NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
69 reportsClear category filter160,000 miles · Jul 11, 2025
SteeringVehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The loc…
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #11672913
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2022
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control
Power steering suddenly went out on right turn onto residential street at approx 10 mph. No warning lights. When car was restarted, power steering back on. Paid dealer to scan. Failure code B2278-2F. Replace steering shaft torque sensor (internal to steering column), steering shaft must be replaced, too, due to play. Just two pa…
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Power steering suddenly went out on right turn onto residential street at approx 10 mph. No warning lights. When car was restarted, power steering back on. Paid dealer to scan. Failure code B2278-2F. Replace steering shaft torque sensor (internal to steering column), steering shaft must be replaced, too, due to play. Just two parts: part cost $2272, labor $886. Part back-ordered for unknown period. Have not yet told dealer service to order parts. Asked dealer if car was safe to drive: they said "probably not."
NHTSA ODI #11497180
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control
I recently purchased a 2012 ford escape, and the engine runs loud, and after researching, I feel that the throttle body is not in working condition. I looked up recalls on this vehicle and there is an incomplete throttle body repair/replace open recall, but when I looked it up via NHTSA it said no recalls. I would like this is…
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I recently purchased a 2012 ford escape, and the engine runs loud, and after researching, I feel that the throttle body is not in working condition. I looked up recalls on this vehicle and there is an incomplete throttle body repair/replace open recall, but when I looked it up via NHTSA it said no recalls. I would like this issue resolved. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11475469
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control
There is something not connecting right when you accelerate from a stopped position. From when you first start the car and begin to drive to slowing down to a complete stop as soon as you begin to accelerate there is almost no going right away when you push down on the pedal. It takes almost 10 seconds or more to even begin to s…
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There is something not connecting right when you accelerate from a stopped position. From when you first start the car and begin to drive to slowing down to a complete stop as soon as you begin to accelerate there is almost no going right away when you push down on the pedal. It takes almost 10 seconds or more to even begin to stay with on coming traffic. You have to be at a 3 rpm to even shift to go a little more faster then the speed starts to increase if able. It is available when needed to look over at any point and I dont feel safe driving as theres something not right with the connection to the fuel I believe and it feels like. I have taken it to a local shop and they looked it over and didnt seem to find or see much but they cleaned the air flow meter but that didnt do the trick? Also while driving the car tends to veer to the left with or with no wind. It doesnt like to stay straight while driving and thats also unsafe as the driver your doing everything to stay straight. Have not been inspected by anyone other than the local shop I trust and is family friend. Have never noticed or seen any defective lights come on since I purchased the vehicle. I noticed this not even a month into purchasing and I took it to where I purchased the vehicle and asked about it and they said its normal in this older ford escape? I was kinda stunned and annoyed so I just left. Also when the ac is on it seems to take even more power to try and get going I have noticed. I also have tried to upload a photo of an invoice and my computer isnt allowing me?
NHTSA ODI #11428243
69,000 miles · Nov 25, 2019
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACTS HUSBAND WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH FORCE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN THE ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE DID A ONE EIGHTY DEGREE TURN AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE IN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACTS HUSBAND WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH FORCE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN THE ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE DID A ONE EIGHTY DEGREE TURN AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE IN THEIR DRIVEWAY WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SHOULDER INJURIES AND WHIPLASH, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. DURING THOSE FAILURES, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED DUE TO THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER BEING IN THE VEHICLE OFTEN TIMES AND THERE WOULD BE SEVERE INJURIES IF THE FAILURE WERE TO OCCUR WHILE SHE WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #11282144
47,900 miles · Nov 7, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. I GOOGLED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE ETB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NHTSA DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR PROTECT THE PUBLIC BY REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE TOWING. INSTEAD NHTSA ONLY…
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MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. I GOOGLED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND THAT IT IS PROBABLY THE ETB ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NHTSA DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR PROTECT THE PUBLIC BY REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE TOWING. INSTEAD NHTSA ONLY REQUIRED THAT FORD EXTEND THE WARRANTY AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS LEAVING FORD OWNERS AT RISK OF INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11278709
33,100 miles · Apr 8, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrash
IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, AFTER EXECUTING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED IN ORDER TO SLOW THEN STOP THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD JUST BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. YOU COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REV UP AS IT SURGED FORWARD. APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOTHING TO SLOW…
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IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, AFTER EXECUTING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED IN ORDER TO SLOW THEN STOP THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD JUST BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. YOU COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REV UP AS IT SURGED FORWARD. APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOTHING TO SLOW IT DOWN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS JARRED BY STRIKING THE CURB THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDOL. SO MUCH POWER WAS APPLIED IN THE SURGE THAT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB, TRAVELED OVER A A GRASS PLOT AND STRUCK ANOTHER CAR ON THE OTHER SIDE. OUR FORD ESCAPE SUFFERED FRONT END DAMAGE (TOWARD DRIVERS SIDE) AND THE OTHER VEHICLE (A FORD ECO -BOOST) SUFFERED FRONT AND DRIVERS SIDE DAMAGE. NOTE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING FORWARD AT ABOUT ONE MPH (ALMOST TO A FULL STOP) WHEN THE SURGE OCCURRED. AS IT SURGED THE SPEED INCREASED RAPIDLY TO ABOUT SEVEN TO TEN MPH. THE VEHICLES WERE NOT TOWED AT THE TIME BUT WHEN DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE HOME A SEVERE DEFECT IN THE STEERING (PULL TO THE LEFT) WAS NOTICED MAKING IT VIRTUALLY INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED FROM OUR DRIVEWAY TO THE BODY SHOP.
