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, Sep 28, 2011
I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THIS ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING LOCKED UP. LUCKILY, THE CAR WAS ONLY TRAVELING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENED A FEW MOMENTS LATER, AGAIN, AT A LOW SPEED OF DRIVING. THE ONLY REMEDY INITIALLY WAS TO TURN OFF AND TURN THE CAR BACK ON. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR FEAR OF SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH AND WAS PROVIDED INFORMATION THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN, CAUSING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE STEERING TO FAIL. AFTER RESEARCH, THERE APPEARS TO BE QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ONLINE WITH THIS EXACT SAME SITUATION, ALL IN THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE, WHICH IS THE VEHICLE I DRIVE. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS MODEL YEAR WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT FORD EQUIPPED A VEHICLE WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING VS TRADITIONAL POWER STEERING. AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT WITH FORD SEEING THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND URGING A VOLUNTARY RECALL, I WAS DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE OR REASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE CONCERNED FOR SAFETY OF OTHERS THAT MAY BE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING FAILS. *TT
Steering, May 23, 2011
I OWN A 2008 ESCAPE WITH THE EPS SYSTEM. I LOVE THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL, BUT OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE HAD 3 INCIDENTS WHERE THE POWER STEERING FAILS COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSTEERABLE. IN ALL THREE EPISODES, I HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE (ON THE ROADWAY), SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RESTART IT, AND THE POWER STEERING AGAIN FUNCTIONED. I DID CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER WHO SEARCHED THE FORD SERVICE BULLETINS, AND FOUND NOTHING, HOWEVER, HAD SERVICED A FEW VEHICLES HAVING THE EXACT SAME INTERMITTENT-TYPE PROBLEM, BY REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN. (THEY SAID THIS WOULD COST ME $972.77) . I ALSO RESEARCHED THE ISSUE WITH THE NHTSA AND FOUND MANY OWNERS OF FORD VEHICLES WITH THE EPS SYSTEM HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. SINCE THIS IS (OBVIOUSLY) A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN, IT SURPRISES ME THAT FORD HAS NOT YET ADDRESSED THE ISSUE VIA A RECALL OR AT THE VERY LEAST A SERVICE BULLETIN. I DO NOT WANT TO TRADE IN OR SELL THIS VEHICLE, BUT I CURRENTLY DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT ITS SAFETY RELIABILITY. ANY INFORMATION THAT CAN BE PROVIDED REGARDING THIS SIGNIFICANT ISSUE WOULD BE HELPFUL. *TR
Steering, Parking brake, May 9, 2011
THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR. THE BRAKES FELT DIFFERENT. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
?WE OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS WITH APPROXIMATELY 76,XXX MILES ON IT. ?4/2: WITHIN 2 HOURS OF BEING ON THE ROAD IN THE EARLY MORNING, WE WENT TO PULL OFF THE ROAD INTO A GAS STATION AND IT TOOK GREAT EFFORT TO TURN THE CAR. THIS WAS SUDDEN AND VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE WERE OTHER CARS AT THE ENTRY/EXIT POINT AND WE WERE NOT EXPECTING THE NEED TO APPLY SUCH PRESSURE TO TURN THE WHEEL. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR AT THE ENTRANCE, WE WOULD HAVE HIT THEM DUE TO THE WIDE TURN WE MADE. OWE WERE ABLE TO ENGAGE POWER STEERING AFTER MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES. SUCCESSFULLY PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT, BUT POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING ON THE ROAD. SUBSEQUENTLY STOPS HAD SIMILAR RESULTS. SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING ENGAGED IMMEDIATELY, AND SOMETIMES IT TOOK SEVERAL TURN OFF/TURN ON ATTEMPTS FOR IT TO RE-ENGAGE. OWE HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO PULSATE UPON IGNITION WHEN POWER STEERING WAS ENGAGED. THERE IS ALSO A LOW-LEVEL VIBRATION NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. HOWEVER, WHEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT, THE VIBRATION AND NOISE IS ELIMINATED. ?WE CONTACTED BOTH OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AS WELL AS ANOTHER DEALER NEAR OUR DESTINATION. BOTH SERVICE DEPARTMENTS WERE UNAWARE OF ANY SERVICE BULLETINS OF THIS BEING A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN FORD ESCAPE?S. ?WHILE THE CAR IS STILL DRIVABLE WITH MANUAL STEERING, NOT KNOWING WHEN THE POWER STEERING WILL DISENGAGE MAKES FOR VERY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS OR SUDDEN MANEUVERS. ?UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS BECOMING A MORE COMMON OCCURRENCE IN FORD VEHICLES THAT POSSESS THE EPS TECHNOLOGY AND HAVE SIMILAR MILEAGE. *ADDITIONALLY, CUSTOMERS ARE REPORTING MANY DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF