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P0351 on FORD ESCAPE

Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit/Open

NHTSA Reports
7
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2005, 2006
Crashes / Fires
0 / 1
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0351 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0351 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit/Open. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

7 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2005-2006. Most reports come from the 2005, 2006 model years.

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"While going onto a freeway onramp at approximately 45 miles per hour, the vehicle suddenly lost all power, all lights came on, the ability to steer and brake was affected by total power loss."

— 2005 FORD ESCAPE owner · STEERING,POWER TRAIN · Filed 08/30/2018

"Was driving at highway speed (appx 55mph) in 5 o'clock traffic in raleigh, nc on us 1 and the vehicle lost speed. all emergency lights came on. forced to pull the vehicle off onto the shoulder and was almost rear ended. the vehicle sputtered and totally cut off."

— 2005 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE · Filed 03/15/2015

"Was driving my car at 45 miles per hour the car began to sputter and came to very quick halt in the middle of traffic. i had the car towed to my local garage, it was hooked up to a computer diagnostic tool."

— 2005 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 01/21/2013

"I own a ford escape 2005 four door 4wd that has been every 2-3 years in the shop for coils and computer damage. ford has a problem with these cars and the problem is that last friday i was driving on a main road when all of a sudden my car just died while i am driving in a 50 mile zoned road."

— 2005 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 04/25/2007

"My wife got into her escape to return home and it would not run properly. it was missing badly and lacked adequate power to pull itself. i took my escape to the repair shop and was appauled by their findings. i am going to quote directly from the diagnostic report i received."

— 2005 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 01/13/2012

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

6
'05
1
'06

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN 14.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 14.3%
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 14.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14.3%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0351 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?
P0351 indicates: Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit/Open. This is a ignition system code. 7 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0351 on FORD ESCAPE?
Based on 7 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Steering,Power Train, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine, Power Train,Electrical System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0351 a safety concern on FORD ESCAPE?
Of 7 NHTSA reports for P0351 on FORD ESCAPE, 1 involved a fire. Always consult a qualified mechanic for any diagnostic trouble code.
What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0351?
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0351 on Other Vehicles