IllustrationTHE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORKING AFTER PARKING IT AND THEN WHEN I STARTED IT TO LEAVE I HAD NO POWER STEERING
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1140–25K
18725–50K
21950–75K
32675–100K
577100–150K
291150K+
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
What owners actually said
1,974 reportsWHILE DRIVING FROM MIDLAND TEXAS TO EL PASO TEXAS ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT STATED SAFELY STOP THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAN BE THE MEC PUMP BUT WHEN CALLING FORD AND PUTTING IT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT DOESN'T SHOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE O…
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WHILE DRIVING FROM MIDLAND TEXAS TO EL PASO TEXAS ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT STATED SAFELY STOP THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAN BE THE MEC PUMP BUT WHEN CALLING FORD AND PUTTING IT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT DOESN'T SHOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE ONES THAT PARTICULAR HAS A RECALL ON, IT IS ALSO HAVING STEERING ISSUES PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, YET STILL THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS LOOSE
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. ON AUGUST 19TH, WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON WITH APPROXIMATELY 161,200 MILES, THE "CHECK ABS" LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE DRIVING WITHIN CITY TRAFFIC WITH THE "CHECK ABS" LIGHT ON, THE CAR HAD SLUGGISH BRAKING. APPLYING THE BRAKE WOULD SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NEED TO BE …
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RECENTLY PURCHASED 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. ON AUGUST 19TH, WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON WITH APPROXIMATELY 161,200 MILES, THE "CHECK ABS" LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE DRIVING WITHIN CITY TRAFFIC WITH THE "CHECK ABS" LIGHT ON, THE CAR HAD SLUGGISH BRAKING. APPLYING THE BRAKE WOULD SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NEED TO BE PRESSED HARD FOR THE FINAL 10-15 FEET OF THE STOP. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN, THE ABS LIGHT HAD DISAPPEARED AND BRAKING HAD RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING CHECKED AT VIRGINIA TIRE & AUTO 6620 BACKLICK ROAD, SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150. IT SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS THAT THE ABS CAN FAIL INTERMITTENTLY, AND A SEVERE DEFECT IN THE BRAKES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY BY FORD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO JIGGLE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION A COUPLE OF TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO JIGGLE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION A COUPLE OF TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
TURNED VEHICLE ON PULLED OUT OF DRIVE WAY NOTICED IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN , WENT FURTHER DOWN ROAD TRIED TO TURN ON CROSS STREET AND STILL HAD NO GIVE .POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY LOST IN THE CAR TO TURN THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH . VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
TAKATA INFLATORS> AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON
TAKATA RECALL.. MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE WHEN IT SHIFTS TO 4TH GEAR IT GOES DOWN THEN SHAKES AND GOES UP A GEAR
ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE NO POWER/ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHEN PARKED YESTERDAY I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO MOVE FORWARD ONLY TO HAVE NO STEERING. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, STILL NOTHING. RESTARTED CAR ONE MORE TIME AND STEERING WORKED. TODAY THE STEERING WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME…
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ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE NO POWER/ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHEN PARKED YESTERDAY I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO MOVE FORWARD ONLY TO HAVE NO STEERING. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, STILL NOTHING. RESTARTED CAR ONE MORE TIME AND STEERING WORKED. TODAY THE STEERING WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH MANUAL STEERING. I HAD THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN REPLACE WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS FOR A TOLAL OF $1400
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO KEAST AUTO CENTER (2101 23RD ST, HARL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO KEAST AUTO CENTER (2101 23RD ST, HARLAN, IA 51537 (800) 234-4927) AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND STATED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *BF *TR
HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AT 24,000 MILES THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE. AT 28,000 MILES THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE LEFT REAR WINDOW BROKE. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR BOTH THESE REPAIRS. AT 45,000 THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE. AT 59,000 MILES THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BROKE AGAIN. I PAID FOR BOTH THE…
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HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AT 24,000 MILES THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE. AT 28,000 MILES THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE LEFT REAR WINDOW BROKE. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR BOTH THESE REPAIRS. AT 45,000 THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE. AT 59,000 MILES THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BROKE AGAIN. I PAID FOR BOTH THESE REPAIRS AT MY LOCAL BIG O TIRES, SINCE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 65,000 MILES THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BROKEN. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO COMPLAIN AND ASK THEM TO HELP PAY FOR REPAIR SINCE THIS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD TAKE 4 DAYS TO RENDER A DECISION. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS UNREASONABLE, THAT I WOULD BE UNABLE TO GO ANY WHERE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LOCK MY CAR. THEY RETURNED TO THE PHONE A FEW MINUTES LATER AND TOLD ME I AM RESPONSIBLE AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY COSTS BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS WINDOW REGULATOR IS A DEFECTIVE PART. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PAY TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE PART PLACED IN MY CAR. I LIVE IN ARIZONA WHERE IT IS 115 DEGREES...I NEVER EVEN ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS, SO IT'S NOT BREAKING DUE TO OVERUSE! I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS REPAIR.
Official recalls
315V606000 · 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
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