Problems · by component

2009 Ford Escape steering problems

828 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Escape cite steering, 49% of all 1,693 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
828
49% of all complaints
Crashes
16
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
15
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed bar-yaw angle sensor. The contact was informed that the bar-yaw angle sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766179
“Hi! I [XXX] [XXX] my vehicle streeing wheel struck or lock when the vehicle slow down or stopped.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026SteeringODI 11745927
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that ten years ago, an unknown recall repair for the failure was completed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 188,136.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2026SteeringODI 11739090
“I was driving down the road about 35 mph and it jerked me clean off the right side of the road. Here the driver side and passenger side subframe/engine cratle is completely rotted out bad . This needs fixed before someone dies.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 3, 2026Steering, Suspension, EngineCrash reportedODI 11735376
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and only manual steering was available. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. When the vehicle was purchased, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); and was already repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026SteeringODI 11732344
“Steering sensor failed as documented in Ford fixing the steering torque from a recall on B2778:EF. The steering would not turn and happened while driving near Airport Dr and Garrison in Carthage, Mo. There was traffic and could barely get the SUV to turn at all. Almost hit another car in a 35 mph zone when it happened. There was no warning or lights on dashboard at all. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash per Ford. A computer update was done in 2023 but obviously, it did not fix the safety issue for my vehicle and put me and others at risk of accidents.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026SteeringODI 11726657

Showing 6 of 828 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

SteeringReported May 29, 2014NHTSA 14V284000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.