NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter175,000 miles · Oct 28, 2019
Steering
LAST WINTER I CAME OUT OF WORK TO GO HOME. WENT TO LEAVE AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING, I HAD TO DRIVE HOME VERY CAREFULLY, TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REPLACED THAT. IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS THEN LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN. THIS TIME IT IS THE STEERING COLUMN. THE PART IS $1,200 PLUS TA,…
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LAST WINTER I CAME OUT OF WORK TO GO HOME. WENT TO LEAVE AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING, I HAD TO DRIVE HOME VERY CAREFULLY, TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REPLACED THAT. IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS THEN LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN. THIS TIME IT IS THE STEERING COLUMN. THE PART IS $1,200 PLUS TA, THIS IS MY MECHANICS COST!! I DONT HAVE MONEY TO REPLACE THIS, I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND HAVE PUT MORE THAN $7,000 IN THIS TRUCK IF I COULD GET RID OF IT I WOULD. I OWE TOO MUCH MONEY ON IT!
NHTSA ODI #11271556
162,000 miles · Oct 2, 2019
Steering
RECEIVED RECALL LETTER, TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAFETY RECALL. THE FORD DEALER, SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL AND EVERYTHING IS GOOD TO GO. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR LAST WEEK AND WHILE DRIVING IT THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. 10/02/2019 TODAY WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE RECALL WA…
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RECEIVED RECALL LETTER, TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAFETY RECALL. THE FORD DEALER, SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL AND EVERYTHING IS GOOD TO GO. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR LAST WEEK AND WHILE DRIVING IT THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. 10/02/2019 TODAY WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE RECALL WAS DONE, AT FIRST THEY SAID IT WASN'T DONE AND WHEN WE PRODUCED OUR SERVICE SHEET, AND THEN THEY TRIED TO BACK TRACKED AND SAID OH YES WE DID, BUT WE DIDN'T REPLACE THE MODULE BECAUSE IT DIDN'T HAVE THE 'CODES'. THEY REFUSED TO ATTEND TO OUR CONCERN AND SAID THEY WERE NOT GOING TO LOOK AT IT OR PERFORM THE RECALL BECAUSE IT'S BEYOND THE TIME FRAME. MY ISSUE IS THEY DID NOT DO THE RECALL THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO PER RECALL DATES, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT AT THE TIME AND WAS TRYING TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY.SHE WAS REALLY SHAKEN UP BY IT, THANK GOD SHE WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T MAKE THE TURN WITH EXTREME USE OF HER ARMS. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE THE RECALL ONLY IDENTIFIES VEHICLES MADE IN KANSAS CITY, SO YOURS MAY NOT BE AFFECTED, WE SAID OURS IS. BUT HE STILL DID NOT WANT TO FIX THE RECALL ON MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS -ALL AMERICAN FORD, IN ONEONTA, ALABAMA. 35121
NHTSA ODI #11265757
125,000 miles · Oct 1, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
TODAY IS 10/1/2019. I DROPPED MY KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL CAME HOME AND MY NEIGHBOR SON HAD MISSED THE BUS. I WAS ON MY WAY TO TAKE HIM TO SCHOOL WHEN AFTER I STARTED MY CAR MY STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG SO I PARKED IT AND TRIED TO REVERSE AND TURN THE WHEEL AGAIN SAME THING HAPPENED. MY…
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TODAY IS 10/1/2019. I DROPPED MY KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL CAME HOME AND MY NEIGHBOR SON HAD MISSED THE BUS. I WAS ON MY WAY TO TAKE HIM TO SCHOOL WHEN AFTER I STARTED MY CAR MY STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG SO I PARKED IT AND TRIED TO REVERSE AND TURN THE WHEEL AGAIN SAME THING HAPPENED. MY ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL HAS GONE OUT OR IS NO LONGER WORKING THERE WAS A RECALL BEFORE I GOT THE VEHICLE 14S05 BUT WITH PREVIOUS OWNER. I WENT TO 3 DIFFERENT PLACES SAYING THE SAME THING HOW CAN A RECALL THAT CLAIMS TO BE FIXED NOT BE FIXED THANK GOD MY TRUCK WAS PARKED ALREADY SO NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT COULD COST 800-1800 AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A FORD PLACE SO DISAPPOINTED. I PURCHASE THE TRUCK IN 2017 SO APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS LATER AND THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11265438
197,000 miles · Sep 26, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN FORD DEALER TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) IN AUGUST OF 2014. THE DEALER UPDATED THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE MANUFACTUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN FORD DEALER TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) IN AUGUST OF 2014. THE DEALER UPDATED THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
NHTSA ODI #11258437
367,865 miles · Sep 1, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension
POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING LOST IT ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING, PASSENGER'S FRONT WINDOW HAS LOST POWER. LOST IT WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA ODI #11252712
160,000 miles · Aug 30, 2019
Steering
THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORKING AFTER PARKING IT AND THEN WHEN I STARTED IT TO LEAVE I HAD NO POWER STEERING
NHTSA ODI #11252510
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING FROM MIDLAND TEXAS TO EL PASO TEXAS ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT STATED SAFELY STOP THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAN BE THE MEC PUMP BUT WHEN CALLING FORD AND PUTTING IT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT DOESN'T SHOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE O…
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WHILE DRIVING FROM MIDLAND TEXAS TO EL PASO TEXAS ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT STATED SAFELY STOP THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAN BE THE MEC PUMP BUT WHEN CALLING FORD AND PUTTING IT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT DOESN'T SHOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE ONES THAT PARTICULAR HAS A RECALL ON, IT IS ALSO HAVING STEERING ISSUES PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, YET STILL THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS LOOSE
NHTSA ODI #11246495
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2019
Steering
TURNED VEHICLE ON PULLED OUT OF DRIVE WAY NOTICED IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN , WENT FURTHER DOWN ROAD TRIED TO TURN ON CROSS STREET AND STILL HAD NO GIVE .POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY LOST IN THE CAR TO TURN THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH . VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11244008
164,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Steering
ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE NO POWER/ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHEN PARKED YESTERDAY I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO MOVE FORWARD ONLY TO HAVE NO STEERING. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, STILL NOTHING. RESTARTED CAR ONE MORE TIME AND STEERING WORKED. TODAY THE STEERING WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME…
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ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE NO POWER/ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHEN PARKED YESTERDAY I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO MOVE FORWARD ONLY TO HAVE NO STEERING. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, STILL NOTHING. RESTARTED CAR ONE MORE TIME AND STEERING WORKED. TODAY THE STEERING WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH MANUAL STEERING. I HAD THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN REPLACE WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS FOR A TOLAL OF $1400
NHTSA ODI #11234906
160,000 miles · Jul 12, 2019
SteeringInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A LOT OF NOISE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS P…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A LOT OF NOISE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING ISSUE CAUSED A REINJURY TO THE BACK.*JS
NHTSA ODI #11231238
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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