My Ford escape's power steering suddenly went out in my while driving, it made the rest of the ride home from work extremely difficult and unsafe. I did my research and found there was in fact a Ford recall on this issue for my year and model car, however my VIN was not included in the recall, only the software update which I did handle in september 2014 at the dealership. The recall states the…
2008 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate 1,233 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
1,233
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
30crashes
19injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 1,233 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Of the 18 model years of Ford Escape we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 1,233.
Steering accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2008 Ford Escape with electric power steering is a serious safety risk—the system can fail suddenly with no warning, leaving you unable to steer. The recall (14S05) was a software-only patch that didn't fix the underlying defect, so failures are common even after recall service, and Ford won't cover repairs once the 12-month window closes.
The 2008 Ford Escape's electric power steering system has a widespread failure problem that goes back over a decade. Owners describe sudden, unpredictable loss of power steering assist—the wheel becomes a dead weight with no power assist, forcing the driver to steer manually with maximum effort. This can happen at any speed, any time: sitting at a traffic light, turning onto a highway, or mid-turn in busy traffic. Some owners report steering that locks up completely, immobilizing the wheel entirely. Restarting the engine temporarily restores steering, but the failure often recurs within minutes or hours.
The problem began appearing before the 2014 recall (14S05) was issued. When Ford recalled the vehicle, the fix was a software reprogram of the power steering control module—no parts were replaced unless a fault code was showing at the time of recall. Owners now report that this software-only fix failed to prevent recurring failures. Many have experienced the exact same steering loss one week to two years after the recall was marked "completed." When they return for repairs, Ford denies coverage, citing the 12-month/12,000-mile window or claiming that subsequent failures are unrelated. Repair bills for the actual problem—torque sensor or steering column replacement—run $700 to $2,600. Additionally, owners report steering wheel vibration and shaking, both while driving and parked, which also emerged or worsened after the recall software update. The lack of adequate warning before failure (no light or chime until it's too late, or no warning at all) makes this a acute hazard on highways and in traffic.
Same Ford Escape steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The electric power steering system abruptly fails, reverting the vehicle to manual steering with no power assist. Owners report losing all steering assist without warning, requiring significantly increased steering effort—in some cases so much force that manual steering becomes nearly impossible, especially for drivers with limited strength. The failure can happen while driving or at rest.
When: Varies widely; reported as early as 40,000 miles through 135,000+ miles. Some failures occur shortly after vehicle start, others after extended driving. Failures appear to increase over time for affected vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist with no warning light or chime before failure; Steering wheel becomes extremely heavy and difficult to turn; Vehicle defaults to manual steering requiring full-strength effort; Failure occurs unpredictably—at traffic lights, during highway turns, in parking lots, or while actively driving; Restarting the engine temporarily restores power steering in some cases; Can recur within minutes to hours after restart
Codes mentioned: B2278 (Torque Sensor Fault), B1342 (Steering Column Assembly Fault), B2277 (Steering Column Fault), P2278 (Torque Sensor Code)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report quoted repair costs ranging from $700 to $2,600. Repairs mentioned include torque sensor replacement ($550–$700), steering column assembly replacement ($1,100–$1,700, sometimes $1,500–$2,600), PSCM reprogramming (initial recall attempted fix, no cost to owner when done under recall), and sensor recalibration (quoted at $110–$275).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14S05 (NHTSA 14V-284000) issued in July 2014 covered certain 2008–2011 Ford Escapes for electric power steering assist failure due to torque sensor fault. Initial recall remedy: PSCM software reprogramming only, with no parts replacement if no fault code was present. If codes B2278, B1342, or B2277 were present at time of recall, torque sensor or steering column replacement was to be performed at no cost. Ford has denied coverage for subsequent failures citing the 12-month/12,000-mile window from first recall service, claiming any failures after that are owner responsibility. Software-only fix did not address underlying defect in hardware (torque sensor). No current manufacturer programs for recurring failures.
Steering Wheel Vibration and Shaking
The steering wheel vibrates, shudders, or shakes both while driving and at rest (in park or idle). Owners describe the vibration as clunking or oscillating side-to-side with a low-level humming or clicking noise. Some report the steering column pulsates upon ignition. Vibration can occur intermittently or progressively worsen over weeks or months.
When: Reported starting at mileage ranges of 40,000 to 100,000+ miles. Many cases report vibration beginning months to years after the vehicle's initial purchase or after recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes or vibrates while driving at any speed; Steering wheel oscillates side-to-side while parked or idling; Clunking or clicking noise associated with vibration; Low-level vibration noise that stops when power steering fails; Steering column pulsates when ignition engaged; Vibration may worsen progressively over time
Codes mentioned: B2278 (Torque Sensor Fault), No codes present (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite quotes for torque sensor replacement ($550–$700) or full steering column replacement ($1,100–$1,700). Some mention wiring harness replacement attempts. One owner paid $500 for torque sensor replacement out-of-pocket when recall did not cover it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships initially struggled to diagnose; some told owners the vibration was not related to the recall or power steering system. Recall 14S05 remedy (software update) did not address steering column mechanical issues. Post-recall vibration issues were not covered by Ford if no fault code was present at original recall visit.
Steering Wheel Lock or Complete Stiffness
The steering wheel locks in place or becomes completely stiff and immobile, with no power assist and no ability to turn the wheel by hand. In extreme cases, owners report that even a person of considerable strength could not move the wheel. Lock can occur while driving, at rest, or during parking maneuvers.
