My steering has a very annoying whinning noise and I have taken it in to be looked at 2 times and they cannot fix it.

- Camanche, IA, USA

The steering wheel on my 2002 Ford Escape with only 37000 miles recently became loose while I was driving.the vehicle's 36000 mile warranty just expired. I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership (cowles parkway Ford) to get an estimate for the repairs, and was told that the vehicle needs a new steering column (a $400+ cost). Before making a decision I did some research on this type of vehicle and discovered that it is a known defect (NHTSA item number: 630120). There is a safety recall for the 2001 Ford Escape (NHTSA campaign id number : 00V223001 )but not the 2002 model. I was told by someone in the service department that this is a known manufacturer's defect, but I was no longer under warranty, and would have to pay $400+ to get it fixed. I also have called Ford costumer service and was also told that they are are not responsible for the cost of repairs because I had exceeded the warranty. I believe Ford should be responsible for the cost of the known defective part.I also believe that there are other Ford Escape on the highways with this same safety issue that need to be recalled. Thank you. Michael estes.

- Washington , DC, USA

Steering column. His vehicle was involved in a front end collision. The air bags deployed and the steering column completely detached from the dash. I am unaware if this caused further injury to the operator. I am a licensed auto damage appraiser and thought this to be very unusual and potentially unsafe.

- Boston, MA, USA

Had been having a problem with a loud squeaking noise coming from the steering column when turning; checked the NHTSA service bulletins and found a bulletin from June 1, 2003 noting this same problem; check engine light was also on again; I made an appt at dealer to check out these issues (4/7/04). Took vehicle in on 4/9/04. Dealer found the following problems: Noise was coming from the upper steering column because the wiring for the horn was pulled out and rubbing on the contact plate; additional noise found at lower end of steering column dealer deactivated the airbag system to remove and replace the steering wheel and contact; also found that they had to replace the steering column boot, which had to be ordered at the same time, a recall was issued for this vehicle regarding the power train control module; dealer performed the recall vehicle was in the shop from 4/9 - 4/14 and dealer had to pay for a rental car steering column boot was ordered and I had to take the vehicle back into the dealer on 4/23/04 to have them install it. After leaving the dealer on the 23rd, I realized that my horn, cruise control and left brake light were all inoperable, so I took the vehicle back into the dealer on 4/26/04. Dealer found that the clock spring was not making contact, so they had to deactivate the airbag again to remove the steering wheel and replace the clock spring; for the rear brake light, the dealer had to replace the bulb element vehicle was in the dealer for two days and they had to pay for a rental car for me again,

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer' 4-5 times for the same problem. When she turned on heat or air conditioner there was a mildew smell. Each time that consumer took vehicle dealer she was told to come back if the light came on. Dealer could not reproduce the foul smell. Also, while driving a wind came into vehicle even though the doors were closed. In addition, consumer complained about the steering wheel making noise. Dealer will not look at vehicle again. However, consume complained vehicle was falling apart, and the dealers will not help.

- Wilmington, CA, USA