Problems with 2008 Ford Escape STEERING

At around noon on 3/11/2013, my steering wheel started to vibrate while driving down the freeway at about 75 mph. after running some errands and dealing with this all day, i was exiting the freeway to the feeder road (during rush hour traffic) and my power steering totally went out. it was all i could do to move the car to the side of the road. i pulled a muscle in my arm pulling so hard out of sheer panic. it's a miracle i didn't hit another car, as it was bumper to bumper on each side of me due to the time of day. once i turned the car off and back on, i had control of the steering again but the vibrating has not went away and it is getting worse! i'm afraid to get back on the road and since the car is around 130k miles...no warranty. i see online that many others are having the same issue. i want this problem recalled and fixed by ford before someone is seriously hurt on the road! *tr

I was driving and the power steering went out! i struggled to maintain the escape on the curve. i pulled off the road and shut off the car, when i turned it back on i was able to turn the wheel but that didn't last very long. i parked it for awhile and borrowed a car but i had to return it so now i'm driving and just praying i don't loose all control. today it was diagnosed, need a new power steering electric motor, cost between 1300-1500 dollars! that is something that shouldn't be happening, ford needs to fix this problem. i see how many complaints there are when i checked it out at all locations online. *tr

While sitting idle at a light the steering wheel shakes, powering steering system shuts down while operating vehicle. *tr

Driving down the road heard a click in the steering and then wheel locked up could not control the car had to pull over on side of the road put car in park turn off the engine and restart then the steering was ok this has happend 5 times since my purchase of my escape very dangeres when driving i have had my escape two weeks i puchased used this should be a recall due to the fact it is very dangeres. *tr

Power steering goes out for no reason. it clicks in the housing under the steering wheel, in the steering column. needed to add that we have had several injuries and more than one accident where a vehicle sustained damage as a result of this defect. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the automatic power steering failed. the vehicle engaged in manual steering mode without warning. the failure was recurring. the vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was shut off and once restarted, the vehicle resumed normal operation. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the steering column would need to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 80,000. updated 07/30/13*lj the consumer stated it was extremely difficult to steer the vehicle and she had to use both hands to control the vehicle.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the power steering system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to become difficult to steer. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. the dealer stated that the torque was defective. the dealer stated that the entire power steering system needed to be replaced. the contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. the failure mileage was 88,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that when he started the vehicle, the steering wheel pulsated and there was no power steering assist. after restarting the vehicle several times, the power steering would activate. the failure recurred numerous times. a dealer was notified and an appointment was secured for diagnosis of the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 102,000. updated 4/24/13 *cn the consumer stated the steering column assembly was replaced on march 15, 2013 at a cost of $ 1366.50

car involved is a 2008 ford escape xlt. while on a 250 mile trip, i had exited i-20 and was driving approx 40mph on a 5 lane highway when i heard a click and the steering became totally unresponsive. it took my entire body weight against the steering wheel to guide the car to the side of the road. after turning the car off and restarting, the steering capability returned to normal. have been told the power steering motor will have to be replaced. considering the number of complaints and severe crashes, there should be at least a "soft recall" on the steering sensors, column and power steering motor. *tr

Cpsc: i1320536a. 2008 ford escape. consumer stated these cars have power steering control issues. *ln the consumer stated the power steering control module, an integral part of the new electronic power assist steering system can malfunction without warning and the leave the driver without steering.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was moved to the shoulder where the it was shut down and restarted. the vehicle functioned normally then the failure recurred shortly after. the contact also stated that the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

I was driving with my two year old daughter going 40 mph down the road, i went to go take a turn and my power steering suddenly just went, i almost hit a telephone pole and the guy behind me turning luckily swerved around me. i had to shut off the car then turn it back on for it to work again. i was told the eps system electrical power steering) is the issue. this is a huge safety problem and from what i see this is a very common issue with the escapes, but yet it hasn't been recalled. it needs to be fixed before people get seriously injured! *tr

