Steering Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a defective steering column that needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering) and associated the failure with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

Steering went out suddenly and I was unable to move my steering wheel in the middle of driving. I had no warning lights or other symptoms before losing steering.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Escape 🔎.

The electronic power steering stopped working and it is almost impossible to move or turn the car. Dashboard shows fault. This is a Ford Escape hybrid 2008 model with 142,000 miles. The car has not been repaired and I have yet to take it to a Ford dealership.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

The car had a recall in 2014 was fixed then went out again same part same problem after being fixed Ford dealer said they won't handle the recall again steering torque sensor went bad a second time car only had 110000 thousand mile and the same torque sensor that was recalled and replaced went bad again.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

The following message was displayed on the dash "steering assist fault service required". Immediately lost power assisted steering and the steering became difficult (manual steering), mostly at lower speeds. Could have resulted in an accident if it happened while making a turn, as I would not have expected to need that much effort to turn. Car is currently at a Ford dealership for service. The error message has come on several times in the past at start up, but by restarting the car it went away with no loss of function. This last time, it came on while driving.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Escape VIN: [xxx] component: steering – electric power steering assist recall involved: 14s05 / NHTSA 14v-284000 description of the safety problem: my vehicle is experiencing a recurrence of electric power steering assist failure after a prior safety recall repair. This 2008 Ford Escape was subject to safety recall 14s05 (NHTSA campaign 14v-284000), which addresses sudden loss of electric power steering assist due to a torque sensor fault. This condition can occur while driving and results in significantly increased steering effort, creating a safety risk. Ford records show the recall was marked “completed” on November 22, 2014. In a written response dated December 22, 2025, Ford motor company confirmed that the recall remedy consisted only of software reprogramming of the power steering control module (pscm) and instrument panel cluster (ipc). No mechanical components (including the torque sensor or steering column) were replaced. In 2025, the same steering assist failure recurred, resulting in heavy steering effort and renewed safety concerns. This indicates that the recall remedy did not correct the underlying defect. Ford motor company has acknowledged in writing that: the recall was software-only the recall is closed no current programs provide coverage for the recurring steering failure Ford denied further assistance strictly on eligibility grounds and did not dispute the recurrence of the defect or its safety implications. Because this is a recurrence of the same safety-related defect addressed by the recall, I am concerned that the recall remedy was inadequate, and that other vehicles repaired under this recall may also experience recurrence after software-only updates. I am submitting this complaint to request NHTSA review the adequacy of recall 14s05’s remedy whether a software-only repair sufficiently addresses torque sensor failure the safety implications of recurring steering assist loss after recall completion loss of information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.

Me and my [xxx] old was driving on the highway in my 2009 Ford Escape and suddenly my power steering completely went out with no warning. I was driving 60 mph because that's my safe speed. Steering got completely resistant to the point I could not turn my steering wheel almost crashing into another vehicle with a child in the vehicle. I found out that Ford has had power steering issues with almost all their vehicles due to their electrical power steering system. My vehicle was inspected by a independent service center that confirmed that Ford's electrical power steering is not safe because it can disable while driving, however I called to see if Ford could inspect the issue complimentary, they declined and said it would cost. Not knowing that as a consumer, that is extremely terrifying to know that while driving I'm at a high risk of an accident. I also called Ford to see about a recall because I was informed Ford had multiple recalls for their electrical power steering in most of their Ford Escapes, but there was none for mine. The Ford service worker I spoke to, infact, volunteered to inform me that all Ford Escapes from 2008-2012 should be recalled due to the electrical power steering issues. Once I got home turned my vehicle off and the next morning started my vehicle up to show my husband the power steering issue, 24 hrs later a warning came on saying power steering assist fault. With that warning coming on after the fact, 24 hours later, without that warning could have ended fatal. This is not a situation that should be handled lightly because it can end fatal, and with no warning that these vehicles power steering can disable while driving there's no telling how many accidents have ended fatal already because of this very issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Forscan showing torque sensor malfunction, the same issue that was recalled in 2014. Causing loss of power steering.

Ford 2010 Escape power assist steering fault- torque sensor needs replacement at only 92,000 miles. My steering wheel became loose and shaking aggressively while driving and at idle causing serious safety and control concerns. The steering wheel has also become very hard to turn. Ford dealer ran a diagnostic and confirmed the issue. This is the exact same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford Escapes.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

Took the car into a mechanic for shaking in the steering wheel while driving and shaking/ grinding noise coming from steering wheel while car is idle. Mechanics confirmed it is a power steering assist fault. This causes a safety concern when driving due to a possible loss of steering and harder to control.

Safety recall on steering. Ford dealership says it is under the recall and the steering column has to be replaced. Part is on back order and he said it could be 3-6 months even a year before the part comes in. This is my main source of income being impacted. I am still paying on the car so a second car loan is not ideal. Is there anyway to get it repaired sooner.

