2011 Ford Escape Hybrid

Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

the electrical system

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Closed defect petition · opened April 1, 2015 · closed June 14, 2018

the steering

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

Closed defect petition · opened October 2, 2012 · closed February 21, 2013

the 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.

crash · towed · 115,000 miles

WHILE TURNING LEFT, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, IN A SMALL STRIP MALL PARKING LOT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND KEPT ACCELERATING. ALTHOUGH I TRIED TO STEER, CAR CRASHED INTO SEVERAL HEDGES, OVER HIGH CURBS, TIRE BLEW OUT, FINALLY STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO TREE 8 PARALLEL FEET FROM GAS PUMP. BRAKES DID NOT SLOW CAR DOWN. NO IDEA WHY.

NHTSA complaint 10896633. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

crash · 19,517 miles

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE FROM TEXAS MOTORS FORD, FORT WORTH, TX ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN, ON OCTOBER 24, 2011, AFTER COMING TO A STOP IN MY GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SWITCHED FROM ELECTRIC POWER TO GAS POWER AND LUNGED FORWARD INTO THE CABINET ON THE FRONT WALL OF MY GARAGE, DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I TOOK MY (HAD IT TOWED) VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON THE SAME DAY. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD ADVISED ME OVER THE PHONE NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, BUT HAD REPAIRED THE DAMAGE TO …

NHTSA complaint 10476529, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

crash · 9,390 miles

DROVE 2011 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID INTO PARKING SPACE AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. FRONT WHEELS WERE TURNED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AS A RESULT OF TURNING INTO THE PARKING SPACE. CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, WENT UP AND OVER CURB IN FRONT OF CAR, AND HIT A PARKED CAR SEVERAL FEET AWAY BEFORE VEHICLE COULD BE STOPPED. INCIDENT OCCURRED IN DAYLIGHT AND GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS. NO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO BE DRIVER ERROR - DRIVER IN 50'S IS VERY CAREFUL AND PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT HAD PERFECT DRIVING RECORD FOR DECADES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10514020. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

The steering wheel locked in one position i pulled over shut off the car restarted and the steering wheel started working again. Is their a recall on my 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid with this problem. This scared me to death I got lucky and the road was straight and I was able to stop the car. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11747578. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

85,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while attempting to stop the vehicle the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint 11678552. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

130,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while 65 MPH on the freeway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacture was made of the failure but …

NHTSA complaint 11655186, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

75,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle experienced electrical power steering failure. The check engine and brake system light warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for several years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque sensor and the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint 11592216. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

220,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA complaint 11454036. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

120,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that he was able to safely pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted the vehicle drove normally for approximately 30 minutes before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was …

NHTSA complaint 11452217, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.