MyCarTSB

2006 Ford Escape Steering Problems

48 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

48
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2015Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (48)

criticalSTEERING
Filed: Oct 2024

Your power steering suddenly stopped working while making a sharp turn, forcing you to drive without power steering assistance and causing a near-collision. Warning lights appeared for "power steering service" and a wrench symbol, but mechanics found no diagnostic codes. You've been told you need a power steering module and rack and pinion, but both parts are discontinued, leaving you unable to find compatible replacements at an affordable price. The repair will likely require sourcing replacement steering components, which may be unavailable for your vehicle year.

NHTSA #: 11619631
highSTEERING
Filed: May 2025

While driving on the highway, your steering pulled to the left and warning lights appeared on the dash, including a wrench icon and a "service steering system soon" message. The dealer found a corroded electrical connection in the wiring harness connected to the electronic steering rack assembly was causing the problem. The repair involved replacing the corroded connector harness, which resolved the issue.

NHTSA #: 11662328
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

Your car may have issues with the transmission, steering pump, or spark plugs. You might notice problems with shifting, steering difficulty, or rough engine performance. A mechanic will need to diagnose which component is actually faulty and replace or repair it accordingly.

NHTSA #: 11562480
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2020

WHEN DRIVING,THE STEERING, WILL SWAY TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT.ONLY SLIGHTLY.I BOUGHT NEW TIRES ALIGNMENT. NEW TIE RODS.AND .STILL ISSUES

NHTSA #: 11354735
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2020

WHEN YOU FIRST START DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT WHEN TURNING LIKE IT'S IN 4WD BUT AFTER YOU DRIVE IT SOME IT LOOSENS UP AND DRIVES FINE. ONLY WHEN IT FIRST STARTS. THERE IS ISSUES WITH THE STEERING BEING TIGHT

NHTSA #: 11344237
mediumSTEERING,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE DUE TO NEEDING TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY BRAKE. INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO COUNTER STEER THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE STOPPED JUST BEFORE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL THAT RELATED TO THEIR FAILURE WAS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 139,000. *LN *JB*JB

NHTSA #: 11315542
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACTED STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

NHTSA #: 11302227
mediumSTEERING
Filed: May 2019

MY SON AND I WERE LEAVING A PARKING LOT WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I GOT A WARNING CHIME AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "SERVICE PWR STEERING" ON THE DASH. LUCKILY (I THOUGHT) I WAS NEAR A AUTO PARTS PLACE SO I SLOWLY DROVE THERE. I PULLED IN, TOOK OUT THE MANUAL AND REALIZED THAT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR TO CHECK OR FILL (AS WOULD HAVE BEEN MY QUICK SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM). DRIVING WAS SLOW AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DUE TO INABILITY TO TURN (AT SPEED). THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY PURCHASED FOR MY MOM, WHO WAS 75 AT THE TIME. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR HER WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SERIOUS.DRIVING WITH MANUAL STEERING IS DIFFICULT AND MUSCLE BUILDING. I HAD TO DRIVE 25 BACK HOME ON CURVY, MOUNTAIN BACK ROADS. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT/INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. I READ THROUGH MANY COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND REALIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I PLAN ON CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING, BUT AM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH FOR RESULTS. DURING A PAST ISSUE I WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD ONLY ONE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT WAS TRAINED ON THE HYBRID VEHICLES. THAT TIME, THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY! HAHA! THAT ISSUE WAS RESOLVED DUE TO A RECALL. SO MAYBE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FOR POWER STEERING ISSUES WILL FINALLY GET A RECALL TOO. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE.

NHTSA #: 11210515
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2019

POWER STEERING FAIL NO DASH CODES E S P FAILED NO POWER ASSIST TO TURN THE STEERING

NHTSA #: 11194853
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2019

POWER STEERING FAILED DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURE. COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL

NHTSA #: 11174802
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2019

AS MY SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY FOR SCHOOL SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN. SHE TOOK MY CAR TO SCHOOL. I WENT TO TRY AND MOVE THE CAR BACK UP THE DRIVEWAY AND COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL MYSELF. LUCKILY SHE WAS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE ROAD. THERE IS NO ASSISTED STEERING ANYMORE, IT JUST WENT OUT.

