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
1,316 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 3, 2022
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.
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
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.
Steering, Jan 24, 2022
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?
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
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.
Steering, Jan 18, 2022
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the recall and provided her with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would intermittently fail without warning. The contact stated that the power steering functionality would return upon restart of the engine. The contact had spoken to a dealer who informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact also spoke to an independent mechanic who was familiar with the failure and informed him that a sensor would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and promised the contact a call back from a manager however, the contact had not yet heard from a manager. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2022
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.
Steering, Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH on a roundabout, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and power steering functionality returned. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque sensor signal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the manufacturer suggested that the entire steering assembly be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair would be completed at his expense because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Suspension, Dec 28, 2021
The engine cradle mount that holds the lower control arm failed because of severe rot but only one mount is rotted, very localized. Have picture of failed piece. The broken mount cause the passenger side front tire to move independently from the drive side wheel and makes it have hard to steer straight. Called dealer and it’s a very well known problem, you guys did a recall with early models and all ford did was put a brace in and didn’t address the extreme rot in the engine cable. Has not been inspected by anyone but picture shows the issue, problem exist on passenger side only
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
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.
Steering, Dec 22, 2021
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.
Steering, Dec 21, 2021
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.
Steering, Dec 20, 2021
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.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Dec 9, 2021
That's not normal that's recall rust necessary
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
THE POWER STEERING FAiLED. The torque sensor was diagnosed as failed. Unable to steer the vehicle. Turns out Ford says this car wasn’t reported as faulty. BUT 914,000 OTHER FORDS FROM 2008-2011 WERE RECALLED !!!!!!! This vehicle is the model and year of ALL those recalls.
Steering, Nov 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle operated normally after a restart. The dealer was contacted but no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000. Power steering failed twice in November 2021. Diagnostic test in January 2022 by McGovern Ford dealer states: "replace steering column due to internal failure," same failure as covered by Ford recall which does not include my vehicle but should! Recall was for Ford 2011 Escapes built in Kansas City up to Sept. 11, 2010; my car was built in KC in Dec. 2010.
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2021
The car started shutting off when putting gas and all the ABS lights started turning on. Then it escalated to the car shutting off when pressing the brakes. Now it shuts off randomly never while driving at higher speeds. I was driving the vehicle on the highway and it just shut off and I almost crashed onto the side of the highway because the steering wheel was not working. Thankfully I was able to meet be it a bit and avoid an accident but it happened a few times. Found that some vehicles like mine have some recalls and an extended warranty thing on file and when speaking with a rep at the Lincoln/Ford, she agreed that that what I was experiencing had to do with those, but the car dealerships in my area are not wanting to take responsibility and repair my vehicle which at this point is a public safety hazard not only for my family and me but anyone on the road around me. I can't work or take the car anywhere because of this issue and the carelessness and complete disregard from Ford reps is appalling.
Steering, Nov 5, 2021
While driving at slow speeds, my Escape has lost power steering. This has happened mostly in parking lots. Today it happened when I pulled out of the parking lot and I almost got hit. I looked up the problem and read about the recall. I entered my VIN and it showed that I have 0 unfixed recalls. If this was not one on the recall list, shame on FORD because it needs to be fixed. If it was on the recall list and was"fixed," the solution was incorrect and needs to be fixed.
Steering, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff while steering the vehicle. The contact had to manually steer the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with electric power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Suspension, Nov 3, 2021
The contact's significant other owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the front passenger’s side subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed him to no longer drive the vehicle due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Steering, Oct 30, 2021
My power steering went out as I was driving at a slow rate. I managed to get it back home. I looked up the recalls for my vehicle and it stated any 2011 Ford Escapes made in Kansas City was issued a recall. My vehicle was made in that city during that time. I contacted Ford and they stated my vehicle doesn't apply to that recall. I was not aware of the recall because I did not own the vehicle when it was issued. The affected Escapes that were built from August 18, 2006 through September 11, 2010 at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. [XXX] made_inUnited Statesmade_in_cityKANSAS CITY https://vincheck.info/check/recalls-defects.php INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 35-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled over and crashed into a residence yard. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was knocked unconscious and was transported from the vehicle to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. A police vehicle was filed. The contact sustained fractured vertebrae at the base of the neck, and several lacerations on the buttocks and face. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Seats, Oct 4, 2021
Driver seat not function properly the motor operating Has fail
Steering, Suspension, Oct 2, 2021
When I entered elementary street in Lousville CO, to pick up my three grandchildren, the steering got so hard that I couldn't maneuver between so many cars, I couldn't turn, I was very scared if children started to come out, I got to the parking and parking badly, I called for help, to pick up children, and a man said turn it on again, it will work, my brother took the car to my house, and according to him it worked, I was so scared, that I will not drive it anymore, until I fix it , mechanic said the electric power steering should be changed, in the Ford, they gave a budget for a spare part, I am inquiring about "Recalls" and it says my car has zero, but there is one on # 14S05 and I want to know why this does not apply to me car, can you please help me?