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 reports
147,000 miles · May 31, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED OPERATING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXTRA STEERING EFFORT WAS APPLIED WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ERROR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLUMBU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED OPERATING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXTRA STEERING EFFORT WAS APPLIED WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ERROR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLUMBUS RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD #100, GROVEPORT, OH 43125 614-836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AS A RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING MOTOR SENSOR FAULT. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING AND TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT, DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR, THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA ODI #10992414
150,000 miles · May 24, 2017
Steering
LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING, JUST LIKE OTHER 2008 FORD ESCAPES. DASH LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" AND WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT.
NHTSA ODI #10991397
45,000 miles · May 19, 2017
Structure
ON THE EXTERIOR OF EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS, THERE IS A BLACK FILM THAT COVERS THE STAINLESS STEEL OF THE WINDOW FRAME. THIS STARTED PEELING OFF 6 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR WITHOUT ANY CONTACT WITH FOREIGN OBJECTS OTHER THAN RAIN. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST MY CAR AT FIRST, BUT IN THE YEARS SINCE, I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER ES…
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ON THE EXTERIOR OF EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS, THERE IS A BLACK FILM THAT COVERS THE STAINLESS STEEL OF THE WINDOW FRAME. THIS STARTED PEELING OFF 6 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR WITHOUT ANY CONTACT WITH FOREIGN OBJECTS OTHER THAN RAIN. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST MY CAR AT FIRST, BUT IN THE YEARS SINCE, I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER ESCAPES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE UNDERLYING STEEL IF NOT REMEDIED.
NHTSA ODI #10990512
170,000 miles · May 17, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING. AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS WHILE DRIVING, I FEEL A STRONG PULL, AND THE CAR DOESN'T ACCELERATE MORE THAN 20MPH. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT RANDOM TIMES AND NO SENSOR LIGHTS COME ONE.
IN 2016 NOVEMBER MY GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND I FREAKED OUT AND RAN INTO MY NEIGHBORS GARAGE AND I HAD 10 FIRED FIGHTERS AND SHERRIFF LOOK AT MY TURNED OFF ESCAPE AND THE ACCELERATED PEDEL WAS COMPLETELY SITTING ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT ALSO WAS TOWED TO FORD AND SAID THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LINK WAS COMPLETELY BR…
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IN 2016 NOVEMBER MY GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND I FREAKED OUT AND RAN INTO MY NEIGHBORS GARAGE AND I HAD 10 FIRED FIGHTERS AND SHERRIFF LOOK AT MY TURNED OFF ESCAPE AND THE ACCELERATED PEDEL WAS COMPLETELY SITTING ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT ALSO WAS TOWED TO FORD AND SAID THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LINK WAS COMPLETELY BROKE AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER INSURANCE FOR THEY SAID THIS IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND NOT INSURANCE AND SO I HAD TO USE THE FRONT END DAMAGE TO PAY FOR THE $1500 REPAIR ON A PART THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKE, FORD HAS NOW OVER 100 COMPLAINTS TO THIS SAY PROBLEM AND NO FIX.....THIS VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND RAMMED A NEIGHBORS GARAGE DOOR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND ALL THE SHERIFF AND FIREFIGHTERS SAY THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND I WAS LUCKY....FORD FIX THIS....THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE AND IT I HAD INJURIES FROM THE WHIPLASH.
NHTSA ODI #10986262
Mileage unknown · May 15, 2017
Steering
2008 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING ASSIST SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO BE INCLUDED IN A POWER STEERING ASSIST RECALL. THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO INCLUDE THE VEHICLE IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST RECALL. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10979549
131,324 miles · May 11, 2017
Steering
THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND WHEN TAKEN TO A DEALER IN DECEMBER OF 2016 WE WERE TOLD THAT THE STEERING SENSOR THAT WAS RECALLED WAS NOT REPORTING AN ERROR CODE AND THUS WAS NOT REPLACED. THIS MONTH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WE WERE TOLD BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT THE RECALLED PART HAD FAILED BUT BECAUSE WE HAD ALRE…