NHTSA #: 11173126
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2018

POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. NO WARNING UNTIL IT WAS OUT. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT COMPLETELY. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT WENT OUT DO TO HOW HARD IT IS TO STEER! IT'S NOT HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. IT'S ALL ELECTRIC ASSIST STEERING. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. SOME MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND THE ISSUE. INCLUDING PEOPLE THAT HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. SOME PEOPLE HAVE SPENT OVER $1,000 AND THE ISSUE HAS CAME BACK WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. ALSO THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED SOME ACCIDENTS. FORD NEEDS TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT ON ALL CARS!

NHTSA #: 11122465
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Jul 2018

ON MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE I ALMOST DIED ON HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FORD BROKE. UPON LOOKING UP INFORMATION I NOTICED THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR FORD ESCAPES 00 _04 BUT THAT ESCAPE IS THE SAME FRAME AND STRUCTURE. I NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT THE FRAME WAS SUPPOSE TO BRAKE LIKE THAT. I HOPE NOBODY EVER GETS HURT BUT THIS.PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSES BECAUSE THAT CAR IS VERY POPULAR.

NHTSA #: 11110376
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2017

WHILE DRIVING AND PARKING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. A WARNING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH BOARD SAYING STOP NOW. POWER STEERING FAIL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10948546
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Oct 2016

MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I HAVE HAD NO WARNINGS LEADING UP TO THIS EVENT. THE WRENCH ICON CAME ON AND AN ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON IN THE DASH STATING TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING SERVICED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT JUST HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AS I WAS TURNING OFF OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT THIS IS NOT PART OF A RECALL. EVERYTHING I HAVE READ STATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM SPECIFICALLY IN THE HYBRID VEHICLES FORD MANUFACTURES. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR THE SAME ISSUE FOR NEWER MODEL VEHICLES, BUT NOT THIS ONE. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED DUE TO THE DANGEROUS CONDITION CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING GOING COMPLETELY OUT IN THE CAR AS I WAS TURNING.

NHTSA #: 10915102
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Oct 2016

WENT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING TO FIND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT AND HARD TO TURN. DASH DISPLAYED WRENCH SYMBOL INDICATING MAINTENANCE NEEDED AND NARRATIVE THAT POWER STEERING NEEDS SERVICE.

NHTSA #: 10914114
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2016

MY VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT OCT.9,2015 WITH 72,000 MILES ON IT. IN MAY 2016 THE ENGINE STARTED CUTTING OUT AND THE MESSAGE WOULD READ "SERVICE ENGINE" ALONG WITH A YELLOW WRENCH APPEARING ON THE DASH. I HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A HARNESS. I PAID 1004.00 FOR THE NEW HARNESS AND THEY ALSO INSTALLED A FAN FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE CAR DID IT AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER AND I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE AND HAD TO CALL FORD TO GET THE CORRECT CODES TO FIX THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DONE AND PICKED IT UP. THE SAME THING HAPPENED LESS THAN 4 DAYS LATER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AGAIN AND LET THE DEALERSHIP SEND MY CAR HOME WITH A MECHANIC FOR 2 DAYS. I WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG AND PICKED IT UP. I NOW HAVE THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON, THE RED TRIANGLE SAFETY LIGHT COMING ON, THE RED BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON, THE LOW TIRES LIGHT COMING ON (IT STAYS ON) AND THE YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT COMING ON. AT NIGHT WHEN I TURN ON MY RIGHT BLINKER THE HIGH BEAMS COME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND NO CODES COME UP ON THEIR MACHINE. WHEN I BRAKE I HAVE TO PUSH VERY HARD AND SOMETIMES THE BRAKES LOCK UP ON ME. I HAVE AVOIDED ACCIDENTS SO FAR BUT I AM CONCERNED AT THIS POINT. I DO NOT WANT TO BE INJURED OR KILLED AND I CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT TO INJURE OR KILL ANYONE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD BE AVOIDED, IF FORD HAD A MECHANIC THAT KNOWS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE CAR. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC AND I HAVE TO STOP, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART IT. THIS IS GOOD FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT ACTS UP AGAIN.

NHTSA #: 10899013
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 09/30/16*LJ

NHTSA #: 10894452
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWERING STEERING MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10821214
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2016

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. RESTARTED AND POWER STEERING WOULDN'T WORK. YELLOW WRENCH WARNING, AND POWER STEERING LISTED ON FAULT INDICATOR. WILL TAKE TO DEALER.

NHTSA #: 10817391
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA #: 10806618
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2015

ON JULY 24, 2015 MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS, 6 AND 2 YEARS OLD WERE ALMOST KILLED WHEN THE POWERED STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, THE CAR WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL AND HIT THE CURVE GOING OVER THE SIDEWALK. MY 6 YEAR OLD GOT A BRUISE ON HIS HEAD FROM HITTING THE WINDOW AND A WALKING PEDESTRIAN ALMOST GOT KILLED. IF MY WIFE WAS GOING A LITTLE FASTER, WE WOULD BE DEALING WITH A MURDER BY NEGLIGENCE CASE. THE POWER STEERING IN THIS MODEL IS ELECTRICAL, NOT HYDRAULIC; I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THESE PARTS. IVE NEVER SEEN THIS SYSTEM BEFORE; AS AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I KNOW THIS SYSTEM IS UNRELIABLE FOR ANY OF THE CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEMS IN A VEHICLE, SUCH AS STEERING OR BRAKES. THE MOTOR COULD SHORT OR THE BRUSHES MAY WEAR, MOTOR DRIVES MAY BURN, AND EVEN A LOW BATTERY COULD TURN THESE STEERING ASSISTANCE INTO A LOAD, MAKING MANEUVERS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT. ALSO A COMPUTER CODE COULD CREATE PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE FATALITIES MAKING SHARP TURNS AT HIGH VELOCITIES. A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MAY GO LOW ON FLUID AND MAKE SOUNDS; IT MAY GET A LITTLE HARDER TO TURN BUT NEVER WILL GET TOTALLY STUCK. THIS SYSTEM IS NOT SAFE FOR SOMETHING AS CRITICAL AS THE STEERING TRAIN!

NHTSA #: 10764148
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2015

RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING COMPLETELY GONE. FIRST INDICATION OF ANY ISSUE WAS WHEN SHOCK NO LONGER PROPERLY SUPPORTS. RUST AND TOTAL DE-LAMINATION OF METAL HOUSING SUPPORTING SHOCK. FEAR OF SHOCK PUNCHING THROUGH - INTO CARGO HOLD IN THE AREA OF THE JACK STORAGE.

NHTSA #: 10763978
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2015

AFTER TRAVELING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE AT 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. UPON SAFELY STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THE ENGINE RE-STARTED WITH NO ISSUES. DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER MILE AT 35 MPH WHEN IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. RE-STARTED WITH NO ISSUES. HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN. NO FAULT CODES WERE GENERATED & NO APPARENT PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DETECTED.

NHTSA #: 10724325
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2015

ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. DOES GIVES MESSAGE "SERVICE PWR STEERING" ON DASHBOARD, BUT PROVIDES NO USEFUL FUNCTION. CAR DID NOT CRASH AT TIME OF FAILURE, BUT CONTROLLING IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT, REQUIRING HIGH PHYSICAL EFFORT TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL. THOUGH MANUFACTURER HAS RECALLED 2008 MODEL FOR THIS PROBLEM, 2006 IS NOT ON THE RECALL AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO PROVIDE REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10683722
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,872.

