2008 Ford Escape — Known Issues & Recalls

Your power steering torque sensor failed and was replaced under recall, but the same part is failing again and creating a safety issue. Ford is refusing to repair it a second time, even though the replacement part has failed in less than 15 years. The repair will likely involve replacing the power steering torque sensor with a newer or improved version.

Your car's electronic power steering system has stopped working, making it extremely difficult to steer or move the vehicle. Your dashboard is displaying a fault warning. The power steering will need to be diagnosed and repaired, which may involve replacing the power steering motor, control module, or related electrical components.

Your 2008 Ford Escape's electric power steering assist failed again in 2025, even though Ford completed a recall repair in 2014 for the exact same problem. The recall fix was only a software update to the power steering control module — no actual parts like the torque sensor were replaced. When the steering assist fails, your steering becomes very hard to turn, which is a serious safety issue while driving. You may need Ford to replace the faulty torque sensor or other mechanical components rather than just reprogramming the software.

While stopped at a traffic light and trying to turn, your steering wheel suddenly became difficult or impossible to turn and seized up. A warning light shaped like a wrench appeared on your dashboard. The dealer diagnosed this as a failed steering column motor (error code B2278) that needs replacement. Fixing this will require replacing the steering column motor assembly.

Your steering column suddenly locked up while you were driving, making it impossible to turn the wheel in any direction. You heard a few small clicking sounds followed by one loud click right before the steering became completely stuck, which nearly caused a crash. The steering column isn't in a locked position from the key, but it still won't move.

Your power steering system has stopped working, starting with problems at low speeds before failing completely. Your car is displaying a "power steering assist fault" warning message. The steering wheel will be very difficult to turn without power assistance.

Your car's power steering system has stopped working due to a torque sensor malfunction — this is the same problem that Ford recalled in 2014. Without power steering, your steering wheel will be much harder to turn and more difficult to control. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the torque sensor with diagnostic software and replacing the faulty sensor.

Your steering wheel occasionally becomes hard to turn in either direction while driving at any speed, and you notice an unknown warning light on the dashboard along with an audible ringing sound from the vehicle. Your dealer couldn't diagnose or repair it due to cost concerns. The power steering system may need inspection or repair to restore normal steering effort.

You tried to contact Ford about a steering-related recall issue by certified mail and email, but Ford failed to respond and your emails to Ford customer service and executive addresses bounced back as undeliverable. This left you unable to get a determination on whether your vehicle qualifies for recall coverage.

Your power steering warning light is appearing on the dashboard, and you've experienced a complete loss of power steering assistance. This means the steering wheel will require significantly more physical effort to turn. The issue likely involves the power steering system and may require inspection of the pump, belts, or fluid levels.

Your power steering system stopped working properly while driving, making it much harder to turn the steering wheel. No warning lights appeared on your dashboard. This issue may be related to a known Ford safety recall, but your vehicle was never taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repair.

Your car's power steering stopped working while you were turning at 35-40 MPH, making the steering wheel hard to turn. The problem started as an occasional issue but has now become constant. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose or repair it, and the dealer was unreachable. The fix will likely require a power steering system inspection and repair, which may involve replacing the power steering pump, hoses, or fluid.

Your power steering doesn't always work when you start your vehicle or while driving, even though Ford completed a recall repair for electronic power steering issues back in 2015. Both Ford Customer Service and your local dealership have indicated they won't cover the repair costs. This intermittent power steering problem makes it harder to steer your car safely.

You submitted a certified written request asking Ford to determine whether your steering system qualifies for recall coverage, but the manufacturer did not respond to your request. This lack of response prevented you from getting clarity on potential steering-related recalls that may apply to your vehicle.

You've reported a steering issue with your 2008 Ford Escape and have contacted Ford customer service, the dealership, and sent certified letters requesting a response within 30 business days. Unfortunately, the specific details of your steering problem are not visible in this complaint submission due to redaction. Without knowing the exact steering issue you're experiencing, we cannot provide details about what repair might be needed.

Your check engine light is flashing repeatedly, and you're experiencing noticeable vibration while driving. You may also notice oil and fluid leaking from the engine, which could indicate a bad head gasket. The leaking fluids and head gasket issue will likely need professional engine diagnosis and repair to prevent further damage.

Your gear shift bushing failed, causing the shift lever to become disconnected from the transmission. When you tried to shift into park on a hill, the car rolled backward because the shifter was stuck in neutral — you had to use the emergency brake to stop it. The dealership said this was a known recall issue but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in it. Fixing this will involve replacing the gear shift bushing or cable to reconnect the shifter to the transmission.

While driving, your dashboard lights suddenly come on, your speedometer and RPM gauge drop to zero, and your air conditioning stops working. You can still control and drive the car, but the problem happens frequently and is frightening. Hitting a bump or tapping the dashboard sometimes fixes it temporarily. Ford diagnosed the dashboard instrument cluster as the faulty component.

Your car's hazard flashers are turning on by themselves at any time, day or night, even while you're driving. Additionally, your transmission oil cooler is leaking fluid, and the bushing that connects your shift cable to the shift lever has broken (fortunately while the car wasn't in use). These issues suggest problems with your electrical system and transmission components that need professional diagnosis and repair.

Your steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn while driving at various speeds. At the same time, your air bag and traction control warning lights turn on. This problem started around 67,000 miles and hasn't been diagnosed or fixed yet. You'll likely need a mechanic to scan the warning codes and inspect the steering system, electrical connections, and traction control components.