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 Oct 2, 2026
73 of the 1,127 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 49 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 49 reports
Power steering loss on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
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 Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Escape
Loss of power steering while driving. Closed jun 14, 2018.
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.
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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 267 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 127 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 125 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 118 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 94 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 87 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 65 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 58 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 34 reports