NHTSA ODI #11194555
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. THE WRENCH ICON, CHECK ENGINE, AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. COURTESY FORD (6393 US-98 W, HATTIESBURG, MS 39402, (601) 264-5555) WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. THE WRENCH ICON, CHECK ENGINE, AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. COURTESY FORD (6393 US-98 W, HATTIESBURG, MS 39402, (601) 264-5555) WAS AWARE THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR SPECIAL COVERAGE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13N03 (THROTTLE BODY EXTENDED COVERAGE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED BECAUSE THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED 8,000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED; HOWEVER, BOTH REPAIRS FAILED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER EXPECTED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE SPEED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE...*BF CONSUMER ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE CAMPAIGN #13N03 AND WAS TOLD CONSUMER WOULDN'T GET WHAT WAS NEEDED. THROTTLE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11184401
30,000 miles · Feb 15, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
TWO PROBLEMS HERE. FIRST ONE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY THAT I NOTICED A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT DATE I CALLED FORD REGARDING THIS. OCCASIONALLY, ESPECIALLY IN THE HOTTEST DAYS, WHEN I HIT THE GAS TO GET INTO TRAFFIC, MY CAR DOESN'T SPEED UP. IT JUST SITS THERE, WHICH HAS PUT ME IN MANY DANGEROUS POS…
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TWO PROBLEMS HERE. FIRST ONE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY THAT I NOTICED A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT DATE I CALLED FORD REGARDING THIS. OCCASIONALLY, ESPECIALLY IN THE HOTTEST DAYS, WHEN I HIT THE GAS TO GET INTO TRAFFIC, MY CAR DOESN'T SPEED UP. IT JUST SITS THERE, WHICH HAS PUT ME IN MANY DANGEROUS POSITIONS WHERE I END UP PULLING UP IN FRONT OF A FAST MOVING CAR, BUT SINCE MINE FAILS TO SPEED UP EVEN IF I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY, THOSE CARS END UP ALMOST HITTING ME FROM BEHIND. AFTER ABOUT 5 SECONDS IT FINALLY TAKES OFF, SPINNING THE TIRES AND AGAIN PUTTING MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS AT RISK OF BEING HIT. THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN MY CAR IS ON A DOWNHILL STOP SIGN A FEW BLOCKS DOWN MY STREET WHERE I CAN ONLY GO LEFT OR RIGHT. I MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, BUT MY CAR JUST ROLLS INTO THE STREET WITH NO POWER IN THE GAS PEDAL FOR ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS. I NOTIFIED FORD AFTER GOING ONLINE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WETTING WITH MY CAR, AND FINDING OUT THAT THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH CERTAIN 2012 MODELS, INCLUDING MY CAR BASED ON THE VIN #. THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO A DEALER BUT SAID THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOUR ANY OUT OF POCKET CHARGES. THE DEALER SAID THEY NEEDED AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN ORDER TO NOT INCUR ANY FEES. BUT NEITHER FORD OR CARMAX EVER NOTIFIED ME WITH ANY ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION, WHICH MADE ME WEARY TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THAT I HAVE NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL IN MY CAR FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW, IT'S VERY RANDOM AND HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH. I ATTRIBUTE IT TO DRIVING PAST A GAS STATION OR A SEMITRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY OR JUST NORMAL FOR CARS TO SMELL OF GASOLINE SOMETIMES. THE SMELL ONLY SEEMS TO LAST ABOUT 30 SECONDS.
NHTSA ODI #11180271
43,050 miles · Nov 16, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR FORD ESCAPE 2012 ENGINE STALL/DIES WHILE DRIVING , ALMOST ON DAILY BASES NOW, AT ANY TRAVEL POINT AT ANY ROAD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT BUT NOW GOES. I TOOK THE PHOTO(JUST IN CASE TO PROVE IT) AND DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER PRINTOUT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED . I READ THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS AN EXTEND…
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TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR FORD ESCAPE 2012 ENGINE STALL/DIES WHILE DRIVING , ALMOST ON DAILY BASES NOW, AT ANY TRAVEL POINT AT ANY ROAD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT BUT NOW GOES. I TOOK THE PHOTO(JUST IN CASE TO PROVE IT) AND DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER PRINTOUT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED . I READ THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS PART UP TO 10 YEARS DUE TO DEFECT THROTTLE BODY . I WILL TAKE TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AND I WILL NOTIFY THEM TOO. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 43150 MILES ON IT AND NEEDS TO BE FIX DUE TO A DANGEROUS ENGINE STALLING . "I PURCHASED IT RECENTLY"
NHTSA ODI #11152107
NHTSA investigations
2PE13003 · 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.