2008 Ford Escape Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and failed to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for several weeks; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak

The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.

The power steering started going out at low speeds and eventually just stopped working. The car keeps saying power steering assist fault. The power steering no longer works.

The electronic power steering stopped working and it is almost impossible to move or turn the car. Dashboard shows fault. This is a Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 model with 142,000 miles. The car has not been repaired and I have yet to take it to a Ford dealership.

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] Component: Steering – Electric Power Steering Assist Recall Involved: 14S05 / NHTSA 14V-284000 Description of the Safety Problem: My vehicle is experiencing a recurrence of electric power steering assist failure after a prior safety recall repair. This 2008 Ford Escape was subject to Safety Recall 14S05 (NHTSA Campaign 14V-284000), which addresses sudden loss of electric power steering assist due to a torque sensor fault. This condition can occur while driving and results in significantly increased steering effort, creating a safety risk. Ford records show the recall was marked “completed” on November 22, 2014. In a written response dated December 22, 2025, Ford Motor Company confirmed that the recall remedy consisted only of software reprogramming of the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) and Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). No mechanical components (including the torque sensor or steering column) were replaced. In 2025, the same steering assist failure recurred, resulting in heavy steering effort and renewed safety concerns. This indicates that the recall remedy did not correct the underlying defect. Ford Motor Company has acknowledged in writing that: The recall was software-only The recall is closed No current programs provide coverage for the recurring steering failure Ford denied further assistance strictly on eligibility grounds and did not dispute the recurrence of the defect or its safety implications. Because this is a recurrence of the same safety-related defect addressed by the recall, I am concerned that the recall remedy was inadequate, and that other vehicles repaired under this recall may also experience recurrence after software-only updates. I am submitting this complaint to request NHTSA review of: The adequacy of Recall 14S05’s remedy Whether a software-only repair sufficiently addresses torque sensor failure The safety implications of recurring steering assist loss after recall completion Loss of INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Forscan showing torque sensor malfunction, the same issue that was recalled in 2014. Causing loss of power steering

Manufacturer failed to respond to certified written request for recall coverage determination.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a light and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn, and a crescent wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided error code B2278 and informed that the steering column motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE light appears on dash board The power steering went out

Please see uploaded documents. One is a letter to Ford, and Damerow Ford. The other is receipts for sending certified mail, return receipt, signature requested, to have a response within 30 business days. We've contacted the dealership, emailed [XXX] , and customer service, and spoke to customer service to have a case number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The gear shift bushing failed . I was lucky . Drive into driveway on a hill. Went to shift to park and the lever started to act like it wasn’t connected and started rolling backwards. While shifting it was in the neutral position. I quickly braked and turned car off . Had to use emergency brake. The dealership said it was recalled but this VIN wasn’t included . I ordered new cable but was told it was easier to replace bushing.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

The power steering in my '08 Ford Escape has intermitten issues, and does not engage sometimes (especially when starting the vehicle). There was a recall by Ford (recall id: 14S05) in 2014, and when I called the Ford Customer Service, they said the recall was repaired in 2015. They said my current issue would not be covered under the recall. I called my local Ford Dealership, and they said they would likely not cover the repair either. This recall is for the Electronic Power Steering, which is a major safety issue.

Hazard flashers turn on by themselves any rime night or day even while driving. Transmission oil cooler leaks. Transmission shift lever bushing in shift cable broke [ Thankfully while not on the road ] This car only has 25,000 miles on it

While driving, steering column locked up and could not turn - nearly causing crash. Steering column is not key locked, but still will not turn in any position. A few small clicks right behind the steering and one loud click immediately before strong locked up was the only indicator that something was wrong.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and pulling into a parking lot, after shifting the vehicle into park(P), the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power and all electrical functionality, and the contact became locked inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle and suffered heat strokes during a hot summer day. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to provide the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer was also locked inside the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

It has the no power steering problem just like the other vehicles of the same model and year.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Power Steering fail. Went to a doctor's appointment, when leaving I start backing up to leave the parking spot and the power steering was too hard, stiff & very difficult to turn end so end up pulling back into the parking spot. Turn OFF the vehicle then open the hood, inspect the hood and under the car, check fuses and everything was fine. No warning light or anything in the dashboard. Turn ON the vehicle again after a few and give it another try but still was really hard to turn. I end up calling a family member for help and end up towing the car.This could have been a serious accident or injury if happened while driving. While doing research about the issues I found out that there was a recall related to the issue 14a05, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic but has not been repair.

