2013 Ford Escape Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 303about this part
- Share
- 11%of 2,753 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,280miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 303 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Ford Escape, 11% of the 2,753 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,280 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My power steering has gone out on my car. The message: steering assist fault popped up and then my power steering went out. I have a 2013 Escape with 95,000, regularly maintained. Ford won't acknowledge there's a problem with the steering gear in 2013's, even though it was recalled in previous years and in other models. They want $2200 to fix it!”
NHTSA complaint #11221317, filed 2019-06, 95,000 miles“Steering assist fault service required light and steering wheel locks up. This has always happened when I first start my car and go to back up. This has happened multiple times to me and I have read that this is a common problem with this car. Other years have had a recall , this is a safety issue and needs to be looked into.”
NHTSA complaint #11306296, filed 2020-01, 158,000 miles“There was an electronic power steering assist fault that made the vehicle very difficult steer. Thankfully the car was in my driveway and was towed to the nearest dealership. I have an older Escape that had the same problem and it was recalled. This model year was not included on the recall and the repair estimate is $2200.”
NHTSA complaint #11323252, filed 2020-05, 110,000 miles“While backing out of driveway, I was unable to turn the steering wheel. Power steering was not engaged. Could not drive the vehicle in this condition. I had the vehicle towed to Ford dealer. Diagnosed as a faulty power steering rack - electronic - cost to replace the rack was $2000.00. Ford has already issued a recall for the 2013 explorer but not the 2013 Escape.”
NHTSA complaint #11287073, filed 2019-12, 99,200 miles“Veh: 2013 Ford Escape, sel 1.6 liter engine, front wheel drive. I intermittently have no power steering when starting the vehicle. Vehicle is stationary at the times I've experienced the problem. If this happens during driving I would be unable to steer the vehicle. Diagnostic code: u3000-49.”
NHTSA complaint #11365869, filed 2020-10, 51,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10095995Nov 17, 2016Some 2010-2016 epas equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises. The workshop manual (wsm) diagnostic procedures have been updated in section 211-02. When diagnosing…
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 2013 Ford Escape
1,266 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
401 complaintsElectrical system
339 complaintsOther or unknown
303 complaintsFuel system
287 complaintsEngine cooling
175 complaintsVehicle speed control
92 complaintsBody and structure
87 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
65 complaintsAir bags
54 complaintsSeat belts
43 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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