9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,070
Average Mileage:
110,750 miles
Total Complaints:
35 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
  2. ford should honor nhtsa recall (10 reports)
  3. replace torque sensor and steering column (4 reports)
  4. replace steering column (2 reports)
  5. i replaced the steering column myself (1 reports)
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problem #35

Jul 282021

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Driving along the other week and I could not believe how tight my steering wheel had gotten. I was on a busy road and I was fortunate that my home was in a direct path and I had only 1 turn (which was hard) and now my car sits in in my driveway.

- Edna B., Keyport, NJ, US

problem #34

Feb 222020

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

Just overall not a great car. I hope Ford recognizes this as a recall.

- Jena B., Jeffersonville, IN, US

problem #33

Nov 182020

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,134 miles

Power steering will go out for 5-10 seconds and then come back on for same amount of time. Alternating between working and not working. I will hear a clicking sound under the steering column when it switches between working and not working. Called the local Ford garage and they show it was taken in for the recall in 2014 (before I owned the vehicle). Since it was, the recall was closed out on my vehicle and I'm now responsible for paying out of pocket to get this fixed $$$$$.

Ford should have replaced the entire steering column the first time on all of these recalls!

- Adam W., Wooster, OH, US

problem #32

Jan 112019

Escape Limited 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

My handicapped son saved his money and bought this vehicle, we have always been a Ford Family but we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. The steering started to go out on 1/11/19 and as 1/12/19 has not worked at all. This vehicle has the electric steering and we have seen that these vehicles all are having the same problem and should be recalled by Ford. My son lives off of SS and can't afford to replace the steering column.

Update from Jan 24, 2019: Steering has been repaired, but there needs to be a law suit against ford for not repairing this problem on all Escapes.

- Danny B., Portsmouth, VA, US

problem #31

Jan 172019

Escape XLT 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,400 miles

A few days ago the steering was shaky. I took it to my closest Ford dealer and they said it has no codes.Then I'm driving down the road and the shake stops and the wheel gets stiff and now I'm driving with no power assist at all. I hit the curb and almost pooped my pants. Ford is garbage. They need to recall all models that come in with the same issue, not just some. They lost a customer. They are lucky I wasn't with my mom when she went to buy a new car or else we would have got her a Chevy!!!

- Brandon W., La Plata, MD, US

problem #30

May 092018

Escape LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

As my wife was on the way home from work the power steering failed. She was driving 55 mph on a 2 lane highway. The power steering had been working properly until, without warning it failed as she entered a right hand turn. She slammed her brakes, but had little time to slow the car before leaving the road. The car crossed the oncoming lane and jumped a ditch, about 6' deep. The car nosed into the ground on the drivers side. Fortunately it did not roll or flip. To add insult to injury the airbags failed to deploy.

My wife slammed her head into the drives side door, receiving a mild concussion and bad case of whip lash. Her glass's were smashed into her face, blacking both eyes and bruising her forehead. Her right hand was hyper-extended as it passed thru the steering wheel. She damaged her carpal tunnel and is unable to feel the thumb and first 2 fingers on her right hand.Her right ankle hit the console and was badly bruised. Fortunately, she had no broken bones. Pretty amazing considering she impacted the ground at 50+ mph. It has been 7 days and she is still unable to work and is in serious pain.

The Escape is totaled. We are nervous about buying another FORD. Thanks FORD. Why hasn't this vehicle been recalled.

- kjon, Patton, US

problem #29

Feb 032018

Escape LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,675 miles

My steering just started to go out a month or so ago(2-4-2018) Was driving down the road to pick up my daughter at school and the power steering went out. I was on a straight away so was lucky. I am now getting ready to get it fixed and seen these complaints about ford not honoring the recall. Ford SHOULD honor this recall because it seems to be very common and dangerous.My car was made at the plant where the trouble started and the recall was from. I have not had it in to Ford yet but anticipate the same result as many of these complaints have had.

- Paul F., Springboro, PA, US

problem #28

Nov 152017

Escape Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,813 miles

click to see larger images

power steering quits while driving

I was driving down the highway at 90km/hr my power steering suddenly quit working. The power steering assist fault warning came on, there was a beep, and then I was suddenly careening down the icy highway with no power steering. The electric power steering suddenly quit working and became manual steering with no warning what so ever. I have since taken this vehicle to our local mechanic to have fixed twice. The first time I was told that this vehicle had power steering issues and was part of the recall to replace the entire steering column to fix the problem. the Ford dealership informed me that my particular vehicle was not part of the recall although it has the same problem as the recalled vehicles! Today I was informed there is no fix and no parts available to fix this steering problem. So thank you Ford, I really appreciate doing business and I hope I don't die while I continue to drive your unsafe vehicle.

