2008-2012 FORD ESCAPE/MARINER: SERVICE INFORMATION INVOLVING THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WITH DTC B2278- STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Ford Escape have filed 440 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 115,450 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
440
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Escape | 48 |
| 2007 Escape | 28 |
| 2008 Escape | 1,233 |
| 2009 Escape | 826 |
| 2010 Escape (this page) | 440 |
| 2011 Escape | 407 |
| 2012 Escape | 137 |
| 2013 Escape | 302 |
| 2014 Escape | 149 |
8crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 440 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ 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 440 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.
Among the 18 model years of Ford Escape in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
FORD 2008-2012 ESCAPE/MARINER: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING STEERING CONTROL MODULE WITH DTC B2278, NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD/MERCURY: IF DIAGNOSTIC CODE B2278 IS STORED IN POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (PSCM), IT NEEDS REPLACING WITH TORQUE SENSOR SERVICE KIT THAT IS AVAILABLE AND IF NOT, DOES NOT APPLY. MODEL 2008-2012 ESCAPE, 2008-2011 MARINER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD/MERCURY: STEERING COLUMN POP/CLUNK NOISE ON TURNS. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POP OR CLUNK NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA WHILE TURNING. THIS NOISE TYPICALLY OCCURS QUARTER TURN BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL REACHES IT'S END OF TRAVEL STOP AND TYPICALLY GOES AWAY WITH WEIGHT OFF THE WHEELS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD/MERCURY: CLUNK NOISE AT STEERING; STOPS DURING FIRST LOCK TO LOCK CYCLE. THE NOISE TYPICALLY OCCURS DURING TIGHT PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. THE CLUNK NOISE HEARD ON THE FIRST STEERING LOCK TO LOCK CYCLE IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE SYSTEM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report electric power steering failures that strike without warning, sometimes at highway speeds. The steering wheel goes stiff, loses assist, locks up, or pulls itself involuntarily. In many cases, restarting the vehicle restores function temporarily, but failures recur. Some owners describe the wheel becoming so hard to turn that even maximum force barely budges it—a genuinely unsafe condition on a busy road or during a turn.
The 2014 recall (14V-284 / 14S05) was supposed to fix this. Dealers reprogrammed the power steering control module and installed a warning chime—but they did not replace the faulty torque sensor. Owners now report the exact same failures happening again, and Ford refuses to cover the repair because the recall was already "satisfied." The manufacturer claims the vehicle reverts to manual steering when the power assist dies, but owners say that's false: the unassisted steering wheel is much harder to turn than a genuine manual steering system, making the vehicle genuinely dangerous to drive.
The defect appears in Escapes built at Kansas City between 2006 and 2010, but some owners report identical failures in vehicles mysteriously excluded from the recall database. Repair shops and independent mechanics confirm the torque sensor is the culprit, yet owners cannot get Ford to replace it at no cost once the software-only recall has been closed out. Costs to fix are substantial—$700 to $2,000-plus—and some owners have been stranded unable to afford the repair.
Same Ford Escape steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Steering angle sensor failure—sudden wheel pull and lock
Steering angle sensor malfunction causing the steering wheel and front tires to turn themselves, especially to the left, when the engine is running. Owners report the wheel pulling to extreme positions involuntarily, requiring substantial manual force to redirect the vehicle. One owner reproduced the failure multiple times and confirmed it occurred only when the engine was engaged.
When: Sudden onset, no prior warning signs; one case occurred after purchase of used vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turns itself involuntarily to left when engine running; Extremely stiff steering requiring excessive manual force; Front tires turn without driver input; Steering wheel locks or becomes immovable; No dash warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic replaced steering angle sensor and reprogrammed the part. Component still available for inspection in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner contacted dealership and manufacturer; prior owner had mentioned steering issue in classified ad but details were vague
Power steering control module (PSCM) fault—loss of electric assist
Electric power steering assist fails suddenly, rendering the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report loss of power steering at various speeds and driving conditions, sometimes with warning lights, sometimes without. Many failures occur while turning or during maneuvers. The module may intermittently restore function after restart or stop, or may fail permanently.
When: Occurs at low speeds (10–25 mph), highway speeds (45–70 mph), during turns, and even while parked/idling. Some owners report intermittent failures over months; others sudden complete loss.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist disappears or becomes intermittent; Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn; Power steering assist fault message on dashboard; Alarm or beeping sound sometimes present; Vehicle may require restart to restore steering; Excessive manual force needed to steer; No warning before failure in many cases
Codes mentioned: B2278, Power steering assist fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacement costs of $700–$2,000+. Parts replaced include power steering control module, steering column assembly, torque sensor, and power steering assist motor. Some dealers only reprogrammed software during recall (2014) without replacing parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2014 NHTSA Recall 14V-284 / Ford Recall 14S05 issued for certain 2008–2011 Kansas City-built Escapes. Initial recall remedy was software update to PSCM and warning chime installation (not parts replacement). Owners report Ford later refusing to honor repairs when same failures recur, claiming recall was 'satisfied' by software update. Extended warranty of 10 years/150,000 miles mentioned in some narratives but disputed by owners driving higher mileage.
Steering shaft torque sensor failure
Defective torque sensor in steering column causes power steering control module to lose steering input signal, triggering EPS shutdown. Sensor fails intermittently or permanently, leaving owners unable to determine driver intent. Multiple owners report that even after 2014 recall software update, the faulty original sensor continues to fail.
