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2009 Ford Escape: loss of power steering

376 of the 1,693 complaints about the 2009 Ford Escape describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints
376
of this car's complaints
22%
typical repair cost reported
$1,500
typical mileage
128,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

What owners say

Filed May 20, 2026 · Steering · 188,136 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that ten years ago, an unknown recall repair for the failure was completed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 188,136.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Steering · 148,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and only manual steering was available. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. When the vehicle was purchased, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); and was already repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Steering · MO

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.

Filed Jan 31, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH

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)

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Steering · MO

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

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Steering · AL

My fiancé my baby and I were leaving the house to go to the store and the steering wheel started jerking to the left when I went to turn right and then the power steering stopped working and sent a message to my dashboard that it failed. I called the ford dealership because I seen that there was a recall for the year make and model of my car but when I called they said there were no open recalls for my VIN number so there was nothing they could do. Which is my only vehicle and it is not safe to drive my 9 month old baby in.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Steering · 130,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Steering · TN

The electric power steering assist has gone out, and now I have no power steering which makes turning difficult.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Brakes · AL

Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came out of the Kansas City Assembly Plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Steering · AL

Unknown. Cranked vehicle and had no power steering.05/27/25

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 129,082 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the EGR valve. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 129,082.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · TX

The ford escape is experiencing the exact power steering assist fault, same year model in Safety Recall 14S05, but it’s not showing up for the recall.

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 2009 Ford Escape power steering loss

Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2009 Ford Escape?

376 of 1,693 owner complaints about the 2009 Ford Escape (22%) 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 2009 Ford Escape?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 32 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 2009 Ford Escape?

There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2009 Ford Escape

Loss of power 210Stalling 182Check engine light 121Steering lock-up 79Jerking 73Engine failure 64ABS 62Hesitation 31Won't shift 23Brake failure 17Adaptive cruise 15Sudden acceleration 15Slipping 13Won't start 13Misfire 12Transmission failure 10Fuel leak 9Grinding brakes 8Harsh shifting 8Shudder 8Spongy pedal 8Ball joint 7Seat belt 7Warning lights 7Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Steering noise 6No deployment 5Fuel smell 5Headlights 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

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