NHTSA Complaint #11579259 — 2019 FORD ESCAPE

After the steering wheel became SIGNIGICANTLY stiff and a warning light come on when trying to pull out of a parking space, I called a tow truck. The driver was able to turn on the Escape and we had no problems with steering. After I had a mechanic examine the vehicle, he said the issue is the electronic rack with the steering system. I did some research and Ford has been sued in the past for similar issues on this model, but not year. The estimated cost for repair is over $2000. I am told that with this particular steering system, a full replacement is required. I am also told that while it is drivable, the problem is unpredictable. It might be as simple as letting it sit (as it was in the parking lot) and restarting to as hard as the system giving out while driving and the wheel becoming so stiff to turn that it can put the driver and others at risk. From what I've read, others have experienced similar issues.