2008 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 2,417 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 72 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 45 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemSep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Campaign 14V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Campaign 14V284000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
1,237 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Jan 24, 2013
1/22/13-STARTED MY VEHICLE UP AT 8AM AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT ENGAGE, THINKING IS WAS DUE TO COLD, I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE UP, POWER ASSIST ENGAGE AND I DROVE THE VEHICLE APPROX 1/4MILE WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN THE POWER ASSIST FAILED AND NEARLY COLLIDED MY VEHICLE ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC DUE TO STEERING FAILURE; I IMMEDIATELY DROVE HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. ON 1/23/13 I DROVE THE VEHICLE VERY CAREFULLY TO A NEARBY FORD DEALERSHIP (APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOME). I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST) THAT THE STEERING COLUMN REQUIRES REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILURE AS IT IS PART OF THE VEHICLES ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM (EPAS) AND WAS QUOTED A REPAIR PRICE (>1400.00). I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS TYPE OF STEERING FAILURE IS EXTREMELY COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE EPAS AND MANY MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED BY CONSUMERS ON THIS EXACT STEERING PROBLEM. DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABILITY, POTENTIAL DANGER AND THE COMMONALITY OF THIS TYPE OF COMPLAINT WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE, COULD THIS WARRANT A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE OR AT LEAST A SERVICE BULLETIN OF THIS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC STEERING ISSUE? *TR
Steering, Jan 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Steering, Jan 23, 2013
TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH, WHILE MAKING SHARP TURN AND U-TURN, WE LOST OUR POWER STEERING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, BUT THE SECOND TIME WAS IN TRAFFIC. EACH TIME IT TOOK ALL OF OUR STRENGTH TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED SO THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE MOVED OUT OF TRAFFIC. BOTH TIMES WE PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. WHEN RE-STARTED, POWER STEERING WAS FINE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE FAILURE. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC EACH TIME, BUT MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY THE NEXT. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE GOOGLED 2008 FORD ESCAPE STEERING PROBLEMS TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL THAT WE WERE NOT AWARE OF, AND WE WERE ASTONISHED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD REPORTED THIS SAME FAILURE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2013
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND LOST POWER STEERING. HAD TO USE ALL STRENGTH TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY. STOPPED AND RESTARTED CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. BEGAN DRIVING TOWARD HOME, BUT DURING A STOP LIGHT STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE (WHILE IDLE) AND LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THIS IS NOT COVERED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND RIDICULOUS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Jan 21, 2013
MY FORD ESCAPE IS MY FAMILY AND WORK VEHICLE. ONE MORNING I STARTED IT AFTER IT WAS PARKED IN COLD OVERNIGHT, ENGINE STARTED BUT THE STEERING WAS STUCK, THOUGHT BATTERY WAS BAD. RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL STEERING LOOSENED UP. DROVE CAR AND EVERY STOP LIGHT OR WHILE IDLING, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED SO HARD AND HAVE TO HOLD IT STEADY, THOUGHT, TIME TO HAVE MY CONTROL ARM REPLACED AGAIN. TOOK IT TO A FRIEND'S CAR SHOP , SAID, THEY'VE BEEN HAVING COSTUMERS BRINGING THEIR FORD ESCAPES LATELY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. TOLD ME TO GO TO MY DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED IT , ELECTRONIC STEERING PROBLEM $90 FOR DIAGNOSIS, $1100 PARTS AND LABOR, ABOUT 3-DAYS TO ORDER FOR PARTS. TOO EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS, NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2013
THE CAR INVOLVED WAS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY POWER STEERING. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. I USED ALL MY FORCE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON MY STEERING WAS THEN FINE. I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD AND I LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING AGAIN. THIS STEERING PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND RECALL MUST BE ENFORCED!! *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,999.
Steering, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE STEERING WHEEL RETURNED TO ITS NORMAL POSITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN ACCELERATING FORWARD FROM AN IDLE POSITION. UPDATED 04/17/13
Steering, Jan 10, 2013
DROVE VEHICLE YESTERDAY, NO PROBLEMS. THIS MORNING STARTED TO DRIVE AND LOST POWER STEERING. MADE IT BACK HOME BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD IF ON HIGHWAY. *TR
Steering, Jan 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A STRANGE NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,133.
