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2008 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,714 reports with mileage · 260 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 1,127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 329 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

59 crash reports6 fire reports36 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

175 reports
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73,000 miles · Dec 29, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

GAS PEDAL STICKS WHEN AIR TEMP IS BELOW 20 DEGREES. CAN'T PRESS PEDAL TO GET GAS TO ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668803

95,200 miles · Dec 22, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE, IN AUGUST 28TH, 2014 AS I WAS COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT MY VEHICLES WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND AS I TRIED ACCELERATING MY VEHICLE WENT UP TO 45 RPM BEFORE CHANGING GEAR INTO SECOND. SINCE THIS DAY, I TRIED TAKING MY CAR INTO REPAIR SERVICES BUT I AM VERY LIMITED, AS A FULL TIME STUDEN…

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I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE, IN AUGUST 28TH, 2014 AS I WAS COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT MY VEHICLES WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND AS I TRIED ACCELERATING MY VEHICLE WENT UP TO 45 RPM BEFORE CHANGING GEAR INTO SECOND. SINCE THIS DAY, I TRIED TAKING MY CAR INTO REPAIR SERVICES BUT I AM VERY LIMITED, AS A FULL TIME STUDENT AND A FATHER AT THE MOMENT I WAS NOT WORKING AND RELYING ON MY SCHOOL INCOME WHICH WAS NOT A LOT TO REPAIR MY CAR. THE CAR HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE THEN, INSTANT OF GOING UP TO 45 RPM IN ORDER TO CHANGE INTO SECOND GEAR IT SOMETIMES GOES UP TO 60 RPM BEFORE CHANGING, NOT ONLY THAT BUT AS I SLOWLY BREAK MY CAR SUDDENLY SPEEDS UP FORWARD, LIKE A BOOST WHICH I NEED TO FIRMLY APPLY MY BREAKS AGAIN. I'VE TRIED TAKING IT TO FORD, BUT SO MUCH FOR HELP OR WILLING TO WORK WITH ME, IT IS DISAPPOINTING WHEN WE PURCHASE OUR FAVORITE VEHICLES AND GET TURNED DOWN BY THE COMPANY KNOWING WE ARE IN NEED OF HELP. MY CAR CONSUMES GAS, EVERY OTHER DAY I HAVE TO FILL UP IT TO KEEP IT FROM COMPLETELY RUNNING LOW, IN A DAY IT CONSUMES HALF THE TANK, WITH THE SECOND DAY MY GAS IS NEARLY DONE. I WENT FROM SPENDING 120-30 BIWEEKLY ON GAS TO 120 EVERY TWO DAYS, ADD IT UP ESPECIALLY AS A FULL TIME STUDENT. I AM A FATHER OF TWO IN WHICH I FREAK OUT WHEN I HAVE THEM IN MY CAR. I'VE CAME TO REALIZE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THIS ISSUE, I'VE SEEN A SERIOUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT 05 TO 13 FORD ESCAPE MODELS. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WHICH LEAVES MANY OF US HELPLESS. FORD DOES NOT TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WELL. FORD IS THE DEFINITION OF POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT, IF THAT IS THE CASE HOW THE HELL DO I AND OTHERS COME UP WITH $4200 TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION HAVING TWO CHILDREN. I AM PINNED AGAINST THE WALL AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING I CAN DO, IF THIS ISN'T A CRY FOR HELP, THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667556

70,000 miles · Dec 9, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLES GAS PEDAL FREEZES. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. I CONTINUALLY TAPPED ON THE PEDAL AND EVENTUALLY HAD TO GO UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD TO TUG ON THROTTLE CABLE. THIS FREED THE STUCK PEDAL. I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR CO. AND REPORTED THIS INCIDENT IN 2012. THEY SA…

