Two problems related to steering column have been reported for the 2017 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2017 Escape.
Issue revolves around exposed steering column near pedals. Column will move as you turn the wheel. My floor mat got tangled in the column simply by shifting causing me to lose steering. This is an extreme hazard, as anything that falls in the pedal well has the potential to cut the steering (including shoe laces, etc). A shroud or cover should be placed as it is on other vehicles including older Escapes. The attached image is directly behind the pedals. This metal shaft will rotate with the steering wheel.
Steering wheel locked up while driving, twice!! first time my 18 year old daughter was driving on a local road and the wheel just locked up and she couldn't steer the car. My son who was with her told her to put her hazards on and shut the car down and restart the car, that worked but had it towed to dealer as none of us were taking a chance it would happen again. The dealer said something cracked in the steering column and they fixed it. This second time, I had the car, thank god, and while trying to pull out of a parking spot, the wheel was completely frozen, again!!! this is completely unacceptable and I put myself and my daughter at risk every time we get behind the wheel!!!.