While driving my car's steering abruptly lost power steering and displayed: Power assist fault" on dash board message center. Although Ford has issued recalls for this problem for Ford Escape vehicles manufactured between Aug.18, 2006 thru Sept. 11, 2010 my vehicle's Vin. does now appear on recall when cross-referenced with For…
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While driving my car's steering abruptly lost power steering and displayed: Power assist fault" on dash board message center. Although Ford has issued recalls for this problem for Ford Escape vehicles manufactured between Aug.18, 2006 thru Sept. 11, 2010 my vehicle's Vin. does now appear on recall when cross-referenced with Ford's website re: recalls. This is a very dangerous problem. I have tried to contact ford's customer service number 1-800-392-3673, and its impossible to get a human with a pulse to talk to. Ford does not make available any Chat option on line for reporting and resolving this type of complaint or issue. Am I only left with the show up in person at a service center only to get turned away because my VIN #[XXX] does not reflect a recall in there database? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11448249
165,000 miles · Jan 19, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering. Consumer almost ran here car into a house as even with two hands was not able to turn the wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to turn the …
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering. Consumer almost ran here car into a house as even with two hands was not able to turn the wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel after several attempts. The contact shifted to reverse and reversed back to her parking space using excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Consumer was told by the mechanic Torque sensor and the Electric Power Steering module that needed to be replaced. These are the exact parts that were in the original Ford recall but car recall is closed.
NHTSA ODI #11448055
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2022
Steering
power steering quit working could hardly make a turn did not take car in yet, i am trying to see if there is some kind of recall. there was no warning lights
NHTSA ODI #11447727
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2022
Steering
December 2021, while driving, the steering wheels suddenly locked up on my car, and it was perfectly fine the previous day. The car couldn’t move, so, I kept trying and let the car warm up a bit while kept turning the key, so it started up and I drove off, but it kept losing power of steering whenever I stopped on a red light!.…
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December 2021, while driving, the steering wheels suddenly locked up on my car, and it was perfectly fine the previous day. The car couldn’t move, so, I kept trying and let the car warm up a bit while kept turning the key, so it started up and I drove off, but it kept losing power of steering whenever I stopped on a red light!. I also noticed that turning to the right or left was really hard because the wheel was very stiff and kept locking up. So, on my way back, the wheel could not move and I struggled I was able to move it and then it just kept stiffening up while I was driving which was scary, the car almost lost control and I almost hit other vehicles. It’s very unsafe, I called and asked Ford if they had a recall on it but they said no. I took it to a Ford in Kirkland and they said they’d charge me $2,500 to reprogram the steering and fix the power of steering, and that I’ll pay less if they get used parts. This is not right, there’s no reason why any vehicle steering wheels should lock up and suddenly stiffen up by itself, on a well maintained vehicle which appears to be in perfect condition, while a driver is driving, and sharing the road with other drivers. This is very unsafe, its a safety issue that Ford needs to look into and fix, it’s the right thing to do. I strongly believe that this is a manufacturing issue and a vehicle programming issue, and as a driver and a customer, I do not need to be charged by Ford, for them to fix their error and manufacturing mistake that causes their steering to lock up causing my car’s steering wheel to suddenly stiffen up and lock up while I’m driving, and causing the vehicle not to move as freely as it should!. This issue puts my life and other drivers life’s at risk. After this power of steering issue, I do not feel totally comfortable or safe driving this car as it is right now, and would like to request that it be recalled and checked by the manufacturer, if it wasn’t already recalled. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI #11445886
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2021
Steering
The steering wheel locks up and I am unable to start the car. Sometimes the ignition will turn and the car will start, but the wheel remains locked up. Eventually the car may start and the wheel will unlock, but I'm afraid it could go out while driving. I have discovered over 650 complaints about the same problem with Fords. I …
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The steering wheel locks up and I am unable to start the car. Sometimes the ignition will turn and the car will start, but the wheel remains locked up. Eventually the car may start and the wheel will unlock, but I'm afraid it could go out while driving. I have discovered over 650 complaints about the same problem with Fords. I took the car to a mechanic (independent) who diagnosed a defective ignition module and steering column. We ordered the parts and 4 weeks later when they still hadn't arrived (there are no 2009 steering columns out there) I had the car towed to the Ford dealer. They replaced the ignition key cylinder, charged me $550 and said the car was fine. We jumped in the car to drive home and the wheel was again locked. The mechanic came out and told me they would further diagnose the problem and would call me later. It has been 6 weeks that the car has been inoperable. It has 54,000 miles on it. Ford has determined it's a power steering failure and the steering column needs to be replaced. $3500.
NHTSA ODI #11445683
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2021
Steering
Power steering failure occurred without warning making it difficult to control the vehicle and potentially dangerous for both myself and others on the road.
NHTSA ODI #11445187
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2021
Electrical SystemSteering
I brought my 2009 Escape in for a steering recall. When Hopkins Ford checked for codes, they said there were none. They then performed a reset on the electric steering. After they performed the reset, my steering went out. I brought it back to have it checked again then they said now there is a code. They are now claiming t…
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I brought my 2009 Escape in for a steering recall. When Hopkins Ford checked for codes, they said there were none. They then performed a reset on the electric steering. After they performed the reset, my steering went out. I brought it back to have it checked again then they said now there is a code. They are now claiming they are not responsible for the code repair (Steering column) because in their eyes, they reset the recall. I have been in contact with Ford customer service and they said there is nothing they can do because they closed the case when they reprogrammed the recall. There were no issues prior, or codes prior to them reprogramming the steering. They now are trying to tell me it will cost me $1700 to repair an issue that is part of a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11445166
178,000 miles · Dec 27, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with steering column failure. The steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
NHTSA ODI #11445085
146,000 miles · Dec 23, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of her vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle which rendered the vehicle inoperable. The contact called an unknown dealer and…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of her vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle which rendered the vehicle inoperable. The contact called an unknown dealer and was informed that her vehicle had been previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) prior to her owning the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
NHTSA ODI #11444800
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2021
Steering
Power steering electric assist failure , unable to steer or control vehicle in emergency, vehicle not inspected, no warning lights, system failed on December 13,2021
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
PE13003 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Feb 28, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding 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.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that
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.
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