NHTSA #: 10679786
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2015

ON 12/23/14, VEHICLE CUT OUT AFTER BACKING OUT OF PARKING TO ENTER MOVING TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. THE SECOND TIME IT CUT OUT,12/24/14, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROADWAY. THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED, SOUNDED LIKE A WINDED HORSE, RUNNING ON THREE LEGS. MY CAR WAS ALWAYS WELL MAINTAINED, INCLUDING OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUSHES EVERY YEAR, FUEL INJECTION CLEANING EVERY OTHER YEAR. WITH THE DOUBLE TIMING CHAIN, I WAS ASSURED AT PURCHASE, THAT THEY RARELY BREAK. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAD CAUSED THIS. THEN, I AM TOLD IT IS A PCM FAILURE CAUSED BY SPARK PLUGS , COILS, THAT WERE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE PCM, OR WHERE THE RESISTOR WAS INEFFECTIVE TO COMBAT THE FEEDBACK FROM THE COILS/ SPARK PLUGS, AND THEREFORE CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO SHUT DOWN THREE CYLINDERS OF MY ENGINE. APPARENTLY THERE WERE TSB BULLETINS TO DEALERSHIPS ON THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RECALLS, BECAUSE FORD DETERMINED THAT THE PCM FAILURE WOULD PROBABLY OCCUR POST-WARRANTY. HOWEVER, CAR OWNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I WAS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF PAYING FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND AM FACED WITH A $2500 BILL, THAT I DO NOT DESERVE, BECAUSE IT IS IN NO WAY LINKED TO MY OWN NEGLIGENCE OF VEHICLE MAINTENANCE! TO ME, IT IS A FORM OF BUILT-IN OBSOLESCENCE, THAT MIGHT BE OK WITH SMALL-COST ITEMS LIKE WATCHES, BUT SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED WITH HIGH-COST ITEMS, SUCH AS CARS! *JS

NHTSA #: 10669472
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Dec 2014

THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW, 2 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ON THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. HYBRID VEHICLE HAS RECALL PROBLEMS WHICH MAKES VEHICLE STOP RUNNING. HAD IT FIXED, PAID OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND THOUGHT PROBLEM WAS FIXED. SOMETHING TO DO WITH BATTERY. THEN ON FRIDAY, DEC. 12, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE, THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY. I COULDN'T PULL OVER, IT WON'T RESTART EVEN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. I WAITED 5 TO 25 MINUTES, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. FINALLY HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO CLOSEST FORD DEALER. I THOUGHT DEALER COULD FIX PROBLEM AFTER HAVING IT ALL DAY BUT WHEN I LEFT AND HEADED ON HIGHWAY, MY HYBRID VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE PTSD FROM THIS CAR, I NEVER WANT TO GET IN IT. I DON'T TRUST IT AND AFTER 3 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS, ALL OF MY OWN MONEY TO PAY, CAR STILL DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. I PAID A PREMIUM TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS WORTHLESS. NOW I AM RECEIVING MORE RECALL NOTICES ABOUT THE AIRBAGS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE IF IT STALLS AGAIN I MIGHT BE IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT AS IT STOPS SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10668123
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Aug 2014

TRAVELING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70MPH AND THE MOTOR SHUT OFF, GIVING ME A 'STOP SAFELY NOW' WITH THE RED TRIANGLE LIGHT ON. I STOPPED, WAITED A FEW MINUTES ON THE ROADSIDE AND IT STARTED AGAIN. HEADED HOME AGAIN, WHEN ABOUT A MILE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WAITED A FEW MINUTES BY THE ROAD, THEN TOOK OFF. THIS TIME I TURNED OFF THE A/C AND MADE A FEW MILES TO THE HOUSE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10621830
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jul 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURERS RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA #: 10617879
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2014

COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING WITH NO WARNING WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LEFT ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITHOUT POWER TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN TIME TO AVOID THE INCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA #: 10597970
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2014

MY 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID SPORATICALLY LOOSES POWER STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR CLEAR INDICATION OF ROOT CAUSE. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE MAKING TURNS ON RESIDENT STREETS AND WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH VELOCITY ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS REPLACED PARTS AT A COMBINED COST OF ~3500 AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM NOR HAVE THEY ADEQUATELY EVALUATED THE RISK OF THE ISSUE. I WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER LETTING MY WIFE DRIVE THIS CAR DUE TO THE AMOUT OF FORCE IT TAKES TO CONTROL THE CAR ONCE THE STEERING GOES OUT. *TT

NHTSA #: 10583056
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2014

IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT FORD HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THEIR POWER STEERING ON MOST OF THEIR HYBRIDS AND THEY SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM. I TOTALLY LOST STEERING THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS IT WAS LIKE BEING AT THE GYM TO TRY AND STEER MY 06 FEH. *TR

NHTSA #: 10578423
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Dec 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10555747
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE STEERING WHEEL UNIVERSAL SHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE WARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA #: 10550937
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2013

ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER STEERING NOT FUNCTIONAL. DEALER TROUBLESHOOTING CONSISTED OF READING CODES, THEN INDICATING THAT THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACED ($2200). REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY, STILL DOESN'T WORK. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED, STILL DOESN'T WORK. THE REPAIR SHOPS AND THE DEALERS HAVE INADEQUATE INFORMATION AND TRAINING TO REPAIR THESE ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEMS. THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE INFORMATION AND TRAINING TO IDENTIFY THE FAILED COMPONENT, AS OPPOSED TO SWAPPING OUT LARGE ASSEMBLIES, AND STILL NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THESE SYSTEMS APPEAR TO HAVE A HIGH FAILURE RATE, AND PRESENT A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THEY FAIL WHILE DRIVING! PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ASAP! *TR

NHTSA #: 10546628
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Mar 2013

1) WE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING A YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT INDICATING MAINTENANCE NEEDED OFF AND ON FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS EVEN THOUGH WE WERE WELL WITHIN THE MAINTENANCE PERIOD. THIS TURNS OUT TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE BLEND DOOR FOR ALLOWING AIR COOLING OF THE HYBRID BATTERIES. 2) THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY FOR THE CAR. WE HAVE HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING, AND THE SYSTEM CHECK SHOWED NO PROBLEM (I BELIEVE IT CHECKS FLUID LEVELS) SO THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10504566
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2012

PART TWO: NOTE FROM CUSTOMER: NO PARTICULAR DASHBOARD LIGHT ISSUE (EXCEPT FOR ONE) WORKED FINE UNTIL UTTER SYSTEM COLLAPSE OF CAR -- UTTER AND QUICK DEATH, LIES LIFELESS ON DRIVEWAY,LEAVING ME W/BROKEN HEART -- MY LOVE AFFAIR W/FORD ROCKED TO DEPTHS. HAD 3 PERFECT TAURUSES, & I NEVER EXPECTED A $5000 FIX ON A CAR WHEN IT'S BEEN DONE TO OTHERS WITH NO GOOD RESULTS. WE ARE AS POOR AS PICKLES. I HAVE READ SO MANY EXACT SAME STORIES ONLINE THAT I BELIEVE THERE IS A "KNOWN ISSUE" & THAT YOU ALL WILL BE (NO OFFENSE) BE HIT BY A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT OR A BUNCH OF LEMONS LAW SUITS. I'VE READ THE SAME STORY OVER AND OVER -- BATTERY FAILURE, NEW BATTERY ALSO FAILED IN DANGEROUS PLACES WITH CHILDREN CAR. ALL HAPPENS WITH NO WARNING; OUR BATTERY WAS PRETTY NEW. BUT A NEW BATTERY BOUGHT, INSTALLED & FAILED AFTER ONE WEEK, DIED AND NEVER RECOVERED - THE CAR, I MEAN.) I HAD JUST FINISHED PAYING FOR IT; IT SEEMED AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN PUT ON A "FAILURE WHEN PAID FOR" INTERNAL TIMER! TECH SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN 5 SIMULTANEOUS FAILURES AT ONCE, THOUGH I HAVE ALREADY READ OF THE MOST CRUCIAL, DANGEROUS PROBLEM MANY, MANY TIMES, DESPITE THE "LOCAL" FLORIDIAN MANAGER (I'M IN CA) WHO URGED ME, IN A SWEETLY CONDESCENDING FASHION, TO GO BACK TO FORD FOR THE FIX BECAUSE "THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS FLOATING AROUND OUT THERE ON THE INTERNET". [XXX] STRAIGHT, & MANY OF THEM ARE RIGHT. SO GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO, WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE -- WE COULD HAVE FAILED IN THE FREEWAY -- WE ALMOST FAILED COMING HOME FROM A PARTY AND TWO WEEKS IN A ROW LOST OUR SPOTS AT THE FARMERS' MARKET BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DIED. OKAY, FORD -- I'M TRULY AND TOTALLY UPSET -- I PUT $27K INTO THAT VEHICLE AND NOW IT THIS A DEAD HEAP. PEOPLE WITH OTHER 2006 HEV (FORD ONLY) WRITE OF TRULY TERRIFYING FAILURES ON THE FREEWAY. MAKE IT RIGHT -- THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND WE WANT RECOURSE & JUSTICE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10462903
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2012

