2018 FORD ESCAPE Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Assist Fault - Seek Service" was displayed , and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the electric steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,108.

Mileage: 15,108

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the steering wheel independently turned to the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. In addition, the contact stated that two days later several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,470.

Mileage: 69,470

While traveling from Massachusetts to South Carolina we stopped at a rest area for a break. when we re-started the S.U.V., a message was displayed that the power steering assist was no longer working. No warning and it was running fine before stop. Because the same thing happened on my other Ford Edge, I knew what I needed to do. We had to have the car towed off highway to a local Ford dealership, were they confirmed that the rack and pinion steering system FAILED. It took the dealer 2 weeks to repair it at a cost of $3,171.45. Because this as happened on two different FORD products I believe that Ford has a problem with the steering system and that the N.H.T.S.A. dept should look into this?? I filed a complaint with N.H.T.S.A. dept on my first S.U.V.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized, with the steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

The steering of the vehicle completely went out with NO warning lights/no warning whatsoever. If this had happened at speed or a sharp turn, this would have likely resulted in a collision. There are only 50,000 miles on the vehicle, so there is no way that the steering should completely go out. I see there are other vehicles that this has occurred with as well in this model/year; I feel that this should be a safety recall.

This is the third time I have had to get this fixed!! But this time my power steering completely locked up. It's electric power steering so it's not cheap and I am still paying on the vehicle also!! I have driven Fords all my life but I am just about done

3 hours into a 4 hour drive, stopped for rest room. Got back into vehicle, started backing up and couldn't turn the wheel - almost hit a CAR. I had just spent the last 3 hours on an interstate, thankfully I didn't happen a moment sooner. Steering fault illuminated on dash - towed 100+ miles to local garage - FAILED PART IS STEERING RACK MODULATOR AT A COST OF $3200 AND ALMOST 2 LIVES. AUTO ONLY HAS 65,000 miles/2018

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the "Power Steering Loss" message was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road until someone associated with the contact could drive the vehicle. The steering had become difficult to maneuver and required an excessive amount of strength to drive the vehicle. The failure recurred after the first repair was completed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired after the first failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired after the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 111,053.

Mileage: 111,053

The contact owned a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 12 MPH while approaching a speed bump, the vehicle lost the power steering and the hill assist warning light illuminated. The steering wheel became stiff causing the vehicle to flip completely over onto the roof of the vehicle. The contact stuffed minor injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towed lot and was deemed totally lost. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 53,086.

Mileage: 53,086

Wife was driving our 2018 Ford Escape out of a parking lot. Steering wheel locked up and vehicle displayed a “Steering Assist Fault” warning light. She was unable to steer vehicle, which nearly caused accident before she was able to stop vehicle.

I bought the vehicle in July of 2019 with approximately 20,000 mi on it. I have never touched or adjusted the steering wheel, and I'm the only one to drive the vehicle. My daughter has gotten her temps and I allowed her to drive the vehicle last night. She adjusted the steering column as she is a bit shorter than I am. When I got back into the driver seat, and move the steering wheel back into the position that I keep it in, and then proceeded to turn out of the driveway And it felt as if all the tires were flat and it was very hard to steer. I assume I lost my power steering abilities. Also the windshield wipers started going off and the washer fluid just started flying out onto the windshield and would not stop. I immediately put the car into park and turn the vehicle off. I turned on the car, proceeded to make the turn again, and the car did the same thing. The only thing I could think of was possibly something got pinched inside the steering column with the wiring harness because that is the only thing that changed between her and I driving. When I started the car up this morning and went to turn out of the driveway it did the same thing. I loosened up the lock on the steering wheel and I moved it up and down and relocked it, and got to my destination without any more issue, but concerned there is something going on with the wiring harness now.

The power steering suddenly stopped working on my 2018 Ford Escape when I turned my car on, with an odometer reading of under 26,000 miles. A "Steering fault" message suddenly appeared. If I had been driving on the highway or interstate at the time, this could have resulted in a serious and deadly accident. I called the Ford dealership and the representative told me it was safe to drive the car, and said that if I wanted to, I could just drive it without the power steering until they had the part in to fix it. I asked if that was safe and they said yes. I asked if they were sure it was safe. Then they went and checked with a tech person and told me it wasn't safe. The dealership confirmed the steering fault message and found codes U3000:49 and U3000:53. Notes from my very expensive invoice indicate "Pin Point test leads to internal fault with steering gear module remove and replace steering gear assy."

There have been several instances of the vehicle completely shutting off while sitting idle and at red lights. I took it to the dealership and there is coolant leaking into the cylinders causing it to misfire. This is very dangerous and could cause the car to run hot or burn up! The said I should replace the engine but FORD should be responsible as this seems to be a problem in many of their escapes!