WIRING HARNESSES, STEERING COLUMNS, AND OTHER COSTLY REPAIRS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL LAST WEEK. I WAS TOLD THROUGH FORD THAT I NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY 1363.10 FOR THE REPAIR! I WAS SO UPSET! I CALLED FORDS MANUFACTURE NUMBER SPOKE TO ONE OF THEIR LAWYERS AND STILL I WAS TURNED DOWN FOR A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I LOST ALL POWER TO MY STEERING WHEEL AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. I FEEL AT 76,000 MILES A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN AT THAT YOUNG AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT EVEN THOUGH A CUSTOMER DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME WE COULD NOT AFFORD THE WARRANTY.. IT HAS NOT BEEN DOCUMENTED YET BUT I HAD AN ISSUE OF MY ACCELERATOR FREEZING UP ON ME 3 WEEKS AGO AND I HAD TO GET OFF THE ROAD TO TRY TO GET THE PEDDLE TO UNSTICK AND AFTER TRYING A MINUTE OR SO I WAS ABLE TO GET STARTEDAGAINBUT WAS SO VERY NERVOUS THAT I WOULD LOSE THE FLEXIABILITYOF THE PEDDLE AGAIN! FORD TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE. I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES AS WELL AND IF THERE IS ANY WAY I CAN GET FORD TO PAY FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS OF MY FORD ESCAPE? I HAVE TO SAY I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE HAS BEEN IN A VERY STRESSFUL PLACE LATELY WITH A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE BACKING THEIR CUSTOMERS PATRONAGE! EVEN IF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS NOT PURCHASEDTHESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT FORD HAS SEEN ON MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS OF THERE CUSTOMERS! IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT HAVE HAD ANY OF THESE SAME EXPERIENCES AS MYSELF? *TR
Steering, Apr 15, 2011
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND I NOTICED MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON, IT WAS RAINING SO I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING WAS VERY VERY STIFF, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WAS 'FRIED' AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. APPROX $1100. UNBELIEVABLE!! I HAVE HAD MY VEH FOR 3 YRS TO ALMOST THE DAY AND APPROX 43,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Steering, Mar 27, 2011
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE POWER STEERING IS GOING IN AND OUT. THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. 3-27-11, STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD ALMOST RAN OVER A CHILD RIDING HER BIKE. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND THEN TURNED BACK ON THE PROBLEM STOPS.HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND FORD HAS NOT HAD A RECALL YET. HEY FORD, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE, A FATALITY BEFORE YOU RECALL THIS ON GOING PROBLEM. I WOULD HOPE THAT A HUGE COMPANY AS YOURSELF WOULD GET TO THIS MATTER IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS AND THEN WHAT? *TR
Steering, Mar 16, 2011
ON THE MORNING OF 3/1/11 I GOT INTO MY FORD ESCAPE TO DRIVE TO WORK. I STARTED THE CAR, AND BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF, WHICH I ATTRIBUTED IN MY MIND TO THE ICE STORM FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE. THAT EVENING WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK THE STEERING WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY, AGAIN THE STEERING WAS STIFF AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WAS FINE. AGAIN THAT EVENING ALL WAS FINE, BUT THE NEXT MORNING NO POWER STEERING. REPEATING MY STEPS FROM THE DAY BEFORE, I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND ALL WAS FINE, HOWEVER THAT EVENING AGAIN THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. I REFERRED TO MY OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND THAT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING RESERVOIR TO CHECK OR FILL. I CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND HE WASN'T SURE WITH NO RESERVOIR, SO HE AND I BOTH BEGAN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL WEBSITES WHICH LISTED MY VERY SAME PROBLEM, AND STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH ESTIMATES RANGING FROM $1100 TO $1700. THERE WERE SEVERAL ENTRIES WHICH MENTIONED ACCIDENTS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE POWER STEERING BEEN WORKING. THIS IS APPARENTLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH LEADS ME TO WONDER ABOUT THE AIR BAGS WORKING DURING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, HE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY GAVE HIM A COUPLE OF THINGS TO CHECK, BUT DOUBTED ANY OF THEM WOULD BE THE CAUSE. HE TOOK THE ESCAPE TO HIS LOCAL FORD DEALER TO GET A READING FROM THE CARS COMPUTER, AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT A STEERING COLUMN WAS NECESSARY. MY CONCERN IS THAT FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. I WOULD HATE TO THINK THAT SOMEONE HAS TO DIE BEFORE THIS PROBLEM GETS THE ATTENTION IT REQUIRES TO START A RECALL.