While backing up at a gas station, i turned the steering wheel to the right and it jerked the wheel back straight. power steering quit working, i did manage to get the vehicle backed up and went into next parking lot. wasn't sure what to do, so i turned the truck off, then started it back up and my power steering was back. now after reading all the complaints it has me scared to drive my truck. this problem hasn't happen since 02-14-13 but i never know when the power steering will go out. this is a major safety issue and it's sad that ford and the recall department hasn't taken the right action on this problem. how many deaths must happen before you to decide to recall this problem. it's not a cheap fix for the owner of these trucks. and ford has been notified plenty of times about the steering issue and have decided to ignore this major safety issue. *tr

In feb. 2013, the power steering went out on our 2008 ford escape. after shutting down the engine, i restarted the engine and the problem was gone. i took the vehicle to the ford dealer where i purchased the suv, they told me it was only an anomaly, and probably would never happen again. at that time the vehicle was under an extended warranty. on nov. 3rd, my wife was driving around a turn when the steering went out again. she narrowly missed hitting 2 cars. i took the vehicle in to the same garage, and once again the problem was gone after re-starting. after several days i was told that the problem had been located, and it was a sensor attached to the steering column, which necessitated a $957.14 repair bill. unfortunately, the extended warranty had now expired. the dealership said there existed no relief as there hadn't been a recall for said problem. i have now discovered that this has been a common and ongoing occurrence with this vehicle. there are multiple websites which attest to said problem including www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2008/ford/escape/steering, which lists 155 complaints for this problem. there have been literally thousands of such complaints yet no recall. this is an ongoing safety problem, and who knows how many accidents and/or deaths have been attributed to this defect. i am told that this electrical steering feature was first utilized on the 2008 ford escape, whether it was used on other models, i am not aware. hard to believe ford allowed us to drive this vehicle when they were aware of the defect i certainly hope you can save others from suffering negative consequences in the future. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that he started the ignition and there was an immediate loss of power steering assist. the engine was turned off and upon restarting the power steering assist began to function normally. the steering wheel would also shake intermittently. the failure recurred whenever the contact was driving at various speeds and during initial start up of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the steering column sensor. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the malfunction. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the power steering assist failed as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. *tr

I was approaching a stop light and noticed that the steering wheel began to shake in my 2008 ford escape. at this time i still had power steering but the steering wheel continued to vibrate. as i proceeded through the light, it continued to shake with a slight grab to the right periodically. as i continued onto the freeway, the shake continued until the power steering went out completely. after getting home, i shut the car off and waited a few minutes, started it up again and the vibration in the steering wheel was back but the power steering was working again, after a few minutes, the shake was gone and so was the power steering. to this date, 03/10/13, i do not have power steering at all. i took it to my ford dealer and was told that the whole steering column needs to be replaced because of the torque sensor in the column. my mileage at the time i noticed the shake was 82,000. the cost to replace this is outrageous, and the safety issues involved are severe cause for concern. i noticed that there are many, many other 2008 escape owners with this same issue. this should be a recall!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was moved to the shoulder and restarted and the system independently reset but the failure recurred. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer. the failure mileage was 102,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that the vehicle was started however, the steering wheel seized without warning. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and the current mileages were 62,000.

We lost power steering upon restarting the vehicle. had this happened at road speed we most certainly would have had a major safety concern. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while turning at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. the contact also mentioned that the power steering assist failed several times and the failures were intermittent. the vehicle was restarted and resumed normal function. the vehicle was taken to an authorized mechanic who test drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 63,000 and the current mileage was 65,600.

