Four problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2008 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2008 Escape.
The steering wheel spins very fast if you let go of the wheel. You are not able to control it on the road. This occurs forwards or backwards. If you try to back up, and turn the wheel one way, it will not steer the correct direction and the steering wheel spins on it's own. Very dangerous. The repair shop has replaced the rack and pinion and it did not fix the problem. They are unable to determine what the issue is.
Having problems with the power steering sensors. Steering to make an a lot of clicking noise and vibrations. Looking at youtube videos and I've seen a couple where they said that they were paid back because of a recall on this issue with the rack and pinion steering. Looks like the average price just for the part is about 750 and with labor it's about 1500. Why isn't this re-called my steering wheel keeps locking up and doing crazy stuff but there's no recall that I can fine but why are people telling me that they got money back? seems to be a big issue with the front end of these cars also but I'm concerned about this power steering not working very well.
We were driving on the freeway on 10/12/16 when all of a sudden without warning the steering went completely out. I couldn't turn right or left. I had my family (wife, 2 children (1 autistic) and dog) in the vehicle. We barely avoided a couple accidents and a wall. Managed to push the vehicle to safety. I had a tow truck pick it up, take it to the dealer. Turns out the rack and pinion went out. The Ford dealer service advisor said he'd help me out with the price which was estimated at 1400 dollars. It took the dealer 6 days to have my vehicle ready. They said there was nothing they can do. They are an independent dealer. To take my issue up with Ford. I contacted the number that they gave me and the customer service rep at Ford said that the decision made by Ford motor company was just to notate that this happened. There was nothing they can do.
Tl-the contact 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds or in the park position he would notice excessive play in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnose that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,500 and the current mileage was approximately 120,000. Pmb.