Upon startup, vehicle extremely difficult to turn, no power steering. Took to local Ford dealership. Hard fault code B1342, epas failure. Repair: Replace entire steering column. If this had happened on the freeway at higher speed, the ability to swerve would have been near impossible, potentially causing a serious accident. Cost of repair, $1400.

- Hanford, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape limited. The contact stated that while the driver was traveling 5 mph the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to spin out of control. The contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle with the steering loss and crashed into a pole. The contact sustained head and arm injuries. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 27,000.

- South Gate, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph in reverse, the steering wheel unexpectedly seized without warning. The steering wheel was maneuvered numerous times and then eventually released. The vehicle was currently being diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.

- Nashville, NH, USA

2010 Ford Escape limited AWD, build date 10-29-2009. Power steering failed during left turn, nearly causing a sideswipe crash when the steering wheel would not return to straight ahead position. Quick reflexes and braking prevented the crash. Car had been running for about 5 minutes, outside air temperature was 106 degrees. After braking the power steering resumed normal functioning.

- Henderson, NV, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle began to veer to the left and right. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to recur. Approximately six months later, while driving approximately 55 mph the power steering failed and the contact had a hard time turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact where an unknown steering mechanism was replaced. The failure mileage was 1,200 and the current mileage was 10,500.

- Donora, PA, USA

Purchased new Ford Escape 06/01/10, at approx 800 miles it developed a metal to metal clicking sound within steering column when manuvering in and out of parking lots and slow speed turns. Brought Escape to dealer on 06/21/10, dealer said they have to realign motor to frame. Noise returned and Escape was returned to dealer on 07/27/10. Dealer replaced steering shaft and coupling. Noise returned again, Escape returned to dealer on 08/30/10, this time they are replacing whole steering column. As of 09/13/10 dealer still has Escape. Ford issued ssm # 21321 but this was a different kind of noise and service manager agreed. To me noise sounded like the steering wheel lock was trying to engage and that may be why they are replacing steering column.

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

Purchased 2010 Ford Escape XLT on 12-12-09. On Monday, 12-14-09 power steering went out and light for stabilizer came on and would not shut off. Car was hardly drivable and extremely hard to steer. Dealership stated the power steering was newly computerized this year and did not run on belt and pistons anymore. Dealership replaced steering column and returned car on Friday 12-18-09. Today is 1-6-10 and my power steering went out again tonight. Will be taking vehicle to dealership tomorrow. Will post second complaint for the 2nd incident once resolved.

- Yorba Linda, CA, USA