YearToAvoid

2020 Ford Escape Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 18 steering complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, about 1% of its 1,599 total complaints for the year. Two crashes are tied to steering issues, but no related recalls are listed. Median mileage at failure is 12,450.

Steering complaints
18
1% of 1,599
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
12,450 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist, sometimes traced to a failed power steering control module or steering column.
  • Some describe the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn in either direction, often alongside ABS or traction control warning lights.
  • Several complaints mention the steering wheel seizing or locking up while driving, with no prior warning light.
  • Owners describe lane keep assist abruptly steering the vehicle onto the shoulder at highway speed, requiring correction.
  • A few reports describe all-wheel drive shutting off in icy or snowy conditions with a driver-assist fault message displayed.

When 2020 Ford Escape steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 30, 2020, latest Jul 22, 2026.

2020 Ford Escape steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Jul 2020Apr 2021Aug 2023Sep 2024Dec 2024Feb 2025Sep 2025Jun 2026
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2020 to Jul 2026; peak Dec 2024 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200549 (4%)
  2. 200620 (4%)
  3. 200715 (6%)
  4. 20081,127 (57%)
  5. 2009828 (49%)
  6. 2010422 (20%)
  7. 2011409 (31%)
  8. 2012137 (23%)
  9. 2013302 (11%)
  10. 2014151 (7%)
  11. 201581 (7%)
  12. 201673 (7%)
  13. 201749 (2%)
  14. 201832 (2%)
  15. 201916 (3%)
  16. 202018 (1%)
  17. 20214 (1%)
  18. 20225 (2%)
  19. 20230 (0%)
  20. 20240 (0%)
  21. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2020 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 18 steering complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, which is about 1% of the 1,599 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2020 Ford Escape?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for steering on the 2020 Ford Escape.
Did steering problems cause any crashes in the 2020 Ford Escape?
NHTSA data links 2 crashes to steering-related complaints on the 2020 Ford Escape, with no reported fires or injuries.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2020 Ford Escape?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2020 Ford Escape is 12,450 miles.
How does the 2020 Escape compare to other model years for steering complaints?
The 2020 Escape's 18 steering complaints and 1% share are lower than earlier years like 2010 and 2011, which had 422 and 409 complaints and 20% and 31% shares respectively.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.