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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
87,294 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.

2011 Ford Escape steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 3 of 16)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #270

Jan 132022

Escape

  • miles

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

When driving under 15mph the steering is hard to turn as if the power steering has gone out completely. When you turn the engine off then car is able to turn until it happens again.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #269

Jan 152022

Escape

  • 91,910 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 91,910.

- Duncansville, PA, USA

problem #268

Feb 202022

Escape

  • miles
When driving, the power steering goes out and you are not able to steer the car. It is very noticeable when I am making a right or left hand turn. You have to turn the steer wheel manually (a lot different from manual steering in older cars). When this happens, I put the car in neutral, turn the car off, restart the car, and put it back in drive. This temporarily fixes the problem. Very difficult to turn the wheel. It is extremely stressful and difficult to control the car at that point. I have not been in an accident yet and no bodily harm has been caused; however, I am hoping it doesn't ever happen. I was told by Ford that this is the Electric Power Steering Gear. There was a recall for Ford Escape 2011 and my VIN is not included. It should be as I am experiencing the same problems. There is no warning before this happens. It just happens and you cannot prepare for it. I would truly appreciate to be included in the recall as I do have a 2011 Ford Escape and I am experiencing the same problems/issues the other cars did that were included in the recall. As this was purchased as a used car, I was not aware of the possible recall and this problem. The date below only indicates the most current incident.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #267

Feb 142022

Escape 4-cyl

  • 112,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL 14S05, WHICH WAS EXPIRED.

- South Range, WI, USA

problem #266

Jan 142022

Escape

  • miles
Hello I am contacting you about my 2011 Ford Escape. Approximately January 14, 2022 I was driving on the freeway when my steering started to feel slightly rigid. I got off the freeway and pulled into a parking lot Where I attempted to maneuver into a space when my power steering went completely out.It appeared to be manual steering only. I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting the vehicle next to the space I was trying to park in. There was no warning prior to this event. I contacted Ford who opened a case. I explained I had found on the Internet this had been recalled however my VIN number was not in the recalled numbers. The dealer told me they charged $140 an hour to diagnose plus if it was not covered that is additional.The Ford representative advised me to take it to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer confirmed there is a power steering failure and it DID need to be replaced however it was going to be at my cost as it was not covered under the recall. This amount is close to $800 The dealer has had my vehicle since January 21st almost 3 weeks now. They have not provided or offered a vehicle while I wait. They advise me they are waiting on parts and they would call me when they have completed the repairs after my second call for an update. I also have a recall I was contacted about which they are going to take care of at the same time. The case number Ford assigned me is as follows CAS34964338 I am very fortunate I was able to get off of the freeway before losing complete steering ability. My vehicle is at Germain Ford in Beavercreek Ohio. Safety Recall 14S05 for my exact circumstances doesn't include my VIN # but includes exact problem in the recall. My vehicle was made at the Kansas plant. Mr Michael Berardi from Ford wrote an article which I found on internet which instructs dealers to fix the defect free of charge even if they didn't receive a recall letter 800-325-5621. They refused to speak with me and said they only talk with dealers.

- Xenia, OH, USA

problem #265

Feb 032022

Escape

  • miles
In the last month, the car has gone into manual steering mode by itself. It looses power steering. The risk of accident is significantly higher when this happens. The car has not been inspected by a dealer yet. I have an appointment on Thursday, Feb 10, 2022. The is a open recall, 14S05, however, when I spoke to the dealer they were not aware of it. I also called Ford Customer Service and the rep there didn't know about it either. My car 2011 Ford Escape was built at the Kansas City Plant. There is no warning when this happens.

- Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA

problem #264

Feb 032022

Escape

  • 182,479 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel locked up. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 182,479.

- Suffolk, VA, USA

problem #263

Jan 052022

Escape

  • miles
2011 Ford Escape XLT power steering column assembly internal failure. Power steering lost. The steering wheel locks up while the car is in motion causing no control of the vehicle. Same as the ones recalled. My VIN number falls short TWO days after the Ford recall window #14S05. NHTSA Recall # 14V284000

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #262

Nov 052021

Escape

  • 111,982 miles
The contact's son owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced for front brakes at an independent mechanic; while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated she depressed the traction control button and was able to regain control of the steering wheel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,982.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #261

Jan 042022

Escape

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on three separate occasions, the steering wheel locked up without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #260

Dec 242021

Escape

  • 160,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to her residence at slow speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #259

Jan 242022

Escape

  • miles
From what I have read online, the power steering system on these cars has been recalled due to it randomly cutting off and accident risk growing. Ford Recall #14S05. My car is experiencing all of the same issues but it falls 5 months outside of the window of the recall. Mine was manufactured feburary 2011 and the cut off is September 2010. Is there anything I can due about this?

- Sylvania, GA, USA

problem #258

Sep 012016

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 10 MPH, the power steering failed with two unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had to use excessive force to complete the turn. The contact stated that the failure initially began intermittently; however, the failure had become more frequent over the years. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Carlisle, PA, USA

problem #257

Jan 142022

Escape

  • miles
The power steering in my 2011 Ford Escape is producing a grinding noise along with vibrations strong enough to make the steering wheel rock back and forth while in park. In driving the vehicle you have to actually fight the wheel to maintain your position in the lane. The car will be inspected by a certified service center by Thursday, 1/19 if not sooner. I will be able to provide more information once it is inspected. In having to fight with the steering you had to be aware of cars and objects nearby as it had a tendency to jerk the wheel off course. The car did not display and warning messages or symptoms prior to this current event.

- Spartanburg , SC, USA

problem #256

Jan 082022

Escape

  • miles
I was driving my vehicle home from work on the highway when the power steering went out on my 2011 ford escape, I was unable to turn my steering wheel without having to use both hands and struggled to do so without hitting another vehicle or curb when turning. The power steering assist fault displayed on my dashboard. I was able to make it home safely.

- Dearborn Heights, MI, USA

problem #255

Dec 132021

Escape

  • 216,600 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact had to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle in to be repaired however, the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact stated that upon doing her own research she noticed that there was a recall on a similar vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 216,600.

- Mcneal, AZ, USA

problem #254

Dec 202021

Escape

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the stability control warning light illuminated on the vehicle and the power steering assist went out which caused no automatically steering. The contact manually veered the vehicle over to the side of road waited a few minutes before restarting the vehicle where the power steering assist was working again, however the failure intermittent. The contact who works on vehicles connected the a diagnostic machine and received a message for steering angle sensor was the caused of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Lakeview, NY, USA

problem #253

Dec 202021

Escape

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road for a short time and was able to drive to the contact-€™s residence. The contact had also experienced the failure on 12/21/2021. The contact drove to the dealer in another vehicle and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Wayne, PA, USA

problem #252

Dec 182021

Escape

  • 139,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to turn left, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. In addition, when attempting to turn right as well, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

- Sauk Village, IL, USA

problem #251

Dec 092021

Escape

  • miles
That's not normal that's recall rust necessary

- Easton, PA, USA

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