2011 Ford Escape: loss of power steering

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Steering · TN

While driving my 2011 Ford Escape, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult to turn, almost to the point of being impossible. The engine continued running normally, and no warning lights or messages appeared on the dashboard. After stopping the vehicle and turning off the engine, I restarted it, and the steering returned to normal. However, while driving again, the same steering failure occurred a second time. Because of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the failure, I contacted AAA and had the vehicle towed. The AAA tow driver informed me there had been a recall for this same thing. After researching the issue, I discovered Ford Safety Recall 14S05 (the federal safety agency Recall 14V284000), which addresses sudden loss of electric power steering assistance in certain 2008 through 2011 Ford Escapes. The symptoms described in that recall closely match what I experienced. I contacted Ford Motor Company's Customer Relationship Center and was informed that my VIN is not included in the recall. Ford opened a case and stated that the matter was escalated to its Automotive Safety Office. I was advised that I would need to pay for a dealership diagnosis, with no guarantee that Ford would cover the diagnostic fees or repairs. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle experienced two sudden losses of power steering assistance while driving, without any dashboard warning. I am concerned that other 2011 Ford Escapes excluded from the original recall may be experiencing the same dangerous steering defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the existing recall adequately covers all affected vehicles.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Steering · 169,781 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the power steering assist became inoperable, requiring greater effort to steer the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 169,781.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Steering · 150,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN 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 150,000.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Steering · CT

The steering shaft torque sensor unexpectedly malfunctioned while driving resulting in a loss of steering. There was no indication that this would happen, no check engine light was on, and no symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle is undrivable due to a lack of steering and was diagnosed by an independent garage. The steering shaft torque sensor is recalled for other 2010 Ford Escapes, but not this one.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Steering · CT · crash

For months my vehicle has had intermittent loss of power steering making it nearly impossible to control direction. On Jan. 29, 2026, I ran into the back of a vehicle that stopped suddenly and due to sudden power steering loss, I wasn't able to swerve and avoid collision. I was issued an infraction for this incident and had to file an insurance claim to repair the front end damage to my vehicle. I brought my vehicle to an independent repair shop who confirmed the issue and said the entire steering column would need to be replaced and would cost approximately $3,000.00. I was also notified that Ford issued Safety Recall Campaign/the federal safety agency #14S05/14V284 for this exact issue. I contacted the Ford dealership where I purchased my vehicle and they said my VIN is not included in that recall. It seems too coincidental that my 2011 Ford Escape is experiencing the very same issue that prompted a safety recall for thousands of 2008-2010 Ford Escapes but not mine. I contacted Ford customer service and was issued escalation Case #CXH-07666011-H9L5H3.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Steering · 161,420 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while starting the vehicle the contact became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 161,420.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · AZ

Power steering went out all of a sudden

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Steering · 199,003 miles · TX

The contact had performed service on the 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the owner had experienced unintended loss of power steering functionality, making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling, the steering wheel was turning from right to left independently. While servicing the vehicle, the DTC: B2278 was displayed. The contact was informed that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING). The failure mileage was 199,003.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Steering · WI

My power steering has failed five times in the last year. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. The power steering went out on me while I was driving, making it very hard to turn my steering wheel. Took it to a Ford dealer last year. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It is very unpredictable when this will happen. It doesn't happen every time I drive it. Don't feel very safe driving!

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · Steering · FL · crash

My young daughter lost control of our 2011 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE was lost. Car was taken to AutoNation Ford, St Petersburg, FL. Service personnel stated and provided documentation showing that there was no recall for my daughter's vehicle VIN. However, there were recalls for this similar problem on other Ford vehicles and FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicles like hers. Please see attachment. FORD SAYS THIS 2011 VEHICLE IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS HAZARD AND REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Steering · 45,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently failed to turn in the intended direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The steering wheel became extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to drive the vehicle while avoiding crashing into another vehicle. The contact called three dealers and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact ordered a power steering torque rotation sensor and planned for an independent mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Steering · CO

My car is experiencing the issue in this recall for powerstearing but my vin is not associated, my ford year make mosel and issue is called out in the recall but my 2011 escape vin does not pull up the recall. I lose power steering and its not safe to drive. 14v284000 14so5 I called ford customer service and my vehicle is in the ford dealership, they are refusing to support me.