2010 Ford Escape — Known Issues & Recalls

Your electric power steering system completely failed, leaving you without steering control. The steering column module malfunctioned and required a $4,000 repair to restore normal steering function.

Your steering wheel suddenly jerked hard to the left while driving, pulling the front tires to the extreme left and requiring substantial force to regain control. A faulty steering angle sensor was identified as the cause and replaced by your mechanic, after which the problem was resolved. This dangerous malfunction put you and your passengers at risk of a collision, though fortunately no crash occurred. The repair involved replacing the steering angle sensor and reprogramming it to restore normal steering function.

Your steering wheel became loose and shook aggressively while driving and at idle, and the steering became very hard to turn. A Ford dealer diagnosed a faulty torque sensor in the power steering system at 92,000 miles. This is the same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford Escapes. The fix will require replacing the torque sensor in your power steering system.

Your steering wheel shakes while driving and makes a grinding noise when the car is idling. A mechanic confirmed this is a power steering assist failure, which makes your car harder to control and could potentially cause loss of steering—creating a safety hazard while driving. The repair will likely involve replacing or rebuilding the power steering pump or related components.

While driving 55 MPH on the highway, your steering wheel became stuck and wouldn't turn right to exit. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the wheel was still very difficult to turn in either direction. A dealer diagnosed a failed power steering assist system that needs replacement. Even though you found a related recall (Campaign 14V284000), your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in it. The repair will likely involve replacing the power steering pump or assist module.

Your car's electric power steering system unexpectedly failed while you were driving on the highway, forcing you to steer manually with significant effort. The power steering returned after you turned the engine off and back on. Your mechanic confirmed this is a known issue covered under a recall related to the torque sensor in the electric power steering system. The fix will likely involve a dealer service appointment to replace or repair the faulty steering control components covered under the recall.

When you start your 2010 Ford Escape, the steering wheel suddenly pulls hard to the left and you lose control of the vehicle, with no warning light appearing first. You have to use excessive force to regain control. This problem happened before after tie rod ends were replaced, and a dealer diagnosis found a defective steering column. The vehicle has not been repaired.

Your power steering assist is intermittently failing, making the steering wheel harder to turn at unpredictable times. You've already replaced the steering rack and pinion as well as the steering wheel sensor, but the problem continues to occur. The repair may require further diagnostic testing to identify if there's an electrical issue with the power steering system or if additional components need replacement.

Your dealership has had your car for over a month due to a steering wheel recall. You're being told you must pay for the recall repair or wait for it to be completed at no charge. The steering wheel has a known issue that Ford is addressing through a recall.

Your steering wheel locked up and wouldn't turn when you tried to start your car, forcing you to restart the vehicle multiple times before it unlocked. A mechanic linked this to a known steering recall (NHTSA Campaign 14V284000), but your specific vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall, so the issue wasn't repaired. The steering lock mechanism may need inspection or replacement to prevent this from happening again.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist and was driven with manual steering. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and contacted the dealer, and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000

Your transmission's valve body failed about 3 weeks after purchase, causing a sudden loss of power while driving on the freeway that nearly caused an accident. A solenoid (part D) is stuck in the off position, and this transmission model has a known history of this problem. The transmission will likely need to be repaired or replaced to restore normal operation.

Your 2010 Ford Escape experienced a complete transmission failure within 30 days of purchase, making it undrivable. You also noticed severe rust and corrosion underneath the vehicle that appears to damage the frame and safety components, along with significant shaking and vibration while driving and braking. These combined issues—transmission failure, extensive underbody rust, and unstable driving behavior—suggest serious safety risks. Addressing these problems will likely require transmission replacement, structural rust repair or frame replacement, and brake and suspension inspection.

Your electric seat controls aren't working, and you're getting an airbag warning light on your dashboard. An aftermarket seat cover may be interfering with the airbag sensor, which could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in a crash. This needs immediate attention, as an improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury. A mechanic should inspect your seat cover installation and the airbag system wiring to identify what's blocking the electrical connection.

Your power steering intermittently fails while driving—roughly once a month—with no warning, making the vehicle harder to control. You're also noticing a fuel smell outside the vehicle and can see fuel leaking from a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank, which causes rough idling at traffic lights. Both issues pose safety concerns: the steering loss affects control, and the fuel leak is a fire hazard. The fix will likely involve replacing the fuel tank and inspecting the power steering system for leaks or electrical failures.

Your 2010 Ford Escape has developed rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe caused by rust, despite low mileage (79k miles) and garage storage. This structural damage could affect suspension stability and safety. The fix will likely involve rust removal, subframe inspection or replacement, and rust prevention treatment.

Your power steering assist system has a fault, and you're experiencing very difficult steering as a result. The warning light on your dashboard is alerting you to this problem. You'll need to have the power steering system diagnosed and repaired, which may involve replacing the power steering pump, serpentine belt, or related electrical components.

Your power steering warning light came on and your steering wheel became difficult to turn. This means your power steering system isn't working properly, making it harder to control the vehicle. The issue likely involves the power steering pump, electrical connections, or the steering control module.

Your transmission axle has been leaking fluid, and you've already paid for repairs twice. Recently, a mechanic discovered the real problem is a worn bearing or bushing inside the transmission—a known issue with Ford Escapes. Because of internal damage from the previous leaks, simply replacing the seal won't fix it; Ford is recommending a full transmission rebuild or replacement.

Your car has an oil leak that has proven difficult to locate, even after three separate visits to different mechanics who used diagnostic dye to trace it. The leak is causing you ongoing problems, though the exact source remains unidentified. Finding and sealing the leak source will likely require additional diagnostic work or inspection of common leak points like gaskets, seals, and oil lines.