The vehicle's power steering is failing on a regular basis. it is equipped with electrical power steering system so is not attributed to low fluid levels, hoses, or lines. this is a popular problem among owners of the same car with similar mileage. *tr

The first incident occurred when i was backing out of a parking spot and the steering wheel locked up and i was unable turn it in either direction. i turned the car off and on a few times before i was able to drive it. upon returning home and pulling in my driveway, the steering wheel started to vibrate and move on it's own. i parked the car, turned it off and waited a couple of minutes before starting it up again. at that time, the steering wheel completely locked up and i was unable to turn it even after turning the car off and on a few times. so as of this morning (feb 1, 2013) the steering wheel vibrates and is locked when i start the car. *tr

My daughter has her car on a college campus and driving around the drill field at 20 mph the power steering locked up. she was able to pull over, turn the car off and restart. the date listed was the first time that the steering locked up but has done it a several times since. i myself was in a kroger parking lot and put the car in park and it locked up. in the past 3 weeks the power steering has locked up on my daughter 3 times while on campus - nearly causing a 10 car pileup behind her. as a college student, on a college campus this is a huge concern for us. i have read many many many complaints to ford on the power steering issue and can not believe they are continuing to put peoples lives in danger by not recalling and fixing this power steering problem. *tr

This morning i was backing up from my drive way. than when i put it in drive the steering wheel would not turn. it scared me being that i was in the street so i turned the car off and turned it back on and the steering wheel worked. but this is scary if i had been somewhere else and there had been traffic. i have had my ignition worked on by ford several times. they are telling me that this is another problem and it has nothing to do with what is going on. they are telling me that it is going to cost me around $1600.00. this should not have happen. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while entering into a parking space, the steering wheel began vibrating and could not be turned. the failure occurred without warning. the engine was turned off and restarted, as the power steering assist reset independently. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the power steering module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph and attempting a left turn, the power steering assist failed. the contact mentioned that the vehicle became hard to steer. the contact shut off and restarted the vehicle, as it resumed normal operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician advised that the power steering sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 69,000.

Power steering will not work. after shutting the vehicle off and restarting, it works. same problem every other day. must be an ongoing problem with this model and year ford. afraid it may shut down while driving on the freeway. *tr

2008 ford escape with serious steering wheel shaking during driving. feels like column is going to lock up or make vehicle swerve off course. when the car was stopped and turned off, and back on symptoms went away. however, upon driving vehicle again, same conditions came back- very strong and very difficult to keep vehicle on drive path. when googled- many reports show up about serious and expensive replacements of the entire steering column are out there. see:http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2008/ford/escape/steering there are many other site with complaints about this issue. how can ford not issue a recall about power steering column failures? this should be considered a serious risk issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering failed without warning. the contact mentioned that it became very difficult to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 65,000.

While backing out of a parking space the steering locked on my wife's 2008 ford escape. she called me to come help her as she was not able to move her escape. upon arrival i inspected the vehicle for obvious signs of problems, none were noted. i tried to move the steering wheel; i was quite shocked that the steering wheel could not be moved. since i am 6'4" and 300lbs most things that i grab move?the steering wheel should have moved, just without the assist of the power assist. the vehicle was towed to a ford dealership for them to diagnose the issue. i was informed that the sensors in the steering column are bad. the dealership stated that they were able to reset the computer and that the steering now functions. the dealership informed me that i have two choices drive the vehicle and see if the issue repeats or replace the entire steering column ($1,500.00). i explained that this is in fact a safety issue as the steering failed completely and locked up as i was unable to move the steering wheel. ford customer care was contacted and they have offered no assistance in this issue and claim that they have no knowledge of any issues pertaining to this problem on record. this statement by ford customer care seems to be highly suspect as a quick internet search found many identical issues. the complete failure of the steering system is beyond unacceptable! if someone with my strength cannot move the steering wheel than how is someone the size of my wife supposed to move the steering wheel if and in this case when the steering system fails. ford needs to accept that there is in fact a major safety problem related to the failure of the electronic steering system of the ford escape. complete failure of the steering is not acceptable. again this was a complete failure of the steering system!!! *tr

Vehicle lost power steering while driving. while vehicle is idling, steering wheel pulses back and forth slightly, but occasionally turns right by itself. ford states that this is an issue with the sensors on the steering column wearing out, but is not a safety issue? i guess brake failure is not a safety issue either! the "fix" is only 14-1500.00. this should be a mandatory safety recall repaired at ford motor company expense. *tr

