NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
827 reportsClear category filter100,000 miles · Oct 18, 2017
Steering
IMMEDIATE STEERING FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WITH NO NOTICE OR WARNING. STEERING WAS WORKING FINE IN THE MORNING BUT UPON STARTING THE CAR IN THE AFTERNOON, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IT DOES NOT APPEAR MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED AS THIS IS …
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IMMEDIATE STEERING FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WITH NO NOTICE OR WARNING. STEERING WAS WORKING FINE IN THE MORNING BUT UPON STARTING THE CAR IN THE AFTERNOON, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IT DOES NOT APPEAR MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED AS THIS IS A KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11034206
110,000 miles · Oct 11, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS INTERMITTENT OVER A PERIOD OF A MONTH. ARROW FORD SERVICE IN ABILENE, TEXAS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS INTERMITTENT OVER A PERIOD OF A MONTH. ARROW FORD SERVICE IN ABILENE, TEXAS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #11032904
34,165 miles · Oct 7, 2017
Steering
LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT WILL TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL CAR
NHTSA ODI #11032160
150,000 miles · Oct 3, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING THAT REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. PINE BELT FORD (120 MS-589, PURVIS, MS) DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING THAT REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. PINE BELT FORD (120 MS-589, PURVIS, MS) DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) A YEAR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED FIRST REPAIRS ON RECALL OCT.2016 @ ABOUT 138,000 MILES. UPDATED 7/24/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11031576
100,000 miles · Oct 2, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO MAKE RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND RESUMED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO MAKE RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND RESUMED DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WHILE IN PARK. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING. THE CONTACT CALLED CORTESE FORD (2500 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, PHONE NUMBER: (800) 952-7892) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11031383
56,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Steering
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST EVEN AFTER THE RECALL REPROGRAMMING. WE PREVIOUSLY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL NUMBER 14S05 IN AUG. 2014. TROUBLE CODES WERE NOT FOUND AT THAT TIME SO THE DEALER ONLY DID A REPROGRAMMING WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND ALERT THE DRIVER WITH A WARNING LIGHT AN…
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SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST EVEN AFTER THE RECALL REPROGRAMMING. WE PREVIOUSLY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL NUMBER 14S05 IN AUG. 2014. TROUBLE CODES WERE NOT FOUND AT THAT TIME SO THE DEALER ONLY DID A REPROGRAMMING WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND ALERT THE DRIVER WITH A WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME IF IT DID OCCUR. OUR VEHICLE HAD A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING ON 9/24/17 BUT THERE WERE NO DRIVER ALERTS. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY FOUND TROUBLE CODE B1342 WHICH IF FOUND DURING OUR 2014 RECALL APPOINTMENT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN BEING REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL DUE TO THE PREVIOUS REPROGRAMMING, EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE IN RESOLVING THE CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE OR ALERTING THE DRIVER. HAD WE NEVER TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPROGRAMMING, WE WOULD STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. CLEARLY, OUR VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT POWER STEERING LOSS AND FAILURE CODE THAT WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE REPROGRAMMING DID NOT HAVE THE INTENDED RESULT WHATSOEVER - WE STILL EXPERIENCED THE POWER STEERING LOSS, THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT/MESSAGE AND THERE WAS NO CHIME TO ALERT THE DRIVER OF THE LOSS. I HAVE TRIED TO ESCALATE THIS ISSUE WITHIN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT THEY ARE DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO RESOLVE THIS KNOWN DEFECT UNDER THE RECALL WARRANTY DUE TO THE PREVIOUS REPROGRAMMING. I'M HOPING NHTSA CAN HELP RESOLVE THIS CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE - I'M SURE WE'RE NOT THE ONLY ONES AFFECTED!
NHTSA ODI #11030027
131,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ABILITY WAS LOST. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AKINS FORD (220 W MAY ST, WINDER, GA 30680 (800) 282-7872) WHER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ABILITY WAS LOST. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AKINS FORD (220 W MAY ST, WINDER, GA 30680 (800) 282-7872) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA ODI #11029957
132,225 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (CODE B12342) FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,225.
NHTSA ODI #11029904
84,000 miles · Sep 22, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN FORD IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN FORD IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11025098
274,947 miles · Sep 11, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO M & M FORD, INC. (OLD ROUTE 28 NORTH, EPSOM, NH 03234) AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO M & M FORD, INC. (OLD ROUTE 28 NORTH, EPSOM, NH 03234) AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRAPPONE FORD (530 NH-3A, BOW, NH 03304) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN COMPLETED THE YEAR BEFORE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 274,947. *BF UPDATED 7/16/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11022694
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
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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