2001 Ford Escort Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford Escort, 7% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the steering bolt became loose which caused the steering wheel to jump around. This made it difficult for the consumer to steer the vehicle. When at a stop light or at idle, the vehicle would vibrate badly and the consumer had to place the vehicle in neutral. When the windows were half way down, they would rattle terribly. The consumer was concerned they may shatter. The headlights bounced around at night, on the vehicle in front of the consumer and had been confronted about the distraction. Ford said it was normal. The vehicle had been in for the vibration since purchase. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019712, filed 2003-06, 27,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escort. The contact stated that in 2006 the rack and pinion was replaced. The contact stated that she is responsible for paying the repair cost. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 02/02/10 updated 02/05/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10299709, filed 2010-01, 60,000 miles“While driving 40 MPH steering failed, vehicle hit guardrail. Consumer is awaiting for Ford inspector to inspect vehicle, however no response from home office as of yet, consumer states possible problem with rack and pinion, one person was injured in the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #8001209, filed 2001-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 12 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Escort
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Escort
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