FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 Ford Escape problems

Owners have filed 2,405 complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 25 worst.

C

FaultScore 54/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Escape.

How this is worked out

The numbers

2,405

Complaints

80

Crashes reported

9

Fires reported

54

Injuries reported

98,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

10%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 83 vs 50 Severity 31 vs 50 Early failure 17 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 83
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
5.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2008 compares with every other Ford Escape

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2008 Ford Escape

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 1,132 47.1%

28 crashes, 0 fires · median 116,000 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 76,500 mi

Brakes 140 5.8%

11 crashes, 0 fires · median 102,820 mi

4 crashes, 5 fires · median 100,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 121 5.0%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 67,000 mi

Median failure at 79,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 115,000 mi

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,451 mi

Median failure at 90,850 miles

Median failure at 56,350 miles

Suspension 31 1.3%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 129,000 mi

Airbags 31 1.3%

16 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,118 mi

Tires 29 1.2%

Median failure at 26,819 miles

Wheels 14 0.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,427 mi

Equipment & Accessories 7 0.3%

Median failure at 31,500 miles

Lights 6 0.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 61,250 mi

Seat Belts 5 0.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,500 mi

Seats 4 0.2%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 69,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.1%

Median failure at 100,850 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 0.1%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 107 57.2%
Body 28 15.0%
Cooling System 12 6.4%
Column 12 6.4%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 8 4.3%
Accelerator Pedal 8 4.3%
Electric Power Assist System 7 3.7%
Cooling Unit AND Lines 5 2.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 48 2.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 30 1.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 73 3.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 234 11.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 272 13.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 396 19.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 673 32.5%
150,000+ miles 344 16.6%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)

Side barrier crash test

Frontal crash test of a 2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release)

Frontal crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)
20.4% risk
2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release)
20.4% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jun 2007 peak 63 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Ford Escape

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP15001 Opened 1 Apr 2015 Closed 14 Jun 2018 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Loss of power steering while driving

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering i...

DP12006 Opened 2 Oct 2012 Closed 21 Feb 2013 ENGINE

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in...

PE08060 Opened 14 Oct 2008 Closed 9 Apr 2009 TIRES:VALVE

TIRE VALVE CRACKING

ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BO...

Recalls on the 2008 Ford Escape

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

15V606000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

Risk: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

15E045000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

14V526000

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

14V284000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

10E043000

EQUIPMENT

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Risk: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2015438 11 units in Canada

Powertrain

A safety defect may exist in vehicles in which remanufactured automatic transmissions were installed as service replacement parts. The shift lever bolt may not have been torqued to the proper torque specification. If the improperly torqued shift level bolt loosens and backs out, the shift lever may disengage from the transmission without warning, and the transmission may not respond to the shifter selection movement by the operator. This could result in the loss of transmission gear selection, and possible unintended vehicle movement, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift lever assembly and/or the shift level bolt torqued to the proper specification.

Recall 2014374 3,568 units in Canada

Engine

On certain hybrid vehicles, the motor electronics coolant pump may wear out and fail, resulting in a loss of coolant flow and high temperature condition within the motor electronics system. This could result in a partial or full loss of motive power, resulting in a sudden stall-like condition while driving. An engine stall without warning while driving could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs. Note: Power steering and power braking system function would be unaffected in the event of such an occurrence.

Recall 2014193 134,568 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 148,000 miles Wichita, KS 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and pulling into a parking lot, after shifting the vehicle into park(P), the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power and all electrical functionality, and the contact became locked inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle and suffered heat strokes during a hot summer day. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to provide the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer was also locked inside the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA complaint #11669247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,000 miles Wichita, KS 1 injured

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and pulling into a parking lot, after shifting the vehicle into park(P), the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power and all electrical functionality, and the contact became locked inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle and suffered heat strokes during a hot summer day. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to provide the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer was also locked inside the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA complaint #11669247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lindenhurst, IL Crash

POWER TRAIN

Car was parked on street with a slight downward slope behind it. It was turned off and placed in "Park". It rolled backwards down the street and hit a utility pole which caused it to stop. After seeing that it had "moved on its own" the shift handle was checked and still indicated the car was in "Park". Suspect some issue with the car actually being in park related to transmission, shift lever, or Ignition. The ignition has periodically displayed a reluctance to allow the car to start when the key is turned. The car will go to Ford dealer since I understand there was a large recall for this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11538871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westland, MI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS, parking break light and regen breaks disabled. My breaks will go all the way to the floor and have crashed into a vehicle because out of nowhere I was not able to break like normal. Is not safe to drive. Was diagnosed with a bad hydraulic control until like thousands of other people with this car. Ford posted a service bulletin about this issue and recommended replacing the flex hoses before eventually replacing the HCU BUT WONT PAY FOR IT. IT IS FAULTY AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND RECALL THIS HCU ISSUE INSTEAD OF JUST ACKNOWLEDGING THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THOUSDANDS OF THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11507439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Tulsa, OK Crash

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently and became significantly difficult to steer. A message indicating a power steering assist failure was displayed. The contact stated while attempting to veer to the side of the road, he lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle struck a road construction barrier. The hood of the vehicle flew open and struck the windshield. The contact did not sustain an injury. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that he was informed by the local Pep Boys that his vehicle had an electric power steering; therefore, he could not add power steering fluid. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA complaint #11492083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Hurst, TX Crash 2 injured

SEATS

The contact's son owned a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60 - 65 MPH, another vehicle rear-ended his vehicle in a hit-and-run collision. The driver's side front seat fractured and detached, hitting the contact's grandson's face. The airbags were not deployed upon impact. The contact's son sustained head injuries, and her grandson suffered facial fractures and a broken jaw. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11462586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Fayette, AL

STEERING

Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.

NHTSA complaint #11756566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Moline, IL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and stalled. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed a bolt failure and that the transmission bands needed to be replaced. The transmission band was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,548 miles Redding, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel seized. The failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while reversing out of the driveway. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,548

NHTSA complaint #11734808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles Baltimore, MD

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA complaint #11731174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles Baltimore, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA complaint #11731174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 190,000 miles Hempstead, NY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and failed to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for several weeks; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

STEERING

The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.

NHTSA complaint #11724880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak

NHTSA complaint #11721440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, KY

ENGINE

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak

NHTSA complaint #11721440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak

NHTSA complaint #11721440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Amelia, OH

STEERING

The power steering started going out at low speeds and eventually just stopped working. The car keeps saying power steering assist fault. The power steering no longer works.

NHTSA complaint #11718770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, CA

STEERING

Forscan showing torque sensor malfunction, the same issue that was recalled in 2014. Causing loss of power steering

NHTSA complaint #11715565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Sellersburg, IN

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and an audible ringing sound was coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11714175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Cajon, CA

STEERING

The electronic power steering stopped working and it is almost impossible to move or turn the car. Dashboard shows fault. This is a Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 model with 142,000 miles. The car has not been repaired and I have yet to take it to a Ford dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11713467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaverton, OR

STEERING

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] Component: Steering – Electric Power Steering Assist Recall Involved: 14S05 / NHTSA 14V-284000 Description of the Safety Problem: My vehicle is experiencing a recurrence of electric power steering assist failure after a prior safety recall repair. This 2008 Ford Escape was subject to Safety Recall 14S05 (NHTSA Campaign 14V-284000), which addresses sudden loss of electric power steering assist due to a torque sensor fault. This condition can occur while driving and results in significantly increased steering effort, creating a safety risk. Ford records show the recall was marked “completed” on November 22, 2014. In a written response dated December 22, 2025, Ford Motor Company confirmed that the recall remedy consisted only of software reprogramming of the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) and Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). No mechanical components (including the torque sensor or steering column) were replaced. In 2025, the same steering assist failure recurred, resulting in heavy steering effort and renewed safety concerns. This indicates that the recall remedy did not correct the underlying defect. Ford Motor Company has acknowledged in writing that: The recall was software-only The recall is closed No current programs provide coverage for the recurring steering failure Ford denied further assistance strictly on eligibility grounds and did not dispute the recurrence of the defect or its safety implications. Because this is a recurrence of the same safety-related defect addressed by the recall, I am concerned that the recall remedy was inadequate, and that other vehicles repaired under this recall may also experience recurrence after software-only updates. I am submitting this complaint to request NHTSA review of: The adequacy of Recall 14S05’s remedy Whether a software-only repair sufficiently addresses torque sensor failure The safety implications of recurring steering assist loss after recall completion Loss of INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA complaint #11713147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaverton, OR

STEERING

Manufacturer failed to respond to certified written request for recall coverage determination.

NHTSA complaint #11707098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaverton, OR

STEERING

Manufacturer failed to respond to certified mail requesting recall coverage determination. All official Ford customer service and executive escalation email addresses returned as undeliverable

NHTSA complaint #11707107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

STEERING

POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE light appears on dash board The power steering went out

NHTSA complaint #11702222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Conifer, CO

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a light and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn, and a crescent wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided error code B2278 and informed that the steering column motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11702343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaverton, OR

STEERING

Please see uploaded documents. One is a letter to Ford, and Damerow Ford. The other is receipts for sending certified mail, return receipt, signature requested, to have a response within 30 business days. We've contacted the dealership, emailed [XXX] , and customer service, and spoke to customer service to have a case number. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11699225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blacksburg, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The gear shift bushing failed . I was lucky . Drive into driveway on a hill. Went to shift to park and the lever started to act like it wasn’t connected and started rolling backwards. While shifting it was in the neutral position. I quickly braked and turned car off . Had to use emergency brake. The dealership said it was recalled but this VIN wasn’t included . I ordered new cable but was told it was easier to replace bushing.

NHTSA complaint #11688812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orland, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

driving down the road and out of nowhere all the dash light come on, the speedometer and rpm all go to zero. I am able to still control the car and drive down, the only thing that won’t work besides the dash cluster is the air conditioning. Hitting a bump or smacking the dash normally turns off the dash light and I can see my speed and rpm’s again. I took it to ford for them to diagnose and they said the dash cluster is what’s bad. It’s very scary to drive because the lights come on so often and I’m fearful I’m going to lose more control of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11686741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles Albany, OR

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lorain, OH

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to make the turn, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was initially intermittent but had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was called several times, but was unreachable, and the mailbox was full. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11680565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gering, NE

STEERING

The power steering in my '08 Ford Escape has intermitten issues, and does not engage sometimes (especially when starting the vehicle). There was a recall by Ford (recall id: 14S05) in 2014, and when I called the Ford Customer Service, they said the recall was repaired in 2015. They said my current issue would not be covered under the recall. I called my local Ford Dealership, and they said they would likely not cover the repair either. This recall is for the Electronic Power Steering, which is a major safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11678228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.