Steering, Jan 9, 2013
FOR THE LAST 6 WEEKS, MY STEERING COLUMN WOULD SHAKE WHEN CAR WAS IDLING. I ATTEMPTED TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE PN 12-4-12 AND THE POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT BEGAN WORKING. SINCE THEN, THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONCE A DAY. ON 1-4-13, THE POWER STEERING BECAME NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. THE ONLY PLACE THAT COULD REPAIR THIS PROBLEM IS AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN MY TOWN. IT IS WELL KNOWN DEALERSHIPS CHARGE MORE FOR REPAIRS THAN PRIVATE GARAGES. THE COST WILL BE $1300 AND IT WILL TAKE 2 TO 3 DAYS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. TECHNICIAN STATED THE SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLACED, SO THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLE AND AM CURIOUS WHY THIS PROBLEM WASN'T INVOLVED IN A RECALL. IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE!! WHILE SEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND MANY OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. WHILE MY CAR WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, ANOTHER STEERING PROBLEM OCCURRED, BUT THE WARRANTY COVERED THE REPAIR EXPENSE. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE ENOUGH IN SAVINGS TO COVER THIS REPAIR, BUT AM NOT PLEASED ABOUT IT. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2013
UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE PROBLEM WENT AWAY BUT RETURNED WHILE IDLING AT A STOP. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULSATING AND MOVING ON IT'S OWN. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. STEERING WOULD UNEXPECTED LOOSE POWER ASSIST. *TR
Steering, Jan 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING AND THE TORQUE SENSOR WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER TO VERIFY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Steering, Jan 4, 2013
WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC MY STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED ON ITS OWN SLIGHTLY. AS I STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD I REALIZED THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND APPEARED TO HAVE NO POWER STEERING. I WAS JUST NEAR THE DEALERSHIP SO I WAS ABLE TO GET IT IN TO THEM. IT TURNS OUT THE STEERING COLUMN IS ELECTRONIC AND BROKE REQUIRING VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON-LINE AND I AM FINDING IT TO BE A SIMILAR COMPLAINT ACROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDING WITH OTHERS WHO WERE ACTUALLY MOVING AT THE TIME OF THE COLUMN FAILURE. MANY AT LOW MILEAGE (LESS THAN 55,000). I FEEL THIS IS BEING IGNORED BY FORD AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING. *TR
Steering, Jan 4, 2013
THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN LOCKING UP IN MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND ALSO WHEN IDLING AT A STAND STILL MY STEERING WHEEL PULSES/VIBRATES. I HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTART IT. SOME TIMES THAT FIXES IT AND SOME TIME IT DOESN'T. SHOULD BE A RECALL WITH ALL THESE POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, THIS IS NOT SAFE! *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2013
THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO NOT HAVE POWER STEERING AT START-UP A FEW TIMES, WITH THE PROBLEM BEING CORRECTED BY TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF THEN ON AGAIN. THE DAY OF DECEMBER 27, THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND STEERING WHEEL JERKED/PULSATED FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE, BUT POWER STEERING WAS STILL WORKING. WE THEN TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME ONE NIGHT WHEN THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. LUCKILY THE FORD ESCAPE, WITH 88,500 MILES ON IT, HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERING THE $1400 IN REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2012, crash
WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE GARAGE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT MOVING. I STOPPED THE CAR AND WALKED BACK TO LET THEM KNOW, ONE OF THE TECH'S SAID THE ENGINE HAD BEEN CLEANED AND THEREFORE I HAD TO WAIT FOR SOME WIRES TO DRY. HAVE HAD STEERING PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. WHEN STARTING ENGINE, I NEED TO TURN OFF AND ON 2 OR 3 TIMES FOR STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE AND WHEN STOPPED (BUT IDLING) STEERING SHAKES AND MAKES CRACKLING SOUNDS. IT ALL STARTED AT THE SHAMALEY DEALERSHIP, IN EL PASO, TEXAS. CAR HAS BEEN THERE SINCE YESTERDAY. NEVER HAD PROBLEMS BEFORE UNTIL I TOOK FOR AN OIL CHANGE ON 11/27/12. *TR
