NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,127 reportsClear category filter99,350 miles · Apr 11, 2016
Steering
I HAD THE RECALL ISSUE FOR THE POWER STEERING ADDRESSED AND WAS TOLD IT ONLY NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. 5000 MILES LATER THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE CONSTANTLY WHILE PARKED OR MOVING. NOW MY WIFE LOST TOTAL POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. WE CALLED THE DEALER WHO GAVE US THE SOFTWARE UPDATE AND WE WERE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING E…
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I HAD THE RECALL ISSUE FOR THE POWER STEERING ADDRESSED AND WAS TOLD IT ONLY NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. 5000 MILES LATER THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE CONSTANTLY WHILE PARKED OR MOVING. NOW MY WIFE LOST TOTAL POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. WE CALLED THE DEALER WHO GAVE US THE SOFTWARE UPDATE AND WE WERE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT US PAYING FOR IT.
NHTSA ODI #10854694
81,798 miles · Apr 1, 2016
Steering
LOW SPEED TURNS, ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST FAILS TO ASSIST IN RETURNING WHEELS TO STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. WHEELS CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO FORWARD POSITION WITH SOME EFFORT. HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY, EVERY DAY AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THERE IS HIGHER TORQUE ON THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA ODI #10853018
52,000 miles · Mar 31, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND AND SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FAILED. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLICKING SOUND AND SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND FAILED. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER A RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2014 FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #10852821
144,000 miles · Mar 31, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V28400 (STEERING) IN 2015, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED IN 2016. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
NHTSA ODI #10852778
144,000 miles · Mar 30, 2016
Steering
JULY 2014 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING TORQUE SENSOR/STEERING COLUMN, I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP (STIVERS FORD/LINCOLN IN WAUKEE IOWA) WHERE THEY TOOK APPROX. 5 MINS TO DO WHATEVER IT WAS THEY WERE TO DO REGARDING THE RECALL. I WAS NOT HAVING ANY ISSUES WITH MY CAR AT THAT TIME. APPROX. 3 WEEKS AGO (MARCH 2016) I S…
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JULY 2014 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING TORQUE SENSOR/STEERING COLUMN, I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP (STIVERS FORD/LINCOLN IN WAUKEE IOWA) WHERE THEY TOOK APPROX. 5 MINS TO DO WHATEVER IT WAS THEY WERE TO DO REGARDING THE RECALL. I WAS NOT HAVING ANY ISSUES WITH MY CAR AT THAT TIME. APPROX. 3 WEEKS AGO (MARCH 2016) I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND MOVING BACK/FORTH AT ALL TIMES WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN IDLING, ON HIGHWAY AND STREETS AND BEING PARKED, ALONG WITH ODD NOISES WHEN DRIVING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP (STIVERS FORD/LINCOLN IN WAUKEE IOWA) YESTERDAY (MARCH 29, 2016) TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THAT I NEEDED A NEW TORQUE SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE RECALL OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FROM JULY 2014, THE GUY IN THE SERVICE DEPT (STEVE) CALLED FORD MOTORS AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COSTS. I CALLED FORD MOTORS TODAY (MARCH 30, 2016) AT THEIR RETAIL NUMBER, THE FEMALE TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COSTS AND SAID THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND I SHOULD OF HAD IT FIXED THEN. (THERE WAS NO ISSUES AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL WITH MY VEHICLE AND I DID TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER). FORD MOTORS KNEW/KNOWS OF THE DEFAULTING PARTS (HENCE THE RECALL IN 2014), THEY SHOULD COVER THESE PARTS NOW. MOST CARS DO NOT GO OUT RIGHT AT THE TIME OF A RECALL. MY VEHICLE TOOK OVER A YEAR TO GO OUT SINCE THE RECALL, I HAVE FOUND FORD MOTORS TO BE VERY DISHONEST. THE SERVICE MAN I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME HE WAS WITH ME ON THIS ISSUE AND BELIEVED THAT FORD MOTORS SHOULD COVER THESE COSTS FOR REPAIRS OF THE TORQUE SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN. RECALL LETTER STATES: ALTERNATIVELY, THE DEALER MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR OR THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR.
NHTSA ODI #10852559
101,000 miles · Mar 30, 2016
Steering
MY VEHICLE WAS DRIVING FINE WHEN IT STARTED CHIMING. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHY IT WAS MAKING THE NOISE. IT DID THIS 3 TIMES AND THEN A SMALL WRENCH SIGNAL SHOWED UP ON THE PANEL. I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN ALL OF THIS HAPPENED. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO STEERING! SCARED ME TO DEATH. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME, THANK GOODNESS! TH…
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MY VEHICLE WAS DRIVING FINE WHEN IT STARTED CHIMING. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHY IT WAS MAKING THE NOISE. IT DID THIS 3 TIMES AND THEN A SMALL WRENCH SIGNAL SHOWED UP ON THE PANEL. I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN ALL OF THIS HAPPENED. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO STEERING! SCARED ME TO DEATH. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME, THANK GOODNESS! THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT NOT MY VIN NUMBER!
NHTSA ODI #10852470
74,000 miles · Mar 22, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE MAINTENANCE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE MAINTENANCE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (POWER STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THE SAME DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #10851033
130,000 miles · Mar 22, 2016
Steering
WE TOOK OUR FORD MOTOR COMPANY 2008 ESCAPE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NHTSA 14V284000 OR FORD #14S05. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE POWER STEERING MODULE. PRIOR TO THAT WE HAD NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER WITH THE STEERING. 4 MONTHS LATER THE STEERING HAS FAILED. FROM WHAT I AM READING AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A C…
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WE TOOK OUR FORD MOTOR COMPANY 2008 ESCAPE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NHTSA 14V284000 OR FORD #14S05. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE POWER STEERING MODULE. PRIOR TO THAT WE HAD NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER WITH THE STEERING. 4 MONTHS LATER THE STEERING HAS FAILED. FROM WHAT I AM READING AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM CLOSER. MY OPINION IS THERE SHOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL RECALL THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. IF YOU'VE HAD A SIMILAR ISSUE I URGE YOU TO CONTACT FORD AND FILE A COMPLAINT AND CONTACT THE NHTSA AND VOICE YOUR CONCERN. I WAS TOLD BY FORD IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND THEY ARE OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA ODI #10851014
148,377 miles · Mar 18, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,377.
NHTSA ODI #10850368
98,000 miles · Mar 11, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE SECOND REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 1…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE SECOND REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 05/04/16*LJ .....UPDATED 05-12/16 *BF UPDATED 11/21/2017*JS *TR *BF
NHTSA ODI #10846125
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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