2008 Ford Escape: jerking or lurching

Filed Nov 4, 2022 · Steering · 225,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the steering wheel jerked and turned independently towards the left, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she steered the steering wheel all the way to the right and then steered back to the center. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft torque sensor kit and steering angle sensor calibration had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2022 · Steering · 152,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, he felt the steering wheel jerk to the left and while attempting to correct failure, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact observed that the "power steering assist fault" warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over safely and turned off the vehicle and upon restarting the vehicle the power steering was still not functioning as needed. The contact called an independent mechanic who went out to where the vehicle was parked and performed a temporary fix. The mechanic advised that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2022 · Steering · WA

On January 22, 2022, I was driving my 2008 Ford Escape from Everett, WA to Puyallup, WA. A few miles from my destination, the wrench indicator came on at the same time my steering wheel jerked from my hands for a second, then went back to normal driving and the wrench indicator turned off. Several more miles passed and I arrived at my destination, but as I was backing up to park, the wrench indicator came back on and I had complete loss of steering. Later that afternoon, I started my car again and the wrench indicator was still on and I had still had complete loss of steering. I had to have my car towed to my mechanic. After diagnostics, they confirmed there was an issue with the steering torque sensor, but that they would have to refer me to a Ford Dealership for further diagnostics. My car was then towed to the Ford Dealership. I was told the torque sensor was faulty and I had two options. I could replace the steering torque sensor or replace the entire steering column. But as steering columns are on back order with no ETA of when they will be back in stock, the sensor was my only option to have an operable vehicle. The dealership replaced the sensor and recalibrated the system on Feb 15, 2022. I picked up my car on Feb 18, 2022 and drove it home with no issues. A couple hours later I drove to a FedEx and the wrench indicator started coming on and off, accompanied by my wheel jerking slightly, and loss of steering. Vehicle was returned to Ford Dealership on 2/21/22 for further diagnostics of why the new sensor was also failing immediately.

Filed Dec 7, 2020 · Brakes · 63,250 miles · CA

It started early thanksgivings(11/26/2020) drive as I was coming to my 4th/5th stop of the morning, I went to apply the brakes and felt my brake pedal sink with slight to no pressure, no response. I panicked and I remember pumping the brake rapidly to build pressure, but the brake did not respond as expected, I did feel I slight jerk and heard a growling sound coming from the bottom engine area. I must of gone over a pothole that made my truck feel like I jumped the curve, I was going about 35-45mph. After a few rapid brake pedal pumps my vehicle did come to a stop on time before running the light, luckily I was alone in the street that early morning. As of today the brake pedal still feel mushy/spongy lack of pressure and scary unsafe.

Filed Aug 8, 2020 · Transmission · 163,000 miles · OH

Automatic transmission- after starting torque growls, when I put it in any gear it hesitates then lurches so much the tires squeal, & sounds,feels like something in the rear of SUV is going to fall apart . Also when this happens it's scaring other drivers and pedestrians. Shakes me so hard it hurts my neck and back. Has actually thrown my purse to the floor board with anything else on the seats. All these malfunctions happen when I put in gear when starting or at red lights & stop signs. Dangerous!!! Plus transmission is leaking fluid. I've quit driving it 08/08/2020 after only driving it occasionally for 2 months. I purchased this vehicle on 06/11/2020. I did/do keep transmission fluid in the SUV

Filed Jul 13, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · 210,850 miles · MI

There have been numerous times where my car would suddenly stall or freeze up when making turns or pressing the gas after coming to a complete stop. By stalling I mean taking a second or two to accelerate then jerking kinda hard once I hit the gas pedal. When the car would freeze up, the traction and check engine indicator flashes and the steering wheel is completely stuck in place and I'd have to restart the car to get it going again. It doesnt freeze or stall on the highway but it always happens on city streets.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Steering · 19,209 miles · MI

Randomly my steering wheel started doing what feels similar to a jerk movement while driving and stationary. I've noticed it occurred on the highway as well as city streets. After a few weeks of that, one day I started the car and had a blinking 'wrench' icon. So after looking up the details I was able to find that this normally has to do with the torque sensor. I also saw details regarding a recall however I'm unsure if my SUV will fall under this as I feel it should.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Steering · 148,794 miles · MI

Power steering electric. Steering wheel shakes and jerks while parked or driving. Steering column is very noisy. Electrifing

Filed Aug 23, 2018 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · WA

Vehicle lurches, stalls, jerks, lunges, slips and so on.

Filed Mar 12, 2018 · Steering · 127,825 miles · MI · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. While driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and the contact heard an abnormal grinding noise. The power steering fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to candy ford (403 lansing st, charlotte, mi 48813) and was informed that the recall repair was previously completed in august of 2014. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the recall was previously completed. The failure mileage was 127,825. *tt the consumer stated the primary driver's left shoulder was in pain from steering. The manual steering had to be used for a month before the vehicle could be repaired.

Filed Jan 2, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 241,000 miles · CA

I took my car in for a recall on the power steering. Afterwards when I would idle, the steering wheel became shaky making a loud noise. Now it shakes even when I'm driving and will get jerky or stop working completely. This happens on the highway, when I'm stopped at a stop light or when I'm pulling out of a driveway! From what I have researched this happens to thousands of other ford owners. The power steering simply gives out and they want you to pay $1,500 to have the whole column replaced!

Filed Oct 7, 2017 · Steering, Transmission · 100,300 miles · CO

100300 miles on my 2008 escape. Car struggles to change from 1st to 2nd gear. Now power, engine revs up but gear will not change, I have to press the gas pedal then lift off, over and over before it changes gear. Car will jerk and almost lose power while in traffic