Steering Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

I took my car into the dealership they had my car for over a month now they sent that I got to pay for a recall of the steering wheel or wait.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

Power steering went out all of a sudden.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Escape 🔎.

I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a left turn, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering) in 2014. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,092.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact had performed service on the 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the owner had experienced unintended loss of power steering functionality, making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling, the steering wheel was turning from right to left independently. While servicing the vehicle, the dtc: b2278 was displayed. The contact was informed that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The failure mileage was 199,003.

The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

Yesterday I went to the Ford dealership and asked if my 2009 Ford Escape could have the power steering repaired under recall as the code from the obd2 data is b2278 and that falls under a recall for pscm power steering control module - steering shaft torque sensor malfunction campaign 14v284000 Ford recall #14s05 I was advised there is no open recall of my vehicle and that this recall had been performed in 2014 as a software update. The history also shows my vehicle did not have any stored codes at the time of programming the pscm. The recall work shows a 0. 3 hours time slot for the Ford covered repair. This is and was a band aid and not a genuine remedy. Ford took the cheapest way out of this and denying the repair now is shameful. There are thousands of complaints since then right here on this site. If my Escape had this b2278 code at the time it was brought in, the steering column and torque sensor would have been replaced free of charge. Yesterday while at the dealership I called the Ford customer service national line and spoke with a very courteous gentleman but he was unable to honor a goodwill claim for me. I just want my vehicle to be safe to drive. I believe Ford should repair anyones vehicle that only had a software update and not actual replacement of defective parts. Fords own site says there is no expiration date on this recall. Ironically, this morning I had my power steering again fail while driving this time at the 90 bend in my drive. The steering completely locked up while attempting the turn. The front of my SUV crashed into a frozen snowbank damaging the front. I also wacked my forehead pretty good because I was not wearing my seatbelt yet. I normally get out at the end of my driveway and check my mail before leaving so I don't buckle up until that point. I'm pretty upset by all of this to the point I will be late to work this morning in taking the time to write this back at home. I work for myself and am an electrician please make Ford fix.

This is a follow up complaint because I would like to attach more files that are pertinent.

Steering sensor failed as documented in Ford fixing the steering torque from a recall on b2778:ef. The steering would not turn and happened while driving near airport dr and garrison in carthage, mo. There was traffic and could barely get the SUV to turn at all. Almost hit another car in a 35 mph zone when it happened. There was no warning or lights on dashboard at all. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash per Ford. A computer update was done in 2023 but obviously, it did not fix the safety issue for my vehicle and put me and others at risk of accidents.

The power steering started going out at low speeds and eventually just stopped working. The car keeps saying power steering assist fault. The power steering no longer works.

Torque sensor. No warning. Has not been looked at by a mechanic. Was working fine when I parked it. Came back out and it was steering funny and making a grinding sound.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Failed part: electronic steering gear assembly. Starting January 15th 2026 this car began having steering problems, since then it has occurred 2 more times. I immediately determined this car was undrivable because it seemed to be locked but in each situation (1) I was parked along side a curb in (2) a parking lot (3) or in other non-dangerous locations. Had I been driving on a street or highway I am certain I would have crashed. The first time this occurred I stopped turned off the engine, restarted it which unlocked it so I was able to continue safely, in the following 2 incidents this action did not work. On one occasion I stopped at a Ford dealership & service center, described the issue to the agent who stated it sounds like the above assembly. I did not leave it because I was driving my other car. Upon returning home I took it in for service at my local mechanic. He detected code u3000-53 for the power steering. I authorized repair. No warning lights appeared on the console displays. Note 2 invoices attached. My repair invoice is the one totaling $3,471 printed 03/04/2026 but please refer to earlier on printed 02/24/2026 (original quote) because it includes additional details.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the code “no buss” flashed off and on, causing the instrument cluster to not function as needed. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering torque sensor and the steering wheel column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering); and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was on a national back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

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.

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.

I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/25 through affordable auto sales 692 pleasant st fall river MA as it is a buy here pay here. It had 97,626 miles on it day of purchase. I noticed trouble with power steering as it is electric and kept locking up and asked several times to fix it. It didn't get repaired until the week before christmas. On 1-10-26, took it for first oil change and it had 100,837 miles in total I put 3,211 miles on it. The mechanic called me into the garage and showed me 3 things that were critically wrong with the vehicle. It had severe rot in front and rear, mostly rear, the transmission had a significant leak, and the power steering was still not properly fixed. The mechanic informed me that the dealership had not done their safety inspection and this was deemed an unsafe vehicle and I should not be driving it. I brought it to the attention of affordable auto sales and they are accusing me of the damage. The owner lucy sousa also changed the mileage on the paperwork saying I put 20,000 on itinerary 2 months time. She changed it to 82,294 which is false. I have my inspection report to show accurate mileage. I no longer have this vehicle. I returned it to them. I bought another vehicle from a different dealer.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

Power steering assist failure on the message board. Making it hard to turn come on and off at different times. Changed rack and pion and steering wheel sensor. Started in Dec 2025 continuing to present.

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 complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.

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.