345 complaints reported

2011 Ford Escape Steering

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

Reports
345
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

Torque sensor. No warning. Has not been looked at by a mechanic. Was working fine when I parked it. Came back out and it was steering funny and making a grinding sound

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2026
Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a defective steering column that needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and associated the failure with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2026
Dec 2025

i have a cliking nose in my steering wheel when i am driving

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2025
Nov 2025

My power steering has failed five times in the last year. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. The power steering went out on me while I was driving, making it very hard to turn my steering wheel. Took it to a Ford dealer last year. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It is very unpredictable when this will happen. It doesn't happen every time I drive it. Don't feel very safe driving!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction, nearly causing a head-on collision. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall related to the failure and was advised that the VIN was not included in the unknown recall. The contact stated that the dealer declined to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Oct 2025 Crash

My young daughter lost control of our 2011 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE was lost. Car was taken to AutoNation Ford, St Petersburg, FL. Service personnel stated and provided documentation showing that there was no recall for my daughter's vehicle VIN. However, there were recalls for this similar problem on other Ford vehicles and FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicles like hers. Please see attachment. FORD SAYS THIS 2011 VEHICLE IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS HAZARD AND REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15-20 MPH and taking the grandchildren to school, the driver heard an abnormal popping sound coming from under the steering wheel and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact met his wife and assisted in driving the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following morning, the power steering was functional. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he was a retired independent master mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently failed to turn in the intended direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The steering wheel became extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to drive the vehicle while avoiding crashing into another vehicle. The contact called three dealers and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact ordered a power steering torque rotation sensor and planned for an independent mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2014
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that several messages were displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 251,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – Request for Recall Coverage Assistance To Whom It May Concern, I am writing with a heartfelt and urgent request regarding a serious malfunction in my vehicle's steering column, which has made it extremely difficult to turn. This presents a clear and dangerous safety hazard, particularly on expressways and in everyday driving when the ability to maneuver quickly is critical. My safety, my child’s safety, and the safety of others has been compromised due to this issue. The vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic, and there were no warning lights or prior indicators of an impending failure. I have learned that there is an active recall related to this exact issue for vehicles manufactured between 2008 and September 2011. My vehicle was manufactured in January 2011, just a few months before the cut-off. To be denied assistance over a matter of months feels deeply unfair and disheartening — especially when the failure matches the recall description exactly. I am a single parent who depends on this vehicle for work and daily life. The financial burden of repairs right now is overwhelming, especially given the rising cost of living, inflation, and how expensive everything has become. I’m simply trying to keep my family safe and get to work. I am respectfully and desperately asking you to reconsider support and allow my vehicle to be included in this recall, as it clearly qualifies based on the issue — if not technically by the cut-off date. Please don’t let a few months be the reason help is denied when it’s needed most. Here is my vehicle information: VIN: [XXX] Make/Model/Year: 2011 Ford Escape Manufacture Date: January 21, 2011 Thank you for your time, understanding, and attention to this matter. I truly hope you can see the urgency and importance of this request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely tight. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact was advised that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Jul 2025

My car is experiencing the issue in this recall for powerstearing but my vin is not associated, my ford year make mosel and issue is called out in the recall but my 2011 escape vin does not pull up the recall. I lose power steering and its not safe to drive. 14v284000 14so5 I called ford customer service and my vehicle is in the ford dealership, they are refusing to support me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Jun 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Jun 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized intermittently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the sensor failure caused the steering wheel to move back and forth with a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with torque sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Mar 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Mar 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2015
Feb 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Feb 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH the power steering function became inoperable. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times to regain power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the power steering assist sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Ford Escape has 345 Steering complaints on file. 4 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.