Steering, Mar 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED ABNORMALLY AND HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE DUE TO A DISABILITY. THE CONTACT WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COAST OFF ROAD BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY REPAIRED THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSEMBLY EACH TIME. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WITHIN THREE YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TRADE THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000.
Steering, Mar 8, 2011
HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THIS CAR IS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN GO ON FORD ESCAPE CUSTOMER FORUMS AND SEE COUNTLESS INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS. I HAVE ASKED FORD SEVERAL TIMES TO HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAY THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN $1700 CHARGE. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MOST OF THE POSTINGS I SAW AND WITH MY OWN VEHICLE AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE. CONTINUOUSLY PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN AND ALSO FOR MYSELF HAVE GOTTEN THE ANSWER FROM FORD THAT THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I AM NOT HAPPY BECAUSE I HAVE TO EXPEND THE MONEY TO FIX THIS BUT MORE SO I WANT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. IF AN ELDERLY PERSON WERE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH THAT PROBLEM THEY WOULD WRECK BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING THE STRENGTH TO KEEP THE WHEEL IN MOTION CORRECTLY. SAME MAY BE WITH A YOUNGER DRIVER. PLEASE PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM FOR ME. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2011
WE BOUGHT OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN JUNE OF 2011. IT WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ON OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE SUDDENLY BEGINS VIBRATING AT STOP LIGHTS. ON THREE OCCASIONS NOW, THE STEERING HAS BECOME EXTREMELY HARD, ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING JUST QUICK WORKING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN IT STOPS. THIS MORNING WHEN WE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY LOCKED. MY HUSBAND TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN ON, THEN OFF, THEN ON AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. WE ARE EXTREMELY WORRIED THAT THE STEERING MAY FAIL WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED THE DEALER THIS MORNING TO TELL THEM THAT WE ARE BRINGING THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE FIXED. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE SO HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS JUST SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR NOT EVEN IN DRIVE THAT I WAS SHAKING WHILE HOLDING IT. THEN THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR LIGHTS OR ANYTHING INDICATING A PROBLEM. MY ISSUE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN 2-3 WEEK PERIOD WHEN I WOULD START THE CAR AND DRIVE I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL AND IT WAS SOO HARD TO TURN. THEN IT STARTED TO HAPPEN ALMOST EVERYTIME I STARTED THE CAR SO I WOULD START THE CAR TRY AND MOVE THE WHEEL AND IF I FELT THE TENSION TURNED OFF THE CAR AND KEPT RESTARTING HOPING IT WOULD "FIX ITSELF". I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ONLINE AND SAW ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, SOME HAD THIS ISSUE WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING AND LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. I HAVE TWO TODDLERS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND I DID NOT WANT TO RISK THIS ISSUE GETTING THAT BAD. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND IT WAS TOLD THE STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR AND THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED COSTING $1100.+ WITH ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND SAFETY ISSUES I'M SHOCKED THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT WE , THE CONSUMER, HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH OR ABOVE, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. ON OCCASION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW THE POWER STEERING ASSIST TO IMMEDIATELY RESET ITSELF AND OTHER TIMES, IT WOULD TAKE OVER FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE STEERING PUMP FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Jan 27, 2011
