FORD: THE CRUISE CONTROL, ON SOME VEHICLES, MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO STEERING WHEEL WIRING HARNESS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B112B.07. MODELS 2012-2013 FOCUS, ESCAPE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Escape cruise control problems
severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
5crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe sudden loss of acceleration at highway speeds and during low-speed maneuvers, with RPMs revving but the vehicle refusing to move forward—a condition they call "limp mode." This occurs unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per month, forcing drivers to coast to the shoulder and restart. Engine stalling strikes without warning during warm restarts, idle waits, or immediately after pulling out from a stop, often as a series of 3–4 consecutive stalls. Dealerships cite "failure to reproduce" as reason for no repair.
Coolant system failures plague the fleet: owners report leaks requiring top-ups every few days or months, low-coolant warnings during highway driving, and engine overheating that shuts the vehicle down or triggers false heat alerts. One heater hose part (CV6Z-18472-S) has thousands of units backordered; owners cannot drive the vehicle safely.
Unintended acceleration incidents include vehicles lunging forward at stoplights while foot is on the brake and crashes into parked cars and buildings at speeds as low as 5 mph. Hesitation and jerking during acceleration, especially uphill or when merging, leaves owners anxious about traffic. Electronic throttle body faults display "Engine Fault Service Now" messages that vanish after shutdown but recur, and replacement parts are frequently unavailable.
Transmission faults, door locks opening while driving, fuel smell from EVAP system leaks, and wiring harness failures compound the safety concerns. Recall 13S12 exists for coolant bypass issues, but many owner VINs fall outside recall coverage; dealers and Ford deny repairs on that basis.
Same Ford Escape cruise control reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of acceleration / power loss while driving
Vehicle suddenly loses ability to accelerate despite foot on gas pedal. RPMs may rev high but vehicle will not move or moves very slowly. Often described as 'limp mode.' Occurs at various speeds including highway speeds (65-75 mph), during merging, pulling out of parking spaces, or in traffic. Some owners report the car will eventually accelerate after delay; others report complete stalling.
When: Occurs intermittently at various mileages from 4,440 to 150,000 miles. Some owners report it happening multiple times per month, others sporadically.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate despite full depression of gas pedal; RPMs rev high but vehicle does not move forward or moves very slowly; Described as 'limp mode' with reduced power; Vehicle may coast to a stop; Tachometer spikes while foot on gas; Occurs during highway driving, merging, or pulling out of parking areas
Codes mentioned: P2637 (canister purge valve solenoid / coolant bypass valve), Check engine light (often on or comes on intermittently), Engine fault service now message, Transmission fault message
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing transmission, throttle body, electronic throttle body (parts back ordered), air filter, coolant parts, and various sensors. Repairs often do not resolve the issue or problem recurs after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13S12 (coolant bypass valves); Recall 14V495000 (electrical system) — some VINs reported as not included in recalls. Ford TSB15-0005 (wiring harness splices) — did not resolve issue. Dealers often unable to reproduce problem or find fault codes.
Engine stalling (cold start, warm start, and idle)
Engine stalls unexpectedly during startup after engine has warmed and cooled (warm start stall), immediately after pulling out from a stop, during traffic, or while idling at lights. Often occurs as series of 3-4 consecutive stalls before restarting. Intermittent and difficult to reproduce at dealership.
When: Occurs from early ownership (2.5 years in) through higher mileage. Some owners report 3-6 times per month; others say every other day.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off when accelerating after warm start (20 min sitting period); Stalling immediately after pulling out of parking lot or driveway; Stalling while idle in traffic; Series of 3-4 consecutive stalls before vehicle restarts; Engine stalls entering traffic; Occurs in both hot and cold engine conditions; Vehicle shakes and lurches
Codes mentioned: No codes or 'failure to reproduce' — on-board diagnostics unhelpful, Check engine light may or may not appear
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers unable to diagnose (failure to reproduce). Some mention Ford advised against repairs due to VIN exclusions from recalls. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist (13S12, 14V495000, 15V813000) but many owner VINs are not included. Dealers cite 'failure to reproduce' as reason for no repair. Owners report recalls mentioned but their specific VINs excluded.
Engine overheating and coolant system failures
Vehicle overheats and either goes into limp mode, shuts down, or triggers false overheating warnings. Coolant leaks requiring frequent top-ups (every 3-4 months or multiple times weekly). Low coolant warning appears while driving or at startup. Some leaks invisible (not on ground). Related to coolant bypass valve and heater hose issues.
When: Occurs throughout ownership, from early complaints to higher mileages. Coolant loss ongoing issue for months.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats; vehicle shuts down; Coolant leaks requiring frequent refills (every 3-4 months to multiple times weekly); Low coolant warning light while driving or at startup; Vehicle goes into limp mode when overheating indicated; Engine shakes and lurches with loud noise; 'High engine temperature' message appears; Vehicle dashboards show false overheating alerts despite normal temps; Radiator fluid pours over engine
Codes mentioned: P2637 (canister purge valve solenoid / coolant bypass valve), Low coolant warning light, High engine temperature message
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced coolant, water heater hose (part CV6Z-18472-S reported back-ordered with 3,200+ units), bypass valves, and radiator. Multiple visits for same issue; leaks persist or recur. Part availability issues noted (1+ month backorder).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13S12 (coolant bypass valves) exists but some VINs excluded. Owners report Ford refuses to cover repairs on recalled items if outside warranty or if VIN not included in recall. Water heater hose part shortage acknowledged by multiple owners.