The steering angle sensor failed. My mechanic replaced it. I do not know if the part is still available for inspection. The safety of those in the vehicle as well as any around it were in jeopardy when the incident occurred. Thankfully no one was injured nor was there any collision for further vehicle damage. While the vehicle was running, suddenly the steering wheel whipped to the left. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred, causing the vehicle to turn further than intended, and requiring substantial strength to re-direct the vehicle under the driver's (and passenger's) guidance. As long as the vehicle was running, the power steering pulled the wheel to the most extreme left. The mechanic confirmed that the steering angle sensor was the issue and replaced it. I was able to reproduce the steering moving itself (the steering wheel, and front tire) left, when the engine was engaged. With the vehicle off, I was able to maneuver the tires left and right. But when I turned on the vehicle, the wheel would turn itself left. The mechanic assessed the vehicle, replaced the part, and reprogrammed, I presume the part, for this issue. Police officers did block traffic, in order to add safety while we pushed the vehicle out of the roadway. However they did not personally assess the vehicle, or file a traffic report that I am aware of. A friend of my daughter's did come by and feel the stiffness with steering wheel tension, also I believe they saw it turn itself left when the engine was re-engaged. After we purchased the vehicle, we found a post from a previous owner of the vehicle mentioning an issue with the steering. The cause, degree, etc. Was vague in the ad's post. I do not recollect if the dealer mentioned the issue to me. Also, we did not see any related dash lights prior to the moment, nor did we notice any symptoms of this, prior to the incident suddenly occurring. I did contact a dealership, and the manufacturer with regards to this.

Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in kenai burrow, alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford Escape was prone to having issues with the power steering unit. The vehicle is in the shop at this time. The warning lamp came on stating that there was a problem with the power steering unit that however, happened while we were driving down the highway. This was a life-threatening incident that it could’ve caused my wife and I and any oncoming traffic to parish in a car accident. The roads were snow covered and icy.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly started to decelerate even though the rpm was extremely elevated. There was a high-pitched whine coming from the vehicle, and the tires screeched before the vehicle came to an abrupt stop, ceasing all functions. The contact turned off the vehicle in the middle of the interstate because the vehicle could not be moved to the shoulder. A passerby assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road using a push bar. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was restarted, and the message “transmission fault - service immediately” was displayed, followed by the check engine warning light becoming illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not available.

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Manufacturer failed to respond to certified written request for recall coverage determination.

I was driving on the road when the steering started to get stuck, it got hard to move it, I got the warning on the car about a steering fault, stop safely. Fortunately I was able to pull over with no risk, I had to call tow, but it could have caused an accident.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

Electronic power steering has stopped working, flashes a message on the dash, and vehicle is stuck with armstrong steering without it's electronic assist.

I was attempting to leave work I started my vehicle and when I backed up I had no power steering I researched the problem and there was a number of recalls for the same manufactured defect that causes steering failure. The steering column needs to be replaced. My 2009 Ford Escape power steering manufacturer defect should have been included with the other 2009 Ford Escape recalls. Unfortunately it's my only vehicle I have to drive.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a light and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn, and a crescent wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided error code b2278 and informed that the steering column motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The power steering, steering assist, has failed in my daughter's 2009 Ford Escape which has less than 90,000 miles on the odometer and very light use. There is zero steering assist. The dealership explained the whole column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was brought to the dealership, we were informed the repair is $3,400.

The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult.

Please see uploaded documents. One is a letter to Ford, and damerow Ford. The other is receipts for sending certified mail, return receipt, signature requested, to have a response within 30 business days. We've contacted the dealership, emailed [xxx] , and customer service, and spoke to customer service to have a case number. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I have a cliking nose in my steering wheel when I am driving.

My fiancé my baby and I were leaving the house to go to the store and the steering wheel started jerking to the left when I went to turn right and then the power steering stopped working and sent a message to my dashboard that it failed. I called the Ford dealership because I seen that there was a recall for the year make and model of my car but when I called they said there were no open recalls for my VIN number so there was nothing they could do. Which is my only vehicle and it is not safe to drive my 9 month old baby in.

Turn signal is barely audible when turning. If the radio is on, or at higher speeds on the highway, it is impossible to hear the turn signal. Sometimes, you may miss hit the turn signal when changing lanes, and may not actual signal, when you meant to.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved dtc: b2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Escape 🔎.

My battery light has been on for about a week it will come off and on thos morning as I was pulling into work I notice the power steering wasn't working right!.

My young daughter lost control of our 2011 Ford hybrid Escape vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. All electric power steering assistance was lost. Car was taken to autonation Ford, st petersburg, FL. Service personnel stated and provided documentation showing that there was no recall for my daughter's vehicle VIN. However, there were recalls for this similar problem on other Ford vehicles and Ford hybrid Escape vehicles like hers. Please see attachment. Ford says this 2011 vehicle is not a part of the recall for this dangerous hazard and refuses to fix the problem.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel violently drifted to the left, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Prior to the failure, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the same failure had occurred after the tie rod ends were replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who then had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering); however, the recall was not related to the steering column failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,365.

Upon starting our vehicle, we received several warning lights relating to collision control and that the awd system had failed. This happened on a Saturday so we had to wait until Monday to bring the car in to the dealer for service. The service department told us that the diagnostic testing indicated that the awd module and the ptu actuator motor needed to be replaced. Our vehicle is under six years and under 29,000 miles, along with being garage kept and having regular maintenance.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right to exit the highway, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact advised the dealer that there was a recall for the year, make and model. The contact was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 Ford Escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It’s so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.

Electric power steering system failure related to the torque sensor. An unexpected loss of steering while driving. I was driving on the i95 on my way to work when all of a sudden I lost the ability to steer the car. It took all the strength I had to pull over to the shoulder before the car behind me swerved in the nick of time to avoid a collision. It was very scary. I turned the engine off gathered myself and turned the engine back on and the power steering returned. I exited the highway as soon as possible and drove to the mechanic. He ran a test on the car and the code came up for the recall for the electric power steering system failure which is a recall.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.