1/22/13-started my vehicle up at 8am and the power steering would not engage, thinking is was due to cold, i stopped the vehicle and restarted the vehicle up, power assist engage and i drove the vehicle approx 1/4mile when i attempted to make a left turn the power assist failed and nearly collided my vehicle onto oncoming traffic due to steering failure; i immediately drove home and parked the vehicle. on 1/23/13 i drove the vehicle very carefully to a nearby ford dealership (approx 2 miles from home). i was advised by the service representative (after a diagnostic test) that the steering column requires replacement due to the electronic module failure as it is part of the vehicles electronic power assist system (epas) and was quoted a repair price (>1400.00). i did some online research and found that this type of steering failure is extremely common with this vehicle and the epas and many many complaints have been registered by consumers on this exact steering problem. due to the unpredictability, potential danger and the commonality of this type of complaint with this type of vehicle, could this warrant a recall of this vehicle or at least a service bulletin of this potentially catastrophic steering issue? *tr

While driving the vehicle the steering locked up. i managed to pull into a gas station and asked a gentleman for assistance. he happened to own a 2008 ford escape. he said to turn it off and start it again and it will work. it did. now while idling the steering wheel moves left and right erratically. i researched the problem and it is happening to a lot of people with this vehicle, in some cases with serious accidents. i researched the steering system used. i uses a stepper motor for power assistance. i work with cnc equipment with stepper motors. generally when a stepper motor acts erratically or locks in position it is a problem with software having been corrupted or an incidence that causes the encoder to lose position. ( both cases can be caused by shock, power surge or loss of communication) when a stepper motor is under power it is locked in position until it receives communication to move,in steps,very small increments. (you cannot move them by hand) this is ok on a cnc machine. you just ruin what ever you are fabricating. on a vehicle steering system, its catastrophic failure (you cannot turn the steering wheel) and a very serious issue. stopping and restarting the vehicle and having it work again sounds like the system reboots. the re occurrence makes it sound like the firmware is corrupt. the system is apparently not isolated enough to avoid being corrupted. it may also be just a bad batch of encoders at any rate it is a serious issue ford needs to address before someone gets killed. it isn't just the owners of these vehicle that need it fixed. everyone on the road is endangered. i looked at nhtsas test protocol and found no tests for electric power steering systems. in the past this wasn't an issue with hydraulic systems, you had manual over-ride. you can't turn these systems manually. you go whatever direction it is pointed when it locks. *tr

While driving and upon attempting to negotiate a curve noted loss of power steering resulting in difficulty accomplishing curve, stopped at side of road when opportunity presented itself turned off ignition, restarted and vehicle returned power steering. returned vehicle to place of purchase as was under warranty they were not a ford dealer, made adjustments to wiring harness they felt was at fault, vehicle performed normally for some weeks. then vehicle would randomly lose power assist and at times upon startup would not have power steering, each instance was relieved by tuning off and restarting vehicle. after some research and conversations with ford personal was advised enough problems reported to expect recall and to wait till then for remedy. upon recall took to local dealer they reprogrammed and assured problem was fixed. problem returned that pm, returned to dealer they refused to do more work as they claimed recall was done ignoring steps 2 and 3 of recall. now ford corporation says i am on my own to repair defective parts. *tr

Twice in the last month, while making sharp turn and u-turn, we lost our power steering. the first time was when turning into a parking lot, but the second time was in traffic. each time it took all of our strength to get the steering wheel turned so that the vehicle could be moved out of traffic. both times we put vehicle in park and turned off ignition. when re-started, power steering was fine. this is a very dangerous vehicle failure. we were fortunate that we were able to get out of traffic each time, but may not be as lucky the next. when we got home, we googled 2008 ford escape steering problems to see if there had been a recall that we were not aware of, and we were astonished to see how many other people had reported this same failure. a recall needs to be issued before someone loses their life. *tr

Drove vehicle yesterday, no problems. this morning started to drive and lost power steering. made it back home but could have been bad if on highway. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated when she started the vehicle the steering wheel began to fail. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated the entire steering column needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 91,999.

