Three problems related to steering column have been reported for the 2001 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2001 Escape.
While driving, mainly on the interstate maintained speed of 70mph I feel the steering go very limp. It's been much like hydroplaning. Like there is air between my tires and the road. It lasts just a few seconds. I notice the steering column is rusted. The truck swerves in the lane and often going over line. The steering wheel is very loose when this happens.
The steering column had to be replaced due to the steering wheel being loose.
Nhtsa:vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.