2017 Ford Escape Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist message was displayed; however, the driver continued driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an intermittent failure with the steering. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,555.

NHTSA ID

11676895

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

Mileage

59,555 mi

This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “Steering Assist Fault” that clearly ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11676080

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing

NHTSA ID

11667011

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and turning away from the curb, there was a snap, and the steering wheel became horizontal regardless of the efforts to manually center it in its normal position. The vehicle continued veering to the right. The vehicle crashed into the rear of another parked unoccupied vehicle, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated prior or after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries or medical attention were sought. A police report was not filed. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic for a front passenger side tie rod failure and was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11663097

Incident

May 25, 2025

Mileage

92,000 mi

Steering rack and pinion failure, should not be happening at this low of miles and have read of similar cases with ford's rack and pinion of this style. Pulls hard to other lanes and almost causing accident or crash, extremely unsafe. You can hear it now when car is in park (or moving) and you turn to the right. I have additional video of popping, clunking and grinding noise coming from rack and pinion. I cannot drive safely until this is fixed.

NHTSA ID

11647524

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

A previous NHTSA complaint was filed on [XXX] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "Steering Fault Assist." Following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at Mayfield Auto in the Dallas Metro Area—the location where the vehicle had initially stalled—despite the fact that the customer resides in Lafayette, LA. Despite the completed repair and the vehicle being driven for more than 1,000 miles, the same "Steering Fault Assist" error message has reappeared as of [XXX]. This issue led to a dangerous situation, as the vehicle became difficult to steer and eventually stalled in the middle of a highway, putting the driver and other motorists at serious risk. The driver, a [XXX], struggled to control the vehicle due to the sudden loss of steering ability and was nearly involved in a collision with another vehicle. This marks the second steering failure within a 60-day period, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, as well as the effectiveness of the previous repair. The recurrence of this issue not only poses a severe risk to the driver and passengers but also endangers others on the road. Given the history of this problem and the life-threatening nature of the failure, immediate action is necessary to investigate and address this persistent and hazardous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11645224

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn to right while attempting to enter a McDonald's parking lot. The message "Steering Assistance Fault Failure - Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed and that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unidentified NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11628547

Incident

Nov 29, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock, the problem wentg away. I tried numerous times to recreate the problem and could not. However, I am very apprehensive that this car is now unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11623866

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

Was driving and suddenly steering became very difficult. It became hard to turn.

NHTSA ID

11619240

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in Cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford refused and allowed me to drive back on the road in dangerous conditions. My coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. This is due to a manufacture defect in the open deck design of the engine block. My life was put at risk on the road driving with no coolant causing damage to my engine and reducing my car’s performance. Joes Auto shop confirmed my issue informing that I need a new engine costing around $8,000.

NHTSA ID

11601327

Incident

Jun 15, 2024

The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.

NHTSA ID

11599862

Incident

Dec 6, 2023

Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communication with Steering Control Module A. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic for repairs.

NHTSA ID

11590257

Incident

May 18, 2024

COOLANT LEAK ENGINE

NHTSA ID

11587517

Incident

Apr 27, 2024

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel began flickering. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the flickering ceased. The contact stated that shortly after the flickering stopped, the steering wheel became firm, and was unresponsive causing the vehicle to collide with a telephone pole. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as designed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11566440

Incident

Jan 18, 2024

Mileage

46,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced under a Customer Satisfaction Program at approximately 45,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flex plate was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11558795

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

45,000 mi

while driving the steering sweerves to the right doesn't do it all the time

NHTSA ID

11557856

Incident

Nov 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Steering Loss. Stop Safely!" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,840.

NHTSA ID

11553247

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

68,840 mi

When driving the vehicle an error pops up stating steering fault service now. When this pops up the steering tends to go tough. If you turn off the vehicle and turn it back on the error goes away and the system does not store any codes. There is no reason or repeat action to trigger this error. It was coming up monthly and the last month has popped up 3 times. This is a huge issue especially for myself who has kids and if something happened to my steering while driving I would be screwed. I have attached one service invoice but have been to a dealership 3 total times to get this issue looked into.

NHTSA ID

11550350

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

I was driving to NY from NC when my power steering went out in the mountains of PA there was no warning at all just all of a sudden could not barely turn the wheel. When I pulled over a warning then did come on when I turned the car back on stating steering assist failure needs service. I had to continue to drive because it was late in the evening. When I got to NY I took it to the cord dealer and they stated it is the steering rod that needs replacing and it is costing me $3166 plus tax!! The car only has 53,000 miles on it and of course is no longer under warranty!

NHTSA ID

11541403

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

Engine began smoking and had to be replaced 2 days after purchase (in 2020- covered under warranty.) Failed inspection for front end suspension problems which was covered under warranty at first but a year later needed struts and tie rods replaced.. In 2021 the transmission suddenly failed, cost $5,000 to repair out of pocket. The other day the power steering assist suddenly stopped working and I was told it would be $150-3,000 to fix.

NHTSA ID

11527402

Incident

Jun 13, 2023

My power steering has gone out 6 times in the last month. It has happened once while driving on the road, and the other times in parking lots while attempting to park. I get the error Service Steering - the electric power steering system has detected a fault. I turn the car off and back on, and steering returns, but the problem persists. Since this occurred while driving at an intersection, it was extremely dangerous and I almost drove straight into another vehicle because I couldn't steer manually. I took it to a dealership, who couldn't replicate the problem. There were no other warnings or messages prior to the failure and appeared the first time the failure happened. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others and don't feel comfortable driving the car.

NHTSA ID

11523815

Incident

May 25, 2023

At 71,000 miles, steering fault service now keeps showing up. Steering would lock up out of the blue. Dealer states rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Ford should do a recall since a lot of people are having the same problem and it is extremely dangerous to lose steering while driving.

NHTSA ID

11522801

Incident

May 16, 2023

Steering stopped working abruptly, was driving and my car made 3 beeps and a message saying steering assist fault service required appeared and immediately I lost all control of the steering. Had I been traveling on a 70 mph highway and not a 30 mile an hour local road I could have gotten seriously hurt or possibly hurt another driver on the road. Prior to the incident there was no steering issues what so ever. I took it to a local Ford dealer and the steering rack has failed and needs replacing.

NHTSA ID

11516258

Incident

Mar 27, 2023

I am reporting coolant leaking into my engine causing my engine to lock up at around 75k to 80k miles. Torque converter needing to be replaced at around 80k miles. Torque converter clutch solenoid needing replacement at 80k miles. Rear CV joint axel needing replacement at 85k miles. Control arm replacement at 100k miles. The only recall is the transmission bushing, in which I haven’t fixed because I can’t move my vehicle out of my driveway. I have spend almost the same amount on this vehicle repairing it that I owe. The vehicle in a whole needs to be recalled. They are not safe and very costly in the long run. I am not happy with only 2 recalls being reported on this vehicle because I’ve read over 600 reviews with the same known problems and nothing has been done about it! If ford isn’t going to fix the known issues then the NHTSA needs to help the consumers and report these issues!

NHTSA ID

11503266

Incident

Sep 14, 2020

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and overheated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The message that the engine was overheating and to pull over was displayed. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,100.

NHTSA ID

11493850

Incident

Nov 16, 2022

Mileage

89,100 mi