Steering Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

The power steering in my '08 Ford Escape has intermitten issues, and does not engage sometimes (especially when starting the vehicle). There was a recall by Ford (recall 14s05) in 2014, and when I called the Ford customer service, they said the recall was repaired in 2015. They said my current issue would not be covered under the recall. I called my local Ford dealership, and they said they would likely not cover the repair either. This recall is for the electronic power steering, which is a major safety issue.

Steering wheel locked up hard to turn wheel consuming(burning) way more gas than normally would.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

My steering wheel became loose on my 2016 Ford Escape while driving the car. I went home due to this safety hazard so not to cause a major accident. I went online to see if there was a recall on my car for this safety item. I found out my car had no recalls however, the 2014-2018 Ford fusion and the Lincoln mkz were recall for steering wheels detachments. I went to coggin Ford (jacksonville, FL) to inspect my car. Ford did not find a recalls on my car and found the steering wheel bolt that holds the steering wheel to the steering column was loose. They removed the bolt and installed lock-tight just like in the recall of the other vehicles. I have a video of the loose steering wheel prior to delivering the car to Ford, Ford sent a video on the required service to fix the loose steering wheel, and I have invoice showing Ford repaired the loose steering wheel. I scanned the invoiced into the system. Ford service video is in an mp4 format and unable to change, if you give me an email address, I can forward the service request video to you to view. I took a video of the loose steering wheel with my cell phone however, the video is too large to forward in this document. If I could get a cell number, I could forward this video to you.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that several messages were displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA campaign number: 19v632000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 251,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving, steering column locked up and could not turn - nearly causing crash. Steering column is not key locked, but still will not turn in any position. A few small clicks right behind the steering and one loud click immediately before strong locked up was the only indicator that something was wrong.

Subject: urgent safety concern – request for recall coverage assistance to whom it may concern, I am writing with a heartfelt and urgent request regarding a serious malfunction in my vehicle's steering column, which has made it extremely difficult to turn. This presents a clear and dangerous safety hazard, particularly on expressways and in everyday driving when the ability to maneuver quickly is critical. My safety, my child’s safety, and the safety of others has been compromised due to this issue. The vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic, and there were no warning lights or prior indicators of an impending failure. I have learned that there is an active recall related to this exact issue for vehicles manufactured between 2008 and September 2011. My vehicle was manufactured in January 2011, just a few months before the cut-off. To be denied assistance over a matter of months feels deeply unfair and disheartening — especially when the failure matches the recall description exactly. I am a single parent who depends on this vehicle for work and daily life. The financial burden of repairs right now is overwhelming, especially given the rising cost of living, inflation, and how expensive everything has become. I’m simply trying to keep my family safe and get to work. I am respectfully and desperately asking you to reconsider support and allow my vehicle to be included in this recall, as it clearly qualifies based on the issue — if not technically by the cut-off date. Please don’t let a few months be the reason help is denied when it’s needed most. Here is my vehicle information: VIN: 1fmcu9d79bkb35915 make/model/year: 2011 Ford Escape manufacture date: January 21, 2011 thank you for your time, understanding, and attention to this matter. I truly hope you can see the urgency and importance of this request.

The power steering is not working.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

My daughter was driving and her power steering went out. She lost control of her car because she couldn't steering it. She almost wrecked the car, but was able to get it off the road. Her safety, and that of others around him was at risk as she almost hit several other cars as she struggled to get her car off the road. Previous to this, we owned a 2008 Ford Escape, which the same thing happened while she was driving on the highway. Again, she was lucky to barely avoid getting hit as she was stopped in the middle of the highway. We took the 2008 to a Ford dealer but were told the car didn't qualify for the recall so we paid for the repair. Now we have the 2010, and are being told that the recall repair was done in 2015, so now that this dangerous issue is reoccurring, it doesn't qualify for the safety recall because it was already done, yet here we are, with her in traffic and no steering yet again. . . And us trying to get this car fixed again. At this point, an independent service center is confirming the issue with the steering column. It hasn't been inspected by police, but has been by the service center. There were no other warnings lights or symptoms prior to this occurrence.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely tight. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact was advised that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

While going on the highway it braked hard and displayed service stabilitrak light with traction control light flashing went away after 10 seconds. Then I pulled into my driveway and it snapped the wheel out of my hand forcefully almost breaking my wrist and wouldn't let me turn right. Towed it to Ford where they claim a loose battery terminal was present. No warning at all before this. Upper engine noise too (possibly pulley) 28k miles and trans is shifting hard as well. The trust for the vehicle is gone. I have a video as well of the steering wheel snapping.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

-electric power steering system. Yes, it is available for inspection. -my safety is high risk with this issue. -no. -no. -yes. A message saying "steering assist fault service required" few time would pop up and the steering wheel couldn't move. I would turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the message would go away.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

It has the no power steering problem just like the other vehicles of the same model and year.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the egr valve. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 129,082.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

Unknown. Cranked vehicle and had no power steering. 05/27/25.

The power steering assist fault warning light came up and my steering wheel became hard to steer.

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.  .

My car is experiencing the issue in this recall for powerstearing but my VIN is not associated, my Ford year make mosel and issue is called out in the recall but my 2011 Escape VIN does not pull up the recall. I lose power steering and its not safe to drive. 14v284000 14so5 I called Ford customer service and my vehicle is in the Ford dealership, they are refusing to support me.

After turning the car on, the car started to shake for a couple minutes, the engine light came on after a few minutes of the car doing that. Took it to get it scanned and the code given was p0302 and p0304. Took the car to a Ford dealership and after almost a week it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and needed it a new engine. Since the coolant was leaking it also damaged the power steering system due to rust and an electronic power steering gear was also needed since it was giving intermittent failure and was very hard to turn the car. Ford is not owning anything and it is clearly an engine poor design by Ford. It is happening to thousands of owner that have that engine.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

The Ford Escape is experiencing the exact power steering assist fault, same year model in safety recall 14s05, but it’s not showing up for the recall.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 43,334.

Power steering fail. Went to a doctor's appointment, when leaving I start backing up to leave the parking spot and the power steering was too hard, stiff & very difficult to turn end so end up pulling back into the parking spot. Turn off the vehicle then open the hood, inspect the hood and under the car, check fuses and everything was fine. No warning light or anything in the dashboard. Turn on the vehicle again after a few and give it another try but still was really hard to turn. I end up calling a family member for help and end up towing the car. This could have been a serious accident or injury if happened while driving. While doing research about the issues I found out that there was a recall related to the issue 14a05, NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic but has not been repair.

Electric power steering failing at 35000 miles.

The contact’s wife owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while idling or while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose and there was no resistance while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "steering assist fault - seek service" was displayed , and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the electric steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,108.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving, the power steering assist intermittently fails without warning. This makes steering very difficult and creates a serious safety hazard, especially at low speeds or during turns. The issue can be temporarily resolved by turning the engine off and restarting the vehicle, but it recurs unpredictably. There are no warning lights or error messages displayed on the dashboard. This is a known issue on this model year and may relate to a defective eps (electric power steering) module. Please investigate.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 30 mph, the power steering assist became disabled, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact stated that as a temporary repair, the vehicle was restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced due to the steering wheel seizing. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown Ford recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a roundabout, the vehicle independently veered toward the right before the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to perform the repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the steering wheel independently turned to the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. In addition, the contact stated that two days later several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,470.