The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the steering wheel would seize and she would be unable to move it for a few seconds. After waiting a few seconds, the steering wheel would reset itself and perform as normal. The dealer made two attempts to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000 and the current mileage was 31,500. The VIN was unavailable.

- Cabot, AR, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford escape. While attempting a turn at speeds of 10 mph, the steering wheel locked as the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact moved the vehicle from the roadway and shut off the engine. The vehicle was able to be restarted and resumed normal operation after two attempts. The power steering warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 33,000.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

Electric controlled brakes, & electric controlled power assist steering. Seeing all that is happening to Toyota I thought I had best report my incidents to someone so that a file could be started and history could be made of defective issues with Ford Escape hybrid mine is a 2006 model and everything started just after the warranty expired. I now have 73,000 miles on the vehicle and it is always the most expensive part of the system that seems to fail according to Ford service writers. I iod some investigation when my brakes failed and it was just a wheel sensor that malfunctioned but it caused a major brake system failure and I was told it was the control module after I checked the cost I told Ford to take the fuel-saving vehicle and put it in a junkyard and then I was told by another service tech that the sensor just needed to be reset an that would be just a little over $300 so I had it serviced and now after a flat tire I am told that my power assist control unit needs replacing the owners manual said that after you use a donut tire that this could happen and again I am told it is the most expensive part to replace. My mechanic told me that Ford has the only machines that could reset these sensors, so pardon my laymans terms but Ford has you by the '!@#$%'.since they control the situation. I do however believe that outside electrical fields have an effect on these electrical sensors. It could be as little as a pavement sensor that controls signal lights to any other electrical field that damages these sensors that are not shielded. Thank you for reading my thoughts.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Power steering failed while driving. Vehicle was taken to dealer for repair. Manufacturer diagnosed as "power steering control module" and replaced part. Less than two months later, power steering failed again. Vehicle again was taken to dealer for repair and diagnosed as "power steering pump wiring harness melted" power steering wiring harness part is currently not available and part is being manufactured 3 weeks after incident.

- Washington, DC, USA