general problems of the 2017 Ford Escape - part 1

This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “steering assist fault” that clearly Ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist message was displayed; however, the driver continued driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an intermittent failure with the steering. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,555.

My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 Ford Escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by Ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering became horizontal regardless of the efforts to manually center it in its normal position. The vehicle crashed into the rear of another parked unoccupied vehicle, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries or medical attention were sought. A police report was not filed. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic for a front tie rod failure and was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.  .

Steering rack and pinion failure, should not be happening at this low of miles and have read of similar cases with Ford's rack and pinion of this style. Pulls hard to other lanes and almost causing accident or crash, extremely unsafe. You can hear it now when car is in park (or moving) and you turn to the right. I have additional video of popping, clunking and grinding noise coming from rack and pinion. I cannot drive safely until this is fixed.

A previous NHTSA complaint was filed on [xxx] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "steering fault assist. " following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at mayfield auto in the dallas metro area—the location where the vehicle had initially stalled—despite the fact that the customer resides in lafayette, la. Despite the completed repair and the vehicle being driven for more than 1,000 miles, the same "steering fault assist" error message has reappeared as of [xxx]. This issue led to a dangerous situation, as the vehicle became difficult to steer and eventually stalled in the middle of a highway, putting the driver and other motorists at serious risk. The driver, a [xxx], struggled to control the vehicle due to the sudden loss of steering ability and was nearly involved in a collision with another vehicle. This marks the second steering failure within a 60-day period, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, as well as the effectiveness of the previous repair. The recurrence of this issue not only poses a severe risk to the driver and passengers but also endangers others on the road. Given the history of this problem and the life-threatening nature of the failure, immediate action is necessary to investigate and address this persistent and hazardous defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn to right while attempting to enter a mcdonald's parking lot. The message "steering assistance fault failure - service required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed and that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified NHTSA campaign number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock, the problem wentg away. I tried numerous times to recreate the problem and could not. However, I am very apprehensive that this car is now unsafe.

Was driving and suddenly steering became very difficult. It became hard to turn.

I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford refused and allowed me to drive back on the road in dangerous conditions. My coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. This is due to a manufacture defect in the open deck design of the engine block. My life was put at risk on the road driving with no coolant causing damage to my engine and reducing my car’s performance. Joes auto shop confirmed my issue informing that I need a new engine costing around $8,000.

Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault. ” almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code u0131 lost communication with steering control module a. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic for repairs.

Coolant leak engine.

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel began flickering. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the flickering ceased. The contact stated that shortly after the flickering stopped, the steering wheel became firm, and was unresponsive causing the vehicle to collide with a telephone pole. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as designed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35–40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced under a customer satisfaction program at approximately 45,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flex plate was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

While driving the steering sweerves to the right doesn't do it all the time.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently. The message "steering loss. Stop safely!" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,840.

When driving the vehicle an error pops up stating steering fault service now. When this pops up the steering tends to go tough. If you turn off the vehicle and turn it back on the error goes away and the system does not store any codes. There is no reason or repeat action to trigger this error. It was coming up monthly and the last month has popped up 3 times. This is a huge issue especially for myself who has kids and if something happened to my steering while driving I would be screwed. I have attached one service invoice but have been to a dealership 3 total times to get this issue looked into.

I was driving to NY from nc when my power steering went out in the mountains of PA there was no warning at all just all of a sudden could not barely turn the wheel. When I pulled over a warning then did come on when I turned the car back on stating steering assist failure needs service. I had to continue to drive because it was late in the evening. When I got to NY I took it to the cord dealer and they stated it is the steering rod that needs replacing and it is costing me $3166 plus tax!! the car only has 53,000 miles on it and of course is no longer under warranty!.

Engine began smoking and had to be replaced 2 days after purchase (in 2020- covered under warranty. ) failed inspection for front end suspension problems which was covered under warranty at first but a year later needed struts and tie rods replaced. . In 2021 the transmission suddenly failed, cost $5,000 to repair out of pocket. The other day the power steering assist suddenly stopped working and I was told it would be $150-3,000 to fix.

My power steering has gone out 6 times in the last month. It has happened once while driving on the road, and the other times in parking lots while attempting to park. I get the error service steering - the electric power steering system has detected a fault. I turn the car off and back on, and steering returns, but the problem persists. Since this occurred while driving at an intersection, it was extremely dangerous and I almost drove straight into another vehicle because I couldn't steer manually. I took it to a dealership, who couldn't replicate the problem. There were no other warnings or messages prior to the failure and appeared the first time the failure happened. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others and don't feel comfortable driving the car.

