2011 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 411about this part
- Share
- 31%of 1,318 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 411 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Ford Escape, 31% of the 1,318 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 7 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.
“The power steering has failed multiple times. It seems to happen whenever I take a heavy u-turn. The power steering goes out and ai have no control over my steering. According to dealerships the power steering is computerized, so is quite costly to fix. But this is a major safety hazard when driving. This has happened on city streets only when making u-turns.”
NHTSA complaint #11386544, filed 2021-01, 154,000 miles“I hit a bump in the road and wheel on passenger side of vehicle when up into wheel well. Almost hit oncoming traffic when I lost all steering. I took it to the Ford dealership via tow truck and was told that the front subframe was completely rotten at 87,000 miles driver side is not far from breaking I was told repairs would cost as much as the vehicle is worth”
NHTSA complaint #11404594, filed 2021-03, 87,000 miles“Power steering just randomly went out while driving. I know previously there was a recall for this, however I've only had the car a couple years and it's just now a problem. If I turn the car completely off and restart it starts working again. Also, there was a recall for a front bearing part, I'm having issues there as well. Front right.”
NHTSA complaint #11362680, filed 2020-10, 215,000 miles“Driving on the interstate while driving 65mph and lost power steering, (traction control LED came on) and right turn signal quit working all together - had to hold it to pull off the side of the road. I have already fixed this issue before, 4 years ago, for $2000. They quoted me $2400 again, even though there seems to be a recall for this issue with Ford escapes (14s05), just not for my VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11405473, filed 2021-03, 78,000 miles“Steering on my 2011 Ford Escape has stopped working and it is very hard to turn especially when you're at a stopped position. It all of the sudden started and Ford will not repair it on recall . Ford sucks!!! I will never buy another Ford in my lifetime!!!! I cant even drive it because my arms and hand have chronic pain and this is only vehicle I have”
NHTSA complaint #11091214, filed 2018-05, 72,000 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…
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 2011 Ford Escape
284 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
268 complaintsEngine
248 complaintsVehicle speed control
245 complaintsElectrical system
117 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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