369 complaints reported

2010 Ford Escape Steering

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
369
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to respond as designed. The vehicle was restarted several times before the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,320.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2025
Jan 2026

The steering angle sensor failed. My mechanic replaced it. I do not know if the part is still available for inspection. The safety of those in the vehicle as well as any around it were in jeopardy when the incident occurred. Thankfully no one was injured nor was there any collision for further vehicle damage. While the vehicle was running, suddenly the steering wheel whipped to the left. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred, causing the vehicle to turn further than intended, and requiring substantial strength to re-direct the vehicle under the driver's (and passenger's) guidance. As long as the vehicle was running, the power steering pulled the wheel to the most extreme left. The mechanic confirmed that the steering angle sensor was the issue and replaced it. I was able to reproduce the steering moving itself (the steering wheel, and front tire) left, when the engine was engaged. With the vehicle off, I was able to maneuver the tires left and right. But when I turned on the vehicle, the wheel would turn itself left. The mechanic assessed the vehicle, replaced the part, and reprogrammed, I presume the part, for this issue. Police officers did block traffic, in order to add safety while we pushed the vehicle out of the roadway. However they did not personally assess the vehicle, or file a traffic report that I am aware of. A friend of my daughter's did come by and feel the stiffness with steering wheel tension, also I believe they saw it turn itself left when the engine was re-engaged. After we purchased the vehicle, we found a post from a previous owner of the vehicle mentioning an issue with the steering. The cause, degree, etc. was vague in the ad's post. I do not recollect if the dealer mentioned the issue to me. Also, we did not see any related dash lights prior to the moment, nor did we notice any symptoms of this, prior to the incident suddenly occurring. I did contact a dealership, and the manufacturer with regards to this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2026
Jan 2026

Ford 2010 escape Power assist steering fault- torque sensor needs replacement at only 92,000 miles. My steering wheel became loose and shaking aggressively while driving and at idle causing serious safety and control concerns. The steering wheel has also become very hard to turn. Ford dealer ran a diagnostic and confirmed the issue. This is the exact same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford escapes.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2026
Jan 2026

Took the car into a mechanic for shaking in the steering wheel while driving and shaking/ grinding noise coming from steering wheel while car is idle. Mechanics confirmed it is a power steering assist fault. This causes a safety concern when driving due to a possible loss of steering and harder to control.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2026
Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right to exit the highway, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact advised the dealer that there was a recall for the year, make and model. The contact was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Nov 2025

My daughter was driving and her power steering went out. She lost control of her car because she couldn't steering it. She almost wrecked the car, but was able to get it off the road. Her safety, and that of others around him was at risk as she almost hit several other cars as she struggled to get her car off the road. Previous to this, we owned a 2008 Ford Escape, which the same thing happened while she was driving on the highway. Again, she was lucky to barely avoid getting hit as she was stopped in the middle of the highway. We took the 2008 to a Ford dealer but were told the car didn't qualify for the recall so we paid for the repair. Now we have the 2010, and are being told that the recall repair was done in 2015, so now that this dangerous issue is reoccurring, it doesn't qualify for the safety recall because it was already done, yet here we are, with her in traffic and no steering yet again...and us trying to get this car fixed again. At this point, an independent service center is confirming the issue with the steering column. It hasn't been inspected by police, but has been by the service center. There were no other warnings lights or symptoms prior to this occurrence.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Oct 2025

Electric Power Steering system failure related to the torque sensor. An unexpected loss of steering while driving. I was driving on the I95 on my way to work when all of a sudden I lost the ability to steer the car. It took all the strength I had to pull over to the shoulder before the car behind me swerved in the nick of time to avoid a collision. It was very scary. I turned the engine off gathered myself and turned the engine back on and the power steering returned. I exited the highway as soon as possible and drove to the mechanic. He ran a test on the car and the code came up for the recall for the electric power steering system failure which is a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel violently drifted to the left, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Prior to the failure, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the same failure had occurred after the tie rod ends were replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who then had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the recall was not related to the steering column failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,365

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist and was driven with manual steering. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and contacted the dealer, and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the power steering assist became disabled, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

The power steering is not working

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Feb 2025

Power Steering EPAS Torque Sensor Failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal bell sound detected. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering became inoperable. The contact stopped and looked underneath the hood but was unable to find a power steering fluid reservoir. The contact checked the Owner's Manual and determined that there was no power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING). The local dealer was contacted, who informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall, opened a case, and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

When driving i hear clicking sounds in the steering column and then the power steering goes out and it becomes very difficult to steer.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving their vehicle at various speeds they noticed that an abnormal clicking sound can be heard from the steering column. The contact stated that when this sound occurs the vehicle's steering wheel will seize and the contact is forced to pull over onto the side of the road, to restart their vehicle, in order for the power steering to function properly again. The battery and the check engine light also remain illuminated when this occurs. the battery. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000. The contact also stated that the vehicle is experiencing symptoms from an unknown recall that were remedied by the original owner.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2024
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair had been completed in 2014 and that he had to pay to for Electronic Power Steering Assist repair out of pocket. The contact stated that he was the second owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

While driving to work to my 911 work center, my car started beeping soon as I turned into the parking lot. My steering wheel was INCREDIBLY tight so thankfully I was already in the parking lot and was able to get to a parking spot. I looked down and my dash said "Power Steering Assist Fault" I looked everything up and there is a recall for this from 2008-2011 models I believe but my VIN isn't under that coverage

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

Power steering fault indicator is on and the is no power steering

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Jul 2024

Loss of power steering

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Jul 2024

Power steering control assist went out. Daughter was driving the car n lost power steering! Contacted ford dealer n was told it isnt covered!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed intermittently to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2024
Jun 2024

I was driving straight went to turn and I heard a click and my steering wheel locked up completely. I heard two clicks that followed and the steering wheel released. This occurred 4 times on my attempt to get home.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jun 2024

The contact's sister owns a 2010 Ford Escape. While the contact's sister was making a left turn at a stop light, the power steering assist failed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's sister used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road and later managed to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective steering column and the contact's sister was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced by a dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact's sister that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact's sister was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering torque sensor. The contact was advised that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2010 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2010 Ford Escape has 369 Steering complaints on file. 6 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.