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WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLES GAS PEDAL FREEZES. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. I CONTINUALLY TAPPED ON THE PEDAL AND EVENTUALLY HAD TO GO UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD TO TUG ON THROTTLE CABLE. THIS FREED THE STUCK PEDAL. I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR CO. AND REPORTED THIS INCIDENT IN 2012. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT AN ISSUE AND TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED. IT HAS RECENTLY BECOME A BIGGER ISSUE AS OF 12/8/14 AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHILE MERGING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE AGAIN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I MET HER TUGGED ON THE THROTTLE CABLE AND THE PEDAL BECAME FREE AGAIN. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION TO CHECK AGAIN UNDER THE HOOD AND AS I LEFT THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED, A STUCK PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING I HAD TO HOLD ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND ONE ON THE GAS TO KEEP THE PEDAL FROM LOCKING IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THIS IS NOT A SAFE FORM OF DRIVING AND BELIEVE THERE IN A DESIGN ISSUE WITH FORD MOTOR CO. THROTTLE. THE FORD COMPANY AGAIN SAID THEIR ENGINEERS SAYS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT MY EXPENSE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE IN TRAFFIC. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS GETS FIXED. I DO NOT WANT IT TO BE ME! THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10663043

30,000 miles · Dec 8, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MERGED OVER TO AN EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK DOWNWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, MAINLY DURING COLD …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MERGED OVER TO AN EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK DOWNWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, MAINLY DURING COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #10662948

60,328 miles · Dec 5, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

AFTER YEARS (SINCE EARLY ON IN THE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER) OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH MY GAS PEDAL STICKING (MOSTLY IN COLDER WEATHER), THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS BY FAR THE WORST AND, LIKE MANY OTHER 2008 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I AM VERY LUCKY THAT IT OCCURRED IN AN AREA WHE…

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AFTER YEARS (SINCE EARLY ON IN THE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER) OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH MY GAS PEDAL STICKING (MOSTLY IN COLDER WEATHER), THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS BY FAR THE WORST AND, LIKE MANY OTHER 2008 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I AM VERY LUCKY THAT IT OCCURRED IN AN AREA WHERE I WAS NOT IN IMMEDIATE DANGER FROM OTHER CARS. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD THE PEDAL STARTED TO RESPOND THEN FELL TO THE FLOOR WITH NO FURTHER RESPONSE. THERE WAS NO POWER TO MOVE FORWARD AND NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I LIFTED THE PEDAL TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS NOT STUCK ON ANYTHING AND IT JUST FELL LIMPLY BACK TO THE FLOOR. I MANIPULATED THE ARM UNDER THE PEDAL WITH MY HAND UNTIL IT LOOSENED UP AND THE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE AGAIN. I THEN DROVE TO MY DESTINATION WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IF MY CAR DOES NOT BECOME PART OF THE "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM," I AM SURE THAT IT WILL NOT BE THE LAST. THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED THROTTLE BODY FAILURES IN 2005-2012 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES SHARING THE SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR PART, DID NOT RESULT IN ENOUGH VEHICLES BEING INCLUDED IN THE RESULTING FORD "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM," WHICH ONLY INCLUDED CARS FROM 2009-2012, WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MANY MORE CARS. THE COMPLAINT FORUMS ARE FILLED WITH MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE FROM AT LEAST 2008 FORD ESCAPE OWNERS. TO NOT INCLUDE EVERYONE FROM THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION IS DOING A DISSERVICE AND IT WILL BE SAD DAY WHEN THE REST OF THE CAR OWNERS ARE INCLUDED ONLY BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS DIED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662425

90,000 miles · Nov 25, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXHIBITING ISSUES RELATING TO THE FORD CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03 WHERE THE ACCELERATOR "STICKS" OR DOESN'T RESPOND TO MY PRESSURE. REQUIRING MORE PRESSURE THEN USUAL, THE VEHICLE WILL THEN SURGE FORWARD FOR AN INCREDIBLY JOSTLING ACCELERATION. THIS ISSUE WILL HAPPEN NOT ONLY WHEN STOPPED BUT ALSO WH…

