2016 Ford Escape steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 21, 2026236,000 miKYSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated normally. Later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering message returned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The cause of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11751800 · source
2. Filed Jul 10, 2026WASteering

   While driving the car, the electronic power assist steering stopped working, making it extremely difficult to steer and drove straight into a curb. Was able to slowly back the car up then very carefully drove to the local shop. Thankfully, no pedestrians were walking on the sidewalk. Power assist unit failed which caused a very unsafe driving condition. It required two strong arms to muscle the steering carefully to drive the car to the shop.

   NHTSA complaint #11749602 · source
3. Filed Jun 4, 2026150,000 miMSDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11741998 · source
4. Filed Jan 28, 2026MISteering

   Steering went out suddenly and i was unable to move my steering wheel in the middle of driving. I had no warning lights or other symptoms before losing steering.

   NHTSA complaint #11714084 · source
5. Filed Nov 7, 2025122,000 miWASteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly, which required the driver to increase the efforts to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had been recurring while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the…

   NHTSA complaint #11698221 · source
6. Filed Aug 13, 2025110,000 miNYSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed to function as intended, and the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had progressively worsened, and it was difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering system had failed and needed to be repaired. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11680363 · source
7. Filed Aug 5, 2025FLSteering

   My steering wheel became loose on my 2016 Ford Escape while driving the car. I went home due to this safety hazard so not to cause a major accident. I went online to see if there was a recall on my car for this safety item. I found out my car had no recalls however, the 2014-2018 Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ were recall for steering wheels detachments. I went to Coggin Ford (Jacksonville, FL) to inspect my car. Ford did not find a recalls on my car and found the steering…

   NHTSA complaint #11678529 · source
8. Filed Feb 3, 202533,000 miWVSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon reversing out of the driveway, the power steering assist failed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and instructed the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering angle sensor module was defective. The mechanic replaced the part and…

   NHTSA complaint #11640294 · source
9. Filed Jan 20, 2025NYSteering

   Driving for about two weeks with a "sticky" steering wheel. Driving down the road one night, received Steering Fault, Service Now message. Power Steering was barely responsive. Parked car overnight, came out to car in morning, received Steering Loss, Stop Safely message. Power Steering was not functioning in the vehicle at all. Complete loss of power steering is a safety hazard while driving down the road. The problem was reproduced at the dealer and an independent shop.…

   NHTSA complaint #11637140 · source
10. Filed Oct 3, 2024NCBrakesOther / UnknownSteering

    The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locked and would not move to steer or release. I had to get it towed. This is a huge…

    NHTSA complaint #11617919 · source
11. Filed Jul 22, 202474,000 miVASteering

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH pulling out of a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle to attempt to reset the power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering functionality failed to return to normal functionality. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11603691 · source
12. Filed Jul 11, 2024FLSteering

    Drove 170 miles round trip to airport and back. Shut off car to unload friend. When car was restarted I had no power steering. Message indicated steering power assist problem. Let car cool for about 2 hours. Restarted and drove without problem. Dealer stated that it would be best if it were not working when I brought it in.

    NHTSA complaint #11601205 · 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