NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter103,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE WRENCH SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE WRENCH SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10938571
60,000 miles · Dec 28, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WAS UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WAS UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10938316
125,000 miles · Dec 27, 2016
Steering
ACUTE LOSS OF POWER STEERING; ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHILE TURNING. I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN. MY DAUGHTER, WHO USUALLY DRIVES THIS CAR, WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND SAFELY STOP ALONG THE CURB.
NHTSA ODI #10937629
46,608 miles · Dec 23, 2016
EnginePower TrainSteering
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION 14S05 FROM FORD ABOUT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE RECALL WAS FOR A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR THAT WOULD EITHER BE REPROGRAMMED OR REPLACED. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE TORQUE SENSOR, FORD SERVICE DECIDED TO JUST REPROGRAM IT BECAUSE IT HAD NOT FAILED OR PRODUCED A SERVICE CODE. JUST RECENTLY THE TORQUE SENS…
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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION 14S05 FROM FORD ABOUT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE RECALL WAS FOR A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR THAT WOULD EITHER BE REPROGRAMMED OR REPLACED. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE TORQUE SENSOR, FORD SERVICE DECIDED TO JUST REPROGRAM IT BECAUSE IT HAD NOT FAILED OR PRODUCED A SERVICE CODE. JUST RECENTLY THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND MY STEERING LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT. I DID NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL AND HAD TO JUST STOP AND LEAVE THE CAR IN THE LOT UNTIL SOMEONE COULD COME HELP ME. I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIR AND AM BEING TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED AND NOW I MUST PAY THEM TO REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR. AFTER SPENDING TIME RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD IS ONLY REPLACING THE SENSORS IF THEY HAVE ALREADY FAILED WHEN YOU BRING YOUR CAR IN FOR THE RECALL. IF IT HAS NOT FAILED THEN FORD ONLY DOES A REPROGRAMMING THAT DOESN'T PREVENT THEM FROM FAILING BUT ALLOWS FORD TO CLOSE OUT THE RECALL ON YOUR VEHICLE AND SAVE MONEY ON A REPLACEMENT PART. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS LEGAL FOR THEM TO DO. I TALKED TO SEVERAL OF FORD'S SERVICE MANAGERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES AND THEY ALL GIVE THE STANDARD REHEARSED ANSWER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10937303
110,100 miles · Dec 23, 2016
Steering
WHILE DRIVING UP A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD IN LAKE TAHOE, CA, THE POWER STEERING JUST QUIT WORKING AS WE WERE MAKING A LEFT HAND CURVE. FROM THAT POINT ON, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. IT WAS LIKE DRIVING A CAR THROUGH QUICKSAND. THE SLOWER THE SPEED, THE HARDER TO TURN. MY HUSBAND DID THE RESEARCH, AND SAW THAT A RECALL HAD BEE…
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WHILE DRIVING UP A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD IN LAKE TAHOE, CA, THE POWER STEERING JUST QUIT WORKING AS WE WERE MAKING A LEFT HAND CURVE. FROM THAT POINT ON, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. IT WAS LIKE DRIVING A CAR THROUGH QUICKSAND. THE SLOWER THE SPEED, THE HARDER TO TURN. MY HUSBAND DID THE RESEARCH, AND SAW THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. WE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING BUT HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD TO TAKE IN FOR A "FLASH" SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING FOR THE CAR. WE TOOK INTO FORD DEALER IN AUGUST 2015. OBVIOUSLY, THE RECALL IS MORE SERIOUS THAN THE FIX THAT WAS APPLIED AND DID NOT KEEP US FROM LOSING THE POWER STEERING IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORD CLAIMS THAT THEY DID THEY RECALL, AND THEY ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. I CALL FOUL! THEIR TEMPORARY FIX DID NOT HOLD. I HAVE BEEN POURING OVER FORD FORUMS AND SEE MANY, MANY FORD ESCAPES ARE DOING EXACT SAME THING, LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AND FORD IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. HOW MAY I GET A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT STARTED FOR THIS ISSUE VS FORD? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10937282
105,000 miles · Dec 23, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY STIFF. EVENTUALLY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED IN 2015 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY STIFF. EVENTUALLY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED IN 2015 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10937203
122,000 miles · Dec 21, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIGOROUSLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA ODI #10936680
100,000 miles · Dec 21, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10936678
101,000 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Steering
TORQUE SENSOR AFTER THE EPS MODULE/TORQUE SENSOR SOFTWARE UPDATE IS MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN, WHEEL MOVES ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY THE WHEEL TAKES "PHANTOM" MOVEMENTS WITH NO OPERATOR ENCOURAGEMENT. THE UPDATE FROM THE RECALL REGARDING THE TORQUE SENSOR DID NOT EFFECTIVELY FIX THE PROBLEM, THE PART NEEDS TO BE REPLA…
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TORQUE SENSOR AFTER THE EPS MODULE/TORQUE SENSOR SOFTWARE UPDATE IS MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN, WHEEL MOVES ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY THE WHEEL TAKES "PHANTOM" MOVEMENTS WITH NO OPERATOR ENCOURAGEMENT. THE UPDATE FROM THE RECALL REGARDING THE TORQUE SENSOR DID NOT EFFECTIVELY FIX THE PROBLEM, THE PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN A RECALL. I HAVE REVIEWED AND READ NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THERE IS IN FACT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CA AGAINST FORD RIGHT NOW FOR COMPENSATION IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. FORD IS DENYING THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COST IS GREATER THAN SEPARATE LAWSUITS. NHTSA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10936482
157,000 miles · Dec 18, 2016
Steering
2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT IDLE FOR APPROX. 500 MILES THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT. WRENCH LIGHT WENT ON THE DASH, THEN POWER STEERING TOTALLY GONE. I COULD HARDLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET IT HOME WHICH WAS 7 MILES AWAY. 3 MONTHS BEFORE …
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2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT IDLE FOR APPROX. 500 MILES THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT. WRENCH LIGHT WENT ON THE DASH, THEN POWER STEERING TOTALLY GONE. I COULD HARDLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET IT HOME WHICH WAS 7 MILES AWAY. 3 MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING IN AUGUST! I HAD A NEW AIR CONDITIONER INSTALLED, THEN A WEEK LATER 2 BLENDER MOTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE AC WAS BLOWING HOT AIR AND HEATER BLEW COLD AIR. THIS MODEL MUST BE A LEMON. AT THIS POINT I THINK THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE! I HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS FROM FORD. I HOPE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL BUT AFTER RESEARCHING IT SOUNDS LIKE FORD IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10936052
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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