2017 Ford Escape: loss of power steering

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine · TX

I experienced a sudden and unexpected water pump failure on my 2017 Ford Escape while driving in active traffic. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in rapid coolant loss and engine overheating, causing the vehicle to lose power while in motion. This created a hazardous driving condition and required me to pull over to avoid a potential collision. Sudden cooling system failure presents a serious safety risk, as it can lead to engine stalling, loss of power steering and braking assist, and breakdowns in traffic or at highway speeds, significantly increasing the risk of crash or injury. Additionally, other owners of 2017 Ford Escape vehicles have reported similar sudden water pump failures without warning, often leading to overheating, loss of drivability, and vehicle breakdowns at relatively low mileage. These repeated incidents indicate premature component failure rather than normal wear and demonstrate a recurring safety-related defect that poses a significant risk to public safety and warrants further investigation.

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Steering · 59,555 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist message was displayed; however, the driver continued driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an intermittent failure with the steering. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,555.

Filed Jun 15, 2025 · Steering · AZ

My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Steering · LA

A previous the federal safety agency complaint was filed on [XXX] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "Steering Fault Assist." Following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at Mayfield Auto in the Dallas Metro Area—the location where the vehicle had initially stalled—despite the fact that the customer resides in Lafayette, LA. Despite the completed repair and the vehicle being driven for more than 1,000 miles, the same "Steering Fault Assist" error message has reappeared as of [XXX]. This issue led to a dangerous situation, as the vehicle became difficult to steer and eventually stalled in the middle of a highway, putting the driver and other motorists at serious risk. The driver, a [XXX], struggled to control the vehicle due to the sudden loss of steering ability and was nearly involved in a collision with another vehicle. This marks the second steering failure within a 60-day period, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, as well as the effectiveness of the previous repair. The recurrence of this issue not only poses a severe risk to the driver and passengers but also endangers others on the road. Given the history of this problem and the life-threatening nature of the failure, immediate action is necessary to investigate and address this persistent and hazardous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · CA

Upon a routine visit to my ASC certified mechanic it was found that the rear axle AND water coolant pump were close to failure which would cause loss of steering for the former issue and a catastrophic engine failure due to overheating in the second,. Vehicle has a clean title and an odometer reading under 60K. These are components that are expected to have durability that is well in excess of 100K mileage. Note that this car has been service regularly, driven by one owner with a very conservative driving style and meticulous in meeting all servicing intervals.

Filed Oct 11, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Was driving and suddenly steering became very difficult. It became hard to turn.

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · VA

The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Steering · 68,840 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Steering Loss. Stop Safely!" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,840.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Steering · NC

I was driving to NY from NC when my power steering went out in the mountains of PA there was no warning at all just all of a sudden could not barely turn the wheel. When I pulled over a warning then did come on when I turned the car back on stating steering assist failure needs service. I had to continue to drive because it was late in the evening. When I got to NY I took it to the cord dealer and they stated it is the steering rod that needs replacing and it is costing me $3166 plus tax!! The car only has 53,000 miles on it and of course is no longer under warranty!

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Engine, Steering · MA

Engine began smoking and had to be replaced 2 days after purchase (in 2020- covered under warranty.) Failed inspection for front end suspension problems which was covered under warranty at first but a year later needed struts and tie rods replaced.. In 2021 the transmission suddenly failed, cost $5,000 to repair out of pocket. The other day the power steering assist suddenly stopped working and I was told it would be $150-3,000 to fix.

Filed May 19, 2023 · Steering · FL

At 71,000 miles, steering fault service now keeps showing up. Steering would lock up out of the blue. Dealer states rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Ford should do a recall since a lot of people are having the same problem and it is extremely dangerous to lose steering while driving.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Steering · NY

Steering stopped working abruptly, was driving and my car made 3 beeps and a message saying steering assist fault service required appeared and immediately I lost all control of the steering. Had I been traveling on a 70 mph highway and not a 30 mile an hour local road I could have gotten seriously hurt or possibly hurt another driver on the road. Prior to the incident there was no steering issues what so ever. I took it to a local Ford dealer and the steering rack has failed and needs replacing.