While backing out of a parking space the steering locked on my wife's 2008 Ford Escape. She called me to come help her as she was not able to move her Escape. Upon arrival I inspected the vehicle for obvious signs of problems, none were noted. I tried to move the steering wheel; I was quite shocked that the steering wheel could not be moved. Since I am 6'4" and 300lbs most things that I grab move?the steering wheel should have moved, just without the assist of the power assist. The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership for them to diagnose the issue. I was informed that the sensors in the steering column are bad. The dealership stated that they were able to reset the computer and that the steering now functions. The dealership informed me that I have two choices drive the vehicle and see if the issue repeats or replace the entire steering column ($1,500). I explained that this is in fact a safety issue as the steering failed completely and locked up as I was unable to move the steering wheel. Ford customer care was contacted and they have offered no assistance in this issue and claim that they have no knowledge of any issues pertaining to this problem on record. This statement by Ford customer care seems to be highly suspect as a quick internet search found many identical issues. The complete failure of the steering system is beyond unacceptable! if someone with my strength cannot move the steering wheel than how is someone the size of my wife supposed to move the steering wheel if and in this case when the steering system fails. Ford needs to accept that there is in fact a major safety problem related to the failure of the electronic steering system of the Ford Escape. Complete failure of the steering is not acceptable. Again this was a complete failure of the steering system!!!

- Hagerstown Md , MD, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The contact mentioned that it became very difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 65,000.

- Novato, CA, USA

1/22/13-started my vehicle up at 8am and the power steering would not engage, thinking is was due to cold, I stopped the vehicle and restarted the vehicle up, power assist engage and I drove the vehicle approx 1/4mile when I attempted to make a left turn the power assist failed and nearly collided my vehicle onto oncoming traffic due to steering failure; I immediately drove home and parked the vehicle. On 1/23/13 I drove the vehicle very carefully to a nearby Ford dealership (approx 2 miles from home). I was advised by the service representative (after a diagnostic test) that the steering column requires replacement due to the electronic module failure as it is part of the vehicles electronic power assist system (epas) and was quoted a repair price (>1400.00). I did some online research and found that this type of steering failure is extremely common with this vehicle and the epas and many many complaints have been registered by consumers on this exact steering problem. Due to the unpredictability, potential danger and the commonality of this type of complaint with this type of vehicle, could this warrant a recall of this vehicle or at least a service bulletin of this potentially catastrophic steering issue?

- El Paso, TX, USA

Twice in the last month, while making sharp turn and U-turn, we lost our power steering. The first time was when turning into a parking lot, but the second time was in traffic. Each time it took all of our strength to get the steering wheel turned so that the vehicle could be moved out of traffic. Both times we put vehicle in park and turned off ignition. When re-started, power steering was fine. This is a very dangerous vehicle failure. We were fortunate that we were able to get out of traffic each time, but may not be as lucky the next. When we got home, we googled 2008 Ford Escape steering problems to see if there had been a recall that we were not aware of, and we were astonished to see how many other people had reported this same failure. A recall needs to be issued before someone loses their life.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

Driving down highway and lost power steering. Had to use all strength to exit the highway. Stopped and restarted car and everything was fine. Began driving toward home, but during a stop light steering wheel began to shake (while idle) and lost power steering again. I have extended warranty and this is not covered. This is very dangerous and ridiculous.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

My Ford Escape is my family and work vehicle. One morning I started it after it was parked in cold overnight, engine started but the steering was stuck, thought battery was bad. Restarted several times until steering loosened up. Drove car and every stop light or while idling, the steering wheel vibrated so hard and have to hold it steady, thought, time to have my control arm replaced again. Took it to a friend's car shop, said, they've been having costumers bringing their Ford Escapes lately with the same problem. They couldn't fix it. Told me to go to my dealership. Dealership diagnosed it, electronic steering problem $90 for diagnosis, $1100 parts and labor, about 3-days to order for parts. Too expensive and dangerous, needs to have a recall.

- Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA

The car involved was a 2008 Ford Escape. I was driving at about 45 and I lost complete control of my power steering. I was unable to turn steering wheel. I used all my force to get to the side of the road. I then turned the car off and turned it back on my steering was then fine. I got back on the road and I lost all of my power steering again. This steering problem is very dangerous and recall must be enforced!!

