← New search

2010 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,764 reports with mileage · 305 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.

  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 558 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 508 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 493 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports3 fire reports19 injury reports

Power Train complaints

508 reports
Clear category filter
35,000 miles · May 18, 2013
Power Train

2010 FORD ESCAPE - SEVERAL INSTANCES OF DRAMATIC LOSS OF POWER RESULTING IN 'LIMP MODE' DUE TO THROTTLE BODY STICKING CLOSED. THIS REQUIRES RESTARTING THE CAR AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE FIRST INCIDENT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE THROTTLE BODY …

Read full complaint

2010 FORD ESCAPE - SEVERAL INSTANCES OF DRAMATIC LOSS OF POWER RESULTING IN 'LIMP MODE' DUE TO THROTTLE BODY STICKING CLOSED. THIS REQUIRES RESTARTING THE CAR AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE FIRST INCIDENT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CANNOT BE REPLACED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACKORDER 'INDEFINITELY.' DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH LATE MODEL ESCAPES, BUT WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY SUGGESTION OR TIME FRAME FOR REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512637

10,000 miles · May 17, 2013
Power Train

AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN, THE ENTIRE SYSTEM DIED AND THERE WAS NO POWER. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR: MAY 2012, SEPT. 2013, MARCH 2013, AND AGAIN ON MAY 15 2013. EACH TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. AFT…

Read full complaint

AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN, THE ENTIRE SYSTEM DIED AND THERE WAS NO POWER. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR: MAY 2012, SEPT. 2013, MARCH 2013, AND AGAIN ON MAY 15 2013. EACH TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON LINE,I DISCOVERED MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. READ THAT REPLACING THE THROTTLE MIGHT HELP. IS THERE A RECALL OR WHAT SHOULD I DO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512564

32,000 miles · May 17, 2013
Power Train

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, CAR DE-ACCELERATED, IDLE WAS VERY ROUGH, DESPITE PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR UNABLE TO MAKE CAR ADVANCE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND IS VERY UNNERVING AND UNSAFE. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING IT OFF, THE CAR SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF. OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR CO…

Read full complaint

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, CAR DE-ACCELERATED, IDLE WAS VERY ROUGH, DESPITE PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR UNABLE TO MAKE CAR ADVANCE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND IS VERY UNNERVING AND UNSAFE. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING IT OFF, THE CAR SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF. OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS IT CAME OUT OF MY POCKET. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR UNTIL IT IS FIXED. I FEEL LIKE I COULD GET KILLED IN THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512557

64,000 miles · May 14, 2013
EnginePower Train

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY I LOST POWER, THE RPM'S DROPPED TO 1500-2000. I PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE WAS SPUTTERING LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO DIE, THE RPM'S WERE FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 1000-2000. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED IT AGAIN, SEEMED FINE. I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN, IT WAS OK FOR ABOUT 5 MI…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY I LOST POWER, THE RPM'S DROPPED TO 1500-2000. I PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE WAS SPUTTERING LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO DIE, THE RPM'S WERE FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 1000-2000. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED IT AGAIN, SEEMED FINE. I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN, IT WAS OK FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED EXCEPT THIS TIME THE "WRENCH" LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN TRIED DRIVING IT, THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF AND IT SEEMED FINE. WORKED GREAT FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS, THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC HE SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE TRIED TO ORDER THE PART FROM FORD, BUT HE WAS TOLD THAT THE PART WAS BEING RE-MANUFACTURED AND MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 3 MONTHS. I TRIED TO DRIVE MY CAR HOME, BUT ONCE AGAIN, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME WAS BY DRIVING 20 MPH WITH MY FLASHERS ON. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I STILL HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE THE PART IT NEEDS HASN'T BEEN MANUFACTURED YET. LOVE MY CAR, BUT THIS REALLY SUCKS! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511850

14,047 miles · May 13, 2013
EnginePower Train

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET TOWARD AN INTERSECTION GOING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN MY CAR APPEARED TO DIE--I WAS ABLE TO COAST SLOWLY ACROSS THE INTERSECTION INTO A PARKING LOT--AFTER 10 MINUTES WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP--I FOLLOWED MY HUSBAND TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM DID N…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET TOWARD AN INTERSECTION GOING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN MY CAR APPEARED TO DIE--I WAS ABLE TO COAST SLOWLY ACROSS THE INTERSECTION INTO A PARKING LOT--AFTER 10 MINUTES WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP--I FOLLOWED MY HUSBAND TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT REOCCUR--THE DEALERSHIP SAID NO CODE HAD REGISTERED SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO FIX--MY HUSBAND RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND DISCOVERED A LOT OF INFO ABOUT THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUE ON FORD ESCAPES--ON MAY 2 WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK AND THE CAR APPEARED TO DIE AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO GO DOWN MY STREET AT AN IDLE SPEED TO MY HOUSE --WE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THE MANAGER ACKNOWLEDGED THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUE BUT SAID SINCE IT DIDN'T LEAVE A CODE FORD WOULDN'T FIX IT--AFTER SEVERAL HOURS THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THAT THEY HAD GONE AHEAD AND REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY STATING ON THE INVOICE "DURING VISUAL INSPECTION FOUND THROTTLE PLATE BINDING AND STICKING CLOSED. REPLACED"--WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO FIX OUR PROBLEM BUT ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WE FOUND ON THE INTERNET--IT IS POTENTIALLY A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND, HAD I BEEN ON A FREEWAY OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED INJURY TO MYSELF OR CAR DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511805

