2009 Ford Escape steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

302 owners have reported steering problems with the 2009 Ford Escape, 74% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 144,102 mi.

Steering complaints
302
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
144,102 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering297
Steering:electric power assist system1
Steering:hydraulic power assist system1
Steering:steering control module1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Steering:steering wheel /handle bar:yaw/angle sensor1

Steering complaints across Ford Escape years

42005712007184302200917423120117717620138152201544412017261520191842021612025
Steering complaints by model year. The 2009 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k2360k–100k68100k–150k80150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 14V284000May 29, 2014740,878 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 22, 2026135,000 miILSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11766179 · source
  2. Filed Jun 23, 2026NYSteering
    Hi! I [XXX] [XXX] my vehicle streeing wheel struck or lock when the vehicle slow down or stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11745927 · source
  3. Filed May 20, 2026188,136 miGASteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11739090 · source
  4. Filed May 3, 2026OHCrashTowedEngineSteeringSuspension
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11735376 · source
  5. Filed Apr 20, 2026148,000 miALSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11732344 · source
  6. Filed Mar 24, 2026MOSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11726657 · source
  7. Filed Mar 10, 202667,092 miCASteering
    The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a left turn, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11723380 · source
  8. Filed Feb 24, 2026NYCrash1 injuredSteering
    Yesterday I went to the Ford dealership and asked if my 2009 Ford Escape could have the power steering repaired under recall as the code from the OBD2 data is B2278 and that falls under a RECALL for PSCM Power Steering Control Module - STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAMPAIGN ID: 14V284000 FORD RECALL #14S05 I was advised there is no open recall of my vehicle and that this recall had been performed in 2014 as a software update. The history also shows my vehicle did…
    NHTSA complaint #11720067 · source
  9. Filed Feb 23, 2026SCSteering
    Power steering quit working. It would go in and out then just stopped all together. I see there is a recall however my vehicle isn't included but is experiencing the same problem. I have read where other vehicle no included in the previous recall also experienced the same problem.
    NHTSA complaint #11719859 · source
  10. Filed Feb 13, 2026180,000 miVASteering
    The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the code “NO BUSS” flashed off and on, causing the instrument cluster to not function as needed. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was…
    NHTSA complaint #11717896 · source
  11. Filed Jan 31, 2026OHElectrical SystemSteering
    Me and my [XXX] old was driving on the highway in my 2009 Ford escape and suddenly my power steering completely went out with no warning. I was driving 60 mph because that's my safe speed. Steering got completely resistant to the point I could not turn my steering wheel almost crashing into another vehicle with a child in the vehicle. I found out that Ford has had power steering issues with almost all their vehicles due to their electrical power steering system. My vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11714676 · source
  12. Filed Jan 27, 2026MISteering
    The car had a recall in 2014 was fixed then went out again same part same problem after being fixed ford dealer said they won't handle the recall again steering torque sensor went bad a second time car only had 110000 thousand mile and the same torque sensor that was recalled and replaced went bad again.
    NHTSA complaint #11713607 · source

Other 2009 Ford Escape problem areas

  • Brakes (65)
  • Electrical System (32)
  • Other / Unknown (18)
  • Body & Structure (13)
  • Engine (12)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11)
  • Suspension (10)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (8)
  • Wheels & Tires (5)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Lighting (2)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)

Back to all 2009 Ford Escape problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology