2022 FORD ESCAPE Steering Problems

The following message was displayed on the dash "Steering Assist Fault Service Required". Immediately lost power assisted steering and the steering became difficult (manual steering), mostly at lower speeds. Could have resulted in an accident if it happened while making a turn, as I would not have expected to need that much effort to turn. Car is currently at a Ford Dealership for service. The error message has come on several times in the past at start up, but by restarting the car it went away with no loss of function. This last time, it came on while driving.

While going on the highway it braked hard and displayed service stabilitrak light with traction control light flashing went away after 10 seconds. Then I pulled into my driveway and it snapped the wheel out of my hand forcefully almost breaking my wrist and wouldn't let me turn right. Towed it to ford where they claim a loose battery terminal was present. No warning at all before this. Upper engine noise too (possibly pulley) 28k miles and trans is shifting hard as well. The trust for the vehicle is gone. I have a video as well of the steering wheel snapping.

On three separate occasions, the steering wheel has locked while the vehicle is in drive. My safety is at risk as the car becomes inoperable. I brought the vehicle in for service, and was told they were unable to reproduce it. No warnings or alerts were received after the incidents.