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2020 Ford Escape Steering Problems

16 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

16
Complaints
2
Crashes
Jan 2025Dec 2024
Date Range

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

Owner Complaints (16)

criticalSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
Filed: Oct 2025

Upon starting our vehicle, we received several warning lights relating to collision control and that the AWD system had failed. This happened on a Saturday so we had to wait until Monday to bring the car in to the dealer for service. The service department told us that the diagnostic testing indicated that the AWD module and the PTU actuator motor needed to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11692156
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jun 2025

4WD module was failing. It affected hill braking, AWD and collision alert and other components. These messages popped up on my driver screen repeatedly.

NHTSA #: 11667435
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
Filed: Oct 2024

I brought my vehicle into its manufacturer service center after noticing several issues. The vehicle was not maneuvering as smoothly as it used to and when it hit bumps I would feel a slight loss of control. This is extremely dangerous, especially in the coming winter months where it snows heavily where I live in the midwest.

NHTSA #: 11619304
criticalSTEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Aug 2023

I lost my ability to steer my vehicle. I attempted to step on the brakes and nothing happened. I hit a box truck in front of me going at least 30mph and only my shin airbag deployed.

NHTSA #: 11539046
criticalSTEERING
CrashFiled: Oct 2022

pscm loss of power steering pulling into drive way minor damage to right fronty fender and bumper if this happened at highway speed on a curve it could been fatal took to dealer they replaced the steering column so far denied repair to bumper and fender there was no warring light came on after it happened

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NHTSA #: 11488458
highSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to steer in the intended direction, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with metal debris on the rear brake magnet on the rear brakes.

NHTSA #: 11641105
highSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11616164
highSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2020

While driving on the freeway, vehicles lane keep assist detected that I was out of my lane and steered me onto the shoulder. I was cruising in the far right lane at about 75mph when the lane keep swerved me abruptly onto the shoulder and I had to recover against the system.

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NHTSA #: 11349817
mediumSTEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2025

Out of nowhere, my vehicle had an AWD module failure. This has LED to several other subsystems being triggered and warning lights going off. It also disables AWD.

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NHTSA #: 11692058
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS and Traction Control warning messages had been displayed and the power steering had failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in each direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty.

NHTSA #: 11633209
mediumSTEERING,WHEELS
Filed: Dec 2024

ALL WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING IN ICY/SNOWY CONDITION. CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. WARNING MESSAGE: Driver display indicates, "ALL wheel drive module faulty, driver assist not available.

NHTSA #: 11631159
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2020

On the 1.5l engine when you are accelerating in the normal driving mode you experience a vibration in the steering wheel similar to a flat tire. The 2.0l engine with the same transmission does not experience the same problem.

NHTSA #: 11342347
lowSTEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

Every time I tried to put gas in the car it will not start and the steering wheel locks

NHTSA #: 11687297
lowSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

Car experiences delayed start after depressing ignition button and then afterwards the power steering does not work.

NHTSA #: 11634332
lowSTEERING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2023

The spot welds on the interior door assembly for the check arm broke off. Causing damage to my power window motor. And many other components.

NHTSA #: 11555765
lowSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Apr 2021

Car jerks off to the side of there is a turn lane, almost pulled steering wheel out of my hands. Does this every time I go by a turn lane at any speed

NHTSA #: 11406721

Other 2020 Ford Escape Issues