59,800 miles · May 13, 2013
Electrical SystemPower Train

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH WHEN WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT AND I LOST ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THE MONKEY WRENCH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE BEFORE SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED FOR A…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH WHEN WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT AND I LOST ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THE MONKEY WRENCH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE BEFORE SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE, BUT THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN FINE, AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. THEY ADVISED IT WAS MOST LIKELY A THROTTLE TRAIN ISSUE, AND THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE TRAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511715

30,000 miles · May 10, 2013
EnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, IT WOULD THEN MOVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATED THE PROBLEM. IT OCCURRED AGAIN YESTERDAY AND IT IS AT THE DEALER AGAIN. THIS APP…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARED AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, IT WOULD THEN MOVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATED THE PROBLEM. IT OCCURRED AGAIN YESTERDAY AND IT IS AT THE DEALER AGAIN. THIS APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO A COMMON ISSUE WHICH IS BEING REPORTED AND SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO THE THROTTLE BODY BUT THE DEALER HAS NOT SAID THAT YET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511370

39,110 miles · May 10, 2013
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS ON SATURDAY MORNING ON THE INTERSTATE I WAS DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. I MADE A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPPED POSITION. AS I ACCELERATED THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS NOT IN GEAR. THE DASHBOARD WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDDLE AND THE I…

Read full complaint

AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS ON SATURDAY MORNING ON THE INTERSTATE I WAS DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. I MADE A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPPED POSITION. AS I ACCELERATED THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS NOT IN GEAR. THE DASHBOARD WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDDLE AND THE IDLE WAS EXTREMELY ROUGH. I COASTED TO A STOP AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER READING IN THE MANUAL ABOUT THE LIGHT (POWER TRAIN ISSUE) I CALLED AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER FOR SERVICE. AS IT WAS SATURDAY I HAD TO WAIT FOR SERVICE UNTIL MONDAY. MONDAY MORNING I RENTED A VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. ON THURSDAY, 10/25/12, MY VEHICLE WAS READY FOR PICKUP. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE ADVISER I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY WAS STICKING FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON AND THEY REPLACED IT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS NOT A POWER TRAIN ISSUE, BUT IT WAS AN EMISSIONS ISSUE. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE TICKET THEY ALSO CHARGED ME AN ADDITIONAL $170 ON A MISCELLANEOUS ITEM. ON 11/12/12 THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING. I DROVE IT TO MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE THAT HAD A LEAK. THIS WAS ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511369

85,000 miles · May 8, 2013
Power Train

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR COME TO A STOP, VEHICLES TRANSMISSION JERKS VIOLENTLY. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKS AND SLAMS INTO GEAR. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRYING TO SPEED UP AFTER GOING THROUGH TOLLS, VEHICLES RPM'S JUMP WILDLY, STRAINS ENGINE BECAUSE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO…

Read full complaint

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR COME TO A STOP, VEHICLES TRANSMISSION JERKS VIOLENTLY. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKS AND SLAMS INTO GEAR. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRYING TO SPEED UP AFTER GOING THROUGH TOLLS, VEHICLES RPM'S JUMP WILDLY, STRAINS ENGINE BECAUSE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. CAUSING YOU TO HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND NEARLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH VEHICLES BEHIND YOU. FORD TOLD ME (MAY 8, 2013) IT IS A LEAKING SEAL ON THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE PART IS ON BACK-ORDER UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JULY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511060

61,000 miles · May 7, 2013
EnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD MY CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT BEGAN SHAKING AND THE WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT OVER TO THE CENTER LANE AND TURN MY CAR OFF. IT RESTARTED AND DROVE DECENT. I WENT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID CLEANING THE THROTTLE BODY MAY HELP. I PICKED IT UP TODAY AND IT STILL ISN'T …

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD MY CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT BEGAN SHAKING AND THE WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT OVER TO THE CENTER LANE AND TURN MY CAR OFF. IT RESTARTED AND DROVE DECENT. I WENT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID CLEANING THE THROTTLE BODY MAY HELP. I PICKED IT UP TODAY AND IT STILL ISN'T SHIFTING PROPERLY. I WILL GO TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. I ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH THROTTLE BODY/CAR STALLING IN AUGUST 2012. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511008

Official recalls

3

16V777000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 26, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

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.

10V222000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

May 24, 2010

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

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

4

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.

PE11016 · Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage

Opened Apr 27, 2011 · Closed Aug 18, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut; Visibility; Visibility:glass, Side/rear

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Visibility

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Visibility:glass, Side/rear

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems