2009 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 828about this part
- Share
- 49%of 1,693 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 828 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Ford Escape, 49% of the 1,693 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I always have trouble with the ignition I have to try many ways to get it to start the key has to be turned certain ways and it is a struggle every time and I have it turns the steering wheel it is in the shop now because of this issue.. I have had trouble ever since I have had it I cannot just put the key in and start it I have to play wiht it every time”
NHTSA complaint #11361964, filed 2020-09, 120 miles“My power steering keeps going out when I am driving and my car was recalled for it but they never replaced it and they said they scanned it and nothing was wrong but now it's acting up and Ford won't fix it.. It was recalled for this.. I believe they should fix it I have almost wrecked twice..and when I start it up and it don't want to work do you know how hard it is to steer?”
NHTSA complaint #11394362, filed 2021-02, 106,000 miles“Power steering went out with no warning when backing out of a parking space. Other VIN #s of my year and assembly plant are covered by recall, but not mine. Landers Ford collierville assessed problem as steering angel torque sensor malfunction and pscm internally faulty. Obviously my VIN should be included in a recall for free repair by Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #11187455, filed 2019-03, 107,390 miles“2009 Ford Escape hybrid power steering stopped working while backing up the car in my driveway. Called two Ford dealers and was told they had no information about a problem with power steering. Took the car to a non dealership for repairs. Was informed there was a b#14v-284 issued. To fix the problem I need to have a dealer reset the code.”
NHTSA complaint #11281280, filed 2019-11, 97,758 miles“While driving the steering wheel locks up where I cannot steer the vehicle. I have to pull over and then turn it off, restart the car to continue. It happens quite often. It happens both going straight and making a turn. It seems like it happens when I'm slowing down or coming to a stop. It happened many times. I will list the last time it happened. I haven't driven it since.”
NHTSA complaint #11376780, filed 2020-11, 92,500 milesRelated recalls
- 14V284000May 29, 2014Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September…Covers: Ford Escape 2008–2011, Mercury Mariner 2008–2011
Related service bulletins
- 10058224Mar 1, 2015Ford 2008-2012 escape/mariner: bulletin information regarding steering control module with dtc b2278, not required to have steering column replaced.
- 10058196Mar 1, 20152008-2012 ford escape/mariner: service information involving the power steering control module with dtc b2278- steering column replacement is not required.
- 10054916Feb 7, 2014Ford/mercury: if diagnostic code b2278 is stored in power steering control module (pscm), it needs replacing with torque sensor service kit that is available and if not, does not…
- 10034548Jun 1, 2010Ford/mercury: steering column pop/clunk noise on turns. Some vehicles may exhibit a pop or clunk noise from the steering column area while turning. This noise typically occurs…
- 10034530May 1, 2010Ford/mercury: clunk noise at steering; stops during first lock to lock cycle. The noise typically occurs during tight parking lot maneuvers. The clunk noise heard on the first…
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 2009 Ford Escape
301 complaintsVehicle speed control
279 complaintsEngine
254 complaintsFuel system
203 complaintsElectrical system
143 complaintsBrakes
108 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsElectronic stability control
22 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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