2019 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Escape has significant unresolved steering and engine problems reported by owners, ranging from power steering failures and electronic rack failures (costing $2,000–$3,000+ to repair) to engine shutdowns and coolant intrusion damaging the steering module. Multiple owners report complete loss of steering assist while driving, creating serious safety risks; several were denied warranty coverage or manufacturer assistance.
Owners report two major steering failure patterns in the 2019 Ford Escape. The first involves electronic power steering system failures—the steering wheel becomes stiff or locks, warning lights appear on the dash, and full steering assist is lost without warning. These failures happen at highway speeds and in parking lots alike. Several owners had to drive extended distances with no power steering, and one was on a snow-covered highway when failure occurred. The second pattern involves engine-related issues that disable the steering system: coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which then contaminates and corrodes the electronic steering gear, causing intermittent failure or complete loss of power steering.
A third issue is unexplained shaking and vibration at highway speeds, which dealers initially couldn't replicate but eventually attributed to the engine and transmission as a "model characteristic"—a claim owners dispute since older Escape models perform properly. One vehicle experienced complete power loss with all warning lights flashing just three weeks after purchase.
Repair costs run $2,000 to $3,000+ for steering gear replacement. Owners report that Ford declined buybacks, offered no assistance to vehicles outside warranty (even just days out), and that dealers blame poor engine design affecting "thousands of owners." The unpredictable nature of steering failure—sometimes resolving after a restart, sometimes occurring mid-drive—creates documented safety hazards, particularly on highways and in winter conditions.
Same Ford Escape steering reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Wheel Vibration & Noise
Steering wheel shakes heavily and produces loud noise resembling a bad muffler at 35–45 mph under acceleration or going uphill; also occurs at highway speeds. Dealer initially could not replicate the issue; when replicated, Ford was notified but reported it as a model characteristic. Owner disputes this, noting older Escape models perform properly.
When: March 2019 manufacture; issues reported from December 2020 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes heavily; Loud noise from vehicle; Occurs at 35–45 mph during acceleration and uphill driving; Occurs at 70 mph on highway; Intermittent transmission slip between 1st and 2nd gear; Bumpy ride in back at 70 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to provide resolution; Ford ticket filed but no repair recommended as of January 2021
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford told dealer it was a model characteristic; testing another 2019 Escape with same engine/transmission showed identical fault
Persistent Shaking During Acceleration & Deceleration
Vehicle shakes when accelerating from a stop or during cruising at 30 and 70 mph. Transmission shifter cable bushing recall was completed, but shaking persists. Owner suspects transmission issues due to harsh gear changes and struggling shifts. Pop noise heard around left tire during turning.
When: From first drive onward; recall completed 4 months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking at full stops and during acceleration; Shaking at 30 mph and 70 mph; Harsh transmission shifts into Park; Transmission struggles to change gears while driving; Pop noise around left tire when turning; Brake warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shifter cable bushing replaced per recall; shaking persisted after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission shifter cable bushing recall issued; Ford Gold Certified Used warranty limited to bold parts only
Complete Engine Shutdown & Loss of Power
Engine stopped suddenly with all warning lights flashing; vehicle stopped in middle of road and would not restart or shut off for 2.5 hours. Service department stated they touched the fuse box and corrected the issue, but no clear explanation given for the failure. Owner reports feeling unsafe.
When: 23 days after purchase (April 14, 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stopped completely while driving; All warning lights flashing; Loss of all vehicle power; Vehicle would not start or shut off for 2.5 hours; Loss of steering assist during incident
Repairs/costs cited: Service department touched fuse box; vehicle restarted but cause never explained
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused buyback or refund despite vehicle failure within 30 days of purchase
Electronic Steering Rack & Pinion Failure
Steering wheel became significantly stiff; power steering warning light illuminated. Mechanic diagnosed electronic rack and pinion failure. Estimated repair cost exceeds $2,000; full replacement required. Owner states steering failure is unpredictable—may resolve after restart or occur without warning while driving, creating a safety risk.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes significantly stiff; Power steering warning light illuminates; Power steering assist failure intermittent; Unpredictable nature of failure—may resolve after restart or occur while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated cost over $2,000; full electronic rack and pinion replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has been sued in past for similar issues on other model years
Coolant Intrusion into Engine & Power Steering Module Failure
Check engine warning light illuminated during driving; vehicle lost motive power and was able to restart. Power steering warning light illuminated while parked. Diagnosis revealed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 causing engine failure and steering module failure. Engine replacement and steering module replacement both required.