My car at 49000 miles had a steering malfunction that when driving the steering wheel became too hard to turn, I took it to Ford schomp in Aurora to get that fixed and also get the recall attended, after a week they told me that the part was in backorder and that they don't have a date to get my car fixed, Since the part was not available I decided to pick up my car aince I was paying too much for a rental and I did not know for how long, so when I went to pick up my car they charged me for the diagnosis and the fee for restocking, even when they did not have the part available. I think that the steering failing in a middle of a trip is very dangerous for anybody, especially when the vehicle is a 2018 with less than 100000 miles,

Today for the second time the vehicle power steering failed at approx 40 mph. The service engine / Fault light then lighted. I pulled over and restarted the car (since this worked last time) and the power steering came back. After the first occurrence about 2 months ago we brought it to a dealer . Saybrook Ford Old Saybrook CT. They could not duplicate intermittant problem said it MAY need a steering GW-AR" but did retirieve at U300 repair code - they could not do a pinpoint test due to the stored code. Battery tested good. No repair done . Repair invoice available.

Transmission fault notification appeared on the screen while on the highway. Vehicle unable to maintain speed and has "bumping" when attempting to drive it. Poses a safety threat because I was unable to maintain speed while driving. Ford has not found remedy and it has been a month without ability to use vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 60-65 MPH in a straight forward lane, the steering wheel would independently steer to the right with resistance. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was resistance while attempting to readjust the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Mileage: 21,000

I have had intermittent steering problems on my 2018 Ford Escape where the steering wheel will lock up. I have been at stoplights and intersections where I had to wait for traffic to move so that I would not hit anyone. It usually rectified itself when I started the car in motion. It would free up and begin to move again. This past weekend, 8/6/22, the steering wheel locked up and would not turn at all. I attempted to move forward, and it did not free up. After a few feet, the steering wheel would move, but I had to use a lot of force to get it to move in the direction I needed to go to get out of a crowded drive thru line and to a safe parking spot. Even with that, the car moved at a minimal turning. I parked the car. My husband arrived 20 minutes later. After restarting the car, he was able to move the steering wheel but it was still sluggish. We did not have any warning lights for any of the instances where it locked up. We drove it across the street to a Ford dealership. The service department at the dealership says they cannot reproduce the problem. They state they have "worked their way back through the wiring", and seem to think it is the steering gear. We are now going to pay $2200 to repair the steering on a 2018 model car. The dealer stated they had seen this problem in the past. I refused to take it from the dealership because I am afraid it will seize up again while I am driving and not rectify like it did before the incident on 8/6/22. I have researched recalls and litigation, but do not see anything for my model year. I do not have an invoice for the repair because the dealer is waiting on the part from Ford.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the steering wheel became firm. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

Mileage: 56,000

Driving home after leaving car at my daughter's house. Very cold last night and it was left outside. Steering was a bit tight on the ride home. Then a light came on the dash...and the steering virtually locked up. Extremely hard to turn or maneuver. I am 6'3" and 260lbs..and had this been my wife driving who knows what would happened. Put it in garage this morning. Went out about 15 minutes ago...no change. Big red sign on the dash instrument panel reading "Steering loss. Stop safely". Major safety issue had some else been driving.

You may want to investigate this. I own a 2018 Ford Escape which I purchased new. Two week ago the left rear passenger window was broken out. As I was in Idaho at the time, and had to drive back to Washington State, I drove the car down the highway at 55 MPH with the sunroof open and all other windows closed. No problem. I then closed the sunroof and the car shook violently to the point I thought the back door might be ripped off. We seldom open the back windows so I never experienced this before but it could cause an accident.

COMING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN NEVADA, IT BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE WE RAN OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OVER AND OVER. THERE WAS A SHAKING IN THE STEERING/WHEELS SO FELT LIKE IT KEEP HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. WE FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT MAY BE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. WHEN IT WAS TURNED OFF, IT BEGAN TO CORRECT. BUT IT TURNED ITSELF BACK ON BY ITSELF.

Mileage: 55,000

VEHICLE STEERING STIFF AND DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER STARTING. MUST WORK MOVING STEERING WHEEL FORCE ABLE TO UNLOCK TO DRIVE. ALSO MAKES NOISE WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING THE WHEEL. I THOUGHT IT WAS A LOW BATTERY TAKING/CONSERVING POWER; HOWEVER UPON TAKING TO FORD DEALERSHIP IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT MY RACK AND PINION NEEDS REPLACED. MY 2018 FORD ESCAPE HAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FORD TECHNICIAN INDICATED THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL REPAIR DUE TO THEY USUALLY DON'T SEE THIS REPAIR ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE LOW MILEAGE AND IT'S ABOUT 100,000 MILES LESS THAN HE USUALLY SEES. IT IS A DRIVING HAZARD AND COULD HAVE WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. SO DISAPPOINTED AND FEEL THERE IS A DEFINITE FACTORY-PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW.

