Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1010–25K
16725–50K
28050–75K
24175–100K
408100–150K
219150K+
1,416 reports with mileage · 276 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 827 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 301 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 279 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
34 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,692 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2022
Steering
I was driving in the middle of the highway when the steering wheel started to be hard to turn. Slowly I parked and turn the engine off and called the road assistance. They said they can’t do anything about that. We wait about an hour then turned the engine back on and everything seems to be normal. I was driving to work that day…
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I was driving in the middle of the highway when the steering wheel started to be hard to turn. Slowly I parked and turn the engine off and called the road assistance. They said they can’t do anything about that. We wait about an hour then turned the engine back on and everything seems to be normal. I was driving to work that day. From my way back home the same thing happened. I decided to take it to ford dealership and they checked and it came out that it’s the steering wheel column that has a problem and it’s not safe to drive it. They said it is safety issue and unfortunately my car is not recalled and I will be charged for over $2000 to fix it. That’s why I’m filling a claim to have it recall.
NHTSA ODI #11456909
177,876 miles · Mar 15, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to refill the power steering fluid but became aware that the power steering was an electrical unit. The contact's father arrived …
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to refill the power steering fluid but became aware that the power steering was an electrical unit. The contact's father arrived and drove the vehicle using physical force to steer the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 177,876.
NHTSA ODI #11456834
250,000 miles · Mar 15, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the con…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
NHTSA ODI #11456833
150,000 miles · Mar 14, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of his vehicle, the "power steering assist fault" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds due to the failure. The dealer was notified and i…
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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of his vehicle, the "power steering assist fault" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds due to the failure. The dealer was notified and informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Vehicle is undergoing maintenance repairs because it is not listed under the recall.
NHTSA ODI #11456576
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2022
Steering
Power steering stopped while driving.
NHTSA ODI #11454845
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
Unknown Or Other
I was almost involved in an accident while on the highway while trying to turn, my wheel locked up randomly, I was almost hit by an on coming vehicle. The mechanic inspected it and he said it was the powersteering, he also stated that they're was a safety recall on these vehicles for the same issue and that Ford motor co. was re…
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I was almost involved in an accident while on the highway while trying to turn, my wheel locked up randomly, I was almost hit by an on coming vehicle. The mechanic inspected it and he said it was the powersteering, he also stated that they're was a safety recall on these vehicles for the same issue and that Ford motor co. was replacing all the steering colums in all other similar years, makes and models due to some failure from the manufacturer. The problem is that all the vehicles with this same issue also fall under different vin numbers. This problem needs to be fixed because it's a major safety concern and is putting people who drive this vehicle as well as other drivers around in danger. I will attach a video of a man on YT explaining the same issue, it's not ok that 5 years later they're still hasn't been a safety recall for this clear and apparent manufacturer issue. Today on 2/16/2022 I called Ford motor Co and spoke to an employee by the name of Aldri and he offered no solution. I would like for this to be recalled so that anyone experiencing the same issues can be safe of the roads. I was terrified for my life when that happened to myself, please do consider this and recall All these vehicles. The link for the video description is included: https://youtu.be/HJtv9gAIzLQ I will also upload several images from the comments section with the exact same issue on the same model and make for the same years they did their other recall on. Thank you
NHTSA ODI #11452465
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2022
Steering
Ford recall 14S05. Several years ago I had some work done on my vehicle. While in the shop, the dealer updated software on the vehicle, including for the power steering. I did not request the update. The update only turns on an indicator light if the power steering fails. On 1/23/22 at 9:00 am, I went to the grocery. Came out a…
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Ford recall 14S05. Several years ago I had some work done on my vehicle. While in the shop, the dealer updated software on the vehicle, including for the power steering. I did not request the update. The update only turns on an indicator light if the power steering fails. On 1/23/22 at 9:00 am, I went to the grocery. Came out and got in the car. Backed up, narrowly missed a parked car, and nearly hit a telephone pole because the power steering had failed. Found out there was a recall for all components and software related to the issue. Took my vehicle to the local dealer. Failed torque sensor as mentioned in the recall. $1200 to repair. Called Ford customer service and was told the recall had been completed due to the software update. The update that was done without my knowledge to a vehicle that had no problem at the time. I argued and was told Ford would not honor the recall because it was closed for my vehicle. Who monitors these recalls?
NHTSA ODI #11450402
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2022
Steering
power steering assist is lost
NHTSA ODI #11449061
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2022
Service BrakesCrash
The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCUs) in the 2009 Ford Escape malfunctioned resulting in the brake pedal losing resistance. The brake pedal needed to be pushed all the way to the floorboard with aggressive force to stop the vehicle. This issue may have resulted in an interstate accident that put the driver at extreme risk. The vehic…
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The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCUs) in the 2009 Ford Escape malfunctioned resulting in the brake pedal losing resistance. The brake pedal needed to be pushed all the way to the floorboard with aggressive force to stop the vehicle. This issue may have resulted in an interstate accident that put the driver at extreme risk. The vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front of the driver due to a delay in stopping from the malfunctioning of the HCU. There were no warning lights that were triggered to alert an issue with the unit. The repair shop that repaired the vehicle warned the driver that the brakes were not working properly and may have caused to the accident. Due to Ford backlogs on parts from COVID-19 delays, I discovered that 180 HCUs are currently on back order in the United States. Additionally, four Ford vehicles in the Greater New Orleans area are waiting for ACUs due to the same issue of the brakes not gripping until the pedal reaches the floor. Multiple sources online are warning of a similar issue from malfunctioning HCUs and ACUs. After learning this information, I filed a complaint with the Ford Corporate office but have not heard anything regarding the integrity of the part. However, when I dropped off the vehicle at the Lamarque Ford Dealership in Kenner Louisiana, I was told the vehicle was undrivable due to the malfunctioning of the HCU. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Lamarque Ford Dealership located at 3101 Williams Blvd Suite F, Kenner, LA 70065. Additionally, other vehicles are waiting for repairs at Supreme Ford of Slidell located at 400 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461. Due to the extensive backlog of Ford parts, these vehicles have been waiting months to be repaired and potentially have months to continue to wait before being repaired.
NHTSA ODI #11449019
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2022
Steering
Power steering assist fault came on in my Escape. I see there is recalls on so.e Escapes because of this, but not all of them. Why is that? This is a problem in all Escape from 2008-2011 and this is an expensive fix. Ford should be liable for this. They should not be allowed to pick which ones they feel like fixing. I will never…
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Power steering assist fault came on in my Escape. I see there is recalls on so.e Escapes because of this, but not all of them. Why is that? This is a problem in all Escape from 2008-2011 and this is an expensive fix. Ford should be liable for this. They should not be allowed to pick which ones they feel like fixing. I will never buy another Ford because of this
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3
DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
PE13003 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Feb 28, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode.Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that
DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
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