- Trish H., Dawson City, YT, Canada

problem #27

Sep 052017

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,000 miles

Ford issued recall on power steering for many Ford Escape models. I took mine in when I received the recall notice back in 2014. They said it came up with 14S05C error which meant all they had to do was reprogram my car. Well, all that did was make it so when my power steering does fail, I get a chime and a light on my dash. How is the an acceptable fix to this problem? Ford knows they built thousands of vehicles with faulty power steering modules and is trying to get away with simply reprogramming our vehicles with a warning system for the inevitable failure and then stick us with the $1500 plus fix. NOT ACCEPTABLE.

I will be calling, writing, emailing, posting, contacting media, contacting lawyers - anything I can do until Ford admits that they screwed up and they fix my car free of charge.

This is completely unethical and no company should be able to get away with treating consumers like this. Not only are they putting Ford consumers in a financial bind, they are putting everyone on the road in danger. Power steering is not a joke. I sincerely hope that my vehicle does not fail and cause a lethal accident while I go through this hell of trying to get them to own up to their mistake and responsibility of remediation.

- Callie W., Hendersonville, US

problem #26

Jan 012018

Escape XLS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

I bought the car used in February 2017 with 69k miles. Until now it has been a great car for my daughter's first vehicle. Twice this week the power steering assist failed. My daughter is very petite and cannot drive without the power steering. Thankfully she was not in a turn either time the steering failed. I researched the problem and found out there was a recall in 2014 for her model year vehicle. Several hundred thousand vehicles were recalled for this exact problem. There are two fixes, replace the sensor or the steering column and the sensor both. On several blogs I found information that stated Ford will try to tell you it is the latter of the two every time and charge you $1550 to replace. So, I took the vehicle to Two Rivers Ford in Mount Juliet, Tennessee and made sure they knew I was aware of the recall for this problem. After 2 days they called and guess what? They are charging me $1558 to replace the sensor and the steering column. I asked why it is not covered under warranty and the service rep said that my particular Escape was not part of the recall? Now wait just a dang minute, clearly the problem my vehicle has is the same problem described in the recall and my vehicle falls within the same year(s) as the recall. Didn't do me any good. I am paying for a repair that SHOULD BE COVERED by FORD. I feel like I'm getting screwed. I have no choice, I do not have the time or strength to fight this as know these things can take months to resolve and even then there's no guarantee. My daughter needs her car and she cannot drive it without this repair.

- Russell B., Mount Juliet, US

problem #25

Oct 022017

Escape Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,553 miles

bought 09 Escape in excellent condition was very pleased, then within 90 days we had to pay an additional $1300 to get Steering assist fault repaired. Now we have $10,600 invested in a $8,000 vehicle. Thanks ford for standing behind your product so well. File the class action lawsuit before someone gets killed.

- escape_plan, Harrisonville, US

problem #24

Sep 052017

Escape Limited 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

The steering just stopped working! I had to drive it home with NO power steering.

- Homer C., BURLINGTON, NC, US

problem #23

Feb 102017

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 168,999 miles

Power Steering goes out either immediately after starting the car or within 20 minutes of driving. The only way to bypass is to turn car on and off. This temporarily resets power steering or doesn't at all. The steering wheel shakes at speeds of 65+. I want Ford to fix this at no cost but I am not the original owner of the vehicle and do not have a warranty.

- Tyler B., Salt Lake City, US

problem #22

Feb 142017

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Had recall addressed in 8/2014 where the dealer simply re-set computer, didn't replace steering column or necessary components. Now, steering doesn't work and warning states"Power Steering Assist Fault". Auto is impossible to steer and could have, but did not result in a serious accident. Ford said since they already performed the recall service, they are no longer responsible for the new and very expensive repair. We will be exploring all options for this issue to remedy itself at Ford's cost.

- Kenneth And Lisa M., Erwinna, PA, US

problem #21

Nov 102016

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

this problem could cause seriouse accidents , my wife will be driving along and the steering goes out

- George B., Amelia, OH, US

problem #20

Dec 012016

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,739 miles

There was a recall on this model of the ford escape in 2014 for the exact problem I was having, and they would not honour the recall. Therefore I had to pay for the repair out of pocket.

- Eric C., Tahlequah, OK, US

problem #19

Dec 292016

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,026 miles

I bought a 2009 Ford Escape XLT V6 because my Honda Accord just wasn't cutting it on the snowy roads of Maine in the winter. I was so excited to buy the escape, but I never thought that I would have to deal with so many frustrating problems with it. Had I known, I definitely would have gone with a honda or toyota SUV.

