2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

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.

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

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.

Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but they are saying my car is not included on this recall at this time although it is exactly the same issue I am having now.

NHTSA ID

11753983

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 8 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel ceased to function; however, the contact was able to make a full turn of the steering wheel, and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to regain power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics and the contact was informed that the steering wheel module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact had the same failure three times within a month. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the steering module was reprogrammed; however, the dealer was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

NHTSA ID

11647669

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

Mileage

260,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The local dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11638819

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as a failure with the electric power steering assist. The contact was informed that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11602797

Incident

Jul 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 190,000.

NHTSA ID

11597952

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

Mileage

190,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the power steering control module was reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing similar failure as in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and advised the contact to reach out to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.

NHTSA ID

11509400

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

Mileage

270,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to be difficult to maneuver. The power steering sensor failed warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11459667

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel would shake and vibrate before eventually the message "torque sensor failure" had displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor and possibly the steering rack were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA ID

11451904

Incident

Feb 3, 2021

Mileage

158,000 mi

Some 2005-2012 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2011 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may set DTCs P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or P0A96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (TBCM). These codes by themselves normally do not result in any symptoms that are noticeable to the customer. DTCs P0A81/P0A96 are typically found when diagnosing other drivability concerns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM

FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION. *RM

FORD/MERCURY: TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WITH DTC C1440. SOME VEHICLES BUILT MAY EXHIBIT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON WITH DTC CODE C1440. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD FOLLOWING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, A SLIGHT BRAKE DRAG CONDITION MAY BE OBSERVED. *PE

FORD: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING OR RUBBING NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND/OR EXHIBIT ABS WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATION. ESCAPE AND ESCAPE HYBRID ONLY. *PE