2011 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,316 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 38 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 38 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpOct 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Campaign 16V777000 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
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
Representative owner complaints: steering
409 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 18, 2025
While driving my steering wheel locks up and it is hard to turn. If I turn my car off then back on it start working right then locks right back up
Steering, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and descending a steep grade, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right however, the steering wheel failed to turn or respond as needed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to regain power steering functionality. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact had called the manufacturer and was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Steering, Feb 27, 2025
Yesterday, When coming to a stop at a Hwy intersection, the steering wheel suddenly would not turn. I was able to get the car to a parking lot. Turned the vehicle off. Approximately 15 minutes later I started the car to move it to a safer location and the steering wheel moved freely. This same steering problem happened today when backing out of my driveway. I pulled back in and turned the vehicle off. I have not tried to drive it again. Haven’t taken it to the dealership yet. You have to make an appointment. One is not available within the next few days. It is Thursday, I’ll call them back on Monday. So the reason for the loss of steering is unknown at this time.
Steering, Feb 25, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the steering column, including the rack and pinion, needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist function failed to operate as needed with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally while in park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to reach out to the dealer that had performed the recall repair; however, all the calls went to voicemail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 10 MPH and pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rack and pinion were replaced, and a software update was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the crankshaft position sensor signal experienced a loss of power, resulting in a loss of power steering assist. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Steering, Feb 6, 2025
There was a recall (#14S05 from Ford) that covered Electric Power Steering Failure in Escapes and Mariners from 2008 - September of 2011 made in the Kansas City Assembly plant. This vehicle mentioned is having the same issue, but is not included on the recall list? We diagnosed the problem with a Snap-On computer here at M&D Auto & Trailer Sales & Service, LLC. The customer complained that the steering wheel and column would shake and then feel like there was no power steering making it almost impossible to drive. No inspection other than at M&D Auto. No lights came on but our Snap-On scanner produced DTC B2278 and told us about the afore mentioned recall.
Steering, Feb 6, 2025
I was merging onto I-91 when the steering went out in my Escape. The ramp was at a right angle and this is when I felt the tightness. There was no alert activated on the dashboard and I was not sure what happened. I drove for about 2 miles toward work and exited the highway. It was scary because I was afraid I would not be able to make the turn off to avoid the left side barrier of the bridge on my exit turn. I was unable to park at work and simply drove to a nearby mechanic. I used my flashers to make wide turns. I left the vehicle at Rick’s Automotive. They called a few hours later and confirmed a bad torque sensor in the vehicle.
Steering, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact was able to veer into a parking lot for an errand and upon restarting the vehicle the vehicle resumed normal function. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 144,454.
Steering, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 20-25 MPH and making a right turn with the contact occupying the front passenger's seat, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to drive to the nearby residence of the contact's brother. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle approximately two hours later, the power steering functionality had returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and was diagnosed with steering shaft torque sensor malfunction. The dealer replaced and calibrated the steering shaft torque sensor twice. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,260.
Steering, Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was seized, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed torque sensor. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was next taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque sensor and the contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Dec 29, 2024
We were sitting in a parking lot and the car was started, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. No one’s safety was at risk. This is the first time this has happened, we have had the car since July 2024, we have not taken it to a mechanic yet. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. There was no warning light or other symptoms prior to this event.
Steering, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure was self-corrected, and proper functionality returned. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Dec 14, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the power steering suddenly went out without warning.
Steering, Dec 3, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering.
Steering, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH around a roundabout, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.
Steering, Oct 27, 2024
I lose my power steering. First time it happened I had turned the steering wheel to its’ fullest extent, then lost the power steering.when I turn off the engine and restart it, the power returns. This has happened 4-5 times in the past 4-5 years… until today. Today it happened 4 times, just with normal turns (no hard banked turns) - again, I had to turn off the engine, then start it, with hopes that it reset itself. I’m 71, I CAN drive it without power steering, but I believe it’s dangerous and a safety hazard. Is my 2011 Ford Escape on a list for a replacement part? Thank you.
Steering, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power steering functionality and was nearly rear-ended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer into a parking lot. A mobile mechanic determined that the electric power steering had failed. The mechanic turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the electrical power steering became functional. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering torque sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 204,043.
Steering, Oct 14, 2024
Power steering is inoperable and was verified by Crossroads Ford Wake Forest. Same issue as other 2011 Escapes that are covered under TSB 14-0016. My VIN was not included in the TSB but is the same issue per Ford Dealership. Vehicle is available for inspection if needed. May cause a crash since vehicle is difficult to control without power steering. Power steering has been intermittently not working for approximately 2 months.
Steering, Aug 22, 2024
The electric steering is not letting you turn the steering wheel while driving you have to turn the car off and let it sit before it will work again. I see there is a recall for the same year as my car but it is not included? I don’t understand why as I see that there are others with the same issues.
Steering, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the electronic power steering assist malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Steering, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the electronic power steering stopped functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Steering, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact was not aware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and called a friend for assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and then the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electric power steering sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer to complete the repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.