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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,288 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Escape steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 14 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #97

Apr 022018

Escape

  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering on my 2011 Ford Escape has stopped working and it is very hard to turn especially when you're at a stopped position. It all of the sudden started and Ford will not repair it on recall. Ford sucks!!! I will never buy another Ford in my lifetime!!!! I cant even drive it because my arms and hand have chronic pain and this is only vehicle I have

- Burnsville, NC, USA

problem #96

Mar 062018

Escape

  • 186,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While the vehicle was driving various speeds or idling, the steering wheel shook violently. Also, the engine and power steering assist warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to eau claire Ford Lincoln (2009 lorch ave, eau claire, wi 54701, (715) 852-1000), but no diagnostic testing failure codes were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #95

Apr 012018

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While operating the vehicle, a grinding type noise was heard when turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel became more difficult to turn and would jerk and vibrate. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column was faulty, but the exact failure was not identified. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was previously diagnosed per NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering), but no failures were found at the time. The failure mileage was 124,000. Updated 9/19/18

- Clarksberg, WV, USA

problem #94

Mar 272018

Escape

  • 174,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel jerked and the 'power steering assist default" message appeared. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact also mentioned that the jerking of the steering wheel had gotten worse in the past several days, to the point that the failure occurred when the vehicle was in park. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired by the dealer (bob chapman Ford, 1255 columbus avenue marysville, Ohio 43040) on October 16, 2016 for the same failure. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.

- Ridgeway, OH, USA

problem #93

Feb 122018

Escape

  • 40,000 miles
The power steering does not activate at start..must start several times to make it work first time this happened I was driving.I have only one hand this caused the car to hit the curb I had to have the car towed Ford said my car was not on the recall.what can I do to fix this (not $1500 from Ford) please help

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #92

Jul 012014

Escape 6-cyl

  • 33,754 miles
2011 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to failure of power steering column was directly connected to issues contained in recall notice 14V-285 and requests reimbursement for repairs.

- Daniel Island, SC, USA

problem #91

Mar 062018

Escape

  • 102,295 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Beginning February 16, 2018 I began experiencing vibration and bouncing of steering wheel even when the vehicle was parked. I addition to steering concern - electrical system appears to be shorting out affecting the dash electronics such as indicator lights on dash, radio operation and door locks. The steering malfunction became steadily worse to the point that in early March 2018 I began inquiring on vehicle recalls. In speaking to Ford was advised that a steering unit recall was issued but my vehicle was not listed. Further communication with Ford identified the possibility that a clerical error occurred which failed to include my VIN to the recall as my vehicle sticker did not identify the date of manufacture only the month and year. More telephone calls with Ford identified my 2011 Ford Escape as being manufactured on 09/09/2010 and was included in the recall. Conversations since 2/16/18 yielded that mojave auto group performed a software reset in December 2014 rather than replacement of the steering unit. When I began speaking with Ford and NHTSA the vehicle was still operational. On 3/6/18 mojave auto group has inspected my vehicle and written up the power assist failure and found the steering column bad and needing replacement. Information on my vehicle has been documented within the mojave auto group system under so#605329

- Pinon Hills, CA, USA

problem #90

Feb 082018

Escape

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While driving 80 mph, the vehicle shook violently and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #89

Jan 282018

Escape 6-cyl

  • 41,349 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While the contact's son was driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and the ABS and stability warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was driven home. The following day, the vehicle was taken to andy shaw Ford (1231 E main St, sylva, nc 28779, (828) 586-0900) where it was diagnosed that the steering sensor and column needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 41,349.

- Elgin, IL, USA

problem #88

Feb 032018

Escape

  • 90,900 miles
Power steering stopped functioning while turning at slow speed in parking lot. Vehicle reverted to manual steering mode until vehicle was turned off and then turned back on.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #87

Dec 312017

Escape

  • 90,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering stopped functioning while turning at slow speed on city street. Vehicle reverted to manual steering until the vehicle was turned off and then turned back on again.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #86

Jan 252018

Escape

  • 120,000 miles
Power steering has gone out 3 times in the past 4 days. All at low speeds, less than 10 mph. I know there is a recall for the same issue with other Ford Escapes of the same year but my vehicles VIN is not part of that recall. I am asking to be included.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #85

Dec 112017

Escape

  • 41,000 miles
Lost power steering -the car has 41000 M I have only one hand with the loss of power steering I was very close to an wreck..had to have the car towed..Ford said my car does not qualify for recall..Escapes from 2008-2011 were recalled but my car is excluded"?"no explanation...

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #84

Nov 052017

Escape 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. While reversing from the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (key scales Ford, 1719 citrus blvd, leesburg, fl 34748) where it was diagnosed that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-392-3673 and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall and that the contact had to pay for the repair. Case number: [xxx] was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- The Villages, FL, USA

problem #83

Dec 032017

Escape

  • 166,000 miles
Lost steering while vehicle was in motion on a city street. Power has cut out on many occasions

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #82

Nov 252017

Escape

  • miles
I am having the same steering issues as described in hundred of complaints 2011 Ford Escape owners. The power steering seems to quit and lock-up making it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel this seems to be a common problem with the 2011 Ford Escape, so much so that Ford has a issued factory recall for this very problem with this model year Escape display all the exact same symptoms, yet according to Ford my vehicle don't qualify for the recall. Why does one model not qualify when other model with the same issues are recalled ? seemingly, I am not the only person having this problem.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #81

Nov 042015

Escape

  • 38,000 miles
Shortly after I bought the car the power steering started to randomly shut off will driving, often while driving on the freeway at 65 mph and on streets at 35mph. I have been in 3 accidents as direct result, lucky no one was I hired. When it happens the steering makes a loud click and then you can't move the steering wheel at all. If you turn the car off and on again, that sometimes fixes it but often times it will immediately click again and the steering will turn off. Ford staff laugh saying they get lots of complaints but say nothing is being done and give me a bill for 1200 dollars. I already spent 30K on the car and I do T have any more money to give Ford so my car is worthless and dangerous to drive. Someone will be killed in this car, it really is dangerous and people will die, that's a guarantee.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #80

Jan 202016

Escape

  • 40,000 miles
I have been in two minor accidents as a direct result of the power steering failing while drive. The steering fails once a day and does so, usually when make a hard or sharp turn. Once, the power steering disengaged, reverting to manuel, while I was traveling on the highway at 65 mph! Ford refused to repair the defective stealing after more than 10 contacts with their corporate office and multiple Ford dealers. They referred me to their 'legal department' and refused to replace the defective steering.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #79

Nov 102017

Escape

  • 130,000 miles
As I'm driving my Escape, the power steering suddenly stops working at random times.

- Willard, OH, USA

problem #78

Nov 082017

Escape

  • 68,000 miles
Failure of power assist suddenly without warning. Fortunately, it happened at low speed as exiting a parking lot. Towed to repair shop (non-Ford). Error code B2778 indicated with remedy of replace steering column. Appear that the safety problem identified under Ford recall 14S05 is more widespread than the vehicles the recall covered forcing us to pay for this safety fix

- Erie, PA, USA

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