NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter67,000 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Steering
FOR THE PAST 4-5 DAYS, THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT COMPLETELY WHENEVER I TRIED TO MANEUVER IN PARKING SPACES. I WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON TO REGAIN POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE. TONIGHT AS I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN, LUCKILY IN FRONT OF A SERVICE STATION WHERE I WAS AB…
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FOR THE PAST 4-5 DAYS, THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT COMPLETELY WHENEVER I TRIED TO MANEUVER IN PARKING SPACES. I WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON TO REGAIN POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE. TONIGHT AS I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN, LUCKILY IN FRONT OF A SERVICE STATION WHERE I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN SLOWLY AND WAS TOLD I HAVE AN ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY MODEL YEAR FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE BUT WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE IT FIXED, THEY ALL TOLD ME MY VIN WASN'T COVERED IN THE RECALL AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11060850
158,000 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (BLUE SPRING FORD, 3200 S. OUTER RD, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (BLUE SPRING FORD, 3200 S. OUTER RD, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN JULY OF 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) IN WHICH THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA ODI #11060792
138,500 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Steering
WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS A DISTANCE OF 2 INCHES BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN. WHEN I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON RECENTLY, AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING "ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AND THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. AFTER TURNING IT A CERTAIN D…
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WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS A DISTANCE OF 2 INCHES BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN. WHEN I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON RECENTLY, AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING "ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AND THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. AFTER TURNING IT A CERTAIN DISTANCE IT FREED UP AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO MY NEXT DESTINATION WITHOUT ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS BESIDES THE WHEEL TRYING TO TURN ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI #11060788
104,000 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING REQUIRED EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. HUNTINGTON FORD (2890 S ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE DEALER WANTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING REQUIRED EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. HUNTINGTON FORD (2890 S ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE A $100 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AT THE SAME DEALER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REMEDY AS AUTHORIZED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #11060760
120,000 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Steering
SUDDEN TEMPORARY FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING, THE DEALER SAID THE TORQUE SENSOR IS FAILING. THEY DID THE REPROGRAM IN AUGUST 2017, NOW FORD WILL NOT FIX BECAUSE THE RECALL HAS BEEN DONE AND THEIR WERE NO CODES IN PCM, GUESS WE ACTED TOO SOON ON A RECALL, IF THE SENSOR WAS BAD IN AUGUST THEY WOULD'VE COVERED IT. THEY W…
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SUDDEN TEMPORARY FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING, THE DEALER SAID THE TORQUE SENSOR IS FAILING. THEY DID THE REPROGRAM IN AUGUST 2017, NOW FORD WILL NOT FIX BECAUSE THE RECALL HAS BEEN DONE AND THEIR WERE NO CODES IN PCM, GUESS WE ACTED TOO SOON ON A RECALL, IF THE SENSOR WAS BAD IN AUGUST THEY WOULD'VE COVERED IT. THEY WANT $600 TO REPLACE A PART THAT THEY KNOW IS FAILING AND CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS.
NHTSA ODI #11060732
135,100 miles · Jan 4, 2018
Steering
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS AND CAR IS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, WITH VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS IS NOT A NUISANCE, IT IS TOTALLY UNSAFE AS CAR CONTROL IS LOST WHEN THIS HAPPENS. RECALLS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INITIATED SURROUNDING THIS PROBLEM, I NEED TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS THE CASE. FORD …
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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS AND CAR IS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, WITH VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS IS NOT A NUISANCE, IT IS TOTALLY UNSAFE AS CAR CONTROL IS LOST WHEN THIS HAPPENS. RECALLS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INITIATED SURROUNDING THIS PROBLEM, I NEED TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS THE CASE. FORD MUST STAND BEHIND FIXING THIS UNSAFE CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI #11058559
127,000 miles · Jan 3, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED ZEIGLER FORD PLAINWELL AT (269) 685-5801 (1260…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED ZEIGLER FORD PLAINWELL AT (269) 685-5801 (1260 M-89 SUITE 200, PLAINWELL, MI 49080) AND COULD NOT BE ASSISTED DUE TO COMPUTER ISSUES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
NHTSA ODI #11058202
241,000 miles · Jan 2, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING. AFTERWARDS WHEN I WOULD IDLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SHAKY MAKING A LOUD NOISE. NOW IT SHAKES EVEN WHEN I'M DRIVING AND WILL GET JERKY OR STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I'M STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN I'M PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY! FROM WHAT…
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I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING. AFTERWARDS WHEN I WOULD IDLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SHAKY MAKING A LOUD NOISE. NOW IT SHAKES EVEN WHEN I'M DRIVING AND WILL GET JERKY OR STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I'M STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN I'M PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY! FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS HAPPENS TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER FORD OWNERS. THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY GIVES OUT AND THEY WANT YOU TO PAY $1,500 TO HAVE THE WHOLE COLUMN REPLACED!
NHTSA ODI #11058036
204,542 miles · Dec 29, 2017
Steering
RECALL STEERING -AFTER HAVING A "SOFTWARE" UPDATES ON A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT IN 2014 FOR FORD RECALL #14S05, NOW IN 2017 MY STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING WHILE AT A STOP BOTH IN AND OUT OF GEAR. RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM COULD BE A TORQUE STEERING SENSOR OR A FULL BLOWN STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT. BOTH MAY LEAD TO INOPERABLE POWER…
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RECALL STEERING -AFTER HAVING A "SOFTWARE" UPDATES ON A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT IN 2014 FOR FORD RECALL #14S05, NOW IN 2017 MY STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING WHILE AT A STOP BOTH IN AND OUT OF GEAR. RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM COULD BE A TORQUE STEERING SENSOR OR A FULL BLOWN STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT. BOTH MAY LEAD TO INOPERABLE POWER STEERING OR STEERING AS WELL. LOCAL FORD DEALER QUOTED $800 FOR TORQUE SENSOR REPLACEMENT OR $1800 FOR FULL STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA ODI #11057330
125,836 miles · Dec 28, 2017
Steering
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO WITH 125,000 MILES ON IT & THE STEERING WAS GREAT! WE HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR ABOUT 1,000 MILES. WHEN I GOT IN AND STARTED THE VEHICLE THE STEERING IS SO TIGHT I CAN NOT TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION! I HAD TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE IN THE STORE PARKING LOT & HAVE MY HUSBAND GO THERE AND DR…
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WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO WITH 125,000 MILES ON IT & THE STEERING WAS GREAT! WE HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR ABOUT 1,000 MILES. WHEN I GOT IN AND STARTED THE VEHICLE THE STEERING IS SO TIGHT I CAN NOT TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION! I HAD TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE IN THE STORE PARKING LOT & HAVE MY HUSBAND GO THERE AND DRIVE IT HOME. WE CHECKED WITH DEALER AND THEY INFORMED US THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON OUR VEHICLE. SO WE WENT ONLINE & FOUND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM, WITH FORD DOING NOTHING TO HELP.
NHTSA ODI #11057063
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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