2016 Ford Escape · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

49owner reports
47,354median miles
1involved a crash

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

73 of the 1,105 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 49 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 49 reports

steering suddenly went heavy

a power steering warning came on

it came back after restarting

happened at low speed or parking

happened while driving

What got replaced

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

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the steering system covers the 2016 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 2016 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 23,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.

416

717

318

619

420

421

622

323

524

425

326

What owners wrote

“Car started with loss of steering fault, then power steering completely failed and car was not driveable.”
Filed Jul 9, 2026

“Drove 170 miles round trip to airport and back. Shut off car to unload friend. When car was restarted I had no power steering. Message indicated steering power assist problem. Let car cool for about 2 hours. Restarted and drove without problem. Dealer stated that it would be best if it were not working when I brought it in.”
Filed Jul 11, 2024

“The steering is all electric, doesnât use power steering fluid. When I am driving, at random times, the steering wheel locks up and has almost caused me to get into two accidents. It lasts for a few seconds until I can regain control by gripping the wheel very tightly.”
Filed Jun 29, 2024

“The car has a clicking noise and recently I lost power steering. I didnât see any codes but was not looking as I was terrified I couldnât get home.”
Filed Oct 8, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 49 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.