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8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$900
Average Mileage:
127,000 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace steering column (2 reports)
  3. replace torque sensor kit (2 reports)
2008 Ford Escape steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #7

Mar 112017

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,722 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On March 11, 2017 I got into my Escape to drive it (which it drove fine the previous evening) and the steering wheel would barely turn. I drove car to Ford garage and they told me there was a recall on this vehicle but that it was no longer available and the cost would be $1400 to replace steering column. I took it to another garage which had it for a week and they replaced the torque sensor but said that the wheel kept turning left and they could not repair properly and to drive it for about a week and see how it drove.

- Daphne K., Masury, US

problem #6

Feb 012016

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

I too went in for the 2014 recall under NHTSA Campaign Number 14V28400 which provides for a software update to the power steering control. No issues or diagnostic trouble codes were found and the software update was performed under 14V28400. Approx. 20K miles later the power steering is failing. I took the car to the dealer to have fixed under the 14V28400 recall and was told that the power steering sensor needs replacement and the costs would not be covered under the previous recall. Cost to repair is $500.00. I searched on the internet only to find many others that had no problem with the power steering until the software was updated. I also found that NHTSA has an open investigation wherein the petitioner alleges that the software update provided by Ford's recall does not adequately remedy the safety defect and the the software update itself may in fact cause further issues with the affected vehicle's power steering, causing it to fail, ultimately requiring replacement of the torque sensor or entire steering column. The open investigation number is DP15001. I filed a complaint with the NHTSA to support DP15001.

If you have had this same issue on the same year, make and model, I urge you to contact NHTSA and file to support DP15001 and help keep drivers safe.

- C G., Arlington, US

problem #5

Jan 272015

Escape XLS 2.3L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

After the so called recall was done, the power steering completely failed and Ford put me on the hook to have the steering column replaced to the tune of $1300. The whole purpose of a recall is to remedy the issue, not continue to put the operator of the vehicle in harms way. Ford has really dropped the ball on this issue and I am extremely disappointed with how this recall and repair was handled, or not handled. I want my money back!

- Cyndy B., Greenbelt, MD, US

problem #4

Dec 112014

Escape Limited 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So there is a recall on 2008-2011 Escapes with the torque sensor being faulty. Of course mine isn't covered by the recall but has the same problem. The steering wheel shakes all the time and is hard to steer. I received two estimates for the repair, both around $450. The one shop said to call Ford since there is a recall for the same issue. Ford won't do anything but report it. If down the road they decide to recall my vehicle I may get reimbursed for the repair. If it is the same problem as the recall I don't see how they can't help any. May have to get away from Ford vehicles.

- Mandy G., Baldwin, WI, US

problem #3

Jul 012014

Escape Limited 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Vehicle has had intermittent loss of power steering three times now over the last 6 months. Turning vehicle off and then back on seems to resolve the issue. This is a problem but strength can overcome (acts like the old standard steering of the pre 60's cars) but my wife lacks this capability. Complained to dealer/mechanic in 2013 and it was investigated. I was told the problem intermittent and there was nothing they could do for it (moved from Portland, Oregon to Caldwell, Idaho and new Ford dealer reluctant to deal with warranty- extended warranty).

17 July 2014 received a recall notice from Ford stating the power steering module or steering column needed to be replaced/repaired due to sudden power steering failure. Apparently, the above issue has caused many accidents. Vehicle to go in within the next week - dealer to call me.

- Wayne G., Caldwell, ID, US

problem #2

Mar 142014

Escape AWD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,100 miles

From the many posts on various sites, this is a very common problem and one with grave potential safety concerns. It is amazing that this has not turned into a recall yet. I assume somebody will have to be killed before anybody takes it seriously.

- Jeffrey S., West Bloomfield, MI, US

problem #1

Mar 212014

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

It's five years old and should be paid off in Sept. And now this. This is my wife's car and while driving it on a trip over the weekend noticed the wheel jerking while at a stop light, then later some difficulty steering in a parking lot. I've had 5 F-150,s so I said no problem, needs power steering fluid. Guess what, no place to put fluid. Even the parts guy was no help.

Who's lame idea was this electric power assist? $740 just for the part. This car also has a problem with the throttle plate sticking in the fuel system, another high dollar part to completely replace, and a funny clicking noise when you turn on the AC, 5 or 6 clicks from the top of the heater panel. Do I see a Honda in my future? You betcha

- jdris52, Dallas, TX, US

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