SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Ford Escape have filed 302 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 82,500 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
302
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Escape | 826 |
| 2010 Escape | 440 |
| 2011 Escape | 407 |
| 2012 Escape | 137 |
| 2013 Escape (this page) | 302 |
| 2014 Escape | 149 |
| 2015 Escape | 79 |
| 2016 Escape | 71 |
| 2017 Escape | 48 |
5crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 302 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
Owners of 2013 Ford Escapes describe a pattern of sudden, dangerous steering failures that arrive without warning. The power steering system loses assist mid-drive or at startup, making the steering wheel impossible—or nearly impossible—to turn. The dash displays "Steering Assist Fault" or "Power Steering Assist Failure," and drivers report the wheel locks solid or requires extreme force to move. Some failures resolve temporarily after restarting the engine; others persist. These events have occurred on highways at 50–70 mph, during lane changes, and in driveways—often in situations where a driver can least afford to lose control.
Engine overheating and coolant loss plague many units. Owners describe coolant vanishing within days of topping off, with no visible leaks. Some report that Ford replaced expensive sensors for them, only to have the problem continue. Several mention that recall campaigns on other 2013 Escapes addressed identical overheating and cylinder head problems, but their own VINs were excluded.
ABS and traction control glitches also surface, with wheel sensors failing prematurely and brake issues compounding steering trouble. One owner's son nearly crashed when the traction control locked up the steering, preventing him from avoiding deer in the road.
The repair bills are steep—$1,800 to $3,471 for steering work alone—and owners report dealers claiming no recalls apply, even though Ford has issued identical recalls for the 2008–2011 Escape and other Ford models. Mechanics and dealers themselves have told owners they see this problem repeatedly but cannot explain why a recall hasn't been extended to the 2013 model year.
Same Ford Escape steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Assist Failure - Loss of Steering Control
Electronic power steering system abruptly loses assist, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Drivers report the steering wheel locks up or becomes unresponsive, often accompanied by a 'Steering Assist Fault' or 'Power Steering Assist Failure' dash warning. Manual steering is extremely difficult and unsafe at any speed. Some owners report the issue resolves temporarily after restarting the engine.
When: Incidents reported across a wide mileage range, from under 25,000 miles to over 200,000 miles. Many failures occur shortly after startup or during low-speed maneuvering (parking lots, driveways, residential streets). Some occur at highway speeds without warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn; 'Steering Assist Fault' or 'Power Assist Steering Fault: Service Required' warning message on dash; Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering assist warning light illuminates; Temporary resolution after engine restart (in some cases); Intermittent failures that worsen over time
Codes mentioned: U3000 (PSCM Internal Failure), Steering rack/pinion communication loss codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs involve replacement of power steering control module (PSCM) and/or entire steering rack and pinion assembly. Owners report repair costs ranging from $1,800 to $3,471. Some owners report the failure recurred shortly after expensive repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued recalls for earlier model years (2008–2011 Escape: NHTSA Campaign 14V284000, Ford Recall 14S05) for identical steering issues. 2013 Escapes are not included in these recalls. Ford claims 2013 VINs are not covered and offers no warranty assistance. Some dealers suggest software updates/PCM flashing, which owners report does not resolve the issue.
Steering Wheel Locking During Parked or Low-Speed Operations
Steering wheel becomes completely locked or immobilized when the vehicle is parked or during initial low-speed maneuvering (driveway, parking lot, attempting to back out). The wheel will not respond to input in any direction. In many cases, the lock releases after engine restart, but in others it remains locked even after multiple restart attempts.
When: Most commonly reported at startup or when beginning to move from a parked position. Mileage ranges widely, but some failures reported under 30,000 miles. Episodes can occur intermittently, sometimes weeks apart.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely immobilized—will not move left or right; Wheel locked in straight position; Failure typically discovered while vehicle is stationary or moving very slowly; May unlock after engine restart; No prior warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Steering control module failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs typically require replacement of the electronic steering gear or steering gear assembly. Costs reported between $2,000 and $2,500. Some independent mechanics have also recommended variable resistor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies recall coverage. Dealers acknowledge they have seen the problem repeatedly but claim no recalls apply to 2013 model year Escapes.
Control Arm Failure and Corrosion
Front control arm separates or fails due to corrosion, causing sudden loss of steering control. In the complaint narratives, one owner reported that their control arm failed and locked after hearing a clunking noise, preventing them from avoiding a collision with a curb.
When: Specific mileage not stated in complaint; owner mentioned similar recalls were issued for other 2013 Escape units.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise from front end; Sudden inability to return from turn (steering locked); Loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of the failed control arm. Owner in narrative had to pay out-of-pocket after being denied recall assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued recalls on other 2013 Escapes for control arm separation due to corrosion (referenced as NHTSA campaign 13V583000), but not all VINs are included. Some owners with the identical issue have been denied recall assistance.
ABS and Traction Control System Failures with Wheel Sensor Issues
Rear wheel sensors fail prematurely, disabling the ABS and traction control systems. Owners report simultaneous error messages for ABS failure, traction control system failure, and 'Hill Start Assist Not Available.' The ABS system engages unexpectedly at low speeds, causing abrupt brake engagement and loss of vehicle control. One owner reported that after dealer repair, the identical problem recurred within three weeks.