REPAIR QUOTE FROM JOURNEY FORD, NOVATO: J#1: STEERING CONCERN-CUSTOMER STATES NO POWER ASSIST (?) TO POWER STEERING & "SERVICE POWER STEERING IS ON MESSAGE CENTER. TEST DROVE VEHICLE & CONFIRMED POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. RAN TESTS & PULLED CODE B2277. PERFORMED PIN POINT & FOUND EPA'S MODULE & GEAR FAILING. SUGGESTED REPLACING MODULE & GEAR & RE-TESTING.CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR. J#1: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT: CUSTOMER STATES WRENCH IS ON & BRAKE LIGHT IS ON. HAS BEEN HIT ON RT SIDE & REPAIRED. INSPECTED VEHICLE & MULTIPLE LIGHTS ARE ON IN DASH. PULLED CODES & HAVE CODES B1239. REAR DOOR MODE FAILURE. RAN TESTS & FOUND HYBRID BATTERY MODE DOOR IS FAULTY. SUGGEST REPLACING & REPROGRAMMING BCM. CODE P0A81 & P0A8D FOUND TSB FOR UPDATED HBRD BATTERY & COOLING FANS. SUGGEST REPLACING & RETESTING. RAN TESTS & FOUND U2060 FOR ABS CONCERN. RAN TESTS & FOUND TSB FOR UPDATED HARNESS & NUTS & BOLTS FOR ABS MODULE GROUND CIRCUITS. ALSO PULLED MULTIPLE CODES FOR LOW BATTERY.TESTED BATTERY & FAILED TEST. CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR. J# +91FOZ DECLINED SERVICES (WE EXPECTED MORE OF FORD - WE ARE LEFT WITHOUT A CAR AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME OF OUR LIVES. WE ARE BOTH DISABLED, OVER 60, WITH EXCELLENT PROSPECTS FOR LIVING IN OUR CAR -- IF WE COULD GET IT TO MOVE. HERE IS THE LIST OF THE SERVICES, TOTALING CLOSE TO $6K!!!!! TO CONTINUE THE TECH'S QUOTE: #9999 EPS MODULE & ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR ABS WIRE HYBRID BLEND DOOR HYBRID COOLING FAN KIT ALIGN BATTERY THIS IS PART ONE -- PART TWO TO FOLLOW. LUCKY YOU ALL! I'M SORRY TO COMPLAIN AS I AM A REAL FORD LOVER -- HAVE HAD THREE TAURUSES AROUND HERE IN MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER, EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED IN THEM. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE SAFE IN THIS CAR AND I KNOW, I KNOW I NEVER WILL BE. I BELIEVE I SHOULD BE GIVEN A NEW CAR OR A GOOD REPAIR AND THEN A SOLID RE-TEST. THAT'S BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN REAL JUSTICE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10462900
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE AND SHE WOULD BE UNABLE TO MOVE IT FOR A FEW SECONDS. AFTER WAITING A FEW SECONDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD RESET ITSELF AND PERFORM AS NORMAL. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10417719
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000.

NHTSA #: 10326690
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Mar 2010

MY POWER STEERING FAILS AT LOW SPEED. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE POWER STEERING PISTON PUMP NEEDS REPAIR AT A COST OF APPROX $900.00. *TR

NHTSA #: 10316439
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Filed: Feb 2010

