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2016 Ford Escape steering problems

73 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 41,900. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
73
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
41,900
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Rack and pinion
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
    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 2016 Ford Escape steering

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

Power steering loss 36Steering lock-up 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Steering · 236,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated normally. Later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering message returned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 236,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Steering · WA

While driving the car, the electronic power assist steering stopped working, making it extremely difficult to steer and drove straight into a curb. Was able to slowly back the car up then very carefully drove to the local shop. Thankfully, no pedestrians were walking on the sidewalk. Power assist unit failed which caused a very unsafe driving condition. It required two strong arms to muscle the steering carefully to drive the car to the shop.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Steering · NY

Car started with loss of steering fault, then power steering completely failed and car was not driveable.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · 150,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. Also, while operating the vehicle the steering wheel had experience severe jerking making the vehicle difficult to steer and control. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · OH

rear camera doesn't work--also theres a problem with the rack and pinion

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Steering · MI

Steering went out suddenly and i was unable to move my steering wheel in the middle of driving. I had no warning lights or other symptoms before losing steering.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Steering · 122,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly, which required the driver to increase the efforts to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had been recurring while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall that did not include the year of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Steering · 110,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed to function as intended, and the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had progressively worsened, and it was difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering system had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, AutoNation Ford Panama City (730 W 15th St, Panama City, FL 32401); who confirmed the diagnosis from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Steering · FL

My steering wheel became loose on my 2016 Ford Escape while driving the car. I went home due to this safety hazard so not to cause a major accident. I went online to see if there was a recall on my car for this safety item. I found out my car had no recalls however, the 2014-2018 Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ were recall for steering wheels detachments. I went to Coggin Ford (Jacksonville, FL) to inspect my car. Ford did not find a recalls on my car and found the steering wheel bolt that holds the steering wheel to the steering column was loose. They removed the bolt and installed lock-tight just like in the recall of the other vehicles. I have a video of the loose steering wheel prior to delivering the car to Ford, Ford sent a video on the required service to fix the loose steering wheel, and I have invoice showing Ford repaired the loose steering wheel. I scanned the invoiced into the system. Ford service video is in an MP4 format and unable to change, if you give me an email address, I can forward the service request video to you to view. I took a video of the loose steering wheel with my cell phone however, the video is too large to forward in this document. If I could get a cell number, I could forward this video to you.

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Steering · 33,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon reversing out of the driveway, the power steering assist failed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and instructed the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering angle sensor module was defective. The mechanic replaced the part and then discovered that the steering was not operating as needed. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer about the issue and the contact was informed that the gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact reached out to the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Questions about the 2016 Ford Escape steering

Does the 2016 Ford Escape have steering problems?

Owners have filed 73 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Ford Escape, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Ford Escape steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 41,900 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 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 2016 Ford Escape problems

Transmission 323Driver assistance 273Engine 249Electrical 95Fuel system 72Acceleration 32Wheels 32Airbags 25Body 21Brakes 21Visibility 20Suspension 7Lights 6Seat belts 5Seats 2Tires 2

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