2017 Ford Escape steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 29, 202559,555 miFLSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist message was displayed; however, the driver continued driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an intermittent failure with the steering. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11676895 · source
2. Filed Jul 25, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   This vehicle has had multiple issues with starting. But now there’s a “Steering Assist Fault” that clearly ford is aware of but has decided that manufacturing this vehicle anyway was the way to go. The vehicle won’t start again now because of this issue. What happens is the vehicle loses its assisted steering and sometimes while driving which is extremely dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint #11676080 · source
3. Filed Jun 15, 2025AZSteering

   My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot a $2000 or more repair bill for their faulty manufacturing

   NHTSA complaint #11667011 · source
4. Filed May 27, 202592,000 miCACrashTowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and turning away from the curb, there was a snap, and the steering wheel became horizontal regardless of the efforts to manually center it in its normal position. The vehicle continued veering to the right. The vehicle crashed into the rear of another parked unoccupied vehicle, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated prior or after the crash. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11663097 · source
5. Filed Mar 10, 2025WASteering

   Steering rack and pinion failure, should not be happening at this low of miles and have read of similar cases with ford's rack and pinion of this style. Pulls hard to other lanes and almost causing accident or crash, extremely unsafe. You can hear it now when car is in park (or moving) and you turn to the right. I have additional video of popping, clunking and grinding noise coming from rack and pinion. I cannot drive safely until this is fixed.

   NHTSA complaint #11647524 · source
6. Filed Feb 27, 2025LASteering

   A previous NHTSA complaint was filed on [XXX] regarding a critical steering issue in the vehicle, indicated by the error message "Steering Fault Assist." Following this complaint, the vehicle was inspected by Ford, which determined that the power steering column, including the rack and pinion, required replacement. However, the cost of the repair was placed on the customer, who paid $2,002 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at Mayfield Auto in the Dallas Metro…

   NHTSA complaint #11645224 · source
7. Filed Dec 3, 2024130,000 miLATowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn to right while attempting to enter a McDonald's parking lot. The message "Steering Assistance Fault Failure - Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed and that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11628547 · source
8. Filed Nov 6, 2024CASteering

   Coming down my driveway, braking and preparing to make a hard right turn into my parking spot, the steering would not go full throw. Had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting my house. Backed up, steering seemed okay, no longer blocked. Tried again, same thing. After three tries and exercising the steering from lock to lock, the problem wentg away. I tried numerous times to recreate the problem and could not. However, I am very apprehensive that this car is now unsafe.

   NHTSA complaint #11623866 · source
9. Filed Jul 11, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   I had my car serviced with Ford 6/2024 for the replacement of a steering rack and pinion that cost $3,000. After repair, my check engine light came on. Ford capped all my fluids, but said they didn’t diagnose the check engine light because it would cost another $200 diagnostic fee. On 7/1/2024 I took my car to a local mechanic and he discovered I had no coolant fluid and a diagnostic test showed a misfire in Cylinder 1. He diagnosed this for free in a few minutes, while Ford…

   NHTSA complaint #11601327 · source
10. Filed Jul 7, 2024VAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

    The power steering assist failed suddenly while my wife was driving the vehicle with our children in the car. She couldn’t control any steering. I’ve sought help from the dealer multiple times, but they haven’t been helpful. No prior warnings as far as warning lamps etc.

    NHTSA complaint #11599862 · source
11. Filed May 22, 2024GASteering

    Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communication with Steering Control Module A. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic…

    NHTSA complaint #11590257 · source
12. Filed Jan 19, 202446,000 miNJTowedSteering

    The contact owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel began flickering. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the flickering ceased. The contact stated that shortly after the flickering stopped, the steering wheel became firm, and was unresponsive causing the vehicle to collide with a telephone pole. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as designed. A Police report was…

    NHTSA complaint #11566440 · 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