2008 Ford Escape Steering Problems

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.