2014 Ford Escape steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 28, 2026ILSteering

   While driving the steering wheel stopped returning to center when in turns and also would occasionally get "stuck" in the turn. A few days after this began, was out driving, notice flashed "power steering failure" and then the steering wheel was not able to be turned. Turned off and restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel would not budge. Had it towed to a nearby mechanic, told me that it was not the power steering but that something inside the steering rack had broken. He…

   NHTSA complaint #11753384 · source
2. Filed Jun 16, 2026NJElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   My 2014 Ford vehicle the steering wheel began to malfunction, then became worse. I took it to Pep Boys Mechanic, they showed me the recall for this issue. I will include the recall attached. The mechanic told me to call Ford they should fix this problem. I called Ford who said since our vin no was not indicated on the recall, but same year make and model are, cannot repair due to vin no not on recall. Then the Ford Dealer Mechanic recommended I call Ford Corporate. I called…

   NHTSA complaint #11744510 · source
3. Filed May 13, 2026OKSteering

   When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel was impossible to turn. A message on the dash showed “Steering assist fault, Service required”. After shutting the vehicle off and restarting, the power steering was restored. The problem persisted on 2 more vehicle starts on the same day.

   NHTSA complaint #11737679 · source
4. Filed Jan 8, 2026NYSteering

   I was driving on the road when the steering started to get stuck, it got hard to move it, I got the warning on the car about a steering fault, stop safely. fortunately I was able to pull over with no risk, I had to call tow, but it could have caused an accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11709780 · source
5. Filed Dec 22, 2025COSteering

   Electronic power steering has stopped working, flashes a message on the dash, and vehicle is stuck with Armstrong steering without it's electronic assist.

   NHTSA complaint #11706612 · source
6. Filed Jun 18, 2025CASteering

   -Electric power steering system. Yes, it is available for inspection. -My safety is high risk with this issue. -No. -No. -Yes. A message saying "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" few time would pop up and the steering wheel couldn't move. I would turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the message would go away.

   NHTSA complaint #11667725 · source
7. Filed Jun 13, 202579,000 miWISteering

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the message "Service Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11666800 · source
8. Filed Feb 6, 2025154,000 miTXSteering

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an electrical buzzing sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated that later while driving approximately 10 MPH, the message "Power Steering Off" was displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to drive into the opposite lane while oncoming traffic was approaching. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11641044 · source
9. Filed Sep 12, 2024148,000 miMSSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard from third and fourth gear, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that while pulling out of a gas station, the steering wheel became stiff.…

   NHTSA complaint #11614149 · source
10. Filed Sep 11, 2024143,000 miMISteering

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, a message indicating a power steering assist failure was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11613972 · source
11. Filed Aug 30, 202487,000 miAZTowedSteering

    The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The driver pulled over, turned the steering wheel to the right, and turned on the flasher. The power steering and engine warning lights became…

    NHTSA complaint #11611822 · source
12. Filed Jun 25, 2024COTowedSteering

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering mechanism failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made…

    NHTSA complaint #11596419 · 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