Steering. Review the 409 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 268 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

38 crash reports7 fire reports29 injury reports

Power Train complaints

268 reports

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35,421 miles · Apr 13, 2014

EnginePower Train

ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER SEVERAL COUNTLESS TIMES DURING A 300 MILE JOURNEY ON A HIGHWAY. I ALMOST CRASHED VEHICLE DURING THE EARLY OCCURRENCES. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10579478

35,000 miles · Mar 13, 2014

Power Train

TRANSMISSION SLIPS TWICE AND JERKS FORWARD WHEN FIRST DRIVEN COLD.........VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING A BUSY HIGHWAY................TOOK TO PALM SPRINGS MOTORS 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEMS WAS NEVER SOLVED...........THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT BREAKS DOWN AND THEN THEY COULD TELL WHAT…

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NHTSA ODI #10569106

67,000 miles · Mar 4, 2014

Power Train

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MY FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013. I LOST POWER AND ACCELERATION WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AT ALL. I OBSERVED THAT THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS ON AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING. I TURNED THE IGNITION ALL THE WAY OFF AND SAT FOR A MINUTE AND TURNED THE CAR BACK ON. IT STARTED FINE AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC NEARBY. I LEFT THE CAR FOR 4 DAYS WHILE OUT OF TOWN AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME UPON MY RETURN THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM OR REPEAT THE PROBLEM, SO I RETRIEVED MY CAR HOPING THAT IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME INCIDENT. THE SAME OCCURRENCE HAPPENED TWICE MORE ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2013; THIS TIME IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND IT WAS IN VERY HAZARDOUS AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. I'M SURPRISED THAT FORD HAS NOT ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. SOMEONE COULD GET HURT AND THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE WITH THIS POTENTIAL POWER TRAIN PROBLEM. I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND I SEE COMPLAINTS ON OTHER FORD MODELS AND THE ESCAPE AS FAR BACK AS 2008. SHAME ON FORD. I WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO A FORD SERVICE DEALER ON MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013. I LOVE THE ESCAPE (THIS IS MY SECOND ONE) AND HAVE PURCHASED NOTHING BUT FORD PRODUCTS. I WILL SERIOUSLY CONSIDER ANOTHER MAKE FOR MY NEXT VEHICLE PURCHASE. FORD SHOULD ABSOLUTELY DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10567348

44,000 miles · Feb 25, 2014

EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD ESCAPE . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MI…

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NHTSA ODI #10565865

55,450 miles · Feb 25, 2014

EnginePower Train

WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS THE CAR SHIFTS REALLY HARD. THEN IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS NO GET UP AND GO AFTERWARDS. THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING HARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565845

44,500 miles · Feb 13, 2014

Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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EVER SINCE WE BOUGHT OUR 2011 FORD ESCAPE (USED IN FL--HAD TO DRIVE IT TO WA STATE DUE TO MILITARY PCS ARMY ORDERS) THE CAR HAS NEVER GOTTEN MORE THAN 20 MPG. IT WAS HESITATING CONSISTENTLY AFTER WE PUT 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR. IT STARTED HESITATING/ REVVING RPMS AT STOP/JUMPING/ACCELERATING THEN ENGINE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF AND POWER AS WELL. FINALLY STALLED ON JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, WA (WHERE WE ARE STATIONED AND LIVE) AND MY HUSBAND COULD NOT GET IT TO START. THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS ALSO THEN SHOWING. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP (LAKEWOOD FORD). WE HAD A PLATINUM WARRANTY WE PAID EXTRA FOR WITH OUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS. EVEN WITH THAT WE STILL HAD TO GET AN AER (ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF) LOAN FOR THE DIFFERENCE (APPX. $187.00) THAT WAS NOT COVERED. WE WERE ENTITLED TO RENTAL CAR COVERAGE BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP DID NOT CONTACT OUR WARRANTY COMPANY IN TIME SO WE WERE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 4 DAYS. THAT WAS BARELY 3 MONTHS AGO. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY REGULATOR. AGAIN...HERE IT IS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS SINCE THAT WAS REPLACED AND WE ARE ONLY GETTING 18.2 MILES TO THE GALLON. IT IS WORSE WHEN WE USE THE FLEX FUEL. IT BARELY HAS 47,000 MILES AND IT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND I FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS CAR. MY HUSBAND IS BEING MEDICALLY BOARDED FROM ACTIVE DUTY ARMY BECAUSE HE IS 100% DISABLED AND A "WOUNDED WARRIOR." THE ONLY COMFORT I HAVE IS SEEING THAT WE AREN'T THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVE DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM. THAT IS TERRIBLE TO SAY BUT IT IS EVEN WORSE WHEN YOU CANNOT RELY ON A VEHICLE YOU BOUGHT ONLY 1 YEAR USED. WE ARE FACING HAVING TO DRIVE THIS BACK TO ORLANDO, FL AND NOW WE WILL PROBABLY VOLUNTARILY TURN IT IN TO THE LOAN COMPANY SIMPLY BECAUSE NEITHER ONE OF US FEEL SAFE ENOUGH TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IT 3500 MILES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, ALONG WITH THE MEDICAL CONCERNS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564278

51,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014

Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

CAR WOULD VIOLENTLY BUCK WHILE LOOSING POWER. WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON THEN DISAPPEARED. SEAMS TO BE A RANDOM GHOST THAT VISITS EVERY 2 WEEKS. HAD MAP SENSOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY THEN 2 WKS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME PAID FOR THROTTLE BODY. 2 WKS WENT BY AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME DIDN'T. GO TO DEALER. NOT SURE BUT I T…

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NHTSA ODI #10562289

60,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014

Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FOR A SECOND AND THEN LOST ALL POWER. THERE WAS NO GAS GOING TO THE ENGINE AND I COULD NOT PRODUCE ANY SPEED. I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP WHILE MOVING OVER IN THE FREEWAY LANE TO THE SHOULDER. WHEN I DID STOP, THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT HAD TROUBLE GETTING FUEL TO IT. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND SAT FOR A SECOND AND WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON IT STARTED UP AND WOULD GO. OVER THE PAST MONTHS THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF. SOME DAYS IT DRIVES FINE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL DO THE SAME ASPECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561725

37,891 miles · Jan 24, 2014

EnginePower Train

ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AND CAR LURCHED AND ENGINE SEEMED ABOUT TO QUIT, GOT "WRENCH LIGHT" AND WAS ABLE TO CREEP TO GET INTO PARKING LOT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON CAR AND SAID THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561322

24,534 miles · Jan 17, 2014

Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

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AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ONE MORNING THE FORD ESCAPE WITH OUT WARNING STARTED TO FEEL LIKE THERE WAS NO THROTTLE WHEN SHE STEPPED IN THE GAS. SHE IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (COASTING BECAUSE THE GAS PEDDLE WASN'T RESPONDING. A LITTLE WRENCH (THROTTLE BODY/POWERTRAIN) LIGHT CAME ON, ON THE DASH. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ON THIS DAY, BOTH TIMES OUT OF THE BLUE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT AND IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE SO NEW AND SUCH LOW MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560429

Official recalls

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.

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

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

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

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

Visibility

Visibility:glass, Side/rear

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems

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