9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$660
Average Mileage:
107,800 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. replace torque sensor assembly (4 reports)
  3. remove 80 amp fuse, clean contact surfaces, bolt back in (1 reports)
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problem #15

Jul 042020

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

When driving, the vehicle the power steering goes out. You have to pull over turn the car off and restart it. There are times you have to do it multiple times before the power steering kicks back in. This is very dangerous while on the highway because you can't always stop, and when this happens you can't turn your steering wheel. This issue needs to be fixed like it is on the 2008 -2011 Ford Escape. The same parts were used, so what makes them special enough for a recall, and not the people that have a 2012. Is there life more important than ours?

- Natasha G., Marquette, WI, US

problem #14

Oct 282021

Escape XLT 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,600 miles

I experienced a sudden loss of power steering while making a turn at low speed... I noticed the loss of power assist and with considerable effort, I was able to turn the wheel enough to pull alongside the curb and stop. Since the power steering is electric, I tried shutting down the engine and restarting. Surprisingly the power steering resumed normal operation. I will take the vehicle in for inspection as soon as possible.

- Peter J., New Albany, IN, US

problem #13

Jan 292021

Escape 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,807 miles

A friend had no issues driving and parking yesterday. This morning they had difficulty pulling away from curb, drove around the block and parked again, afraid of causing damage and controlling at speed. The steering power assist had completely failed. I offered to look under the hood; Surprise, no power steering pump.

A few lookups and find it is electric assist. If it is electric, check the fuse first. Owners manual shows location of 80 amp Electric Power Steering fuse location. The fuse is black with no view port. I unbolted the fuse, a bit sparky at both ends, must still be conducting. I wiped the ends clean, just a bit of dust, bolted back in. The radio which had been off was on loud and untuned upon starting engine (maybe 'sparky' is bad?) The power steering is fully functional again.

- Super D., Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #12

May 092019

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

This is unbelievable!!! I am STILL paying on this car every month, and just eight months after I had this repaired, the steering IS BAD AGAIN!!!! Last time, it cost me close to $800.00, and this time will be even more!!! It is unsafe to drive in it's present condition, according to my mechanic, but how am I supposed to work???? I keep my vehicles maintained, but this is irresponsible of Ford - they should have RECALLED this vehicle!!! I cannot anticipate every thing that will go wrong, and THIS could cause someone to DIE!!!

- JoAnn C., South Lake Tahoe, US

problem #11

Aug 312018

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

I had JUST exited the freeway during rush hour traffic, and was turning into my brother's driveway when I completely lost my power steering!! If this had happened on the freeway, we might have been killed!! The car was checked by my mechanic before we left on the trip, and there was NO indication this would happen. Now, after paying all that money just EIGHT months ago, it is doing it AGAIN!! My mechanic here says it could lock up completely and someone could be killed! This is horrible! I still owe $5,000.00 on this car, and now feel unsafe in it!!!

- JoAnn C., South Lake Tahoe, US

problem #10

Dec 122017

Escape LS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,650 miles

While driving my 2012 Ford Escape the Power Steering lost all power. Luckily I was still able to steer and get off the road. When I turned off the ignition and the vehicle sat for awhile, the power steering returned when the vehicle is restarted. This is the third time this has happened. I have had my Ford Dealer look at this problem and they tell my that they can't find any thing wrong. Their computer can't diagnose a problem.

- sgtal, Ronkonkoma, US

problem #9

Dec 262017

Escape Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

i was backing out of garage when i started to turn around and the steering did not work put back in garage and turn off the key got in my truck and did my runs.

came back got back into escape turn the motor in and the steering worked. i live on a curvy road don't trust the escape to not lock up again. i know there was a recall on 2008 thru 2011 this escape is a KC mfg.is the steering systems a left over from the bad ones that came out of KC

i was backing out of garage

- oshaver, New Richmond, US

problem #8

Nov 132017

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 177,000 miles

I was driving my 2012 Ford Escape this morning and upon exiting from the hi-way, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and very hard to turn. I managed to bring the car on the shoulder and stopped the engine. I restarted the engine after around 5 minutes, and the steering is working again. This is like the reason of the recall of Escape 2011s, right?

- E H., Farmington, US

problem #7

Jun 192017

Escape Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,500 miles

I was told by Webb Ford in Highland, Indiana that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. Not only is it the same issue as the 2008-2011 Escapes were having, its the SAME PART NUMBER! But, because Ford has not issued a recall, I would have to pay the $800 myself and IF the recall is issued, I would be reimbursed. My car was manufactured in September of 2011. Why am I not covered? Everyday (and especially if it's hot outside) I have to fight my car home. I don't get on the highway. I take the back roads which adds to my commute.

- Vernona C., Griffith, IN, US

problem #6

Jan 052017

Escape XT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,053 miles

Power steering failed 3 times in a 3 hour span. Almost no control of car. Spent 1300.00 on a repair that I really don't have as a widow. Called ford Next day to find out there's a recall on exact problem (torque sensor blew up or broke or started on fire). But the recall only covers 2008 -2011 although my escape had the exact same problem. This is bullshit. It's a problem they fully regonize. If I wouldn't have just gotten extra money from something this week I would have no car and no job as I use my car for work. The his should be cover d. All escapes!

- bejums, Muskego, WI, US

problem #5

Apr 302016

Escape EXL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 186,000 miles

All of a sudden, I lost the power steering and the steering became very hard. Luckly I was turning in my street at a slow speed and stopped immediatly. It happened without any warning. If this would have happened on the main road, I could have ended up in a very severe accident.

Ford says that my vehicle has no recall but its a very dangerious situation. They had so much of recall for 2008-2011 models, they should have included some 2012 models as well having such issue.

I want to know if someone had similar problem and did Ford considered to fix the issue or in vain. Is there any procedure that we can notify Ford that they consider the vehicles that experienced similar failure to consider in recall.

Its so dangerous, that now I am afraid to drive the vehicle on highway.

- shifka_75, Aurora, IL, US

problem #4

Aug 122015

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

I turned on the ignition and as I put it into reverse I heard a click. Sure enough, both the "AdvanceTrac" light and "AdvanceTrac Off" light came on and I lost the power steering.

- Kelley M., Houston, TX, US

problem #3

Mar 012015

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Beginning in 2014 my power steering on my Escape went out while I was driving. I pulled over and turned my ignition on and off and it fixed it temporarily. Whenever the power steering went out I would hear a "click" and my traction light would come on.

It is now May 2015 and two days ago my power steering went out completely. It will turn back on temporarily while I'm driving straight but as soon as I turn it will go out again and stay out. This is ridiculous- I don't know why my 2012 Escape was not included in the 2008-2011 recalls last year. Ford needs to fix this ASAP and issue a complete recall for all Escapes- it is incredibly dangerous for the power steering to go in and out while driving.

- Kelley M., Houston, TX, US

problem #2

Aug 112015

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Total loss of power steering as I was driving. I heard a "click" noise and the traction light came on as I lost the power steering.

- Kelley M., Houston, TX, US

problem #1

May 282015

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

click to see larger images

loss of power steering

This is the third day in a row that I have had total loss of power steering in my 2012 Ford Escape. As I'm driving, my traction light will come on and off (random amounts of time) but nothing changes with my steering. Yesterday my car started making this clicking noise (see video). Nothing seems to trigger it and it doesn't change anything, just adds to my frustration. Why are the 2012 Escapes not part of the recall?! My family has owned 7 Fords- that's all we drive! I've never encountered a problem like this and it's making me rethink my choice of vehicle. Ford needs to get this under control.

- Kelley M., Houston, TX, US