2002 Ford Escape: steering wheel locks up

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · 200,000 miles · GA

I had just purchased used a 2002 ford escape nov 27 2019 deciding to take the kids and go to grocery store that I did but on the way home the vehicles steering locked up when I realised it I mashed the brakes they wouldnt work so I slamed it in park there were no dash warning lights it lost all power we skirted to side sliding but safe the SUV cranked right back up as nothing happend but cut off a couple more times but I was at a stop sign the last two times and it cranked up no problem every time I havent looked at the veh but theres was a vibration after that dont know if it broke something in motor or not

Filed May 12, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 116,349 miles · GA

My vehicle idles to 4000rpm and control the speed by itself, there is a leak in the back break area the steering wheel locks where I can't put it in any gear sometimes and getting worse. Had to get it towed home last night because while driving it idled high and as I brake it barely stopped and when releasing break it speeds up to 50 or more MPH and I had to keep my feet on the break..I pulled over and turned the switch off and waited a while and turned back on and it idled to 4000 RPM again. Could not shift the gear from park and break pedal was hard. When arriving home to back car in driveway towe guy had no problem with idle. The following morning cranked and was at 1000rpm at first start. Also AC pressure. Car runs hot but no smoke water bubbles in coolant reservoir. My check engine light never gave warning of any of the problems listed.

Filed Jun 7, 2006 · Steering · 48,804 miles · MD

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 10 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact then reversed and put the vehicle back in drive. After traveling a short distance, the vehicle would not move. The contact noticed the front driver side wheel was turned the opposite direction of the other tires. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where it was determined the tie rod fractured and because the vehicle was driven after this, the axle fractured as well. The tie rod and axle were replaced. Updated 7/14/2006 - the dealer informed the consumer that the tie rod fractured due to rust.

Filed Dec 8, 2003 · Steering · 44,050 miles · FL

Steering wheel locked while vehicle was being driven at approximately 35 MPH.

Filed Jan 15, 2003 · Engine · 5,500 miles · OH

After stopping at a traffic light I accelerated while making a left turn. During the turn the power steering locked up and the breaks did not work, the dash lights came on and I finally figured out that the engine had stalled. I coasted down the downhill slope and finally restarted the escape after putting it in neutral. Luckily, there was light traffic but this could have been very dangerous. When I called marshall ford east in cleveland, ohio they said they had never heard of this problem and since it had not happened again it was not further investigated.

Filed Aug 28, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · NY · crash

While driving brakes and steering locked up and engine shut off without any warning .driver lost control of vehicle, resulting in an accident.*ak the consumer stated that the manufacturer had issued two technical service bulletins on defects of the vehicle, and the problems occuring were the result of one of those defects.

Filed Jul 26, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The first incidence (may-2002), while driving approximately 40 MPH the engine shut-off and the steering lock. Luckily the vehicle came to a stop at the side of the road with no injuries. The vehicle eventually restarted and was returned to the dealership. They reprogrammed the PCM and said the problem was fixed. The same thing happened about 6-weeks later along the same stretch of road, and luckily again nobody was hurt. The vehicle was again returned to the dealer. This time they said that they can't find anything wrong and gave it back to us without a fix. I am afraid that next time it happens it will be in traffic and someone will be injured or killed. This vehicle should not be on the road.

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Steering · OH

While driving at 20 MPH and without warning power steering locked up. Consumer was almost involved in an accident. Dealer has been notified. However, has not found a remedy.