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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
28 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
19 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,400 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Ford Escape steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 27 of 54)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #541

Feb 162016

Escape

  • 102,060 miles

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

Had the truck serviced received a perfect report, then 2 weeks later the steering became very tight and hard to steer.took the truck to 3 different shops to learn they were not equipped to handle an electrical power steering.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #540

Apr 142016

Escape

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of steering ability and the maintenance warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #539

Mar 302016

Escape

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving at lower speeds, the steering made an abnormal noise and shook abnormally. When the failure occurred, the power steering assist default warning indicator illuminated. Prior to this failure, the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering) where the technician stated that they performed a minor reprogramming of the power steering control module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Salcha, AK, USA

problem #538

Apr 062016

Escape

  • 158,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, there was a loss of power steering without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven with caution. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #537

Apr 102016

Escape

  • 99,350 miles
I had the recall issue for the power steering addressed and was told it only needed a software update. 5000 miles later the steering wheel began to shake constantly while parked or moving. Now my wife lost total power steering while driving. We called the dealer who gave us the software update and we were told there is nothing else they can do to fix the problem without us paying for it.

- Two Harbors, MN, USA

problem #536

Apr 012016

Escape

  • 81,798 miles
Low speed turns, electric power assist fails to assist in returning wheels to straight ahead position. Wheels can be brought back to forward position with some effort. Happens consistently, every day at low speeds when there is higher torque on the steering column.

- Bridgewater, MA, USA

problem #535

Mar 212016

Escape

  • 52,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel made a clicking sound and shook without warning. Approximately 30 seconds later, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn and failed. The next morning, when the vehicle was started, the maintenance warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was previously repaired per a recall in August of 2014 for the same issue, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #534

Mar 292016

Escape

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 60 mph, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manfacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V28400 (steering) in 2015, but the failure recurred in 2016. The failure mileage was 144,000.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

problem #533

Mar 082016

Escape

  • 144,000 miles
July 2014 I received a recall notice regarding torque sensor/steering column, I took it in to the dealership (stivers Ford/Lincoln in waukee Iowa) where they took approx. 5 mins to do whatever it was they were to do regarding the recall. I was not having any issues with my car at that time. Approx. 3 weeks ago (March 2016) I started having problems with my steering wheel shaking and moving back/forth at all times when driving the vehicle and when idling, on highway and streets and being parked, along with odd noises when driving. I took my vehicle in to the dealership (stivers Ford/Lincoln in waukee Iowa) yesterday (March 29, 2016) to find out what was wrong, they did a diagnostic test and found that I needed a new torque sensor and steering column. I told them about the recall of the exact same issue from July 2014, the guy in the service dept (steve) called Ford motors and they told him they would not cover the costs. I called Ford motors today (March 30, 2016) at their retail number, the female told me they would not cover the costs and said that the recall had expired and I should of had it fixed then. (there was no issues at the time of the recall with my vehicle and I did take it in to the dealership at the time I received the recall letter). Ford motors knew/knows of the defaulting parts (hence the recall in 2014), they should cover these parts now. Most cars do not go out right at the time of a recall. My vehicle took over a year to go out since the recall, I have found Ford motors to be very dishonest. The service man I spoke with told me he was with me on this issue and believed that Ford motors should cover these costs for repairs of the torque sensor and steering column. Recall letter states: Alternatively, the dealer may need to replace the torque sensor or the steering column. This service will be performed free of charge (parts and labor.

- Stuart, IA, USA

problem #532

Mar 142016

Escape

  • 101,000 miles
My vehicle was driving fine when it started chiming. I didn't have any idea why it was making the noise. It did this 3 times and then a small wrench signal showed up on the panel. I was driving home when all of this happened. All of a sudden I had no steering! scared me to death. I was able to make it home, thank goodness! there are recalls on this problem, but not my VIN number!

- Moscow, IA, USA

problem #531

Mar 062016

Escape

  • 74,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While operating the vehicle, the power steering became inoperable and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The maintenance sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering torque sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (power steering); however, the failure recurred the same day. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #530

Mar 212016

Escape

  • 130,000 miles
We took our Ford Motor Company 2008 Escape to the dealer for recall NHTSA 14V284000 or Ford #14S05. The dealer reprogrammed the power steering module. Prior to that we had no problems whatsoever with the steering. 4 months later the steering has failed. From what I am reading at several locations on the internet this is a common problem. I am asking the NHTSA to look at this problem closer. My opinion is there should be an additional recall that addresses this issue. If you've had a similar issue I urge you to contact Ford and file a complaint and contact the NHTSA and voice your concern. I was told by Ford it is my responsibility to fix the vehicle and they are offering no assistance.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #529

Mar 042016

Escape

  • 148,377 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,377.