Unintended acceleration (sudden or unexpected)
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver depressing accelerator pedal, or accelerates excessively when accelerator lightly touched. Occurs at rest, while stopped at light, in drive-through, or while driving slowly. Some incidents result in crashes into other vehicles or buildings.
When: Occurs at low mileages (as low as 4,440 miles and 150 miles) and at various speeds (5-70 mph, at rest). Some one-time events; others recur.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly accelerates without pedal depression; Car lunges forward while foot on brake at stoplight or drive-through; Rapid acceleration when lightly touching accelerator; Vehicle accelerates immediately after startup; Difficulty stopping; brake does not prevent acceleration
Codes mentioned: No codes generated in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report crashes and damage but no repairs performed in most cases. One owner mentions dealership performed 'unknown repairs' that did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases but no recalls issued for unintended acceleration. Dealers unable to duplicate failures.
Cruise control activation by thigh / steering wheel design
Cruise control resume lever on lower left steering wheel can be accidentally activated by driver's thigh or leg movement when steering wheel is in low position, causing sudden acceleration. One documented crash resulting from accidental resume activation.
When: At least two documented incidents; first while stationary at red light with cruise set to 65 mph, second on curvy road at low speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Accidental cruise control resume activation via thigh contact with lever; Sudden rapid acceleration when resume lever contacted; Brake ineffective at stopping car before collision
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Owner notes elevating steering wheel reduces likelihood of accidental activation.
Hesitation and poor acceleration response
Vehicle hesitates when accelerating, especially when pressing gas pedal to floor. Acceleration delayed, jerky, or sputtering. Occurs uphill and on level ground. Vehicle may stay at same speed until pedal is slowly released and reapplied. High RPMs with minimal forward movement.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; occurs at various speeds from stop-and-go traffic to highway merging (45-70 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Major delays when gas pedal pressed, sometimes to floor; Very high RPMs while in motion with minimal acceleration; Vehicle stays same speed uphill until no longer on incline; Acceleration increases when gas pedal is slowly released then pushed down again; Sputtering when pulling out from stops; Jerking when accelerating; Vehicle does not reach highway speed (65 mph) in reasonable time despite full pedal depression
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing spark plugs, corroded wires, air filters, and turbo, but hesitation persists.
Electronic throttle body / engine control faults
Electronic throttle body malfunction causing 'Engine Fault Service Now' message and inability to accelerate or severe jerking. Message may disappear after shutdown but problem recurs. Replacement throttle bodies ordered or installed but issue may recur.
When: Occurs during startup and driving; intermittent nature makes dealer reproduction difficult.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Engine Fault Service Now' message appears on startup or while driving; Vehicle jerks severely when accelerating; Unable to accelerate despite pedal depression; Message disappears after shutdown but recurs later; Vehicle becomes undrivable
Codes mentioned: Engine Fault Service Now message
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic throttle body replacement needed; parts reported back-ordered.
Doors randomly opening / popping open
Doors unexpectedly unlock or open while driving, requiring passengers to hold them shut. Safety concern on highways and in traffic.
When: Ongoing issue during ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors pop open while driving; Doors unlock randomly; Requires passengers to hold doors shut while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to recalls mentioned but not specifically addressed in narratives.
EVAP system / canister purge valve solenoid failures
Canister purge valve solenoid fails causing fuel smell, whining sound, rocking motion in stop-and-go traffic, and engine stalling. Replacement part fails again within one year. Related to fuel smell and emissions issues.
When: First failure in fall of prior year; replacement failed again one year later during rush hour traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Car whines and rocks in stop-and-go traffic; Burned fuel smell; Engine stalls out, initially while stationary then while in motion; Difficulty restarting (10+ minutes); Fuel smell in cabin; Check engine code P0456 (evaporated emissions leak); Car attempts to lunge forward while in park
Codes mentioned: P0456 (evaporated emissions leak), Related to Focus recall (canister purge valve solenoid)
Repairs/costs cited: Canister purge valve solenoid replaced; replacement part failed within one year.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor failure
MAP sensor fails causing vehicle to lose acceleration capability. Diagnosed at 86,000 miles but not repaired. Related to electrical system issues.
When: At 86,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate when pedal depressed; Failure intermittent
Codes mentioned: MAP sensor failure (manifold absolute pressure sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis made; repair not performed due to VIN exclusion from recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in recall 15V813000 (electrical system).
Wiring harness and electrical issues
Wiring harness splices fail causing power loss, stalling, and various electronic faults. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) repair does not resolve issue; replacement parts then fail again.
When: TSB15-0005 repair applied; problem recurred.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power and stalls while idling after start or within 0.1 mile; Occurs every other day; Power loss entering traffic; Must restart in park
Repairs/costs cited: Ford TSB15-0005 (wiring harness splices) applied; problem recurred. Throttle body then replaced; problem recurred again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford TSB15-0005 issued but ineffective.
Transmission faults and gear engagement issues
Transmission warning lights, fault messages, slipping gears, difficulty engaging or staying in gear, and jerking in reverse. Vehicle may lunge forward when gears finally engage after cruise control used.
When: Occurs at various mileages including early ownership (15,000 miles) and throughout.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fault message appears; 'Transmission fault service soon' message; Gears will not engage while driving (vehicle lunges when they finally do); Vehicle jerks in reverse; Vehicle seems to think it is in park while driven; Vehicle slips out of gears by itself; Vehicle deceleration with transmission warning light
Codes mentioned: Transmission fault warning light, Engine or transmission warning light (unclear which)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission replacements (at least 2 replacements in one case) but issues recur or new problems emerge.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2013 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2013 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 22,000 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 91,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.