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MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXHIBITING ISSUES RELATING TO THE FORD CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03 WHERE THE ACCELERATOR "STICKS" OR DOESN'T RESPOND TO MY PRESSURE. REQUIRING MORE PRESSURE THEN USUAL, THE VEHICLE WILL THEN SURGE FORWARD FOR AN INCREDIBLY JOSTLING ACCELERATION. THIS ISSUE WILL HAPPEN NOT ONLY WHEN STOPPED BUT ALSO WHEN IN MOTION. THIS BECOMES PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC WHEN TRYING TO MERGE OR TURN INTO MOVING TRAFFIC AS I AM NEVER SURE WHETHER OR NOT MY ACCELERATOR/ THROTTLE BODY WILL RESPOND AS IT SHOULD. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE FOR OVER 2 YEARS, BUT THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT. THE ISSUE BECOMES WORSE IN COLD WEATHER, MAKING IT EVEN MORE DANGEROUS WHEN ROAD CONDITIONS ARE SLIPPERY. I CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THIS ISSUE, CITING THE ABOVE MENTIONED CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM AND THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. IT SEEMS LUDICROUS THAT MY VEHICLE, WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS HAVING THIS ISSUE, WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM. FORD SHOULD REEVALUATE THE VEHICLES THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY MORE WIDE-SPREAD THAN THERE PROGRAM HAS IDENTIFIED. I AM INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTED IN THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEIR NON-RESPONSIVENESS IN HANDLING THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660826

104,461 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM GEARS. THROTTLING HIGH BEFORE SHIFTING. I HAVE REPLACED TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655361

92,000 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR SYSTEM FAILURE. SURGING, UNNECESSARY REVVING AT LOW SPEEDS. INCONSISTENT ACCELERATION AND GEAR CHANGE. TROUBLE CODE "P2112 THROTTLE ACTUATOR SYSTEM STUCK". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655001

155,900 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE POWER CUT OUT TO THE VEHICLE, AND THE THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT VERY LABORED. AT THE SAME TIME THE WRENCH LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASH. USING THE FORWARD MOMENTUM I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, WHERE IT STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO RE-TART THE ENGINE WHERE IT RAN LABORE…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE POWER CUT OUT TO THE VEHICLE, AND THE THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT VERY LABORED. AT THE SAME TIME THE WRENCH LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASH. USING THE FORWARD MOMENTUM I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, WHERE IT STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO RE-TART THE ENGINE WHERE IT RAN LABORED AGAIN, AND STALLED OUT, THE THROTTLE WAS NOT RESPONSIVE DURING THIS TIME AT ALL. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 RE-STARTS WITH THE LAST COMING AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT AWHILE, I WAS ABLE TO RE-START IT AND DRIVE IT NORMAL. THROTTLE RESPONSE RETURNED, AND THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS OFF. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED FOR MY WIFE AGAIN ON 11/12 WITH A SIMILAR RESULT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654736

61,446 miles · Nov 9, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND HER GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE TRYING TO GET IT IN GEAR TO REVERSE AT LEAST TEN DIFFERENT TIMES.. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IN JANUARY OF 2012 HOWEVER, SHE WAS TURNING ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE THE SPEED WENT DOWN TO ZERO. LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT REAR ENDED. SHE WAS AW…

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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND HER GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE TRYING TO GET IT IN GEAR TO REVERSE AT LEAST TEN DIFFERENT TIMES.. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IN JANUARY OF 2012 HOWEVER, SHE WAS TURNING ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN THE GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE THE SPEED WENT DOWN TO ZERO. LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT REAR ENDED. SHE WAS AWAY AT COLLEGE AND I TOLD HER TO GET IT TO THE FORD DEALER NEAR HER. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE THROTTLE BODY WAS STICKING AND REPLACEMENT WAS ADVISED AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY COMPLETED AT A COST OF $486.83. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY LEARNED OF RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE ON SEVERAL ESCAPE MODEL YEARS. I WANT TO KNOW IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653749

Official recalls

3

15V606000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 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.

14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

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.

14V284000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

3

DP15001 · 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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