FaultScore

FaultScore report

2010 Ford Escape problems

Owners have filed 3,185 complaints about the 2010 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 25 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

3,185

Complaints

43

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

31

Injuries reported

57,600 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

15%

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 100 vs 50 Severity 12 vs 50 Early failure 25 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 12
2.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2010 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 2010 Ford Escape

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

8 crashes, 1 fires · median 52,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 528 16.6%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 51,595 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 511 16.0%

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 57,000 mi

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,430 mi

Steering 423 13.3%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 114,000 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 58,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,100 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,000 mi

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,500 mi

Brakes 50 1.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 96,000 mi

Suspension 34 1.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 108,000 mi

Median failure at 66,705 miles

Airbags 14 0.4%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi

Seats 8 0.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 84,000 mi

Wheels 7 0.2%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

Lights 6 0.2%

Median failure at 91,000 miles

Seat Belts 5 0.2%

Median failure at 141,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 4 0.1%

Median failure at 18,879 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.1%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 0.1%
Tires 2 0.1%

Median failure at 21,561 miles

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.

Body 58 45.3%
Glass, Side/Rear 30 23.4%
Automatic Transmission 14 10.9%
Hatchback/Liftgate 9 7.0%
Frame AND Members 7 5.5%
Column 4 3.1%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 3 2.3%
Tailgate 3 2.3%

When it fails

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

Under 1,000 miles 30 1.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 57 2.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 100 3.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 861 31.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 902 32.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 378 13.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 317 11.4%
150,000+ miles 136 4.9%

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 2010 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2010 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier 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
2010 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB
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.

Dec 2009 peak 330 Jul 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2010 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...

PE13003 Opened 21 Feb 2013 Closed 28 Feb 2014 ENGINE

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting...

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...

PE11016 Opened 27 Apr 2011 Closed 18 Aug 2011 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing pr...

Recalls on the 2010 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

16V777000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

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.

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.

10V222000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".

Risk: A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.

Canada — Transport Canada

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

Recall 2016528 69,570 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the thickness of the port wall of the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may be below specification and could result in the supply port cracking. If a crack were to develop in the vertical portion of the FDM fuel supply port, a fuel leak could occur. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the FDM flange with a flange that has a redesigned fuel supply port.

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.

Recall 2010164 3 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the automatic transmission's park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed. If the pin not installed properly, the park rod guide may become displaced, preventing the transmission park pawl from engaging when shifted into "PARK". This could allow vehicle movement and result in property damage or personal injury to bystanders. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the missing park rod guide retention pin.

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.

Casper, WY Crash

STEERING

Power steering quits working without notice and ford says it’s not a recall in this vehicle but it says everywhere that it’s a known recall issue

NHTSA complaint #11653126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Casper, WY Crash

SUSPENSION

Power steering quits working without notice and ford says it’s not a recall in this vehicle but it says everywhere that it’s a known recall issue

NHTSA complaint #11653126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The airbag on the driver's side did not deploy when the vehicle was hit from behind. -It is available for inspection -I was injured -I have not had the airbag inspected by a dealer, but did have the car repaired at an auto collision repair shop -The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance rep or dealer, but did have an annual inspection by an auto shop before the failure -There were no warning messages prior to the failure

NHTSA complaint #11521962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pleasant Hill, MO Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

Available for inspection upon request. Front SUB- FRAME RUSTED IN 2 ON RIGHT LOWER SIDE. Right lower control arm bushing pulled out of arm. Driving on highway car without warning jerked off the road. Could have killed everyone in the car had it collided with anything. Car is completely in drivable because it is not safe. Problem has been confirmed. No there was not any warning lights or warning. I was told by a ford mechanic that there is no way that this car should have a subframe rust through.

NHTSA complaint #11510030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Durand, WI Crash

STEERING

I was driving at a speed of less than 40mph. I was going around a curve and the wheel felt as though it yanked from my hand to the right and I went into the ditch and up the embankment. I was unable to control the wheel. I came to a stop partially on my side due to the steep incline. Due to the snow and ice in the ditch, many components under my right side were broken and torn off making it difficult to see all the damage. My car was totaled. Police responded and I was helped out of my vehicle. The tow company came and towed it. No warning lights were on. I am very lucky to be alive- if I had been going any faster I would likely have rolled my vehicle due to the lack of control I had of the wheel and tires. It felt as though it was "slippery" under my grip, like the wheel wasn't controlled tightly by my steering. I was not majorly injured but am very sore and will need continued chiropractic care of my neck and right hip and shoulder.

