Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles built on or before 23-Mar-2022 may exhibit a hard, stiff, and/or difficult to turn condition due to a lack of power steering assist during engine start-up with U3000 diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the PSCM. Using the latest version of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) tool, select and run the PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) application. After PSCM reset, perform an ignition cycle. Update the PSCM to the latest software level using FDRS tool. If the U3000 DTC returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction using Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 > Power Steering
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Escape steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford Escape have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Escape | 48 |
| 2018 Escape | 30 |
| 2019 Escape | 16 |
| 2020 Escape | 18 |
| 2021 Escape (this page) | 4 |
| 2022 Escape | 4 |
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Ford Escape we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
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.
Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a hard, stiff, and/or difficult to turn condition due to a lack of power steering assist during engine start-up with various U3000 diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and/or U3000:66. To correct this condition, using the latest version of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) tool, select and run the PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) application. After PSCM reset, perform an ignition cycle. Update the PSCM to the latest software level using (FDRS) tool. If DTCs U3000 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction using Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 > Power Steering
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit a loss of voltage reference (VREF) or runs rough, blow fuse 44 and may or may not set DTC's P06A7,P0840,P0842,P0845,P0847,P2122,P2127,P0522,P008A,P06A6,P2196,P0192, P0212,P0340,P0344,P0365,P0532,P06E9,P0369,C175E,C175B,C2302,P0369. The 14290 harness directly above the steering shaft u-joint near the upper brake pedal mount may come in contact with the steering shaft. Rotation of the steering wheel will trigger the short circuit. Inspect the harness for damage at that location and repair as necessary. If damage was found, move the harness away from the steering shaft U-joint area and secure the harness. Refer to Wiring Diagram Cell 005.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Escapes/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an illuminated stability-traction control indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1B00:62 in the power steering control module (PSCM) and DTC C0051:67 in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to a misalignment between the steering column shaft and the steering wheel. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to properly align the steering column shaft and steering wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a lack of power steering assist with DTC U3000 in the PSCM. This DTC is set when a battery charger is installed on the vehicle and the ignition is cycled ON. For vehicles that set this DTC due to the use of a battery charger, the DTC can be cleared and power steering assist restored without replacement of the PSCM. Using the FDRS, select and run the PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) application. Once cleared, cycle the ignition. Reprogram the PSCM using the latest version of FDRS. It is not recommended that a battery charger be installed and running on the vehicle when the ignition is cycled. For claimi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 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 4 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 14,000 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.
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/2021/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.