NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I can't electricly move my seats when I try and air bag warning comes in my dash board
I took my car into the dealership they had my car for over a month now they sent that I got to pay for a recall of the steering wheel or wait
I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.
Took the car into a mechanic for shaking in the steering wheel while driving and shaking/ grinding noise coming from steering wheel while car is idle. Mechanics confirmed it is a power steering assist fault. This causes a safety concern when driving due to a possible loss of steering and harder to control.
Ford 2010 escape Power assist steering fault- torque sensor needs replacement at only 92,000 miles. My steering wheel became loose and shaking aggressively while driving and at idle causing serious safety and control concerns. The steering wheel has also become very hard to turn. Ford dealer ran a diagnostic and confirmed the issue. This is the exact same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford escapes.
The steering angle sensor failed. My mechanic replaced it. I do not know if the part is still available for inspection. The safety of those in the vehicle as well as any around it were in jeopardy when the incident occurred. Thankfully no one was injured nor was there any collision for further vehicle damage. While the vehicle was running, suddenly the steering wheel whipped to the left. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred, causing the vehicle to turn further than intended, and requiring substantial strength to re-direct the vehicle under the driver's (and passenger's) guidance. As long as the vehicle was running, the power steering pulled the wheel to the most extreme left. The mechanic confirmed that the steering angle sensor was the issue and replaced it. I was able to reproduce the steering moving itself (the steering wheel, and front tire) left, when the engine was engaged. With the vehicle off, I was able to maneuver the tires left and right. But when I turned on the vehicle, the wheel would turn itself left. The mechanic assessed the vehicle, replaced the part, and reprogrammed, I presume the part, for this issue. Police officers did block traffic, in order to add safety while we pushed the vehicle out of the roadway. However they did not personally assess the vehicle, or file a traffic report that I am aware of. A friend of my daughter's did come by and feel the stiffness with steering wheel tension, also I believe they saw it turn itself left when the engine was re-engaged. After we purchased the vehicle, we found a post from a previous owner of the vehicle mentioning an issue with the steering. The cause, degree, etc. was vague in the ad's post. I do not recollect if the dealer mentioned the issue to me. Also, we did not see any related dash lights prior to the moment, nor did we notice any symptoms of this, prior to the incident suddenly occurring. I did contact a dealership, and the manufacturer with regards to this.
Power steering assist failure on the message board. Making it hard to turn come on and off at different times. Changed rack and pion and steering wheel sensor. Started in Dec 2025 continuing to present
The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.
The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to respond as designed. The vehicle was restarted several times before the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,320.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel violently drifted to the left, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Prior to the failure, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the same failure had occurred after the tie rod ends were replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who then had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the recall was not related to the steering column failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,365
concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.
Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right to exit the highway, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact advised the dealer that there was a recall for the year, make and model. The contact was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
There is oil leak that cannot be found. I have taken that truck to 3 different mechanics, conducted 3 different diagnostics using the dye and everything and the source of this leak cannot be found and is causing me problems.
Electric Power Steering system failure related to the torque sensor. An unexpected loss of steering while driving. I was driving on the I95 on my way to work when all of a sudden I lost the ability to steer the car. It took all the strength I had to pull over to the shoulder before the car behind me swerved in the nick of time to avoid a collision. It was very scary. I turned the engine off gathered myself and turned the engine back on and the power steering returned. I exited the highway as soon as possible and drove to the mechanic. He ran a test on the car and the code came up for the recall for the electric power steering system failure which is a recall.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist and was driven with manual steering. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and contacted the dealer, and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000
Transmission axle was leaking 2020 and it was repaired two times that I paid for. It started leaking again a few months ago we took it in and discovered that it's a bearing or bushing which was a known issue for Ford escape and their suggesting rebuild or replace. That the leaking that we had the seal replaced couldn't stop the internal damage that it would still leak because the transmission is faulty and has a known issue with either bearings or bushings.
The power steering is not working
My daughter was driving and her power steering went out. She lost control of her car because she couldn't steering it. She almost wrecked the car, but was able to get it off the road. Her safety, and that of others around him was at risk as she almost hit several other cars as she struggled to get her car off the road. Previous to this, we owned a 2008 Ford Escape, which the same thing happened while she was driving on the highway. Again, she was lucky to barely avoid getting hit as she was stopped in the middle of the highway. We took the 2008 to a Ford dealer but were told the car didn't qualify for the recall so we paid for the repair. Now we have the 2010, and are being told that the recall repair was done in 2015, so now that this dangerous issue is reoccurring, it doesn't qualify for the safety recall because it was already done, yet here we are, with her in traffic and no steering yet again...and us trying to get this car fixed again. At this point, an independent service center is confirming the issue with the steering column. It hasn't been inspected by police, but has been by the service center. There were no other warnings lights or symptoms prior to this occurrence.
The power steering assist fault warning light came up and my steering wheel became hard to steer.
Had the car repaired because it stalls at stop signs or waiting for the traffic lights to change has a new turn up and carburetor and had a second opinion and they couldn’t find why but the car still stalled
The transmission slips and looses power when in trafic.
