2014 FORD ESCAPE Steering Problems
146 NHTSA complaints on file
Steering Issues in the 2014 FORD ESCAPE
146 steering complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 FORD ESCAPE. Of these, 7 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 3 resulted in injury.
146
Complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Steering Complaints
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.
Electronic power steering has stopped working, flashes a message on the dash, and vehicle is stuck with Armstrong steering without it's electronic assist.
-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.
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 mileage was 79,000.
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 was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
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. The vehicle was shifted into reverse and steered out of the spot by a gentleman passing by. He steering wheel was adjusted and placed in the vehicle was shifted into drive(D). The contact also stated that the "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
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 mileage was approximately 143,000.
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 illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall coverage for the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Complete steering failure vehicle undriveable .
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 aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power steering stopped working instantaneously while exiting the interstate. Narrowly avoided leaving the road thru maximum braking, which nearly resulted in being hit from behind. Vehicle displayed a message saying “Steering Assist Fault Service Required”.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The power steering assist has begun to randomly stop working. It has happened 3 times. The first time it happened was as soon as I started the car to move it. I turned the car off and turned it back on and it worked. 5 starts later the same problem occurred and I was able to restart the car and it worked. Approximately 7 starts after that the power steering assist stopped working again, but this time it was not as soon as the vehicle was started. This time it went out mid turn as I began turning onto the road. Each time the warning came up on the dash after the steering became difficult. The power steering assist randomly going out while driving puts the safety of myself, my passengers, and other cars at risk for a crash from the sudden change in ability to steer the vehicle. At...
Steering assist fault. Power steering freezes when car starts. Steering wheel is locked so you are stuck wherever you parked your car. Cannot turn wheels. Very finnicky youtube tutorials to get it “fixed” after 30+ minutes of restarting the vehicle. This is the second time this has happened to me in this car.
2014 Ford Escape Power Steering failure while on the interstate in fast moving and heavy traffic. Almost caused a pile up and barely got out of the way of a semi truck going 70 or more mph to the safety of the edge of interstate. The power steering had been working fine. Until a couple days prior to the incident, I cranked it up and it seemed like it was in manual steering mode. I cut it off re cranked it and it was fine. So i thought just a randon glitch when starting it. Always loved and relied and trusted ford vehicles until the incident on the interstate. I got it off the interstate cut it off and started it again, it was no longer power steering and felt it was in manual steering mode all the way on the back roads getting it home. I contacted Ford and...
My power steering locks up on Frozen mornings and will not turn this has happened numerous times since 2023 and it is now January 21st 2024 and is becoming more frequent
The electronic power steering system failed while driving. We were unable to steer the vehicle and barely avoided a collision. The vehicle is undriveable. We contacted Ford and they have refused to help with repairs even though Ford has issued recalls for other vehicles about the same problem.
Power assist steering wheel failure. My power steering stop working suddenly and I was not able to move my car. There is a recall for power steering problems from 2008/2013 for the same issues as my SUV. My SUV only has 33,000 miles on it. I think Ford didn't stop using faulty parts in their 2014 models. I spend over $3200 for repairs. I would like to see if I have any recourse as I believe my Ford Should had been included in the recall.
1) Steering went out without having issues prior. It reads "steering assist fault service required" on the dash 2) Lost all steering capabilities without warning. The car did not lose all power, it was still running and driving just zero steering. I drive daily with my children in the vehicle most of the time. This time, thankfully, I was alone and not in traffic to harm other drivers. Steering does not work at all, it's not just hard to turn, there's no movement in the wheel no matter how hard you try. 3) It has been checked out by our mechanic and he states "the code reader brings up nothing, no loose wires, tried resetting the battery, it doesn't have power steering fluid that could even be low, but there are cars recalled 2011-2013 with the exact same issue but this is a 2014" 4) It has not been checked...
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over without power steering assist and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality resumed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred three times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The steering wheels started to get hard. The car warned me to stop safely. It was to hard that I couldn't do much to turn the steering wheels.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the ECU was defective, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Powering steering assist fault. Loss of steering and car went into limp mode and needed to try to pull over immediately. I have reported this issue several. Times. Ford has not been able to fix this issue. This car is not safe to drive. Please hold Ford accountable before someone gets severely injured or dies in a car crash from this known problem with the steering issues.
May 31.2023 I was involved in an accident your left front wheel Castor and wheel . Separated from vehicle. Causing me to crash into a light pole.in the east bound lane when I was going west bound on Franklin rd in Boise id Knocking me unconscious idaho state police made report. Before accident left front wheel pulled left when braking gave car gas car pull right last thing I remember. EMT took Alfonso's hospital. As investigate because I was almost killed lucky I survive.
My daughter was backing out of driveway and said the steering was difficult to turn and felt locked. The steering assist fault came up on screen. She parked car and didn’t drive. My husband tried backing out of driveway as well and said the steering was hard to turn. He then put it in park and tried again and it drove fine.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving; however, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Amongst SEVERAL problems with this vehicle, it often slips out of gear while driving. Which has caused me to have to stop in the middle of the lane. It has had multiple mega fuses go out. It will often say “power steering fault” and then the message will go away. I am genuinely scared to drive this vehicle because I never know when the power system is going to go out. I have always stayed up to date on maintenance and it has less than 90k on miles. I do not understand why this has not been pulled off the market. It seems like all the escapes before mine were pulled for the same issues.
Steering assist failure
on numerous ocassions recently the power steering has become disabled and/or unresponsive i am getting a steering assist light when it happens it is intermittent and i fear it will occur at high speed resulting in injury or death
The vehicle will get a steering assist fault message and go into limp mode immediately giving you no time to pull to the side of the road. Please make ford do something about the steering issues on these vehicles. These escapes are too dangerous to drive.