When: Reported from as early as 7 months after purchase through 13+ years of ownership. Some cases occurred before recall implementation (pre-2014), others well after recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes frozen or locked in current position; Extreme stiffness requiring all available strength to turn even slightly; No response to steering input; wheel will not budge without extraordinary force; Can occur without warning or any dashboard indicator light; Restarting engine may temporarily unlock the wheel; Hazardous in traffic situations, especially during turns or lane changes
Codes mentioned: B1342 (Steering Column Assembly Fault), B2277 (Steering Column Fault), B2278 (Torque Sensor Fault), No codes present (in many cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Full steering column replacement quoted at $1,500–$2,600 (including parts and labor). Some dealerships reset the computer to temporarily restore function, but owners report the lock recurs. One owner's mechanic estimated replacement at $957.14.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer care has claimed no knowledge of the issue despite widespread complaints. Dealerships offered only temporary computer resets, with steering column replacement as the permanent fix but not covered under recall after initial software service. Some owners were told the lock was not a safety issue or was caused by something else.
Intermittent Power Steering Failure with Wrench Light Warning (Post-Recall)
After recall service (software update), some vehicles develop intermittent power steering loss accompanied by a wrench warning light on the dashboard, or the wrench light comes on without the driver receiving sufficient advance notice to safely pull over. The warning appears only after the failure has already occurred or during the failure, not before. In other cases, the wrench light never appears despite power steering loss.
When: Typically occurs 1 week to 2 years after recall software update was performed (September 2014 to early 2016 for many documented cases).
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench icon or warning light illuminates on dashboard during or after power steering loss; Power steering loss occurs with insufficient warning for driver to react safely; In some cases, no warning light appears at all before or during failure; Intermittent failures where power steering works normally between incidents; Failure can occur during critical maneuvers (turns at traffic lights, highway lane changes); Restarting vehicle restores power steering temporarily
Codes mentioned: B2278 (Torque Sensor Fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report being denied coverage for post-recall torque sensor or steering column replacement, with costs ranging from $700 to $1,600. Dealerships told owners that the recall software update 'addressed the software issue, not the defective parts' and claimed the 12-month/12,000-mile window had expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford reprogrammed the PSCM to illuminate the wrench icon when a fault is detected—described by Ford as 'increased driver awareness.' However, in documented cases the warning either does not appear or appears too late. Ford has denied coverage for recurring failures, stating that the recall remedy was 'software only' and subsequent sensor/column failures are not covered. Some owners were told 'any subsequent loss of assist repairs experienced after completion of module reprogramming are not covered by this recall.' Ford cited expiration of recall coverage (12 months or 12,000 miles from original recall service) as reason for denial.
Failure to Start or Difficult Start with Power Steering Issues
Vehicle experiences intermittent starting problems or delayed start where the ignition does not turn over on first attempt. In some cases, this failure to start is accompanied by or preceded by power steering issues. Owners report having to turn the ignition key multiple times (3–5+ attempts) to get the engine to start.
When: Reported at various mileages; some cases mention starting issues appearing months or years after purchase, often concurrent with steering problems.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not turn over on first ignition attempt; Ignition key wiggles or feels loose in the ignition switch; Multiple restart attempts required before engine starts; Difficulty starting may precede or accompany power steering failure; Battery tests fine but starting issue persists; Starting problem worsens over time in some vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was quoted approximately $400 for repair of an ignition-related starting issue. No other specific repair costs cited for this failure mode in the narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford indicated they were conducting 'a very intensive study' into the starting issue in one case but offered no timeline or resolution. No recalls issued specifically for starting problems in the provided narratives.
Synthesized from 1,233 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Took the vehicle in for the 14s05 recall, which is intended to correct a steering issue. This occurred on 12/10/2014. The repair supposedly reprogrammed the power steering torque sensor to prevent the power steering from turning off while driving. On 12/28/2014 the power steering failed, which seems to be the reason for the recall. We took the vehicle in for repair on 12/29/2014. The Ford motor…
Steering wheel had been intermittently vibrating for a few weeks, then message 'steering power assist failure' message appeared when car started after being parked all day. Power steering is gone. This vehicle has supposedly had this repaired as part of the 2014 recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford escape. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel shook and became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to bob wondries Ford (400 s. Atlantic blvd, alhamra, ca) where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford escape. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact had to maneuver to the side of the road. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic. The diagnosis was that the torque sensor of the steering column was damaged and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the…
Epsa has failed. Drove to work and ran errands after work with no problems. Went to drive sister to work and could barely turn the steering wheel. Did not know car did not have power steering reservoir or need fluid. Car is drivable but very hard to turn. Did not know of any recall on this part until I looked up issue on the internet. Extremely disappointing that Ford knows about this and fails…
Power steering failure due to bad senor
Recall steering -after having a "software" updates on a 2008 Ford escape xlt in 2014 for Ford recall #14s05, now in 2017 my steering wheel is shaking while at a stop both in and out of gear. Researching the problem could be a torque steering sensor or a full blown steering column replacement. Both may lead to inoperable power steering or steering as well. Local Ford dealer quoted $800 for…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford escape. While driving 25 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and the wrench sensor indicator illuminated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after the first attempt. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (electrical system, steering), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The…
Had steering trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 1233 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 1043 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 89,000 and 145,000 miles, with the median around 116,473. A quarter of owners report trouble before 89,000; a quarter make it past 145,000. 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/2008/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.