In rainy conditions, executed a hard stop activating the ABS. After successfully activating, the brakes go almost to the floor, and ABS function has stopped. No air in brake system, and master cylinder checks out good. Seems dangerous that the one time you really need ABS, it goes out. No warning lights on dash, mechanic has confirmed issue.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to make the turn, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was initially intermittent but had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was called several times, but was unreachable, and the mailbox was full. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The power steering failed, turning my steering wheel all the way to the left with excessive force. A safety recall exists for my type of vehicle but my vehicle VIN Number is not included recall, numbered 14S05 For Ford Escape model years 2008 - 2011

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to steer correctly, and the steering wheel needed to be held with added force. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the torque sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.

The steering wheel began to shake while parked. The wrench light came on and the steering wheel became stiff while driving. After researching it is apparent it is the torgue sensor as Ford had a recall for previous 2008-2011 Ford & Mercury vehicles torgue sensors. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Recall Item Affected: Date Announced: 05/29/2014 Description of Recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist. Action Need To Fix It: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by July 25, 2014.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Power Steering Failure Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 40 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and the "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was connected to a handheld diagnostic machine by a friend who stated that there was a failure with a sensor within the steering column. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

My power steering goes out. I have to turn my car off, let it sit and turn it back on. Then I have power steering but then while I'm driving it goes out again. I looked up the issues and found out that there was a recall for the torque sensor on 2008 escapes but mine wasn't included in the recall and I am am having the same issue that the recall is for. I can be doing 25mph and it goes out sometimes when I start my car I automatically don't have power steering but if I turn it out and back on I do.

So the wheel is very hard to drive and turn. I took it to the dealer tom wood ford in indianapolis indiana and i let them know about the issue and they ended up only fixing the water pump which it was recalled and im sure the power steering has to have some type of recall . I usally drive and my kids ride with me and to have that fault of 2008 FORD Escape power steering assist fault light and be very hard to drive it can cause to have a motor vehicle accident because while driving it looses power

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a local independent service center for a second opinion and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering shaft and steering sensor kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. An appointment with the local independent service center was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and an audible ringing sound was coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The power steering goes out. There is not warning light. The vehicle has been to several mechanic shops. They are able to reset the system and it works temporarily, but happens again. There were no warnings, or other symptoms. It happens out of the blue, and could potentially cause an accident.

While the person was driving the wheel suddenly became stiff and very difficult to turn but luckily was in his neighborhood to park it. This could have been a very deadly crash if it happened anywhere else or suddenly on the main road. The person could have been seriously injured due to this malfunction or other people as well. This problem has been confirmed by ford and they issued a recall in 2014 for this exact same issue. The issue with the recall is my vehicle was manufactured during this 3 year period time of faulty manufacturing but is still not included in the recall list and so many other Americans are dealing with the same issue and no repairs. I would like ford to be held accountable and extend the vin list of cars needing repairs. No the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior until the incident which it now says power steering assist fault.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

The power steering assist has gone out but I don't understand why it is not included in it

