Table 1 shows two common tire related problems of the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Tire Valve problems | |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System problems |
In stop and go traffic, the tire pressure warning light came on shortly before a tire went flat. During the tire repair, the valve stem was identified as the source of the leak. The stem was cracked and corroded. Inspection of the vehicle's other valve stems showed they were also defective, and the spare stem started to hiss and leak upon touching it. All five oem valve stems were replaced at owner's expense.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 mph and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to steer correctly, and the steering wheel needed to be held with added force. The tpms warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the torque sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.