2011 Ford Escape — Known Issues & Recalls

Your power steering has failed five times over the past year, making your steering wheel extremely difficult to turn while driving. The problem is unpredictable—it doesn't happen every time you drive—and a Ford dealer inspection couldn't identify the cause. This intermittent failure creates a significant safety concern, as you may lose power steering assistance at any time while on the road. Diagnosis and repair will likely involve a complete power steering system inspection, including the pump, hoses, fluid levels, and electronic controls.

Your daughter lost all power steering assistance when she started the vehicle and began driving, causing her to crash into a sidewalk while trying to avoid pedestrians. Ford has confirmed there is no recall for your specific vehicle's VIN, even though similar power steering failures have prompted recalls on other Ford Escape hybrids. The dealership has refused to repair the problem under warranty. This issue will likely require diagnostic testing of the electric power steering system and possible replacement of the steering control module or related electrical components.

Your steering wheel sometimes won't turn in the direction you want it to, especially at highway speeds like 50 MPH. When this happens, the power steering stops working and the wheel becomes extremely stiff, requiring you to use a lot of force to steer and avoid hitting other vehicles. You ordered a power steering torque rotation sensor to fix the problem, but the vehicle hasn't been repaired yet.

Your steering column has become extremely difficult to turn, making it hard to maneuver your vehicle safely, especially at highway speeds. A mechanic confirmed the problem, and there are no warning lights. Your vehicle matches an active recall for this exact issue, though your January 2011 manufacture date falls just outside the recall window (which covers 2008 through September 2011). The repair will likely involve inspection and replacement or adjustment of steering column components.

While driving, your steering wheel suddenly became very tight and wouldn't turn in the direction you were trying to steer. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed power steering module that needs to be replaced. Even though a similar recall exists for other 2011 Escapes, your vehicle wasn't included in it, and Ford hasn't offered assistance. The repair will involve replacing the power steering module.

Your 2011 Escape is losing power steering, making it unsafe to drive. Although your car matches the year, make, and model of a known recall for this power steering issue, your VIN isn't showing up in Ford's recall system. Ford customer service and the dealership have refused to help you address the problem.

Your steering wheel may become difficult to turn because the power steering intermittently stops working. You might also notice the steering wheel turning on its own while idling, and the check engine light coming on when this happens. The dealer found a faulty steering torque sensor that needs to be replaced to restore normal power steering operation.

Your steering system suddenly started behaving strangely and making a grinding noise without any warning signs beforehand. The car was working normally when you parked it, but the problem appeared when you returned to it. The torque sensor, which helps control your power steering, may need inspection or replacement to restore normal steering function.

Your steering wheel became extremely stiff and required excessive force to turn when you started your vehicle, with no warning light appearing on your dashboard. A mechanic diagnosed a defective steering column as the cause. This issue matches a known recall (Campaign 14V284000), and the problem occurred around 35,000 miles. Fixing this will likely require replacing the entire steering column.

While driving at 40 MPH, your steering wheel suddenly became hard to turn and several warning messages appeared on your dashboard. This is a known issue covered under Ford recall 19V632000, though your vehicle's VIN may not be included in that recall. The problem occurred at 251,000 miles. A steering system inspection and possible power steering fluid or pump replacement may be needed to restore normal steering function.

Your power steering stopped working while driving at low speed (10-15 MPH), forcing you to pull over. Restarting the vehicle several times temporarily restored the steering function, but the problem persisted. An independent mechanic diagnosed a failed power steering assist sensor as the cause. The fix will involve replacing the power steering assist sensor.

Your steering wheel intermittently locks up or becomes hard to turn when you're starting your car. You've found that removing the key from the ignition and reinserting it helps temporarily fix the problem, but it happens almost every day. The dealer is aware but hasn't diagnosed or repaired it yet. The issue started around 138,000 miles.

You're hearing a clicking noise coming from your steering wheel when you drive. This could indicate a problem with the steering column or steering wheel assembly that should be inspected. A mechanic will likely need to examine the steering components to identify and fix the source of the noise.

Your driver-side door latch has failed and won't open from inside or outside the vehicle, even though the lock responds to your key fob and interior controls. An occupant became trapped and had to exit through the passenger door. The lock indicator moves but the mechanical latch won't release, and using the physical key can put the mechanism into abnormal states where the door won't open at all. This is a serious safety issue because you could become trapped in an emergency or after a crash. The fix will likely require replacing the entire driver-side door latch and lock assembly.

Your car's electric power steering system kept locking up and wasn't properly repaired even after multiple requests. During your first oil change at 100,837 miles, a mechanic discovered severe rust damage throughout the vehicle (especially in the rear), a significant transmission fluid leak, and confirmed the power steering issue remained unresolved—all of which made the car unsafe to drive. The dealer failed to perform a proper safety inspection before selling it. Fixing these issues would likely require power steering system diagnosis and repair, transmission seal replacement, and extensive rust treatment or structural repair.

Your power steering assist cuts out without warning while driving, making the steering wheel suddenly hard to turn—especially dangerous at low speeds or when turning. Restarting the engine temporarily fixes it, but the problem keeps happening unpredictably with no warning lights to alert you. This may be caused by a faulty electric power steering module that needs diagnosis and replacement.

Your car's power steering suddenly stopped working. This means you'll need to steer the vehicle with significantly more effort, as the power-assist feature is no longer functioning. The issue involves both the steering and electrical systems, so diagnosis will be needed to determine whether it's an electrical fault or a mechanical failure in the power steering pump.

You discovered a mileage discrepancy on your 2011 Ford Escape after purchase from a dealer. The odometer showed 101,000 miles at sale, but when the keys were programmed, the actual mileage was found to be 122,765 miles. Additionally, the vehicle's VIN appears to be incomplete. This suggests potential odometer fraud and may affect the vehicle's title and registration.

Your fuel tank is leaking, causing a strong fuel smell both inside and outside your vehicle. An independent mechanic tried to seal the leak with epoxy, but it started leaking again. The repair will likely require replacing the fuel tank or having it professionally welded and sealed.

Your car's brake warning lights came on after starting the vehicle. A mechanic replaced the wheel sensors, but the lights stayed on and diagnosed that the ABS module (anti-lock brake system control unit) needed replacement. Unfortunately, Ford no longer makes this part, dealers won't program aftermarket replacements, and the vehicle couldn't be repaired. Your brake warning system remains non-functional.