My vehicle is not able to pass the inspection and I have had a brand new gas tank put in and the engine lights are always on. I can’t get a new tag for the car and I have been pulled over by police 5 times now and received a citation due to this issue. Please if possible could you help me with this situation. Thank you so much for your time and understanding.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the power steering assist became disabled, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Brakes go all the way to the floor, barely could stop. No accident happened. It's very scary to even drive it anymore. I have taken it to 3 shops, 2 of the 3 say it's the ABS module. I have read a lot of reviews on this car having this issue. Probably nothing to be done since it's not even made anymore. Parts are getting obsolete.
Electrical Issues overall and Hybrid battery emits dangerous electrical current.
Power Steering EPAS Torque Sensor Failure.
putting the car on a lift noticed the rust on frame the inspecting further notice the rear axle rusted away from body
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control and wrench warning lights had displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 177,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal bell sound detected. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering became inoperable. The contact stopped and looked underneath the hood but was unable to find a power steering fluid reservoir. The contact checked the Owner's Manual and determined that there was no power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING). The local dealer was contacted, who informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall, opened a case, and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
I filled up the tank and the inside smells like fuel, and it leaks underneath it. I checked online and they had a recall for the same year but the 3.0 engine, mine is the 2.5L. I took it to the mechanich and it has the exact same issue as those that have been recalled. The fueld delivery system flange is cracked and leaking fuel. I called ford and my car is not under that recall but it has the exact same issue. I need to pay it myself now and I am afrain for my safety as a lot of gas is leaking.
The vehicle was dropped off on 12/26/24 at Planet Ford to have 2 recalls fixed. One being the electric power steering and the other being the fuel delivery module flange. A loaner vehicle was asked for, but not provided. The dealer said to contact Ford, and Ford said it was up to the dealer to provide that or rental assistance. The service personnel said after a few weeks and talking to Ford engineers, that the battery the vehicle had in it was not the right amperage/voltage. They said it would need to be replaced in order to continue to fix the recall. I had just put a new battery in it about 4 months prior and it was of the correct spec. I call every few days and have not been given and estimated time to have it fixed. Now, it's over a month and I still have no resolution and no vehicle. They are now saying that the computer is not good and also needs to be replaced. The car is not drivable and the recalls are not fixed. This is my only vehicle, please help with this. I have been patient and have exhausted every avenue available to me.
While driving to work to my 911 work center, my car started beeping soon as I turned into the parking lot. My steering wheel was INCREDIBLY tight so thankfully I was already in the parking lot and was able to get to a parking spot. I looked down and my dash said "Power Steering Assist Fault" I looked everything up and there is a recall for this from 2008-2011 models I believe but my VIN isn't under that coverage
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Additionally, on several occasions, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact replaced the ignition switch, battery, starter, and alternator; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair had been completed in 2014 and that he had to pay to for Electronic Power Steering Assist repair out of pocket. The contact stated that he was the second owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving their vehicle at various speeds they noticed that an abnormal clicking sound can be heard from the steering column. The contact stated that when this sound occurs the vehicle's steering wheel will seize and the contact is forced to pull over onto the side of the road, to restart their vehicle, in order for the power steering to function properly again. The battery and the check engine light also remain illuminated when this occurs. the battery. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000. The contact also stated that the vehicle is experiencing symptoms from an unknown recall that were remedied by the original owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle continuously pulled to the right, requiring the driver to make constant corrections. Upon visual inspection of the vehicle, the contact observed that the front passenger's side tire was angled inward and had nearly detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front engine cradle after observing excessive corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.
It says my car is not under the recall for the power steering assit failure but my car is doing exactly what the recall is for there is no power steering and has a message that let's us know power steering assist failure
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering torque sensor. The contact was advised that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Driving approx. 70 miles/hr. And I lost power steering!!
I was driving straight went to turn and I heard a click and my steering wheel locked up completely. I heard two clicks that followed and the steering wheel released. This occurred 4 times on my attempt to get home.
During routine maintenance my mechanic told me the sub frame of my 2010 FordEscape had a serious problem. It appears there is a design flaw which allows condensation from the air conditioner to be traped and ultimately rust through compromising the frame. They said they didn't recommend driving the car, because if the frame failed the right wheel could detatch causing a catastrophic event. This rust only exists on the passenger side.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side windows and the driver’s and passenger’s side rear windows had rolled down while the vehicle was turned off. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the cables on the window regulators were fractured and the regulator and motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 82,703.
While driving, the brakes have no pressure. When starting the vehicle, the brakes go all the way to the floor. I took my car to several difference garages, and they determined the brake booster was the issue. No repair has been done, but the brakes go all the way to the floor and is difficult to stop. The 2nd issue is after the local Ford dealership performed work on the fuel system for a recall, the vehicle will sputter after refueling. This will cause the vehicle to almost shut off at a stop. I called the dealership, but they won't reexamine the recall. If I fill my tank up when I refuel, the fumes of the gas smell so badly you can't drive for a day after.
When driving i hear clicking sounds in the steering column and then the power steering goes out and it becomes very difficult to steer.
Just 120000 km. Because of the water drops from the AC , that part of front frame badly rusted and perforated. Because of the improper design, my 120000 km car now is not safe to drive.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026