The vehicle frequently shuts down with a stop safely now light displaying on the dash. Gives maybe a 5-10 second warning before the vehicle is immobile. Has not caused an accident for us but has occurred abruptly on busy roads increasing the risk of one. However, it usually occurs when idling in a drive through or light etc. The vehicle also frequently does something that causes the clock and date to reset to 2004. This seems to always occur between drives overnight.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and excessive effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was also notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was given the same diagnosis as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVE TO COLLEGE AND STOPPED FOR GAS. SHE CALLED ME SAYING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. BUT SHE HAD NOT LOST POWER STEERING. SHE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER SAYING SHE COULD NOT TURN HER STEERING WHEEL TO GET TURNED AROUND TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL. I CAME TO ASSIST HER AND SURE ENOUGH THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS BLINK ON THE DASH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TURNED AROUND AND STARTED BACK TO OUR MECHANIAC. SHE FOLLOWED BEHIND. I FOUND THE SLOWER I WOULD GO THE HARDER IT BECAME TO STEER. I DID A SOLID 50-55 MPH ALL THE WAY THERE BUT COULD FEEL THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE MADE IT TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND SAID HE COULDN'T GET IT TO START AND WE NEEDED TO TAKE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CAR SCANNED. WE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T GET TO IT FOR ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS AND REFERRED US TO A COMPANY IN A 4-5 HOUR AWAY TO GET A USED PART AND COME TO US TO FIX. WE RESEARCHED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND FOUND 14S05. SINCE WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND NEVER WERE NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR WERE TOLD ABOUT A CURRENT RECALL AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, WE STARTED TO SEARCH IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN FIXED BY THE FIRST OWNER (OUT OF POCKET) OR THROUGH THE RECALL. PLEASE ANY INFORMATION AND/OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault," message displayed; after which, the driver became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Driving and lost power steering. Replaced torque sensor within the steering column, but power steering is still a no go.

The power steering while driving goes out and trys locking

driving down the road and out of nowhere all the dash light come on, the speedometer and rpm all go to zero. I am able to still control the car and drive down, the only thing that won’t work besides the dash cluster is the air conditioning. Hitting a bump or smacking the dash normally turns off the dash light and I can see my speed and rpm’s again. I took it to ford for them to diagnose and they said the dash cluster is what’s bad. It’s very scary to drive because the lights come on so often and I’m fearful I’m going to lose more control of the vehicle.

Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have a choice but to buy a new tire. The new tire cost me another $140.00+, before down time and a waste of energy. Time is everything in this country. Thank you,

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a tire rotation, and the contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection at the same local independent mechanic during another routine tire rotation, it was noticed that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that rust was a category that was not inspected or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was not available.

Tire Size: P235/70R16 104T In the first week of April, 2024, the rear passenger side tire was showing low air. I took it to a tire shop close by. They checked it and could not find any defection, except air. They inflated and balanced it. I started driving it hoping everything would be OK. After 3 days the same thing happened. Again, I took it to a different tire shop, and they took their time and thoroughly checked, no nails or air leak at all. At that point and after I told them the history of the tire, they suggested that it is a manufacturer's defect or it is a defected tire. More over, the tire guy advised me to contact the NHTSA or the manufacturer. On top the purchasing price, I spent $60.00 for inspection, the purchasing price was $112.50, from Walmart. In conclusion, I purchased a new tire and replaced it, and costed me to mount it. I did not have a choice, and I kept the bad tire. I had to go through all these, because of the defected tire, or the manufacturer's fault. I cant't live without or I do everything with my car, and I have only 1 car. Car is a big part of my/our daily life in America. You guys can take it from here. That is all. Thank you

My car was scheduled for the mechanic for ABS brake issues on April 8, 2024. On April 1, 2024 I was driving on the highway at 65 mph when I lost power to the gas pedal. I could have been seriously injured from other motor vehicles. There was no warning lights, no messages, nothing. I got to the side of the road at about 20 mph. I turned off the vehicle and then turned it back on when the engine light came on and the wrench light. I turned it off again and on and no lights lit up. I was towed to my mechanic and they were able to repeat the incident. The mechanic took it off the tow trailer and he said there are no warning lights when he turned the car on. I told him they went off when I turned the car back on on the highway. The throttle body is the part that went bad and was replaced by the mechanic.

ABS brake light goes on and off and regen system disabled appeared. Brake pedal goes between being spongy and going to floor. I took it to an independent service center and the mechanic almost lost control of the car when test driving. There was no braking except to one wheel, which is why he almost lost control. They thought they fixed the problem by bleeding the brakes, but soon after I got it back on April 8, 2024 the ABS and brake lights came back on April 10, 2024. I am afraid that it will cause an accident if the brakes go out. The car is back at the mechanics and they are going to inspect the brake system. Not sure when the car will be fixed and returned back to me.

The torque sensor in my steering wheel is malfunctioning. My steering wheel vibrates and shakes while I’m driving and while I’m sitting in park. There was a recall for this exact issue for 2008-2012 ford escapes, yet this website says my car does not have any recalls…I have videos of my steering wheel shaking.