I have always taken very good care of my car. I work very hard to make sure that it is is good safe running condition. I took pride in this vehicle. Not anymore.

I have had the recalls done, but the car seems to have more problems after they "fix" the recall than it did before going to the ford dealership at all. Honestly, I don't want them touching my car at all because I no longer trust them or what kind of "program" they might put into my car. My car was running fine before the recalls, and now my power steering situation is an absolute nightmare. Since the recall my steering wheels jerks around and locks up but no lights go on. I just get one chime of a bell. Note that this has happened not only while in my driveway and in local business parking lots, but it also occurred on route 95 coming home to Maine while going about 75 mph. It only lasted a minute, but what a terrifying experience!

While going out to run a normal, quick errand this evening of about ten minutes, I pulled out of my driveway and everything seemed to be fine. It was snowing and sleeting, but if you live in Maine you just learn how to drive in it, as it's part of everyday life. However, while going down a hill my steering wheel locked up and the dashboard displayed "power steering assist fault"...What does that even mean?? I spent about twenty minutes in a parking lot reading my manual and trying to figure out what to do, all in a snowstorm. Was is safe to drive home? Was the snow and ice on the roads going to impact the steering (or lack of) and send me into a tree? I decided I had no choice but to drive home, with no power steering.

The wheel was so heavy and hard to turn, absolutely ridiculous and totally unsafe in bad weather. Right now it's sitting in the driveway and I'm too scared to drive the stupid car.I'VE HAD IT WITH FORD!! I have taken amazing care of my car, and that combined with the number of complaints on this issue prove that FORD IS LIABLE TO FIX THESE CARS!! How can you recall autos and not fix them correctly??? Are you kidding me, Ford?? I could've bought any other SUV but I loved the escape. You can't even stand behind your recalls, so to me that means that you are nothing but a shady company who has no value on human life. Hey! Ford exec's! How would you feel about putting your kids in one of these cars??? How do you sleep at night? You are putting so many lives at risk. Just one accident and you guys will be screwed. WAKE UP FORD!!! YOU ARE LOSING YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS FASTER THAN I'M LOSING MY POWER STEERING!

- Julie H., Windham, ME, US

problem #18

Oct 162016

Escape XLT 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

My 88 year old mother had steering go out on her, took it to Ford dealer as they said it was a recall. They looked at it did Throttle body recall told us it needed a $1,500 steering column and charged us $123.00 to do nothing.

My mother cant afford to fix this and after looking it seems this should be a recall. I am a mechanic but I cant even find the torque sensor to buy and replace myself. Went to another Ford dealer they have vech serviced at at ever service for thousands of dollars and they wouldn't even talk to me about it and said there is no recall for steering on any Escape. This is really crazy that this is happening and Ford wont do anything about it.

Update from Nov 11, 2016: Ford denied the repair $1,400 with 40,000 miles. Good job Ford dont look for me or mine to buy from you again.

- reidman, Hampton, VA, US

problem #17

Oct 192016

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE TORQUE SENSOR IS BAD AND THERE IS NO POWER STEERING NOW. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER, WHO REFUSED TO REPAIR, SAYING THE RECALL CLOSED. HOW CAN A RECALL CLOSE WHEN THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE, FAILED DUE TO MANUFACTURING FAILURE OF THE PART, AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO TAKE REPSONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THE FAILED PART. THE COST IS OVER $1500 ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS A MAJOR LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT THE CAR STILL HAS A $10,000 LOAN ON IT AND IS UNDRIVABLE. MY DAUGHTER HAS THE CAR (I AM PART OWNER) AND MY TWO GRANDCHILDREN WERE DRIVEN IN THAT CAR. THANK GOD THE POWER STEERING FAILURE DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN THEY WERE IN THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY. NOW THE CAR SITS AS THE COST IS EXCESSIVE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO PAY TO REPAIR, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND MIDTOWN MOTOR COMPANY IN WARREN PENNSYLVANIA REFUSE TO REPAIR THE FAILED PART.

- Deborah Y., Warren, PA, US

problem #16

Sep 012015

Escape Limited 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

I bought this Escape used from a dealership. Right off the power steering stopped working. Yes, Ford should fix these vehicles. It isn't something I did or the previous owner, etc. It is a known issue that Ford knows about. It is a SAFETY issue and should be treated as such. Might I add that i worked at a Ford Dealership for 14 years.

- Shirley P., Myrtle, MS, US

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