NHTSA complaint #11508552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 166,000 miles Langley British Columbia, CD Crash

STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in the snow and icy road conditions, power steering failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. As a result of the failure, the contact crashed into a ditch. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained, nor was medical attention needed. The contact stated that her husband was on the passenger side during the incident but was able to drive her vehicle to her residence after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and was advised to call NHTSA to check for a recall on the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The mileage failure was 166,000.

NHTSA complaint #11449947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

Oakdale, MN

SUSPENSION

1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which then sells it on kbids to me. 4. There were warning signs before the failure THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED AND FORD ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE ITS LOT INSTEAD OF JUNKING IT. The Ford history report and service records showed the rusted frame condition before the vehicle failed, and Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The car fax report did not show detailed service notes. I was not able to find out more detail until I was listed as the owner at FORD. The vehicle was video recorded on top gear you tube page as drivable and operational WITHOUT restrictions.

NHTSA complaint #11750831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakdale, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which then sells it on kbids to me. 4. There were warning signs before the failure THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED AND FORD ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE ITS LOT INSTEAD OF JUNKING IT. The Ford history report and service records showed the rusted frame condition before the vehicle failed, and Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The car fax report did not show detailed service notes. I was not able to find out more detail until I was listed as the owner at FORD. The vehicle was video recorded on top gear you tube page as drivable and operational WITHOUT restrictions.

NHTSA complaint #11750831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peck, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2010 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX]. Last year in 2025, my power steering went out. I found out it was from a safety recall. I took it to the Ford dealership in Sandusky, MI. They told me it wasn't a safety recall and they would not cover it. I have been searching online for a YEAR, and I finally found where that certain safety recall was only repaired by computer update, NOT by checking the actual steering column, via the previous owners. I want the steering column looked at and for free. We could have died if it had failed in a turn. The escape is sitting in my garage with NO POWERSTEERING AT ALL and no one can drive it. This is a safety risk because without power-steering I cannot turn or drive my vehicle at all. I want this repaired as soon as possible, for free. There were no messages or failures, it just stopped working. Ford is telling me that they won't fix it because it has already been repaired and it is not in their computer system. I know this is BS because if it was fixed, why is it failed now? I also learned that they did a "system update" to prevent failure of the steering column and I guess mine didn't get one. I am not a happy customer and I will NEVER buy a ford again if this is not repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maple Plain, MN

STEERING

Front subframe on the right side prematurely rusts, causing the vehicle to loose steering and pull to the right.

NHTSA complaint #11742103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maple Plain, MN

SUSPENSION

Front subframe on the right side prematurely rusts, causing the vehicle to loose steering and pull to the right.

NHTSA complaint #11742103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car is a limited version which equipped a Microsoft SYNC system which providing backup camera and vehicle system setting and information such as hybrid status, driven mode, battery charging status, GPS navigation, etc. Just because this 'Upgrade', the clock and date setting is different with regular escape hybrid cars which comes from the satellite only. Driver could adjust the hour and minute, but the day, month, and year would be reset to a certain day of 2006 if battery changing. After that, the date could be updated by GPS signal automatically. It was working well until one year ago. Now, my car is showing Oct, 2006 and running day after day. I did some research on internet and found a lot of drivers with same issue. A engineer revealed the root cause that Ford used a ten digits week counting method based on a starting date in 2006 to display the current date which could only working within 1023 weeks (17.5 years). Without changing the hardware, software might not correct this issue. I'm not sure and went to Ford dealer shop last week, they denied this issue and refused to recall even repair this car. I hope Ford could recall the fix this obvious defective product soon.