At 71,000 miles, steering fault service now keeps showing up. Steering would lock up out of the blue. Dealer states rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Ford should do a recall since a lot of people are having the same problem and it is extremely dangerous to lose steering while driving.

Steering stopped working abruptly, was driving and my car made 3 beeps and a message saying steering assist fault service required appeared and immediately I lost all control of the steering. Had I been traveling on a 70 mph highway and not a 30 mile an hour local road I could have gotten seriously hurt or possibly hurt another driver on the road. Prior to the incident there was no steering issues what so ever. I took it to a local Ford dealer and the steering rack has failed and needs replacing.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the vehicle lost power and overheated. The steering wheel locked up. The engine overheating pull over message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who informed her the vehicle repairs were not covered and referred her to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 89,100.

The vehicle steering is very stiff and it is difficult to drive. When moving at lower speeds it is almost impossible to turn the vehicle.

The “steering fault failure” warning came on after an alarm, stating that it needed immediate repair. Within less than 5 minutes, steering failed. Wheel was practically locked. I was just about to make a u-turn when this occurred. I was lucky not to be on a busy road. Dealer states it can not reproduce problem. For safety’s sake, the steering rack should be replaced since this is the second time this happened. The last episode occurred when the dealership was changing hands and was not followed up on. Now the dealer called, stating problem is not reproducible. I feel like I’m driving an unsafe vehicle, with no recourse. The car is still covered with an extended warranty, which is proving worthless.

I was on a parkway when the power steering stopped working suddenly. Controlling the vehicle became extremely difficult. I have not been to the shop due to availability, but the obd sent a message that power assist failed.

Rear trail arm bushings are gone on both sides.

Steering wheel was locked when went out to go to work. Finally got steering wheel unlocked and tried to continue to my destination. Power steering went out completely after a couple of turns. Vehicle towed to shop for determination of problem.

When turning into my subdivision off of a main road, my power steering completely failed when turning and I was stuck horizontally in the road. Luckily nobody was coming otherwise I would have been t-boned. There was no warning until after I was stuck that there was a “power steering failure” and it only flashed for a moment. I had my entire steering rack replaced 4 months ago because of the same issue.

While driving the Escape the steering suddenly became unresponsive and the steering wheel became very very hard to turn, we were barely able to get off the road. On the instrument panel a warning light said steering problem service vehicle immediately. The car was towed to Ford dealer where it has sat outside now for 3. 5 weeks without any service, due to issues at the dealership beyond my control.

The assisted power steering went out while driving, I lost control of my vehicle, the steering was completely gone and unable to steer while I was on a very busy highway. I was traveling at 60 mph when this occurred. This can and will cause several deaths if not corrected immediately! Ford has had this same problem on other models, and a recall was made. This is a very serious problem, and Ford knows about it!.

Car steering completely stopped while driving on highway. Could still move. Could not steer car. Very unsafe. Can cause an accident.

I am reporting coolant leaking into my engine causing my engine to lock up at around 75k to 80k miles. Torque converter needing to be replaced at around 80k miles. Torque converter clutch solenoid needing replacement at 80k miles. Rear cv joint axel needing replacement at 85k miles. Control arm replacement at 100k miles. The only recall is the transmission bushing, in which I haven’t fixed because I can’t move my vehicle out of my driveway. I have spend almost the same amount on this vehicle repairing it that I owe. The vehicle in a whole needs to be recalled. They are not safe and very costly in the long run. I am not happy with only 2 recalls being reported on this vehicle because I’ve read over 600 reviews with the same known problems and nothing has been done about it! if Ford isn’t going to fix the known issues then the NHTSA needs to help the consumers and report these issues!.

I've had my car two years and multiple things have been an issue since purchase. Regardless, my most recent concern is my hill start not available light is on and traction control light is on and will not go off. I sent my car to a dealership to determine the issue and discovered the sasm needed to be repaired. However the dealership stated that this does not become an issue unless the car has been in an accident. My car has never been in an accident now nor prior to my purchase. Car fax show no records of any damage to the physical body of the vehicle. The dealership had no other explanation as to why these lights would have been activated and I'm very concerned that it will cause further damage to my car. Again I've only had the car two years and would like to have it longer, if something can be explained about this issue.