When: At approximately 43,334 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Check engine warning light; Power steering warning light while parked; Coolant intrusion into cylinder #3
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; steering module replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; contact referred to NHTSA Hotline
Electric Power Steering Unit Failure While Driving
Power steering unit failed suddenly while driving on snow-covered, icy highway in Alaska. Warning lamp for power steering unit malfunction appeared while vehicle was in motion. Service technician stated 2019 Ford Escape is prone to power steering unit issues.
When: While driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering unit failed while driving; Power steering unit warning lamp illuminated; Loss of steering assist while on snow-covered, icy roads
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle left in shop for repair; technician noted model is prone to power steering unit failures
Power Steering Assist System Malfunction Warning
Shortly after vehicle start, power steering failed with 'power steering assist, system malfunction' warning message appearing. Husband drove vehicle home with difficulty, then to dealer two days later with excessive steering effort. Diagnostic test identified rack and pinion failure.
When: At approximately 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failed to operate after startup; Power steering assist system malfunction warning message; Excessive steering effort required to operate vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion failure diagnosed; vehicle remained at dealer awaiting repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; contact given case number
Engine Shaking, Coolant Intrusion & Electronic Power Steering Gear Failure
Vehicle shook for several minutes after startup; engine light came on. Scan showed codes P0302 and P0304. Diagnosis revealed coolant intrusion into cylinders requiring engine replacement. Coolant leak also damaged power steering system; electronic power steering gear required replacement due to rust and intermittent failure. Owner reports this engine design flaw affects thousands of owners.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shaking for minutes after startup; Engine warning light; Coolant intrusion into cylinders; Electronic power steering gear intermittent failure; Difficulty turning steering wheel
Codes mentioned: P0302, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; electronic power steering gear replacement required due to rust from coolant leak
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford not taking responsibility; owner attributes to poor engine design affecting thousands
Power Steering Assist Failure Warning at Startup
Dashboard message 'power steering assist failure - service required' appeared when vehicle was started. Steering worked fine the day before. Vehicle required 30-mile tow to Ford dealer with no power steering. Dealer diagnosed failed steering gear (rack and pinion) requiring replacement.
When: At startup; issue not present day before
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist failure warning message at startup; Complete loss of power steering; Steering gear failure
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear (rack and pinion) replacement required; cost approximately $3,000
Steering Freeze at Traffic Light
While stopped at traffic light, steering froze when resuming driving. Steering assist warning light illuminated. Engine restart temporarily allowed steering to move, but wheel locked again. Vehicle has 83,000 miles.
When: At 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering froze at traffic light; Steering assist warning light; Steering wheel locked after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle brought to dealer for service
Power Steering Failure Persisting After Error Code Clearance
Power steering failed while driving; vehicle is 5 days out of warranty. Mechanic cleared error code but power steering failure persists, indicating internal power steering failure. Manufacturer did not offer assistance due to warranty expiration.
When: At vehicle age slightly over 3 years (5 days out of warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failed while driving; Internal power steering failure persisting after error code clearance
Repairs/costs cited: Error code cleared but failure remains unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined assistance due to vehicle being 5 days out of warranty
Steering Loss (Difficulty Turning)
Steering would go out and turning became very hard to do. Issue fixed at Ford dealership with no prior warning before failure occurred.
When: Under 27,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering went out; Turning very difficult; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at Ford dealership; repair details not specified
Power Steering Malfunction with Battery Light
Battery warning light came on and off for about a week; power steering began malfunctioning. Timing correlates with battery light activity.
When: When battery light was active
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminated intermittently; Power steering not working right
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2019 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 38,178 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.