When: At 70,000–182,000 miles; some early onset, others late-life failures. One owner reported failure at 11,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist fault warning appears; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to maneuver; Sensor alarm sounding intermittently; Steering wheel shakes or vibrates; Loss of electric power steering assistance
Codes mentioned: B2278 (torque sensor code)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the faulty torque sensor (part #CL8Z*3F818*A cited) requires replacement, not software reprogramming. Replacement cost $700–$2,000+. During 2014 recall, most dealers only reprogrammed the PSCM without replacing the defective sensor itself, leaving the faulty part in the vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14S05 (2014) called for software update and warning chime. Owners dispute that this addresses the root cause—the defective torque sensor. Ford refuses to re-open recall or fund repairs after software was applied, even when the original sensor fails again. Owners note Ford acknowledged the sensors are known to be faulty but claims further warranty coverage is not warranted.
Steering wheel lock-up and seizure
Steering wheel becomes completely immobilized or extremely difficult to turn, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Owners report the wheel feeling as if it is locked, 'yanked' to one side, or seized, making it nearly impossible to steer even with maximum force. Some owners report the wheel remains locked even after engine restart.
When: Sudden onset while driving at 40–70 mph, during turns (left and right), or immediately after engine start. One case resulted in vehicle off-road (ditch/embankment).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked or immovable; Steering wheel jerks or yanks to one direction; Excessive manual force cannot move wheel; Abnormal knocking or noise from steering area; No power steering assist available
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics indicate steering column assembly or power steering module failure. Repairs include steering column replacement. Costs cited: $1,200–$4,000+. One owner involved in crash (vehicle totaled after steering wheel yanked right, causing loss of control in ditch).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some vehicles checked against recall database and found not to be included in Recall 14S05, even though they display the exact failure mode. Owners claim they meet all criteria (Kansas City plant, build date, model year) but VINs mysteriously excluded.
Intermittent electrical fault causing power steering restart requirement
Power steering intermittently fails and requires vehicle restart to restore function. Owners report the steering assist fails briefly mid-turn or while driving, then returns after shutting down and restarting the engine. This occurs sporadically over extended driving periods.
When: Intermittent; occurs on multiple occasions over weeks or months, sometimes multiple times in a single day of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist fails intermittently; Steering becomes extremely difficult to turn; Steering assist restores after vehicle restart; Power steering assist fault warning may or may not appear; Alarm or beeping may accompany failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce failure during diagnostic visits. Owners report costs $700–$1,400+ for motor or control module replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state they cannot diagnose intermittent failures if the vehicle does not exhibit the problem during inspection. Some refer to 2014 recall but note VIN not included or claim recall was 'satisfied' by prior software update.
Ignition lock mechanism failure causing unintended engine shutdown and power steering loss
Steering wheel movement or even gentle hand contact with the ignition key can trigger unintended engine shutdown and loss of power steering. Owner reports engine died multiple times when turning the steering wheel while hand was near ignition key. After extensive troubleshooting, dealer replaced lock housing at owner's cost.
When: At 100,000+ miles; recurring intermittent failures over months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off unexpectedly when steering wheel is turned; Power steering suddenly lost; Engine dies when hand brushes ignition key during steering; Vehicle difficult to restart after shutdown; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership replaced lock housing and related components. Owner paid $618 for repair (1-7-2020). Problem did not recur after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner speculates that Ford Recall 14V-284 may have been misidentified as torque sensor issue when the real problem is this ignition lock defect. Ford does not acknowledge connection. Owner mentions recall was for 'electric power steering system fault & loss of power steering.'
Synthesized from 440 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Steering wheel began rapidly shaking when parked or when in drive. This shaking began to make steering dangerous as it would make me swerve while operating the vehicle. This began a week before the power steering went completely out and now the dash has a message for power steering assist fault. The vehicle is also throwing code B2278. I have seen on the ford official recall list that there is a…
My girlfriend's electric power steering went out when she got home. Something that it was previously recalled for. Also while she was driving she was getting really bad shaking in her steering wheel this is the second time this has happened and it is really dangerous.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel locked. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopped but the engine was still running. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a full stop, the power steering regained proper…
I had my car programming updated and just recently, my power steering went completely out which is causing me to need my whole steering column replaced. I contacted Ford, however, they stated since they "closed" recall 14s05, they would not cover the damages. My car has been in the shop for a week now as I battle with Ford. Ford and sterling mccall are rude and will need assist with this issue as…
This vechical is being financed through central auto sales of hot springs, arkansas. This vechical has serious issues, I contacted central auto about my car not functioning properly. It kept stalling on freeway that I was barely missed by a diesal truck hitting me. I told them it was the throttle body control power train that's keep stalling. They picked the car up kept it for 2days didn't fix it…
The steering: electric power assist system/torque sensor. I have no power steering what so ever. Lost all power steering. Cannot drive vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford escape. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, she had to force the key into the ignition in order to start the engine. It sometimes took several minutes to get the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to diers Ford Lincoln (2445 n broad st, fremont, ne) where it was diagnosed that the steering and ignition failed. The vehicle was repaired. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford escape. While pulling out of the driveway at 5 MPH, the steering wheel would not turn. The power steering warning indicator illuminated before the failure occurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Had steering trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 440 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 329 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 88,000 and 146,000 miles, with the median around 115,450. A quarter of owners report trouble before 88,000; a quarter make it past 146,000. 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/2010/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.