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.
Ford Escape power steering loss problems
1,711 of the 27,615 owner complaints about the Ford Escape describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 1,711
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,620
- typical mileage
- 110,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 454Stalling 67Steering lock-up 65Check engine light 38Engine failure 37Ball joint 18Jerking 17ABS 16
Trouble codes mentioned
B2278 35B1342 10U3000 6B2277 3P2111 1P0322 1B3142 1B2778 1B227B 1
What owners say
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.
While driving, a message was displayed [Hill Start Assist Not Available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating Traction Control, and ABS failures. Electric Power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the EBCM had failed. The part is on National Backorder. While drivable, I'm afraid other issues will arise. This is my only vehicle and I'm within 20,000 miles of needing the timing belt and water pump replaced as well. I could not find a recall for the EBCM (a part not usually prone to failure) for the 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6L 4-cyl Ecoboost. In 2017, I had the entire transmission replaced @ 70,000 miles, under warranty, but Ford did not honor the warranty terms: coverage for lodging and rental vehicle, so I lost $$$$ that shouldn't have happened.
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?
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist Power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds. Steering locks up while driving. This has happened 3 times within the last 6 months. Before this, the last few years it has been difficult starting the car with the key. It would take multiple tries before starting. But now that the steering has locked up more than twice while driving is concerning. I see there were previous problems with the steering and corrected in 2014. After reading the recall description, it sounds to be the same problem. And recently i parked the vehicle, put in park, pulled the key and when opening the door beeping occurred like the key was in the ignition. Once the key was put in the ignition, it stopped. Please Help, [XXX] [XXX]/[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .
Excessive bilateral play/backlash in the steering rack unit was identified by a 3rd party repair organization. Ball-joint wear was ruled out and the problem suspected to be caused by internal wear of mechanical restraints. Third party mechanic advised that the car was unsafe to drive due to possible uncontrolled loss of steering function and that corrective action by the manufacturer was required. Vehicle was subsequently towed to Big Valley Ford where the dealership confirmed the initial diagnosis: "Upon inspection found play - severe internal play in rack". Normal vehicle use was not considered a causal factor of the defect on the vehicle with only 73,394miles. No warning messages were displayed to indicate the problem but front-end noise was noted while operating the vehicle.
"While driving down a steep mountain hill, my 2015 Ford Escape suffered a sudden and complete loss of electric power steering assist without any advance warning... We came within inches of a catastrophic collision and almost crashed directly into a utility pole." I'm absolutely terrified & Now going to cost a fortune. No injury, Just wife Panic attack.
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.
Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- 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
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
- Risk
- Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Recall number 00V223001 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Escape power steering loss
Which Ford Escape years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (481 complaints), 2009 (376 complaints) and 2010 (222 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Ford Escape?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,620 (median of 177 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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