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING A BIT. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WENT OUT ENTIRELY. I BROUGHT TO A LOCAL SHOP OF A TRUSTED MECHANIC, WHO STATED IT LOOKED LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN. HE THOUGHT PERHAPS IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND SUGGESTED I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FIRST BECAUSE HE DIDN'T HAVE THE CODES YET FOR THE RESET. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED IT NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING ACTUATOR AND WOULD COST OVER $1600 IN PARTS AND LABOR. THEY ALSO STATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE, DESPITE VARIOUS NEAR-IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS, AND OTHER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS GETS INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED, AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO INTEREST IN FIXING IT FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN THEIR $1620. 2008 WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT FORD TESTED THIS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON THE ESCAPE, AND IT CLEARLY STILL HAS FLAWS. *TR
Steering, Jan 19, 2011
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE AND BE DISABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS NOT BECOME A RECALL THIS IS A VERY DANGERS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE TO MAKE A QUICK MOVEMENT AND YOUR STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO HANDLE. MY CAR AS TO SIT FOR MONTHS NOW BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY IN ORDER FOR IT TO GET REPAIRED. AND ALSO MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS AND A HALF I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF I BEAT ON IT OR IF IT WAS EXTREMELY OLD BUT ITS NOT. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE POWER STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1100. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Jan 3, 2011
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AS I AM TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. IF I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT, IT WILL BE JUST FINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, CROSSING A HIGHWAY, OR TURNING OUT INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC IF THE STEERING FAILS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL, REQUIRES GREAT DEAL OF STRENGTH TO WRESTLE THE VEHICLE OUT OF HARMS WAY,
Steering, Dec 24, 2010
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MILES PER HOUR ON A TWO LANE UNDIVIDED HIGHWAY, I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO FOLLOW A CURVE BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOCKED, AS I WAS DRIFTING OVER THE CENTER LINE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, I QUICKLY HIT THE BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR, AND PROPER STEERING RESUMED. EVEN THE SHORT TERM LOSS OF STEERING CAN AND WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR DEATH. A SAFETY RECALL NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED ON THESE VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING.
Steering, Dec 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY JERKS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Nov 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AND WHILE BRAKING, POWER STEERING SEEMED TO FAIL COMPLETELY FOR 3-5 SECONDS. STEERING DID NOT LOCK COMPLETELY, IT SEEMED, BUT IT TOOK REAL STRENGTH TO MOVE IT AS I WAS GOING AROUND A GENTLE CURVE. I'M NOT SURE MY WIFE COULD HAVE DONE SAME. POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS. CAR IS WITH DEALERSHIP NOW. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2010
STEERING COLUMNS HAS A CLICKING AND POPPING SOUND AS I'M PARKING MY CAR. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2010
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AT 12,000 MILES AND A THIRD TIME AT 35,000 (ONCE IN BETWEEN) FOR A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. TIRE WEAR VERY ODD, TOUCHY BRAKING. *TR
Steering, Jul 18, 2010
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE LOSES IT'S POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. HAS TRIED TO FIX IT TWICE AND IT CONTINUES TO FAIL. I AM AFRAID OF LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I SEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON LINE I FOUND IT HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. ONE WOMAN SAID SHE CRASHED WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. IN HER INSTANCE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT SURPRISE ME. MY AIRBAG AND TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM LIGHTS APPEAR EVERYTIME THE STEERING FAILS. *TR
Steering, May 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE TURNING I HAVE LOST STEERING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT TURN, IT LASTS APPROX 5 SECONDS AND THEN WORKS AGAIN, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES IN 4 DAYS AND ONCE ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TOOK ESCAPE TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY TRIED TO RECREATE IT AND WERE UNABLE TO DO SO (THEY ONLY DROVE MY ESCAPE 2 MILES THE ENTIRE 2 DAYS THEY HAD IT). I HAVE NOTICED, ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THAT SOMETIMES WHEN THE ENGINE SWITCHES FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC THERE IS SOMETIMES A SUDDEN DIFFERENCE IN STEERING WHEEL TENSION, ALMOST LIKE THE POWER STEERING TURNS OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS. *TR