I noticed an intermittent popping noise when turning mainly to the right. Had it checked out and was a failure with the lower knuckle and lower flange in steering column. Had to replace all components. I have never heard of this sort of part failing. Seems like a common problem.
When I put the key in the ignition, it won't turn over...it's like it's not reading the key. The radio turns on with lights...so my new battery is fine. Also it happens in spurts, but when driving the steering wheel seizes up making it very difficult to turn.
IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED , AS THE 2011 EXPLORER HAS A RECALL ON THIS SAME ISSUE
Update from Apr 12, 2014: I talked to Ford Head Office, they said there was nothing they could do , so I called City Ford where I bought the vehicle. The manager there was great Dave, he understood my concerns and booked me a appointment the next morning. The mechanic there whom was very professional told my husband it was the steering knuckle and he has never seen one so worn out. they told us we were safe to drive for now and would fix it in a couple weeks for a reasonable price.
A sensor on the steering column went bad, with no warning and ruined the entire steering column that had to be replaced. When this happened you had very hard steering. There should have been some type of warning and this situation could have been averted and costly. I have seen other issues with the steering columns and nothing has been done to address this issue. This is the first time I have heard of anyone having to replace a steering column in a vehicle. This is the last time I will by a Ford.
- Debra D.,
Lenox, IA, US
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This Escape has been a driving nightmare. It has been problem after problem. This problem is the failure of the steering shaft and joint. This is the second life threatening mechanical failure that this vehicle has caused me. I drive 55 miles each way to work and 95% of my commute is highway 70 mph. The failure of the steering shaft happened in a parking lot but all you can think is what could have happened if it went on the highway. It caused the car to be unable to steer. It all started with clunking which my husband thought was something with the suspension. We just got this vehicle back from the mechanic for the first life threatening failure of the transmission cooler which cost us almost $1000. All these parts that are going bad on these Escapes should not be happening to a car with under 100,000 miles I would say they shouldn't happened to cars with 200,000 miles. Ford will not do anything to fix the issue for this problem or the last one. They have absolutely no regard for human life and don't care if anyone dies as you will just become a number on a spreadsheet if you do get killed. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE THIS COMPANY FIX THESE ITEMS THEY ARE GOING TO CAUSE NUMEROUS LIVES TO BE LOST ALL BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO CHEAP TO FIX THEIR FAULTY PRODUCT. IS THERE A LAWSUIT OUT THERE WE ALL CAN GET ON? THESE CARS ARE DEATH TRAPS AND WE NEED A LAWYER TO GET THEM TO PAY!
Went to ford dealer with clunking/rattling sound coming from near left front tire,accompanied by clicking sound when the steering wheel was turned (engine on as well as engine off) thought it was some kind of suspension problem. turns out that the lower
steering connector, ie the lower universal joint in the steering had worn out and was coming apart. Dealer said not a warranty problem and still waiting for Ford to respond to
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I noticed an intermittent popping noise when turning mainly to the right. Had it checked out and was a failure with the lower knuckle and lower flange in steering column. Had to replace all components. I have never heard of this sort of part failing. Seems like a common problem.
- Crista K., Jasper, AL, US