Mileage: 46,000

I BOUGHT 2018 FORD ESCAPE WITH 6K MILES ON IT. AFTER ONE WEEK "STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED" MESSAGE APPEARS AND GOES ON DISPLAY PANEL DURING START AND AFTER PUTTING IN DRIVE MODE. THE STEERING GET LOCKED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BELOW DESCRIPTION FORM FORSCAN DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM: CODE: C102D - HIGH FRICTION INSIDE POWER STEERING STATUS: - DTC PRESENT AT TIME OF REQUEST - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON FOR THIS DTC MODULE: POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE FREEZE FRAME : -GLOBTIM: 32582214 SEC - GLOBAL REAL TIME -TOTDIST: 5950.0 KM - TOTAL DISTANCE -MOD_SUP_V: 12.25 VOLT - MODULE SUPPLY VOLTAGE -OUTTMP: 2 C - EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE FROM SENSOR -PWR_MODE_KEY: RUNNING - POWER MODE KEY STATE -PWR_MODE_QF: POWER MODE OK - POWER MODE QUALITY FACTOR -SSHFT_TQ_S2: -1.9 NM - STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR #2 -MOD_SUP_V: 12.40 VOLT - MODULE SUPPLY VOLTAGE -PSCM_INT_TEMP: 17 C - PSCM INTERNAL TEMPERATURE -VSS: 30.0 MIL/H - VEHICLE SPEED THIS PROBLEM APPLIES TO MANY OTHER CARS BELOW LINKS TO PAGES DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM: HTTPS://WWW.FORDESCAPE.ORG/THREADS/STEERING-ASSIST-FAULT.17578/PAGE-2#POST-979554 NOTICE: CAR IS ALLREADY EXPORTED TO EUROPE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED BY FORD THAT IS WHY I FILLED THIS FORM.

Mileage: 5,900

ON SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2019, OUR 2018 FORD ESCAPE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE 5 NEAR SEATTLE. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY ADVISED IT WAS SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY COULD SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - TEN DAYS LATER. THE DEALER CLAIMED IT FOUND NO CODES INDICATING A PROBLEM. ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2019, OUR ESCAPE LOST ALL POWER STEERING AGAIN WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON. WE CANNOT RESTORE THE POWER STEERING BY TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE IS. NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER SUPPORT HAVE BOTH SAID BECAUSE OUR MILEAGE IS NOW OVER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY, THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING.

Mileage: 35,000

2018 ESCAPE PURCHASED MARCH 2018. APRIL 2018 AFTER DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHILE DECELERATING DOWN OFF RAMP THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES BEGAN FLASHING: HILL START ASSIST UNAVAILABLE, STEERING ASSIST NOT OPERATIONAL, AND 911 ASSIST NOT OPERATIONAL. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE INTO SERVICE SCHEDULE. DURING MALFUNCTION VEHICLE WOULD BECOME HARD TO TURN. REPAIR ORDER OPENED 4-26-18 DURING DIAGNOSTIC 28 CODES WERE FOUND IN MEMORY. BCM REPLACED VEHICLE RETURNED ON 05-03-18. AUGUST 2018 SAME PROBLEMS STARTED AGAIN, IN ADDITION TO SEATBELT MINDER LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHILE ALL PASSENGERS WERE BUCKLED, AND AIRBAG LIGHT. VOICE COMMAND SYSTEM SPOKE PROCEED TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. REPAIR ORDER OPENED 2ND TIME 08-29-18. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT UNABLE TO REPAIR VEHICLE IN TIMELY MANNER THROUGH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. COMPLAINT TO FORD HEADQUARTERS CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPENED ON 10-18-18 AS VEHICLE WAS STILL NOT FULLY REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME LATE OCTOBER, DEALER HAD VEHICLE IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEARLY 3 MONTHS. MULTIPLE POWER MODULES REPLACED, WIRE HARNESS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND MULTIPLE WIRE CAPS REPAIRED/REPLACED. JUNE 2019 SAME EXACT PROBLEMS STARTED AGAIN, SAME WARNING CODES AND LIGHTS AS THE FIRST FEW TIMES ONLY NOW THEY HAPPEN AT RANDOM. VEHICLE MILEAGE JUST OVER 13,000. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 14 MONTHS THAT THE SAME ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED. CURRENTLY AWAITING SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT THIS TIME.

