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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 1 of 18)

problem #357

Jul 012024

Escape

  • 170,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact was not aware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and called a friend for assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and then the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electric power steering sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer to complete the repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #356

Jun 242024

Escape

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to drive from the parking lot; however, the steering wheel became very stiff, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The contact was not able to turn the steering wheel to the right nor the left. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #355

Jun 192024

Escape

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force to regain control of the vehicle. The contact arrived to the destination and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective steering column. Upon investigation, the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

- Orange, MA, USA

problem #354

Jun 102024

Escape

  • 78,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

- Milford, MI, USA

problem #353

Jun 142024

Escape

  • miles
Power steering went out on wife's 2011 ford escape, checked for recall and found none for her vehicle however there was for 2008 to 2011 escapes which involved the torque sensor. I don't know why I never received a recall notice and have noticed many other people have had the same problem and Ford is unwilling to do anything about it. This is a defect that could cost someone or someone's their life or serious injury and Ford should be required to fix the problem. Hope that pressure will be put on Ford to fix the problem as they should.

- Camden , TN, USA

problem #352

Apr 152024

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #351

May 162024

Escape

  • 206,550 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 206,550.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

problem #350

May 102024

Escape

  • miles
You turn on the car and the steering wheel is locked and this is happening every day, every time you turn on the car.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #349

May 042024

Escape

  • 14,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to work as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with EGR valve failure. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contacted stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Sandusky, OH, USA

problem #348

Oct 032023

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering functionality was inoperable, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #347

Apr 222024

Escape

  • miles

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

Power steering locks up and makes it almost impossible to turn the wheel. Error diagnostic code is B2278. VIN is not included in the recall.

- Bowling Green, OH, USA

problem #346

Nov 152023

Escape

  • 240,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact was able to park and restart the vehicle; however, the power steering failed to regain normal functionality, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as having power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

- Plant City, FL, USA

problem #345

Apr 152022

Escape

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after driving approximately 10 MPH and then attempting to park the vehicle, the power steering abruptly switched to manual steering mode and became difficult to turn. The contact stated after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering regained normal functionality before the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

- Lynn, MA, USA

problem #344

Apr 012024

Escape

  • miles
This 2011 Ford Escape has a front K-frame (subframe) failure. The area where the front passenger lower control connects to the k-frame has completely rusted through, causing the lower control arm to almost detach from the vehicle at the front bushing. While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became crooked and the car was taken to a shop for an alignment. Upon inspection it was learned that the K-frame has rusted in that one area so badly that the wheel could become detached if the vehicle is driven any further. I see that Ford has this exact issue with 2001-2004 models and did a recall. However, they are not indicating that they are addressing this same problem with newer models.

- Clear Spring, MD, USA

problem #343

Apr 022024

Escape

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel locked, causing the vehicle to drive straightforwardly towards oncoming traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and reversed. The contact stated that a road construction worker placed traffic cones around the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer for the part and was informed that the part was not available. The contact followed up with the dealer, who informed her that the part had been discontinued. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was being towed to the independent mechanic, the front driver's side lower control arm fractured due to severely rusted bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #342

Nov 282022

Escape

  • miles
The power steering keeps locking up while driving on the highway and taking turns. Driving this car when this happens is very stressful and frighting, since you have to turn the car off and move the steering wheel to loosen it up before you can drive again. This has almost cause me to have several accidents. And there is no warning when this is going to happen, it just locks up. Ford has done a recall for the power steering issue for the Ford Escape and for the same year. They are telling me that my car is not listed for this recall. Took the car to Ford Auto Nation in July of 2023 and paid over $3000 to have fixed. Not even a week later the steering was locking up more. Took the car back and they have had it ever since. It has been 9 months waiting for this to be fixed. I would like this car to be included in the recall so I can get a refund and have my car fixed by a different dealership. I did a case number [XXX] with Ford for them to just tell me my vin number isn't included in the recall. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide. This issue started back in November of 2022, but since I am in the Coast Guard and would spend 3 to 6 months out at sea it sat on base for most of the time. Had the car shipped from California to Florida in June of 2023 and took to repair shop who said it would be covered over the recall which as I explained I am being informed it isn't. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Miramar, FL, USA

problem #341

Feb 182024

Escape

  • 130,000 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was veering around a curb the vehicle temporarily lost power steering functionality. The contact-??s daughter was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated; however, 5 audible dings were coming from the system. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and it was diagnosed with an intermittent power steering failure. The mechanic informed the contact there was a recall for that failure and to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was not associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Harrisonville, MO, USA

problem #340

Oct 012023

Escape

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering torque sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Ottumwa, IA, USA

problem #339

Jan 132024

Escape

  • 313,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated when he entered the vehicle, the vehicle was without power steering functionality. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the vehicle was jerking. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 313,000.

- La Vernia, TX, USA

problem #338

Jan 232024

Escape

  • miles
Loses power steering. Recall had been fixed way before I bought it.

- Humboldt, IL, USA

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