ELECTRIC CONTROLLED BRAKES, & ELECTRIC CONTROLLED POWER ASSIST STEERING. SEEING ALL THAT IS HAPPENING TO TOYOTA I THOUGHT I HAD BEST REPORT MY INCIDENTS TO SOMEONE SO THAT A FILE COULD BE STARTED AND HISTORY COULD BE MADE OF DEFECTIVE ISSUES WITH FORD ESCAPE HYBRID MINE IS A 2006 MODEL AND EVERYTHING STARTED JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I NOW HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IT IS ALWAYS THE MOST EXPENSIVE PART OF THE SYSTEM THAT SEEMS TO FAIL ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE WRITERS. I IOD SOME INVESTIGATION WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED AND IT WAS JUST A WHEEL SENSOR THAT MALFUNCTIONED BUT IT CAUSED A MAJOR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CONTROL MODULE AFTER I CHECKED THE COST I TOLD FORD TO TAKE THE FUEL-SAVING VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN A JUNKYARD AND THEN I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER SERVICE TECH THAT THE SENSOR JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET AN THAT WOULD BE JUST A LITTLE OVER $300 SO I HAD IT SERVICED AND NOW AFTER A FLAT TIRE I AM TOLD THAT MY POWER ASSIST CONTROL UNIT NEEDS REPLACING THE OWNERS MANUAL SAID THAT AFTER YOU USE A DONUT TIRE THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AND AGAIN I AM TOLD IT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE PART TO REPLACE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT FORD HAS THE ONLY MACHINES THAT COULD RESET THESE SENSORS, SO PARDON MY LAYMANS TERMS BUT FORD HAS YOU BY THE '!@#$%'.SINCE THEY CONTROL THE SITUATION. I DO HOWEVER BELIEVE THAT OUTSIDE ELECTRICAL FIELDS HAVE AN EFFECT ON THESE ELECTRICAL SENSORS. IT COULD BE AS LITTLE AS A PAVEMENT SENSOR THAT CONTROLS SIGNAL LIGHTS TO ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL FIELD THAT DAMAGES THESE SENSORS THAT ARE NOT SHIELDED. THANK YOU FOR READING MY THOUGHTS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10306487
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2009

POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED AS "POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE" AND REPLACED PART. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER, POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN. VEHICLE AGAIN WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AND DIAGNOSED AS "POWER STEERING PUMP WIRING HARNESS MELTED" POWER STEERING WIRING HARNESS PART IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE AND PART IS BEING MANUFACTURED 3 WEEKS AFTER INCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10291247
mediumSTEERING,PARKING BRAKE,TIRES,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
CrashFiled: Apr 2008

SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS FORD ESCAPE 2006 I HAVE IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR BRAKES TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STEERING PUMPS BROKEN AND THE MOST IN TWO MONTHS I HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE BRAKES WILL STOP AND THEN RELEASE. I KEEP UP ON THE MAINTENANCE WHICH REQUIRES BRAKES CHECK MY COMPLAINTS AND AFTER THE FIRST THEY ACCIDENT IN MARCH WE ASKED FORD TO CHECK BRAKES THE SAID IT WAS FINE LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ANOTHER ACCIDENT SAME THING BRAKES STOP AND RELEASE WE TOOK IT BACK IN AND THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD BEEN BROKEN I HAVE CHILDREN I DRIVE CHILDREN AND THIS COULD DEFINITELY HAVE HURT US OR SOMEONE ELSE MY CAR IS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND DANGEROUS ACTUALLY THE BODY SHOP SAID IT WAS BROKEN BEFORE. THE DEALERS CONVENIENTLY SAY I DID NOT COMPLAIN BUT ALL SERVICE CHECKS MY BRAKE DRUMS ARE CHECK I COMPLAIN OF PARKING BRAKE AND EXCESSIVE NOISE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10226056
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jul 2007

THE STEERING IN MY ESCAPE STARTED TO BECOME TIGHTER AND TIGHTER AS I WOULD TURN AND SO, I SCHEDULED A MAINTENANCE CHECK THROUGH MY LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPT. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, THEY FOUND THAT THE RACK AND PINION HAD GONE BAD. I HAVE 40,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND AS YOU KNOW THIS EXCEEDS THE TYPICAL 3YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY TRUCK IS 13 MONTHS OLD. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10195944
mediumSTEERING
Filed: May 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD ESCAPE HEV. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. WHEN THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,000.

NHTSA #: 10191643
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jul 2006

SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION FELT AT STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENOUGH VIBRATION FELT TO CAUSE FATIGUE TO THE OPERATOR'S FOREARMS/HANDS - MOST UNPLEASANT WHEN DRIVING 100+ MILES. *JB

NHTSA #: 10161329

Other 2006 Ford Escape Issues