While driving the vehicle randomly het steering assist fault service required and goes immediately into limp mode. This is very dangerous and you need to try to pull over immediately, because the car loses power immediately. This is my teenage drivers car and she can no longer drive it. We are to scared she will get into an accident. Please make Ford do something with a recall for the steering assist issues in these escapes
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where they repaired the bushing shifter cable. The failure recurred and the steering wheel became stiff. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately causing the contact the steering wheel became stiff. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately causing the contact to side swiped another vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Received a message on dashboard about a steering assist fault all of a sudden. The steering wheel is hard to move.
Car was in perfectly good condition around 75,000 miles. but the power steering gave out in the middle of driving on the highway. I first noticed it becoming a bit harder to turn the wheel but within an hour it became almost impossible to turn. Was charged $2,500 to fix since I was told it was an electrical problem. I did get a notification on the dashboard that there was a "power steering assist failure" or "steering fault."
Steering assist fault: Service requied light came on. Steering wheel hard to turn. Steering wheel system is electrical and cannot use power steering fluid to receitfy the problem. Towed vehicle to nearest Ford dealership to repair the issue. Diagnostic test ($170) is being conducted to determine the issue. I research the internet and most complainents indicated the steering rack need to be replaced. Cost range, very costly. The contact has stated that their vehicle is not included in the recall because it only includes MY 2013 Ford Escapes. The diagnostic test determined that a new power steering rack was needed but the part was on backorder. No assistance from Ford has been offered.
At mileage 56,449 alert came on "steering assist failure" and I had no power steering. I drove directly to Coconut Point Ford in Estero, Fl. 10/31/2022. Part was on backorder throughout the U.S. I was able to pick up my repaired auto on 11/18. Forums have mentioned multiple issues with this model with power steering but as of yet no recall for the 2014 Escape. Total bill 3,250.17 and 350.00 car rental.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and no error codes were retrieved. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for assistance, and the manufacturer determined that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Driving in my neighborhood, the steering wheel got locked and appeared in the cluster a message: “Steering assist fault” Service required Turn it off the suv Then I turned on and drive back to my house
The PSA (power steering assist) failed causing the power steering to go out. The electric rack and pinion must be replaced @ appx. $3,000 plus towing.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Default" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. However, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the failure occurred and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the steering gear assembly was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle lost power steering functionality after starting the vehicle. The contact stated that after a few miles the power steering regained functionality, however, the failure was ongoing. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated and a "steering fault, service soon" message was displayed. The warning lights would turn off after several minutes however, the power steering functionality was not available. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that as he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the mechanic was unable duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the warning message remained displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
I'll be driving along and sometimes going 30 miles an hour sometimes going up to 65 70 miles an hour on the interstate And while I'm accelerating the car will start shaking like the the whole thing wil. In the only way that it stops is if I let off the accelerator and go slower speed accelerate you know what it means there's that magic speed but like if I have my cruise control on then it has to be at a certain speed because otherwise it will just start shaking and shaking and shaking
Power steering assist went out without warning while driving.
The power steering goes out intermittently when turning, which has almost caused me to be in several wrecks. There are no warnings lamps or messages displayed. This seems to be a problem noted by numerous other people on the Internet with this year.
Vehicle got a steering assist fault on information center. At that time, loss of power steering. It is electric power steering for this vehicle. Was unable to steer vehicle at this time. Did not cause a diagnostic code. Searched online and many issues with this vehicle. Ford says nothing is wrong. Someone will get hurt if this is not fixed. The amount of people having this issue is a manufacture defect and should be fixed as such.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter used excessive force to drive the vehicle home. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a case and was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to move the vehicle off the road. Due to the failure, the contact initially had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Driving and the steering assist failure warning came on and lost all power steering.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle with the steering assist fault service required warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and the mechanic performed a steering gear update on the vehicle. Recently, the contact stated that after reversing out of her driveway, the failure returned as the same warning message reappeared on the instrument panel. Upon restart, the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure would intermittently occur while driving at various speeds. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Other 2014 FORD ESCAPE Problem Areas
Engine
698 complaints
Power Train
440 complaints
Unknown Or Other
255 complaints
Electrical System
185 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
172 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
119 complaints
Structurebody
68 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
41 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
40 complaints
Wheels
34 complaints
Air Bags
32 complaints
Service Brakes
30 complaints
Seat Belts
26 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
24 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
23 complaints
Back Over Prevention
20 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Visibilitywiper
18 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
16 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
15 complaints
Exterior Lighting
14 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
13 complaints
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
13 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
11 complaints
Seats
10 complaints
Tires
10 complaints
Structure
7 complaints
Structurebodydoor
7 complaints
Power Trainshift Linkagecablerod
6 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
5 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
5 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
5 complaints
Back Over Prevention Warnings
4 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
4 complaints
Firerelated
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
3 complaints
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
2 complaints
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
2 complaints
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
2 complaints
Visibilityglass Siderear
2 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
2 complaints
Child Seatshellheadrest
1 complaint
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengineengine Control Module Ecuecm
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
1 complaint
Equipment
1 complaint
Equipment Adaptivemobility
1 complaint
Equipment Adaptivemobilitywheelchair Liftramp
1 complaint
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlights
1 complaint
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioninternalshaftinput
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assembly
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
1 complaint
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
1 complaint
Power Trainmanual Transmissioncolumn Shift Assembly
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
1 complaint
Steeringcolumn
1 complaint
Steeringrack And Pinion
1 complaint
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
1 complaint
Structureinterior Panelsdashboard
1 complaint
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
1 complaint
Visibility
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield
1 complaint
Wheelsrim
1 complaint