2011 Ford Escape Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 409 steering complaints for the 2011 Ford Escape, 31% of all complaints filed for that year, with 7 crashes and 5 injuries linked to steering. A related recall (14V284000) covers a power steering torque sensor issue tied to a software fix.
- Steering complaints
- 409
- 31% of 1,316
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 110,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden, complete loss of electric power steering assist while driving, sometimes at highway speeds around 65 mph.
- Several report the steering wheel locking up or becoming very hard to turn after an abrupt click or pop, forcing them to turn the car off and on to restore assist.
- Some describe intermittent power steering loss that recurred multiple times before a repair could be completed, in one case preceded by a traction control warning light.
- Others report abnormal popping, squeaking, or grinding noises from the steering column or rack during turns, sometimes leading to steering rack and shaft replacement.
- A few owners report that steering feels heavier and harder to control on turns compared to when the vehicle was new, even after dealer inspection.
- Multiple complainants tie sudden steering loss directly to crashes, including collisions after losing the ability to steer away from obstacles.
When 2011 Ford Escape steering complaints were filed
First complaint May 5, 2011, latest Aug 19, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2011 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 14V284000May 29, 2014Steering740,878 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Steering complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2011 Ford Escape have?
- NHTSA lists 409 steering complaints for the 2011 Ford Escape, making up 31% of the 1,316 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Ford Escape?
- Yes. Recall 14V284000, reported May 29, 2014, covers a steering torque sensor issue on 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles; the remedy is a software update to the power steering control module and instrument cluster.
- Did the steering problems cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to steering complaints on the 2011 Ford Escape show 7 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2011 Escape?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Ford Escape is 110,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at very low mileage as well.
- How does the 2011 Escape compare to other years for steering complaints?
- The 2011 Escape's steering share of 31% is the highest of any model year listed, compared to 20% in 2010 and 23% in 2012, dropping sharply to single digits by 2015 and later.