Driving down highway and lost power steering. had to use all strength to exit the highway. stopped and restarted car and everything was fine. began driving toward home, but during a stop light steering wheel began to shake (while idle) and lost power steering again. i have extended warranty and this is not covered. this is very dangerous and ridiculous. *tr

Unable to steer vehicle due to loss of power steering, after restarting vehicle problem went away but returned while idling at a stop. the steering wheel began pulsating and moving on it's own. had to have vehicle towed to repair facility because it was unsafe to drive. steering would unexpected loose power assist. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving, the steering failed. the contact also stated that a strange noise emitted from the engine compartment while making a turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the steering column needed to be replaced and the computer needed to be reprogrammed. the technician also stated that there were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,133.

My power steering just all of a sudden would not work, i could turn it off and back on and it would work initially. but then it would go out as i was driving. now it doesn't ever work. its very dangerous when trying to turn especially in bad weather. i called about getting it fixed and they said it would cost $908 for the part alone!! *tr

My ford escape is my family and work vehicle. one morning i started it after it was parked in cold overnight, engine started but the steering was stuck, thought battery was bad. restarted several times until steering loosened up. drove car and every stop light or while idling, the steering wheel vibrated so hard and have to hold it steady, thought, time to have my control arm replaced again. took it to a friend's car shop , said, they've been having costumers bringing their ford escapes lately with the same problem. they couldn't fix it. told me to go to my dealership. dealership diagnosed it , electronic steering problem $90 for diagnosis, $1100 parts and labor, about 3-days to order for parts. too expensive and dangerous, needs to have a recall. *tr

The power steering has been locking up in my 2008 ford escape and also when idling at a stand still my steering wheel pulses/vibrates. i have to turn the vehicle off, and restart it. some times that fixes it and some time it doesn't. should be a recall with all these power steering problems, this is not safe! *tr

While sitting in traffic my steering wheel suddenly turned on its own slightly. as i started to move forward i realized the steering was extremely difficult and appeared to have no power steering. i was just near the dealership so i was able to get it in to them. it turns out the steering column is electronic and broke requiring very expensive repairs. i researched this problem on-line and i am finding it to be a similar complaint across the country including with others who were actually moving at the time of the column failure. many at low mileage (less than 55,000). i feel this is being ignored by ford as a safety issue and that it is a known defect that ford should be responsible for fixing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering assist failed without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 102,359. *tr...updated 05/22/13 *bf updated 06/05/2013 *js

Power steering locked up on several occasion upon start up and a couple of times while driving, although speed at the time steering locked up is unknown. steering column had to be replaced in jan 2013 at my expense and totaled $1244.60. due to the recent recall of the numerous ford escape's steering, i feel ford should reimburse me for the expenses related to the defect. *tr

While driving my 2008 ford escape going 45mph my power steering failed. luckily i was able to pull off the road without causing an accident. i stopped the vehicle and shut it off. once i restarted the vehicle the power steering started working again. as i continued to drive my steering wheel began to shake and the power steering went out again. i looked up on line about this and found numerous complaints concerning this issue. this is an extremely unsafe condition that is directly related to this vehicle across the country. i'm surprised no one has been killed yet but it will happen if something is not done about it. i contacted my ford dealer and there is currently no recall on this vehicle for this problem. i also contacted the ford motor company and registered a complaint with them but got no response. based on the number of complaints and the safety issue with this i feel something needs to be done about it. *tr

The vehicle began to not have power steering at start-up a few times, with the problem being corrected by turning the vehicle off then on again. the day of december 27, the vehicle was turned on and steering wheel jerked/pulsated from side-to-side, but power steering was still working. we then tried to make it home one night when the power steering completely stopped working while on the highway. the vehicle was brought to the ford dealership and problem was found to be the power steering column. luckily the ford escape, with 88,500 miles on it, had an extended warranty covering the $1400 in repairs. *tr