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2008 Ford Escape: loss of power steering

481 of the 1,974 complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints
481
of this car's complaints
24%
typical repair cost reported
$1,366
typical mileage
117,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · WA

Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Steering · AL

Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Steering · OH

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.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Steering · CA

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

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Steering · CA

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.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Steering · OR

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] Component: Steering – Electric Power Steering Assist Recall Involved: 14S05 / the federal safety agency 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 (the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency review of: 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

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Steering · CA

POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE light appears on dash board The power steering went out

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Steering · OH

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to make the turn, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was initially intermittent but had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was called several times, but was unreachable, and the mailbox was full. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · OR

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

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Steering · TX

The power steering failed, turning my steering wheel all the way to the left with excessive force. A safety recall exists for my type of vehicle but my vehicle VIN Number is not included recall, numbered 14S05 For Ford Escape model years 2008 - 2011

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Steering · 145,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a local independent service center for a second opinion and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering shaft and steering sensor kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. An appointment with the local independent service center was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · AZ

While the person was driving the wheel suddenly became stiff and very difficult to turn but luckily was in his neighborhood to park it. This could have been a very deadly crash if it happened anywhere else or suddenly on the main road. The person could have been seriously injured due to this malfunction or other people as well. This problem has been confirmed by ford and they issued a recall in 2014 for this exact same issue. The issue with the recall is my vehicle was manufactured during this 3 year period time of faulty manufacturing but is still not included in the recall list and so many other Americans are dealing with the same issue and no repairs. I would like ford to be held accountable and extend the vin list of cars needing repairs. No the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior until the incident which it now says power steering assist fault.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported May 29, 2014 · 740,878 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

Recall number 14V284000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 Ford Escape power steering loss

Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2008 Ford Escape?

481 of 1,974 owner complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape (24%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2008.

How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the 2008 Ford Escape?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,366 (median of 47 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Ford Escape?

There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Ford Escape

Loss of power 152Steering lock-up 111ABS 94Engine failure 85Stalling 78Jerking 71Transmission failure 54Won't start 29Slipping 27Steering noise 25Check engine light 23Hesitation 22Sudden acceleration 21Brake failure 19Grinding brakes 18Harsh shifting 15No deployment 14Won't shift 13Ball joint 8Knocking 7Spongy pedal 7Pulling 7Battery drain 6Fire or smoke 6Power windows 6Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

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