Trouble codes › Known problems › Ford electronic throttle body problems (2009-2013)
Ford electronic throttle body problems (2009-2013)
Codes: P2111, P2135, P2101, P0121
On many 2009-2013 Fords (Fusion, Escape, Explorer, Edge and others), electronic throttle body problems causing low or surging idle, stalling or reduced power (P2111, P2112, P2135) are well documented; Ford issued a redesigned part and an extended-coverage program.
These faults can make the engine stall at a stop or drop into reduced power suddenly, which is dangerous in traffic. Get it checked before relying on the vehicle, and ask a dealer about coverage first.
Which vehicles
- Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan 2009-2012
- Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner 2009-2012
- Ford Explorer 2011-2013
- Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus and Lincoln MKZ 2009-2013
Why it happens
The electronic throttle body opens and closes the throttle with a small motor and reports its position with two sensors. On affected Fords, wear or contamination inside the throttle body makes it stick or misreport, setting P2111, P2112 or P2135, with stalling, low idle or limp mode.
NHTSA looked into throttle-body stall complaints on 2009-2011 Escape, Mariner, Fusion and Milan models, and Ford released redesigned throttle bodies.
Symptoms
- Low, surging or fluctuating idle
- Stalling when coming to a stop
- Reduced power (wrench light) and check-engine light
How to confirm it
- Read all codes; P2111, P2112 and P2135 together point strongly to the throttle body.
- Watch the two throttle position signals with a scan tool for disagreement or jumps.
- Check the throttle body connector for corrosion.
- Ask a Ford dealer whether TSB 10-21-6 or customer satisfaction program 13N03 applies to your VIN.
The repair
- Replace the throttle body with the redesigned Ford part, then do the throttle relearn.
- Cleaning sometimes helps short term but usually doesn't fix a failing unit.
Recalls, bulletins and warranty programs
- Ford TSB 10-21-6
- Reported as covering P2111/P2112 low or fluctuating idle on some 2010-2011 vehicles, with a redesigned throttle body.
- Ford customer satisfaction program 13N03
- Reported as extending throttle body coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles on affected vehicles. Most of that coverage has expired by now; confirm with a dealer.
- Ford program 17B28 (2016 Fusion)
- A separate throttle body replacement program for 2016 Fusion, with refunds for earlier paid repairs (refund offer ended March 2018).
Programs can expire or depend on your VIN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer to run your VIN for open recalls, bulletins and extended coverage.
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Researched October 2026 from service bulletins, recall records and repair-industry reporting. Your vehicle may differ; confirm with your service information and a dealer before paying for major repairs.