- Southbend, IN, USA

problem #528

Mar 072016

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While driving 5 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Prior to the second repair, the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 05/04/16.....updated 05-12/16 updated 11/21/2017

- Linn, MO, USA

problem #527

Mar 072016

Escape

  • miles
Had Ford recall #14V284000 (Ford #14S05) performed in April 2015 - which covered power steering control module. Was told "nothing wrong, updated software". March 2016 steering failed. Dealer diagnosed as failed torque sensor which supposedly is one of the items covered under recall. However was told this was no longer covered under recall - because the recall was "closed out" on our vehicle the day they found nothing wrong. Called Ford customer service 1-800-392-3673 who said same thing. Total scam! if it's not broke the day you take it in then they don't replace anything. Side stepping potentially defective steering components with a bogus software fix. Then later exposed to the safety risk of driving with steering components that may (and in this case) did fail. Again I feel this is a total sham!

- Ortonville, MI, USA

problem #526

Feb 012016

Escape

  • 137,900 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise from the steering column. The failure occurred without warning. The vehcle was taken to the dealer wher it was remedied under NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering), but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,900.

- Waverly, TN, USA

problem #525

Mar 072016

Escape

  • 111,000 miles
We had our vehicle recalled. We took it to taylor Ford in chandler Oklahoma, to have it serviced for the steering problem. I went to drive the car and now there is no power steering. I have read several complaints about this, that after Ford had so called updated the programing on the steering system, they fail. So instead of replacing the parts that needed to be fixed they update the computer and then when down the road, you have to pay for the problem yourself. Taylor Ford told my wife that there was noting wrong with the vehicle. They have since gone out of business. How do I get this problem taken care right this time. They should have taken care of it right the first time. So Ford is just putting band aids on their problems and then saying it was fixed and charging the comsumer later to fix it correctly. Ford needs to fix this problem. The vehicle was put in drive and that is when the power steering did not work. I had just dropped my 6 year old son off at school.

- Wellston, OK, USA

problem #524

Apr 042015

Escape

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering while rattled. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Plymouth, WI, USA

problem #523

Mar 022016

Escape

  • miles
I took my 2008 Ford Escape in for a recall on the electric powering steering on October 28, 2015. The Ford dealer reprogrammed the electric power steering. Lss..when I took the 2008 Ford Escape in for the recall I was under the impression that the sensor was going to be replaced. However the Ford dealer said they only had to reprogram it. February 26, 2016 I took my 2008 Ford Escape to be checked at a auto repair shop. I was told I needed a sensor for the electic power steering. The reason I took it to be checked was the steering wheel would shake and it was very hard to turn. Also it is hard to start. When you turn it over, it want do anything. Then when you try again it would start. I feel Ford took advantage of me. They had to know just reprogramming the electric power steering was not enough. Now I am left to pay for the repairs that should have been taken care of when I took it in for the recall. It seems like 2 or 3 months after I got this Escape paid for it went downhill. I have had it in and out of theshop every ssince.it is repair after repair on this vehicle. Its heartbreaking! especially when you have to pay out hundreds and even over a thousand for continuous repairs. The current issue with the steering wheel shaken would happen sitting still at a light, etc. Also the problem with the vehicle not wanting to start and having to retry to start the vehicle happened when you would try to start the vehicle to go somewhere. The issue being hard to turn happens when you are turning left or right on the road.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #522

Jan 152016

Escape

  • 77,382 miles
I was at a gas station and with absolutely no warning the steering wheel would not move. I had to leave the car and call a tow. When I called my dealer and told them that the recall they had fixed in August of 2014 was defective and I could have been killed there response was they fixed the problem (obviously they did not) as this was the same problem. They informed me I could not tow the car there as they did not have room and they could not take my car till mid March. The car was at a gas station they ran a test charged me $200 and could not fix it said only Ford could. I finally got a Ford dealer to take the car and was charged $1500 this is insane for almost getting killed on their neglect in the first place..

- Mt. Vernon, NY, USA

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