Diagsheet

2015 Ford Escape · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 51owner reports
  • 52,957median miles
  • $2,400median quote
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 21, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

80 of the 1,082 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 51 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 51 reports

5
25
12
13
36

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (6 reports) and the EPS motor or module (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the steering system covers the 2015 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Escape

DP15-001opened Apr 1, 2015
Steering · model years 2008 to 2011

Loss of power steering while driving. Closed jun 14, 2018.

NHTSA summary
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the in

None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.

What owners paid

14 of the 51 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,019 to $3,100.

$2,019$2,400$3,100
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 37,142 and 70,000 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.

216
417
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419
920
621
622
623
524
225
326

What owners wrote

“"While driving down a steep mountain hill, my 2015 Ford Escape suffered a sudden and complete loss of electric power steering assist without any advance warning... We came within inches of a catastrophic collision and almost crashed directly into a utility pole." I'm absolutely terrified & Now going to cost a fortune. No injury, Just wife Panic attack.”

Filed Aug 21, 2026

“driving 2015 Ford Escape slowly in parking lot Steering Assist Fault- service needed' message appeared on screen, and steering seemed to become unpowered. I maneuvered it to park, turned ignition to off. Turned back on and all seems fine on day 2 - (This vehicle does not have replaceable power steering fluid.) Auto Parts store helper tested battery, alternator and starter all fine.”

Filed Jan 21, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 51 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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