2009 Ford Escape — Known Issues & Recalls

Your steering suddenly became very difficult to turn while driving in traffic, nearly causing a collision. The power steering assist failed without any warning lights, making it extremely hard to steer at low speeds. A computer update was performed in 2023, but the steering sensor issue persisted and created a dangerous situation. The repair will likely involve replacing or reprogramming the steering torque sensor and related steering components.

Your power steering locked up completely while turning, causing you to crash into a snowbank. Ford performed a software update on your steering control module in 2014 under recall, but your vehicle is now displaying the same error code (B2278) again, suggesting the original defect wasn't truly fixed. The dealership is refusing to repair it, claiming the recall was already completed, even though you're experiencing the exact problem the recall was supposed to address. This will likely require Ford to inspect your power steering system and possibly replace the torque sensor or steering shaft components that may be defective.

You're filing a follow-up complaint about a steering problem with your 2009 Ford Escape that was involved in a crash. You want to provide additional documentation related to this steering issue.

While turning right, your steering wheel suddenly jerked to the left, then your power steering failed completely with a dashboard warning message. You contacted Ford about a potential recall for your vehicle year and model, but the dealership said no open recalls matched your VIN number. This leaves your vehicle unsafe to drive with your infant passenger.

While driving, your power steering suddenly stopped working, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This loss of power steering control created a dangerous situation where you nearly collided with another vehicle. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the power steering system—which may include checking the pump, belt, fluid level, or hoses.

While making a left turn, your steering wheel became difficult to turn and didn't respond in the direction you were steering. No warning lights appeared on your dashboard. You were able to drive the vehicle home, but the steering system clearly isn't working as it should. This may require a professional inspection of the steering components and hydraulic or mechanical systems that control wheel direction.

Your power steering has stopped working intermittently and then failed completely. While there is a recall for this issue on similar Ford vehicles, your specific car wasn't included in it, though other owners with the same model have reported the same problem.

Your steering wheel becomes hard to turn left or right while driving at any speed, and your instrument cluster stops working properly when a "NO BUSS" error appears on the display. Turning the car off and back on temporarily fixes the problem. Your Ford dealer diagnosed this as a faulty steering torque sensor and steering column that need replacement under a recall, but the parts are on national backorder and your vehicle hasn't been repaired yet. The repair will involve replacing the steering torque sensor and the steering column assembly.

Your steering torque sensor was recalled and replaced by a Ford dealer in 2014, but the same part failed again at 110,000 miles. The dealer refused to service the recall a second time. This is the same component that was previously fixed under the recall program.

When you started your 2009 Ford Escape and tried to back up, you lost power steering assistance. You discovered that this is a known manufacturing defect affecting multiple 2009 Ford Escapes that should have been included in recalls, but wasn't. The steering column will need to be replaced to restore power steering function.

Your steering column is subject to a Ford safety recall and needs to be replaced. The dealership says the replacement part is on back order and won't be available for 3-6 months or potentially longer, leaving you without your vehicle during that time. You may want to contact Ford directly or ask the dealership about expedited parts availability or loaner vehicle options while you wait for the repair.

Your power steering has stopped working completely, making the steering wheel very hard to turn. The dealership says the entire steering column needs to be replaced to fix this problem, which will cost around $3,400.

Your power steering suddenly stopped working without warning when you started your vehicle, forcing you to use a lot of extra force to steer and drive home. You discovered this issue matched a known recall (NHTSA Campaign 14V284000), but the manufacturer said your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall, so you weren't able to get it repaired under the recall program. This happened at around 130,000 miles.

Your electric power steering system has failed, leaving you without power assist. This makes turning the steering wheel significantly harder and more difficult to control. The power steering motor or control module will likely need to be diagnosed and replaced.

Your car's power steering stopped working after you started the engine. You turned on the vehicle and found that power steering was completely unavailable, making steering much harder than normal. This could be caused by a faulty power steering pump, a broken serpentine belt, or low power steering fluid. Diagnosis will likely involve checking the power steering system components and fluid level.

Your Escape's subframe has developed significant rust with an actual hole through the metal. An independent mechanic has inspected it and determined the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the extent of the corrosion. Fixing this will likely require replacing the entire subframe, as patching isn't a viable option given how much rust damage is present.

Your 2009 Ford Escape has developed severe rusting and rot on the frame rail. This structural issue was discovered at 184,500 miles. Frame damage can affect your vehicle's structural integrity and safety. A mechanic will need to inspect the extent of the rust and may recommend frame repair or replacement sections.

While driving at 60 mph on the highway, your power steering suddenly failed without warning, making it nearly impossible to turn the steering wheel and causing you to almost hit another vehicle. An independent service center confirmed the electrical power steering system can disable while driving. After the incident, a power steering fault warning appeared 24 hours later—too late to have prevented a potential crash. A Ford service employee indicated that 2008-2012 Ford Escapes should be recalled for this electrical power steering issue, though yours apparently has no active recall.

The frame behind your front driver's side door has developed severe rust and is nearly rusted through. This could potentially cause the body to separate from the frame or create other dangerous conditions. Your vehicle may not be safe to drive until this is repaired. The fix will likely involve rust removal, frame reinforcement, or replacement of the affected frame section.

Your brakes feel spongy and unresponsive, and your power steering failed shortly after you noticed the brake problem. Two mechanics have inspected your brake system but haven't fully resolved the issue, and both mechanics indicated this is a known problem affecting certain 2009 Ford Escapes from the Kansas City Assembly Plant. A complete brake system inspection and possible fluid or component replacement may be needed to restore proper braking feel and function.