I brought my 2009 Ford Escape in for a recall to fix the problem of a faulty torque sensor which could lead to sudden loss of power steering while driving. (Recall 14S05) My local Ford dealership "reprogrammed PSCM", which would, according to Ford Motor Company's own statement in the recall letter, "update the appropriate modules to prevent loss of steering assist while driving due to a torque sensor fault." In addition, the update was to provide increased driver awareness by "sounding a chime and displaying the wrench light or warning in the message centre when a fault is detected". This recall fix was performed in February 2015.

Just recently, (October 2015), I experienced a complete and sudden loss of power steering when I started the car. There was no "chime" or "wrench light" or warning in the message centre, as the update was supposed to provide. I had a diagnostic test done by an independent mechanic. The test came back with code B2278 - steering shaft torque sensor malfunction. The system was reset, and the power steering was working, but I was told that the sensor could malfunction again.

I brought it to the Ford dealership. They told me they could find nothing wrong with the car, even though I told them what had just happened that very morning. I told them I wanted the sensor replaced at no charge to me as this was a problem related to the recall which they failed to fix the first time. They refused to listen to my complaint. I contacted the Ford Customer Relationship Centre (1-888-222-7814), and they told me that once the Recall fix had been done, Ford is no longer responsible for any problems that occur with the power steering (i.e. sudden loss of power steering) and that I am now responsible for any repairs and for costs of the repairs. Needless to say, I am not satisfied in the least with their "resolution". I feel that they did not solve the problem at all when they did the reprogramming of the PSCM. The sensor and steering column should have been replaced at that time.

In addition, Ford Motor Company is saying that tests were conducted on my vehicle to see if it "qualified" for a replacement of the torque sensor and steering column, but my vehicle did not qualify while other Ford Escapes did qualify. I have no way of knowing what the parameters of their tests were, how they decided which Escapes could qualify for a replacement and which would not. It is all up to Ford's discretion. And that is a shame. My vehicle is unsafe to drive at this moment because no one can predict when the power steering will fail again. I am getting it repaired and paying it for myself, but I do not feel this is my responsibility. I am doing it for the safety of my children and myself. Thanks for reading about my personal experience with Ford Motor Company.

Ford was told the fix the power steering problems in 1.1 million cars. 09 Escape is one of them on the list. Ford sent letters out telling owners to bring in their cars to be fixed. Instead of fixing the problem Ford says they reprogrammed the steering column. The car didn't have any problems when this works was preformed.

10,442 miles later the car is showing code B1342 and that states the steering column needs replacing. By doing the reprogramming Ford was able to clear the NHTSA recall notice for my cars VIN. When I took it to the shop because the steering went totally out they said there is NO RECALL on this car. They want me to pay to replace the steering column which they should have done in the first place. When they reprogrammed the steering column it was so that dummy lights and chimes would sound. This was not the case when the steering failed. I sort of think that the Ford Dealer I took the car to the first time really didn't do anything to it.

I think that Ford should honor the recall and fix the problems so that people don't get hurt or killed.

I had just received my vehicle back from the 3rd or 4th arbitration award thru CAMVAP. I only drove it a matter of a couple of days, when I lost my complete steering. It was totally locked. Had to force it to be parked and shut it off and it unlocked itself once I started back up.

I just had a recall and had to get special permission from Ford Canada in order to put into one of their authorized dealerships because of my history of a vehicle that has never been fixed. Upon receiving my vehicle back and due to the electrical issues with my vehicle including electrical steering failure, with the reprogramming they messed my outside temperature gauge to read 15 degrees plus cel when it was actually minus 5 degrees cel outside in Gander, Newfoundland.

I am still having ongoing issues with my vehicle and am still afraid to drive it with power surging and what not but Ford Canada states nothing is wrong. 5 years and 120,000 kms and no fix.

Ford replaced the steering column but charged me for the work. Subject: 2009 Ford Escape Recall Service #14S05 Reference 2009 Ford Escape VIN 1FMCU03GX9KA37533 - Recall Notice 14S05

I received the recall notice in the mail (14S05) effective July 25, 2014. I brought the vehicle into Garber to have the recall satisfied in August in which I believe consisted of a control module software update. Until this service we had had no problems with the Power Steering. Shortly after the service My daughter started having the problem with the power steering completely going out. Because she is a college student I located the closest Ford dealer to her location. I took it to them specifically to address the recall failure. The service manager at Recall had already been closed out and any additional work would be at regular charge. Then he said that the problem is with the steering column and it would need to be replaced. I told him that I would like to pick up the vehicle and either reschedule the repair or even have my daughter drive it to the original dealer for the work and to address the fact that the software patch did not resolve the problem. His comment was that "this is a very dangerous matter and would not advise anyone drive the vehicle". I decided it was in our best interest to have the steering column replaced and to address the recall issue after.

