2012 Ford Escape steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026KSSteering

   The power steering failed unexpectedly. I am not sure what the problem is but there is fluid all over the wheel well. I see that the was a recal on the power steering. How can I find out why my car was not included?

   NHTSA complaint #11767723 · source
2. Filed Sep 26, 2026CASteering

   I started the truck and began to back out of my parking spot but the steering was so stiff I couldn't turn so I shut it off. After about 3 minutes I stated it up and the steering was fine. The. It happened the next day while I was driving and that was terrifying!!! It became extremely difficult to steer so I found the strength to turn and park. After turning the truck off and on it was fine.. Now the truck is in my driveway and the steering so stiff that I'll have to leave…

   NHTSA complaint #11767066 · source
3. Filed Apr 30, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteering

   Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in this vehicle, which has been the subject of recalls for similar model years. However, my VIN is not…

   NHTSA complaint #11734932 · source
4. Filed Mar 24, 2026MOSteering

   I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.

   NHTSA complaint #11726745 · source
5. Filed Oct 29, 2025121,000 miWATowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was…

   NHTSA complaint #11696458 · source
6. Filed Oct 11, 2025MISteering

   Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.

   NHTSA complaint #11692723 · source
7. Filed Oct 7, 202585,000 miFLSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the…

   NHTSA complaint #11691843 · source
8. Filed Oct 1, 2025OKSteering

   In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It’s so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.

   NHTSA complaint #11690697 · source
9. Filed Sep 14, 2025INSteering

   Was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. Was able to get car safely off street. Turned car off, restarted car and steering was back to normal. Haven’t had problem since this one time. Called local dealer about electric steering and was told it was not in previous recall group of vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint #11687207 · source
10. Filed Jul 11, 2025160,000 miILAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11672913 · source
11. Filed Jul 7, 2025130,000 miMDSteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired.…

    NHTSA complaint #11671592 · source
12. Filed Jun 18, 2025145,000 miMOSteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a roundabout, the vehicle independently veered toward the right before the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to perform the repair was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11667649 · source

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