NHTSA complaint #11741950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parkville, MO

STEERING

I went out to start my car and the power steering assist fault came on and wouldn't let me turn the wheel easily. When I looked up the problem the code came back to one of the recalls Ford has on those escape. But now my car is not in the recall but it was made with in the years and the plant the they recalled for

NHTSA complaint #11741168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cartersville, GA

SEATS

AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I can't electricly move my seats when I try and air bag warning comes in my dash board

NHTSA complaint #11728377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cartersville, GA

AIR BAGS

AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I can't electricly move my seats when I try and air bag warning comes in my dash board

NHTSA complaint #11728377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cartersville, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I can't electricly move my seats when I try and air bag warning comes in my dash board

NHTSA complaint #11728377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomfield Hills, MI

STEERING

The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.

NHTSA complaint #11727713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomfield Hills, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.

NHTSA complaint #11727713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomfield Hills, MI

SUSPENSION

The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.

NHTSA complaint #11727713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belen, NM

STEERING

Power steering assist failure on the message board. Making it hard to turn come on and off at different times. Changed rack and pion and steering wheel sensor. Started in Dec 2025 continuing to present

NHTSA complaint #11726833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Benton Harbor, MI

STEERING

I took my car into the dealership they had my car for over a month now they sent that I got to pay for a recall of the steering wheel or wait

NHTSA complaint #11724117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Groveland, CA

STEERING

Electric power steering failure. Complete loss of steering. Module in steering column failure. Cost me $4000.00 for repairs

NHTSA complaint #11722654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gibsonton, FL

STEERING

I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.

NHTSA complaint #11722382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gibsonton, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.

NHTSA complaint #11722382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 166,320 miles Roanoke Rapids, NC

STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to respond as designed. The vehicle was restarted several times before the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,320.

NHTSA complaint #11720426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greer, SC

STEERING

The steering angle sensor failed. My mechanic replaced it. I do not know if the part is still available for inspection. The safety of those in the vehicle as well as any around it were in jeopardy when the incident occurred. Thankfully no one was injured nor was there any collision for further vehicle damage. While the vehicle was running, suddenly the steering wheel whipped to the left. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred, causing the vehicle to turn further than intended, and requiring substantial strength to re-direct the vehicle under the driver's (and passenger's) guidance. As long as the vehicle was running, the power steering pulled the wheel to the most extreme left. The mechanic confirmed that the steering angle sensor was the issue and replaced it. I was able to reproduce the steering moving itself (the steering wheel, and front tire) left, when the engine was engaged. With the vehicle off, I was able to maneuver the tires left and right. But when I turned on the vehicle, the wheel would turn itself left. The mechanic assessed the vehicle, replaced the part, and reprogrammed, I presume the part, for this issue. Police officers did block traffic, in order to add safety while we pushed the vehicle out of the roadway. However they did not personally assess the vehicle, or file a traffic report that I am aware of. A friend of my daughter's did come by and feel the stiffness with steering wheel tension, also I believe they saw it turn itself left when the engine was re-engaged. After we purchased the vehicle, we found a post from a previous owner of the vehicle mentioning an issue with the steering. The cause, degree, etc. was vague in the ad's post. I do not recollect if the dealer mentioned the issue to me. Also, we did not see any related dash lights prior to the moment, nor did we notice any symptoms of this, prior to the incident suddenly occurring. I did contact a dealership, and the manufacturer with regards to this.

NHTSA complaint #11713781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rio Rancho, NM

STEERING

Ford 2010 escape Power assist steering fault- torque sensor needs replacement at only 92,000 miles. My steering wheel became loose and shaking aggressively while driving and at idle causing serious safety and control concerns. The steering wheel has also become very hard to turn. Ford dealer ran a diagnostic and confirmed the issue. This is the exact same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford escapes.

NHTSA complaint #11713471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rio Rancho, NM

STEERING

Took the car into a mechanic for shaking in the steering wheel while driving and shaking/ grinding noise coming from steering wheel while car is idle. Mechanics confirmed it is a power steering assist fault. This causes a safety concern when driving due to a possible loss of steering and harder to control.

NHTSA complaint #11711473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgetown, CO

STEERING

The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult

NHTSA complaint #11705748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgetown, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult

NHTSA complaint #11705748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgetown, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult

NHTSA complaint #11705748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.