NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
461 reports81,000 miles · Feb 4, 2016
Steering
TRYING TO EDIT COMPLAINT # 10823464. PLEASE UPDATE RECALL 14V-284 WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE IN STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN ON 12/30/15. SERVICE PERFORMED WAS A SOFTWARE MODIFICATION THAT WAS DESCRIBED TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM GOING INTO MANUAL STEERING MODE WITHOUT WARNING AS A RESULT OF TORQUE SENSOR DEFECT. 01/27/16 THE …
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TRYING TO EDIT COMPLAINT # 10823464. PLEASE UPDATE RECALL 14V-284 WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE IN STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN ON 12/30/15. SERVICE PERFORMED WAS A SOFTWARE MODIFICATION THAT WAS DESCRIBED TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM GOING INTO MANUAL STEERING MODE WITHOUT WARNING AS A RESULT OF TORQUE SENSOR DEFECT. 01/27/16 THE POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING AND MOVED TO MANUAL STEERING MODE, 29 DAYS AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. A "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" WARNING DISPLAY ON THE DASH. I CONTACTED FORD CONSUMER LINE WAS TOLD THAT RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS CLOSED. THE UPDATE WAS APPLIED. NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR A TORQUE SENSOR, A COST OF $700.00. MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WAS TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. NOW WE HAVE AN ERROR THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" OR WITH TORQUE SENSOR, WOULD THIS REPAIR BE ALLOWED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO THESE CIRCUMSTANCES? I WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS CLOSED AND I MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE INITIAL REPAIR WAS SUFFICIENT. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS ONE HAPPEN ON JANUARY 29TH. THIS SAFETY RECALL 14S05/NHTSA RECALL 14V-284 WAS PERFORMED ON DECEMBER 30, 2015. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE HAS SEVERAL HUNDRED COMMON COMPLAINTS THE SOFTWARE UPDATE DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WE FEEL WE SHOULD NOT PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS WITH TORQUE SENSOR AT $700.00. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. WE HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE AND IS AT LOCATION TODAY AT A FORD DEALER. I CALL FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AT AND FILE A COMPLAINT, CASE # 8728537 AND WAS TOLD TO SAVE MY RECEIPTS IN CASE FORD HAS A NEW RECALL THAT COMES OUT TO REIMBURSE THE COST OF REPAIRS. PLEASE NHTSA, SPEAK WITH THE FORD ABOUT THIS. REQUEST FOR A DETERMINATION, IF THEY FEEL THEY ADEQUATELY MET ITS OBLIGATION TO REMEDY THIS RECALL AND WHY THE PROBLEM CONTINUES.
NHTSA ODI #10824144
115,000 miles · Feb 3, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control
SAME RESULTS OF THE CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03. A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. CAR BEGAN TO STALL/CHOKE OUT WHILE ACCELERATING. IT CONTINUED TO DO SO UNTIL IT FINALLY LEFT ME ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS BUILT AT A DIFFERENT TIME/PLANT DOES NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR A KNOWN U…
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SAME RESULTS OF THE CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03. A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. CAR BEGAN TO STALL/CHOKE OUT WHILE ACCELERATING. IT CONTINUED TO DO SO UNTIL IT FINALLY LEFT ME ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS BUILT AT A DIFFERENT TIME/PLANT DOES NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR A KNOWN UNSAFE PROBLEM. THIS STARTED ON THE FREEWAY AND CONTINUED AFTER I EXITED FOR FEAR OF STALLING ON THE FREEWAY. CAR HAS TO BE TOWED/REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. A FRIEND HAS THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE/SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR, BUT DUE TO HER CAR BEING BUILT AT THAT PLANT/TIME WAS COMPENSATED FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. AGAIN, FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT MINIMIZES COVERAGE. I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY WIFE/DAUGHTER HAD BEEN DRIVING(AT NIGHT). IN REALITY, IT IS UNSAFE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA ODI #10823911
164,642 miles · Feb 2, 2016
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR ON THE STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. PRIOR TO THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR ON THE STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO A POWER STEERING RECALL IN 2014. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,642.
NHTSA ODI #10823706
81,000 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AFTER THE REPAIR. THE STEERING WHEEL ONLY OPERATED IN MANUAL MODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AFTER THE REPAIR. THE STEERING WHEEL ONLY OPERATED IN MANUAL MODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10823464
60,000 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Power Train
WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND LOSS OF POWER, INFORMS DRIVER TO SAFELY PULL OVER. TO ROAD. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD ONLY OPTION WAS TO REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION AND THAT FORD WOULD NOT ALLOW TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION, ONLY REPLACE WITH NEW. VEHICLE HAS 60K MILES AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER TRANSMISSION MEC…
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WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND LOSS OF POWER, INFORMS DRIVER TO SAFELY PULL OVER. TO ROAD. TOWED VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD ONLY OPTION WAS TO REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION AND THAT FORD WOULD NOT ALLOW TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION, ONLY REPLACE WITH NEW. VEHICLE HAS 60K MILES AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER TRANSMISSION MECHANICS HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT SELL THEM PARTS TO REPAIR THE CVTS AND ONLY A FORD DEALER IS AUTHORIZED AND CAN GET THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CVT AND FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP THIS PROBLEM. A $9,200 REPAIR SHOULD NOT BE BORNE BY THE CONSUMER. I CAN SEE OVER THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH OTHER CONSUMERS.
NHTSA ODI #10823421
60,000 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Power Train
WARNING LIGHTS COME ON WHEN DRIVING TELLING DRIVER TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO ROAD. TOWED TO FORD DEALER, WAS TOLD TO REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAS 60K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER MECHANICS WERE TOLD FORD WOULD NOT SELL THEM PARTS FOR REPAIR AND ONLY FORD COULD WORK ON THEM. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, THERE IS SOMETHIN…
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WARNING LIGHTS COME ON WHEN DRIVING TELLING DRIVER TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO ROAD. TOWED TO FORD DEALER, WAS TOLD TO REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAS 60K MILES AND WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER MECHANICS WERE TOLD FORD WOULD NOT SELL THEM PARTS FOR REPAIR AND ONLY FORD COULD WORK ON THEM. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CVT AND FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP. A $9,200 REPAIR SHOULD NOT BE BORNE BY THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA ODI #10823410
100,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V248000 (STEERING) BY THE PREVIOUS OWN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V248000 (STEERING) BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10822839
105,000 miles · Jan 25, 2016
Steering
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED IN SEPTEMBER 2015. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL WHICH STATES: 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 S…
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I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED IN SEPTEMBER 2015. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL WHICH STATES: 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. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY. I WAS CHARGED FULL PRICE FOR REPLACE THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SET UP A CASE # WHICH IS CAS86223147. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE PRIOR OWNER BROUGHT THE CAR IN WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. THEY HAD THE SOFTWARE UPDATED BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR. AS A NEW OWNER AND WITH THE RECALL STILL IN EFFECT, I FEEL THE RECALL SHOULD BE HONORED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TORQUE SENSOR.
NHTSA ODI #10822174
130,000 miles · Jan 25, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR A STEERING RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10822159
55,000 miles · Jan 22, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MARINER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10821670
Official recalls
3Sep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Sep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
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
2DP15001 · 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
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.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 CONTINUE TO