- Boulder, CO, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated when she started the vehicle the steering wheel began to fail. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 91,999.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated the steering wheel became hard to turn while driving in traffic. The steering wheel returned to its normal position when the vehicle was turned off and restarted. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 84,000. Updated 3/20/13 the consumer stated there was a complete loss of power steering when accelerating forward from an idle position. Updated 04/17/13

- Camden , NC, USA

Drove vehicle yesterday, no problems. This morning started to drive and lost power steering. Made it back home but could have been bad if on highway.

- Edgewood, NM, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the steering failed. The contact also stated that a strange noise emitted from the engine compartment while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the steering column needed to be replaced and the computer needed to be reprogrammed. The technician also stated that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 88,133.

- Lima, OH, USA

For the last 6 weeks, my steering column would shake when car was idling. I attempted to back out of a parking space pn 12-4-12 and the power steering did not work. I restarted the engine and it began working. Since then, this has happened at least once a day. On 1-4-13, the power steering became no longer functional. The only place that could repair this problem is at the local Ford dealership in my town. It is well known dealerships charge more for repairs than private garages. The cost will be $1300 and it will take 2 to 3 days to complete the repair. Technician stated the sensor in the steering column was unable to be replaced, so the entire steering column would have to be replaced. I do routine maintenance on my vehicle and am curious why this problem wasn't involved in a recall. It is a definite safety issue!! while searching online, I found many others who experienced the same problem. While my car was under an extended warranty, another steering problem occurred, but the warranty covered the repair expense. Fortunately, I have enough in savings to cover this repair, but am not pleased about it. My car is only 5 years old and I have never had this problem with any other vehicle I have owned.

- Langston, OK, USA

Unable to steer vehicle due to loss of power steering, after restarting vehicle problem went away but returned while idling at a stop. The steering wheel began pulsating and moving on it's own. Had to have vehicle towed to repair facility because it was unsafe to drive. Steering would unexpected loose power assist.

- South Lyon, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel seized as the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact mentioned that she shut off and restarted the vehicle, and it resumed normal function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the electric steering and the torque sensor were defective and needed to be replaced. However, they referred the contact to the dealer to verify the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 168,000.

- Denver , CO, USA

While sitting in traffic my steering wheel suddenly turned on its own slightly. As I started to move forward I realized the steering was extremely difficult and appeared to have no power steering. I was just near the dealership so I was able to get it in to them. It turns out the steering column is electronic and broke requiring very expensive repairs. I researched this problem on-line and I am finding it to be a similar complaint across the country including with others who were actually moving at the time of the column failure. Many at low mileage (less than 55,000). I feel this is being ignored by Ford as a safety issue and that it is a known defect that Ford should be responsible for fixing.

- Quaker Hill, CT, USA

The power steering has been locking up in my 2008 Ford Escape and also when idling at a stand still my steering wheel pulses/vibrates. I have to turn the vehicle off, and restart it. Some times that fixes it and some time it doesn't. should be a recall with all these power steering problems, this is not safe!

- West Des Moines, IA, USA

The vehicle began to not have power steering at start-up a few times, with the problem being corrected by turning the vehicle off then on again. The day of December 27, the vehicle was turned on and steering wheel jerked/pulsated from side-to-side, but power steering was still working. We then tried to make it home one night when the power steering completely stopped working while on the highway. The vehicle was brought to the Ford dealership and problem was found to be the power steering column. Luckily the Ford Escape, with 88,500 miles on it, had an extended warranty covering the $1400 in repairs.

- Aurora, CO, USA

Was driving out of the garage from the dealership after the scheduled oil change, the steering wheel was not moving. I stopped the car and walked back to let them know, one of the tech's said the engine had been cleaned and therefore I had to wait for some wires to dry. Have had steering problems since then. When starting engine, I need to turn off and on 2 or 3 times for steering wheel to release and when stopped (but idling) steering shakes and makes crackling sounds. It all started at the shamaley dealership, in el paso, Texas. Car has been there since yesterday. Never had problems before until I took for an oil change on 11/27/12.

- El Paso, TX, USA

While attempting to leave work this morning I started my vehicle and when I went to back out of the driveway I was unable to steer the vehicle. If this would of happened while driving on the road the outcome would not be good.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

While driving my car out of a parking lot the power steering failed to work. It was very difficult to turn the car and the issue remained while driving at higher speeds. Upon turning the car off and restarting it, the power steering worked briefly but the steering wheel will shake back and forth while making a loud noise when the car is stopped but running.

- Grand Blanc, MI, USA