Mileage: 1,400

I WAS BEING TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE STEERING FROZE THEN VIOLENTLY TURNED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE STEERING TURNED TO THE RIGHT I INADVERTENTLY PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPEEDING UP SLIGHTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. DURING THE SPLIT SECOND THAT THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE THE VEHICLE BACK TOWARDS THE ROAD BARELY MISSING A TELEPHONE POLE, BUT I DID STRIKE THE GUY WIRES THAT SUPPORT THE POLE. THIS CAUSED ABOUT $800 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND NO DEFECT COULD BE FOUND BY THE SERVICE STATION. WHEN THE STEERING DID GO OUT IT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO STEER THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN INCLUDING OLD LARGE TRUCK WITH NO POWER STEERING.

Mileage: 5,100

I WAS DRIVING HOME 11-28-18 5:40PM PST WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SWERVED HARD TO THE RIGHT; I HAD NO CONTROL, & IT CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED UNOCCUPIED CAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I HAD NOT HIT ANY OBJECT NOR POTHOLE. VEHICLE IS 6 MONTHS OLD. SUSPENSION GAVE WAY. PARTS OF SUSPENSION WERE LAYING ON THE STREET. RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE DUE TO SUSPENSION FAILING. MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. I WAS DRIVING 15 MPH. I HAVE PHOTOS; 2 ARE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY BUT I AM UNABLE TO ATTACH THAT DOCUMENT. NO POLICE REPORT.

Mileage: 1,100

THE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY COME ON IN APRIL 2018. MOSTLY CHECK ENGINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. TOOK TO AUTO ZONE GOT A READ OUT FOR SENSOR. BUT AAA REPAIR SHOP WOULDN'T USE THEIR REPORT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THEM, LIGHT WASN'T ON. SO THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT IT. WAS GONE OUT OF TOWN 6 MONTHS. LIGHT OFF AND ON. RANDOMLY. OCT 2018, HEADING CROSS COUNTRY BACK HOME TO AZ. LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON MORE OFTEN. MORE LIGHTS, ABS, SKID, SEAT BELT, WITHIN THE WEEK, VERY RANDOM OFF AND ON. THEN MORE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. AUTO ZONE AGAIN GAVE ME A SENSOR REPORT, O2 AND FUEL. WHILE WAITING IN BANK LINE,, WHOLE PANEL OF LIGHTS CAME ON. ACTED STALED, BUT WAS RUNNING, COULD PUSH GAS AND RUN, BUT COULDN'T STEER, BABIED TO A PARKING SPOT, EVEN THE MILEAGE ODOMETER WENT TO SLASH MARKS AND NO NUMBERS. I TOOK A PHOTO. TURNED CAR OFF AND WAITED TO TRY TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. BUT AFTER FEW MINUTES, WORKED FINE. THAT NEXT WEEK, I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND IT DID THE EXACT SAME THING, WHOLE PANEL CAME ON, DASHES FOR NUMBERS AND NO STEERING> SCARED TO DEATH. STILL COULD PUSH GAS AND BRAKED, FEW SECONDS FELT LIKE MINUTES. LIGHTS WENT OUT AND CAR DROVE FINE. LEFT AT A MECHANIC AND HE CHANGED OXYGEN SENSOR, DIAGNOSED THE STALLING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON AND OTHER CODES. R/R OXYGEN SENSOR, AIR/FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE FLUSH, AND COMPUTER / PROGRAMMING UPDATE. RAN ME $568.70. LIGHTS STILL RANDOMLY COME ON, BRAKE ABS, SKID, AND THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. I PARKED THE CAR AND BOUGHT A NEW ONE. WHERE CAN I TAKE IT. I NEED TO SELL IT TO HELP PAY FOR OTHER CAR, BUT DON'T WANT SOMEONE TO GET HURT WHILE DRIVING THIS ONE. I LOOKED UP KBB AND SAW 3 RECALLS ON ONE WAS PCSM SENSOR AND WHEN I CALLED FORD DEALER, HE SAID NO RECALLS FOR IT. PLEASE HELP. I'M DESPERATE.

Mileage: 15,300

WENT TO STOP ON WET ROAD TRACTION CONTROL KICKED IN WHEELS LOCKED UP CAUSING ME NOT BE ABLE TO GUIDE MYSELF OFF THE ROAD FROM HITTING CAR IT FRONT SLIDE THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN DOORS LOCKED CAUSING ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT HAD TO KICK THE DOOR OPEN AND MY PHONE WAS HOOKED UP TO THE BLUETOOTH AND NO COPS WERE CONTACTED LIKE I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE! IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS A ROBOT AND SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN AND I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING AFTER HITTING MY BRAKES IT WAS LIKE HAVING NO TIRES FROM THAT POINT ON AND MY CAR ONLY HAD 9,000 MILES ON IT!

Mileage: 9,000