2001 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 6%of 996 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford Escape, 6% of the 996 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,700 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Ford Escape does not shift right anymore and it will not stay in park I have to have a brick put in front of it because my emergency brake does not even work. I received a recall letter but I cannot find my letter anymore. I was hit by a vehicle and I cannot walk and my son had clean the house so I have lost my letter I would appreciate it if I could get another recall letter so I can get mike's Escape fixed please.”
NHTSA complaint #11180398, filed 2019-02, 25 miles“While driving, mainly on the interstate maintained speed of 70mph I feel the steering go very limp. It's been much like hydroplaning. Like there is air between my tires and the road. It lasts just a few seconds. I notice the steering column is rusted. The truck swerves in the lane and often going over line. The steering wheel is very loose when this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10609882, filed 2014-07, 205,430 miles“As I was driving the car down the street I began loosing control of the steering. The steering wheel was facing a 90 degree right angle as I was driving straight and every time I would hit a bump the car would jump to the right. The steering wheel also had a lot of play while driving. I took the car straight to my mechanic and he informed me the car was not drivable or safe due to the lower control arm separating from the subframe which has to due with recall # 14s02. Is the subframe being replaced at some point? …”
NHTSA complaint #10587092, filed 2014-05, 165,434 miles“I stopped my 2001 Ford Escape and put the shift into park. The shift flew into park and the vehicle stayed in drive, which almost sent me into a bayou. I turned the ignition off and the shift was jammed. The vehicle was still in drive. I had to get it towed to the local dealership. I was told by one of the mechanics that the cable on the shift broke loose. He said he was surprised there hasn't been a recall on it yet because they are getting escapes and escorts in their shop with the same exact thing happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10186166, filed 2007-03, 63,000 miles“We noticed a hissing noise,took it to dealer,was told brake booster,master cylinder,left stabilizer link assy,and pre-tensioner connectors on air bag all need replaced. Can not afford to replace pre-tensioner connectors. Seems unusual to me that all would go out all of a sudden,especially both the booster and master cylinder. To my knowledge we did nothing to contribute to the probs. I may be hard to reach,as I am staying with my father in hermann while he undergoes cancer treatments,but,my wife can be reached at the evening phone # listed.”
NHTSA complaint #10194725, filed 2007-06, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V223001Aug 8, 2000Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly…Covers: Ford Escape 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10013396Nov 15, 2004Steering gear squeak - when turning the steering wheel during low speed parking maneuvers.
- 10013366Nov 1, 2004Steering drift/pull - improved diagnostic and repair procedure - service tip.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% |
| 2022 | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 | 32 | 2% |
| 2017 | 49 | 2% |
| 2016 | 73 | 6% |
| 2015 | 81 | 7% |
| 2014 | 151 | 7% |
| 2013 | 303 | 11% |
| 2012 | 140 | 23% |
| 2011 | 411 | 31% |
| 2010 | 423 | 20% |
| 2009 | 828 | 49% |
| 2008 | 1,127 | 57% |
| 2007 | 15 | 6% |
| 2006 | 20 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 5% |
| 2003 | 44 | 8% |
| 2002 | 70 | 7% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Escape
282 complaintsBrakes
163 complaintsElectrical system
136 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
128 complaintsVehicle speed control
107 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsFuel system
55 complaintsBody and structure
54 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsTires
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology