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2009 Ford Escape Hybrid steering problems

70 complaints (46% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 105,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
70
of this car's complaints
46%
typical mileage
105,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape Hybrid steering problems in other years

2005200620072008200920102011201220202022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 39Steering lock-up 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Loss of power steering while drivingOpened April 1, 2015, closed June 14, 2018

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (the federal safety agency 14V‑284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages

DP15001

What 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Steering · IN

Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but they are saying my car is not included on this recall at this time although it is exactly the same issue I am having now.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Steering · 260,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 8 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel ceased to function; however, the contact was able to make a full turn of the steering wheel, and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to regain power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics and the contact was informed that the steering wheel module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact had the same failure three times within a month. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the steering module was reprogrammed; however, the dealer was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Steering · 120,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The local dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2024 · Steering · CA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as a failure with the electric power steering assist. The contact was informed that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Steering · 190,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Steering · 270,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the power steering control module was reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing similar failure as in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and advised the contact to reach out to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2022 · Steering · 140,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to be difficult to maneuver. The power steering sensor failed warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Steering · 158,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel would shake and vibrate before eventually the message "torque sensor failure" had displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor and possibly the steering rack were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2022 · Steering · 59,746 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, it was discovered that the power steering assist had malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,746.

Filed Sep 20, 2021 · Steering · 130,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that the steering wheel was locked after starting the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The dealer also informed the contact that there was no open recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.

Questions about the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid steering

Does the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid have steering problems?

Owners have filed 70 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, 46% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 105,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Escape Hybrid have bad steering?

The Ford Escape Hybrid model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (110 complaints), 2009 (70 complaints) and 2006 (24 complaints).

Other 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Brakes 32Engine 26Acceleration 17Transmission 15Electrical 11Fuel system 9Visibility 3Airbags 1Driver assistance 1Lights 1Seats 1Suspension 1Tires 1

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