Check a VIN

2012 Ford Escape steering problems

140 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
140
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Electric power assist system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape steering problems in other years

200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Ford Escape steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 52Steering lock-up 19

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Steering · NJ

[XXX]. We were pulling away from the gas pump with our children and the steering wheel suddenly stiffened on my husband and we almost hit another car! There was absolutely no warning and it was a scary experience. This should be fixed and it known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Steering · KS

The power steering failed unexpectedly. I am not sure what the problem is but there is fluid all over the wheel well. I see that the was a recal on the power steering. How can I find out why my car was not included?

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Steering · CA

I started the truck and began to back out of my parking spot but the steering was so stiff I couldn't turn so I shut it off. After about 3 minutes I stated it up and the steering was fine. The. It happened the next day while I was driving and that was terrifying!!! It became extremely difficult to steer so I found the strength to turn and park. After turning the truck off and on it was fine.. Now the truck is in my driveway and the steering so stiff that I'll have to leave it.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Steering · NE

No power steering hard to turn left and right

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in this vehicle, which has been the subject of recalls for similar model years. However, my VIN is not currently included. The failure has occurred while driving and has now made the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am requesting investigation into this issue and expansion of the recall to include additional affected vehicles, as this is a serious safety hazard.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Steering · MO

I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Steering · 121,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Steering · MI

Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.

Filed Oct 7, 2025 · Steering · 85,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Steering · OK

In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It’s so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.

Questions about the 2012 Ford Escape steering

Does the 2012 Ford Escape have steering problems?

Owners have filed 140 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Ford Escape, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Ford Escape steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford Escape steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Escape have bad steering?

The Ford Escape model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (1,127 complaints), 2009 (828 complaints) and 2010 (424 complaints).

Other 2012 Ford Escape problems

Fuel system 160Engine 79Acceleration 70Body 68Transmission 66Electrical 42Airbags 25Brakes 21Visibility 20Seat belts 19Suspension 12Driver assistance 8Locks 8Seats 5Lights 2Wheels 2Tires 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Ford Escape?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history