STEERING CLUNK/RATTLE NOISE - VEHICLES BUILT 3/29/2005 TO 4/4/2005.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 48 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 48 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Ford Escape's electric power steering system fails suddenly and completely, with zero warning in most cases. Owners describe losing all assist while turning at intersections, on highways, and during routine maneuvers—forcing them to wrestle a 3,000-lb vehicle by hand. The wrench light and "SERVICE PWR STEERING" message come on after the failure, not before.
Failures span the entire mileage range: some happen at 5,000 miles, others at 137,000+. A few owners report the steering wheel seizing for seconds then unlocking itself. Cold temperatures seem to trigger some instances.
Ford dealers struggle to diagnose the root cause. Many run codes, replace expensive components (EPS module, rack & pinion, wiring harness), charge $900 to $3,500+, and still can't fix it. Parts go discontinued. One owner spent $624 just on diagnosis. Another paid for rack and pinion replacement, then needed the module replaced, then discovered both parts are no longer available.
The same failure recurs within weeks or months, even after repairs. One owner had the module replaced, then two months later the wiring harness melted. Another spent $3,500 on repeated repairs and the problem came back.
Mechanics and owners alike blame the electrical architecture. Unlike hydraulic systems that warn you with noise and resistance, an electric motor can fail silently. No independent shop can reset the sensors—only Ford has that capability, which owners note gives Ford total leverage over repair pricing and parts availability.
Recall exists for 2008+ models but not for 2006, despite identical complaints from both generations.
Same Ford Escape steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of power steering assist
Electric power steering system fails completely, requiring manual steering effort. Occurs without warning or with brief warning light ('SERVICE PWR STEERING' message and wrench light). Happens at various speeds including highway speeds and during turns. Recurrence common even after repairs.
When: Typically 5,000–157,000 miles; failures reported from early ownership to high mileage. Some occur shortly after previous repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn or locks up; Wrench light and 'SERVICE PWR STEERING' message on dash; Complete loss of power assist without prior indication; Vehicle difficult or impossible to control during turning maneuvers
Codes mentioned: B2277
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) module, rack & pinion assembly, power steering control module, or wiring harness. Costs range $900–$3,500+. Many parts discontinued or unavailable. Repairs often fail to resolve the issue permanently; same failure recurs within weeks to months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2006 model (recalls issued for 2008+ models). TSBs exist for some related issues. Ford dealers unable to diagnose root cause in many cases. Some owners report dealer denial of coverage.
Steering wheel seizing or locking intermittently
Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or locks up completely for seconds to minutes, then resets itself. Occurs at low and high speeds without warning.
When: Early ownership (5,000 miles) through high mileage (157,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to move; Steering wheel locks and then releases after brief delay; No prior warning before event; Wrench light may illuminate during event
Codes mentioned: B2277
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted diagnostics in some cases but unable to duplicate failure or identify root cause. Power steering module replacement mentioned in some instances. Many vehicles not repaired due to inability to reproduce issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose in most cases; some owners report no manufacturer awareness.
Abnormal noise from steering wheel and column
Steering wheel and column produce abnormal noises during turning. One case identified the universal shaft as the source.
When: 61,000–169,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise when turning steering wheel; Noise occurs at various speeds; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic identified failure at steering wheel universal shaft. No repairs performed in reported cases.
Steering becomes very tight or hard to turn at startup
On initial startup, steering is very stiff and tight as if in 4WD, then loosens after brief driving.
When: Cold starts or after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel very tight and difficult to turn immediately after starting; Loosens up after vehicle is driven briefly; Issue recurs on subsequent startups
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs noted in narratives.
Power steering failure during cold temperature
Power steering system fails to operate during very cold weather conditions.
When: Cold temperature operation
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to turn steering wheel; Power steering assist does not function
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs noted.
Electrical harness and connector corrosion causing power steering malfunction
Corroded electrical connections in harness connector to Electronic Rack & Pinion Assembly cause intermittent power steering failure and warning lights.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering malfunction with wrench light; 'SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM SOON' message; Difficulty maneuvering wheel; Intermittent failure—may resume normal operation after turning engine off briefly
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis: corroded electrical connection in harness connector. Repair cost $624.00 for connector replacement. Problem resolved after repair.
Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds
Significant vibration felt at steering wheel during highway driving, causing operator fatigue.
When: Highway speeds (100+ mph driving noted)
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at steering wheel; Fatigue to operator forearms and hands
Steering drift to left or right
Vehicle steering pulls or sways slightly to one side while driving.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering drifts slightly left or right; Persists after new tires, alignment, and tie rods replaced
Repairs/costs cited: New tires, wheel alignment, and tie rods installed without resolving issue.
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Transmission Stirring pump Spark plugs
This has happened 3 times now, 2 in southern california on the freeway at night. Hybrid vehicle has recall problems which makes vehicle stop running. Had it fixed, paid out of my own pocket in southern california and thought problem was fixed. Something to do with battery. Then on friday, dec. 12, it happened again as I was driving home from college, the vehicle stopped suddenly. I couldn't pull…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 48 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 61,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 107,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.