Steering, Dec 23, 2012
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE WORK THIS MORNING I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I WENT TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WOULD OF HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE OUTCOME WOULD NOT BE GOOD. *TR
Steering, Dec 21, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO WORK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE CAR AND THE ISSUE REMAINED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. UPON TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT, THE POWER STEERING WORKED BRIEFLY BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE BACK AND FORTH WHILE MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED BUT RUNNING. *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2012
POWER STEERING WAS INTERRUPTED, LEAVING ME TO RELY ON MANUAL STEERING. POWER STEERING RETURNED AFTER THE CAR IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF AND THE CAR RESTARTED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY 12/17, AND WAS TOLD THAT A "CODE" SAID THAT A SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD FAILED, AND THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF ABOUT $1400. DEALER SERVICE REP TOLD ME THE STEERING MIGHT "LOCK-UP" WHILE I WAS DRIVING IF I DIDN'T HAVE THIS FIX. I UNDERSTAND FROM AN INTERNET SEARCH THAT MANY FORD ESCAPES HAVE THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM, AND THAT REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME A RECALL IS IN ORDER. *TR
Steering, Dec 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND AFTER A SEVERAL MINUTES, WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND REGAIN POWER STEERING ASSIST CAPABILITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Nov 28, 2012
MY DAUGHTER WAS ENTERING AN INTERSTATE FROM A CLOVERLEAF WHEN THE STEERING FAILED AND LOCKED WHICH FORCED THE VEHICLE ACROSS TO LANES OF TRAFFIC. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT AND SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE BERM AND TURN OFF THE MOTOR.. AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK OF ALMOST BEING KILLED SHE RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WORKED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE STEERING HAS FAILED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE, EVEN THOUGH I CONTACTED THEM WHEN IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME! THIS IS DANGEROUS AND FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO REPLACE ALL OF THE STEERING COLUMNS ON THE 2008 ESCAPES SINCE THIS IS THE YEAR THEY WERE FIRST INTRODUCED ON THIS VEHICLE AND BY THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS I HAVE DISCOVERED. THE NHTSA HAS ISSUED RECALLS ON VEHICLES WITH FAR LESS DANGEROUS PROBLEMS IN THE PAST. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2012
POWER STEERING IS FAILING IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNS CAUSING THE VEHICLE BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE MUST BE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED TO REGAIN POWER STEERING FUNCTION. FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT. BASED ON WEB RESEARCH THIS FAILURE IS VERY COMMON. I FEEL THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT GIVEN THE RIGHT SITUATION. *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2012
FIRST THING THIS MORNING I DROVE VEHICLE APPROX. 1/4 MILE TO INTERSECTION. STEERING WAS FINE. WAITED FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO TURN. POWER STEERING HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME BUT TURNING THE VEHICLE AROUND AND STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND LET THE CAR SET FOR A MINUTE AND THEN RESTARTED. THE POWER STEERING HAD RETURNED. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2012
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP AND SCARE THE HECK OUT OF ME. JUST TODAY, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, I WAS TURNING LEFT IN THE HOME DEPOT AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. HAVING EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, I KNEW TO GRAB THE WHEEL TIGHTLY AND CONTINUE MY TURN. MY REAL PROBLEM IS THAT I AM NOW GIVING THIS CAR TO MY (DAUGHTER) NEW DRIVER AS HER DAILY CAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED. I JUST READ SEVERAL BLOGS ON SEVERAL SITES AND ALL OF THEM STATE THAT THE DEALERS DON'T KNOW AND CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE AROUND 70,000 MILES NOW ON IT, AND NO LONGER HAVE A WARRANTY. BESIDES A VERY TIGHT BUDGET, I AM CONCERNED FOR MY DAUGHTER. PLEASE ADVISE. ALSO, PLEASE DON'T TELL ME YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM EITHER... *TR