8.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,260
- Average Mileage:
- 108,100 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 105 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (44 reports)
- replace power steering column (33 reports)
- shut down engine and restart (15 reports)
- replace torque sensor (12 reports)
- replace steering module and wheel alignment needed with this (1 reports)
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Electronic power steering goes out while driving without warning. When stopped at a light, the steering wheel will move back and forth on it's own as if it is possessed. Sometimes it happens when starting the car, and other times it just happens while driving making it very difficult to turn the car. You can either stop or put the car in neutral (while coasting) to turn the engine off to reset the on-board computer for the power steering to come back on.
Very dangerous while driving on the highway when the power steering goes out unknowingly if needing to make a quick lane change.
Should definitely be a Safety Recall Issue!!!! I have heard it is a predominate problem only with the 2008 year model of Escapes.
- dwoody44, Independence, MO, US
The power steering is turning off for no reason making the car hard to steer and dangerous. This seems to be a recurring problem with 08 escapes
- Lisa L., San Diego, CA, US
This is the second time this vehicle has had a problem. In our fleet we have replaced 12 steering columns: 10 for 2008's , 1 for 2009, and 1 for 2010. Ford needs to address this safety issue.
- beretta protective, Edmonton, AB, Canada
This was the 4th time for the same issue. Unacceptable.
- beretta protective, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Ford has stated they never heard of this problem despite all the complaints online, Transport Canada investigating, US counterpart investigating and the CBC National News reporting this issue on their 10pm March 5, 2013 broadcast. SHAME ON YOU FORD...MUST SOMEONE DIE FIRST!
Update from Apr 9, 2015: APRIL 9, 2015
I had the software update in October after having lost my steering on many occassions. My local Ford Dealership, Fraser Ford had diagnosed the problem previously and I have the estimate where they said it needed a new steering column, yet they still only did the software update.
NOW, my 2008 Ford Escape has started the problem all over again. I am at a loss what to do as Ford seems to think they have fulfilled their obligation back in October when they did the software update.
I was told by Transport Canada that Ford states it's not a safety issue anymore because if the power steering ooes now after the software fix, the car just won't start, period!
What if I am 50 miles in the middle of nowhere when this happens???
Sheila
Update from Apr 9, 2015: I have a video of my steering wheel shaking like crazy before the fix and I can now take another if needed of the exact same thing after the fix!
- Sheila M., Courtice, Ontario, canada