When: Reported around 24,000 miles in one complaint. Issues also reported with traction control not functioning properly after engine work.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS error code and warning light; Traction control system error and warning light; 'Hill Start Assist Not Available' message; ABS engages at low travel speeds without input; Brakes grab unexpectedly; Loss of traction control function during acceleration
Codes mentioned: ABS system failure codes, Traction control system codes, Loss of communication with ABS control module
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repairs involved rear wheel sensor replacement. In one case documented, sensor was replaced at ~24,000 miles, but the same failure recurred within three weeks despite two weeks of dealer service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have performed repairs but no recalls address this issue for 2013 Escapes.
Engine Overheating, Coolant Loss, and Cylinder Head Issues
Engine experiences chronic coolant loss and overheating problems. Owners report that coolant disappears rapidly (within 1–2 days of refilling) with no visible leaks found. Diagnostic codes indicate cylinder head cracks, head gasket failures causing oil-to-coolant mixing, and thermal sensor issues. Multiple owners report that Ford recalls related to overheating were issued for other 2013 Escapes (particularly involving 1.6L engines and recall 13V583000), but their VINs were not included despite identical symptoms.
When: Symptoms can begin early in ownership; some owners report problems within months of purchase, others later. Mileage ranges from 20,000 to 80,200 miles at failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light illuminates; Coolant level drops rapidly without visible leaks; Engine stalls or shuts down due to overheating; Oil smell inside vehicle; Oil contamination from coolant mixing; Check engine light with P0117 (coolant sensor) and related codes; Engine loses acceleration/power
Codes mentioned: P0117 (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Low), Cylinder head crack/failure codes, Head gasket failure codes, Loss of communication with various control modules
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs have included sensor replacement (~$4,000 in one case), coolant flushes, and engine/motor replacement due to head gasket failure causing internal oil-coolant mixing. One owner reported adding black chunks seen in coolant tank after repair. Multiple repairs often required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued recalls on other 2013 Escapes (1.6L engines) for overheating and cylinder head malfunctions (recall 13V583000 referenced), but not all VINs included. Some owners claim Ford blamed the problem on faulty sensors and charged them expensive sensor replacements that did not resolve the issue.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Control During Operation
Vehicle engine shuts off completely while driving, causing loss of power steering, brakes, and all propulsion. Steering becomes locked, brake operation becomes compromised, and driver loses ability to safely maneuver or stop. One owner reported the car shut off seven times on a highway stretch after dealer inspection failed to replicate the issue.
When: Can occur intermittently; one incident occurred shortly after dealer service appointment (failed to resolve issue). Another owner reported shutdown with 'overheating' message despite engine not overheating.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly stalls while driving; Complete loss of power steering (wheel locks); Brake function compromised or disabled; Loss of acceleration and vehicle control; Engine overheating message may display (false reading); Traction control interference preventing steering/acceleration; Vehicle coasts to a stop
Codes mentioned: Loss of communication codes with control modules, Engine overheating codes (false/sensor-based)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs attempted by dealership were unsuccessful; issue recurred multiple times. One owner described difficulty even getting proper repair attempts; dealership apparently only test-drove vehicle once during a multi-day service visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall applies. Dealership unable or unwilling to address root cause after initial service attempts.
Steering Control Irregularities and Steering Gear Failure
Steering becomes difficult to control or unresponsive in specific turning situations. In one case, the vehicle would not pull out of a turn without additional force or would attempt to make turns on its own. Electronic steering gear assembly fails, requiring replacement. Owners report 'whiring' sounds from steering before complete lockup.
When: One owner reported seven occurrences within six weeks, all at speeds under 30 mph. Another reported complete failure after whiring sound for a few days.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering difficult to turn out of or into turns; Vehicle resists straightening after turning; Steering makes whiring/grinding sounds; Steering gear completely locks up; Failure often occurs during routine parking maneuvers
Codes mentioned: Steering gear assembly failure codes, Electronic power steering module communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear or steering gear assembly replacement required, costing approximately $2,300–$2,500. One owner's friend suggested a faulty 'variable resistor' as possible cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall applies. Dealers cannot find defect during test drives due to intermittent nature.
Wheel Alignment and Steering Geometry Issues
Vehicle does not steer correctly or respond to steering input. One owner reported that after attempting to reverse into a driveway, the vehicle moved in unexpected directions not corresponding to steering wheel position. Visual inspection showed the front driver-side wheel was not aligned with the steering mechanism.
When: Occurred after vehicle had been parked for 36 hours with no apparent impact or damage.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering input does not produce corresponding vehicle movement; Vehicle moves in unintended direction when reversing; Front wheels visually misaligned with steering mechanism; No dashboard warnings or alerts
Repairs/costs cited: Manual repositioning of wheel was possible to allow towing. Full repair cost not documented.
Tire Separation or Loss
Driver's side front tire came off the vehicle while driving at 65 mph during a lane change. Driver lost control, crossed multiple lanes, and crashed into highway dividing wall. No warning lights illuminated. Air bags did not deploy.
When: Occurred at approximately 151,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop from front end; Loss of vehicle control; Driver-side front tire detaches from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required tow; accident resulted in unconsciousness but no apparent injuries to driver.
Synthesized from 302 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 302 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 187 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 51,230 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 82,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,230; a quarter make it past 103,000. 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/2013/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.