I cannot get anyone at Ford to refund me the money it cost to replace the steering column. They all act like there is nothing they can do.

Please Help.

Update from Apr 9, 2015: Now the ignition switch is jacked up. Put key in and turn. Nothing happens. Pull out and reinsert, car starts.

I have had this vehicle for three years. It's been a problem off and on since I purchased it. I took it in and was told couldn't find anything wrong. Last summer I took it in on a recall for the same problem and told that it was fixed. I got up temp at 25* and the steering is totally out. This is an electronic steering and was told it's in the computer. So now it's still not fixed. Totally wrong.

Ford should know it's a problem and fix it right instead of changing the software in the computer! Very dangerous when driving and it failed.

Update from Nov 3, 2014: After calling the dealership and Ford motor company on this recall. They have refused to repair my vehicle. They have told me when I had my vehicle in for the recall and had it fixed my vehicle had no codes in the computer for the problem. Because of that they will not repair my vehicle now. Said I have to pay for the fix.

We are long time Ford lovers. We have antique Fords. I find it hard to believe Ford has this issue and is not doing anything about it. I was driving to the grocery with my granddaughter and all of sudden I had no steering, it just locked up, I was so scared, I didn't know what to do. I used all my force to get it off the road and into another business parking lot. I called my husband and he told me to turn the car off. I did just that. I then turned it on and the problem was gone, so I thought.

After nearly getting hit in this wonderful piece of------- I will not drive this car until the problem is solved. It is not paid off yet and it sits in the driveway. Like I said we are known as the Ford people with little Ford emblems running through our veins. My veins are looking at other Car Manufacturers.

My husband drove the car and he to had to use his muscle to get it off the road. After 4 attempts he made it home, this was just 12-26-13 that he drove and really was upset and scared because this will get you killed. Does Ford not care about a person's life or another sale in the future. I have 5 Fords. I'm thinking they should be something other than Ford. Ford step up to the plate and do your job and fix this problem.

My wife was driving home after work during rush hour on a major highway going approximately 70 mph and steering went out 2 times on her way home. Now when I start the vehicle it has no power steering UNLESS I apply some pressure to the steering wheel while starting. I am now using this vehicle for local runs (kids school) and back. I've experienced the issue myself and I compare driving it to a parked vehicle with no power steering WHILE DRIVING making it VERY difficult to drive as compared to a regular vehicle with no power steering.

After research, the only fix is the steering column replacement which through my local dealership will cost me $515 and change, or fix at dealership for about $950. Apparently Ford dropped the price due to more of this happening and having had a couple "revisions" to the OE column design. Now that would tell me since there are revisions that it seems to have a couple known issues with OE. You would think since this is a safety concern that FORD would jump on this issue with all the GM recalls going on.... Makes ya wonder if somebody has to DIE first?

Update from May 14, 2014: Fixed it myself. Wasn't too bad if your mechanically inclined. Hardest part was figuring out how to get the ignition tumbler off of the old column. AND might I add... I paid a THIRD of what it would cost to get it done at dealership! $379 out the door!!! Still haven't heard back from FORD or NHTSA...

It appears this is an ongoing issue with Ford Escapes. As mentioned in all of the other complaints....the power steering just goes out. Once I turn the vehicle off and restart the vehicle its fine but only for awhile. My 17 year old son was driving the vehicle when the power steering went out and almost crashed into a brick wall. Like all others before me, I called Ford and there is no assistance at this time for this severe service/safety issue. I'm with the guy that wants to file a class action law suit. Sign me up. My vehicle has less than 80,000 miles and of course the warranty is expired. My estimated cost to repair is $1800.

On 11/22/13 I had been driving, doing errands. I turned left off of a busy road into a parking lot and completely lost my steering. I manhandled it over to the side of the driveway out of traffic and checked to see if the engine was still running. It was. No check engine lights were on. I put it into gear and pulled into a parking spot at the end away from cars because I could not control the steering beyond wide turns. I called a tow truck and started looking for the steering fluid to see if it was low. When I couldn't find it I checked the manual and discovered it was an electric system. When I turned on the key again the steering was fine. I had it towed and the shop couldn't find anything on the scanners, nor could they get the problem to duplicate. We decided it might be a fluke and I went on my way.

On Sunday, 11/24/13 it happened again after I turned left. It is nearly impossible to turn the wheel when it happens for no apparent reason but when the engine is turned off and back on the steering is fine. My husband had been planning on visiting a friend north of Boston, we are south. All I could think of was if that had happened to him on those highways or tunnels at high speed.

I see other complaints in here that describe the exact problem. I have called two shops. The Ford Dealer said it could be a module but that was the same price as the steering column @ $1300. A Ford parts guy said they have been replacing Rack & Pinion for about $850. I am searching to see what has fixed it for other people. Too much money to gamble and too dangerous to delay the repair.

I can't believe that as common as this is there has not been a recall.