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THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND WHEN TAKEN TO A DEALER IN DECEMBER OF 2016 WE WERE TOLD THAT THE STEERING SENSOR THAT WAS RECALLED WAS NOT REPORTING AN ERROR CODE AND THUS WAS NOT REPLACED. THIS MONTH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WE WERE TOLD BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT THE RECALLED PART HAD FAILED BUT BECAUSE WE HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL, AND EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED WE WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND IT IS COSTING US AROUND $600.00 FOR THE REPAIR. I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS RECALLED WE WERE NOT ELIGIBLE SINCE WE HAD ALREADY TAKEN IT IN. I BELIEVE IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR FORD TO NOT REPLACE THIS RECALLED PART. JUST BECAUSE WE WANTED TO BE CAREFUL AND SAFE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN RIGHT AWAY WE ARE BEING PENALIZED NOW THAT THE PART HAS FAILED. THE STEERING FAILURE IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I FIND IT INCREDIBLE THAT FORD RESPONDED IN THIS MANNER. WE ARE GETTING THE PART REPLACED AT OUR COST AT PEARSON FORD IN ABERDEEN, SD AND I BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS REPAIR AND FORD SHOULD CHANGE THIS DANGEROUS POLICY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
NHTSA ODI #10984859
64,000 miles · May 7, 2017
Service Brakes
MY AWD 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDV, WITH AROUND 64,000 MILES, STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS, WHEN THE BRAKE AND ABS CLUSTER LIGHTS TURNED ON WHEN THE CAR STARTED. WHEN I SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE "REGEN BRAKE DISABLED" WARNING COMES ON. I TRIED TO REVERS AT 5 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKES…
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MY AWD 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDV, WITH AROUND 64,000 MILES, STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS, WHEN THE BRAKE AND ABS CLUSTER LIGHTS TURNED ON WHEN THE CAR STARTED. WHEN I SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE "REGEN BRAKE DISABLED" WARNING COMES ON. I TRIED TO REVERS AT 5 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE SPONGY, VEERING TO THE LEFT SLIGHTLY. I WENT TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THEY SCANNED FOR ANY ERROR CODES. I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING: C1524 BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR CAL. INCOMPLETE, C1480 R/F BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL MALF., C1313 BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESS. TRANSDUCER MALF., P0685 ENG. CONTROL MODULE POWER RELAY CONTROL, AND U0418 INVALID DATA RCVD FROM CONTROL MODULE. MY COUSIN WAS ABLE TO CLEAR THE CODES TO SEE IF WE RESTARTED THE CAR AND DEOVE AROUND IF THE SAME ERRORS WOULD POP BACK UP AND THEY DID. I HAVE READ ONLINE WHERE THOUSANDS, IF NOT MORE, WERE HAVING THE SAME HYDRAULIC/BRAKING PROBLEMS THAT COULD COST UPWARDS OF $5000 TO FIX. SOME EVEN REPORTED THAT REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD TWO OCCASSIONS WHERE MY CAR WOULD BARELY STOP NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, WHEN MY VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, WITH THE KEY TAKEN OUT, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE MODULE OR CENSOR IS EMITTING A HIGH-PITCHED HUM FOR SEVERAL MINUTES WHEN NOTHING IS TURNED ON. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE FURTHER AS IT SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH SIMILAR YEAR MODEL HYBRIDS.
NHTSA ODI #10983906
89,699 miles · May 6, 2017
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
LOSS OF 2ND AND 4TH GEAR/ LIMP MODE. I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH 69,980 MILES. NO COMPLAINTS TILL HIT 89,000 MILES WHEN ALL IF A SUDDEN THERE WAS NO 2ND AND 4TH GEAR. I WAS GETTING READY TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC. PUT FOOT ON ACCELERATOR WENT TO ABOUT 16MPH AND REFUSED TO HO FASTER. RPMS REVVED UP TO 4000+ THE YELLOW WRE…
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LOSS OF 2ND AND 4TH GEAR/ LIMP MODE. I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH 69,980 MILES. NO COMPLAINTS TILL HIT 89,000 MILES WHEN ALL IF A SUDDEN THERE WAS NO 2ND AND 4TH GEAR. I WAS GETTING READY TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC. PUT FOOT ON ACCELERATOR WENT TO ABOUT 16MPH AND REFUSED TO HO FASTER. RPMS REVVED UP TO 4000+ THE YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. ONCE GOT TO 20MPH HARD SHIFT INTO GEAR .AND DID THIS AGAIN AT 40MPH EXCEPT WONT SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEAR. WAS TOLD IT IS IN LIMP MODE. SO I DID INTERNET RESEARCH ON THIS. SAID OVER 368 COMPLAINTS JUST ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM, SPECIFICALLY ON THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I TRIED RESETTING THE PCM. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. REPLACED THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. NOW THAT LEAVES THE 2ND & 4TH GEAR BAND ASSEMBLY. I CALLED AND GOT 3 ESTIMATES, THEY RANGED FROM$1900-$3000. PART COST $89 AND A NEW TRANSMISSION COST $1700. REPLACING THIS PART CAN BE DONE WITHOUT HAVING TO REMOVE TRANSMISSION AND SAID TO ABOUT 2HOURS. MY COMPLAINT IN IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WHY AREN'T YOU REPLACING PART OR FIXING THIS? THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL INVESTIGATIONS AND STILL NOTHING! THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I PURCHASED AND WILL BE THE LAST! WHICH IS A SHAME BECAUSE I LOVE MY TRUCK. JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT. SO I WILL PARK IT AND PRAY FORD OWNS UP TO THEIR FAULTY PARTS AND ASSEMBLY AND FIXES THIS. AND I WILL MAKE SURE EVERYONE I KNOW AND EVERYONE I MEET KNOWS ABOUT HOW FORD KNOWINGLY PUT IN DEFECTIVE PARTS ON MANY VEHICLE SO THEY COULD MAKE MONEY FIXING THEM. THINK ABOUT IT. ALL THESE ( THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR AND 2ND & 4TH GEAR BAND ) GO BAD AT 89,000 MILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10983837
86,812 miles · May 1, 2017
Service Brakes
ABS SYSTEM CAUSES BRAKES TO LOCK UP.NOT ALL THE TIME. NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN.
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.
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.
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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