKES WOULD DO.FEEL SQUISHY,GO TO THE FLOOR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.I WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN,PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE,AND IT DOES NOT GIVE…
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I GOT THIS VEHICLE IN 2019,THE BRAKES STARTED ACTING UP OFF AND ON,THEN IN 2020,AS OF JULY 1,MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE OUT SHOPPING.WHEN I SAY THE BRAKES WERE ACTING UP,THIS IS NOT LIKE MOST BRAKES WOULD DO.FEEL SQUISHY,GO TO THE FLOOR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.I WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN,PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE,AND IT DOES NOT GIVE AT ALL.JUST KEPT GOING.I FINALLY SHOVED IT INTO PARK AND IT STOPPED.THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 OR 4 TIMES THAT DAY..WENT THROUGH 2 STOP SIGNS,UNABLE TO STOP.I HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE THE 1ST OF JULY.ALSO,I THINK THE STARTER WENT OUT IN IT.WAS UNABLE TO START IT ANYMORE.
NHTSA ODI #11340949
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
3DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
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.
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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