Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We noticed a clunking noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. Upon inspection, we discovered the rear passenger wheel well was completely rusted out and the strut is barely attached. The rust holes are so large, that insulation is showing, and the strut is hitting the plastic piece going into the trunk space. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive by a mechanic. While researching this issue, I have found multiple online forums about this problem. It is always the same area (rear passenger side) and is causing safety hazards, such as ruptured tires and unstable steering. This is a safety issue that Ford needs to recall!
Ever since I purchased the car from bob wondries Ford in alhambra, ca in 2008 starting the second week I had it, the power steering would shut off while I was driving on the streets and highway. It happened over and over again. I told them this every time I took it in for service. They always said there was nothing wrong. Now it doesn't work at all. I've reported this to Ford mo. Co. And you before. 2008-2011 escapes got recall and replacements for the power steering control module. I want the same consideration for me and other 2005-2006 owners who have posted the same problem. Would it help if one of us died because of this?
I bought the car in April of 2008 and ever since the second week of having the car the power steering would shut off while I was driving. It would happen on city streets and on the freeway. I informed the Ford dealer (bob wondries in alhambra, ca) numerous times that this was a recurring condition and they informed me that nothing was wrong. This went on for 7 years; I filed this form with you before and I also contacted Ford motor co. About this. All I ever got as a response was my power steering control module completely failed and I have no power steering.
While driving the power steering will completely fail unexpectedly and a yellow wrench will appear on the dashboard. This is very dangerous as it comes unexpectedly but will come back on when the vehicle is turned off and on again. The steering is extremely difficult to muscle through when the power steering fails. The steering can fail at any time while driving or parked when the vehicle is on and it happens almost 100% of the time that I drive the vehicle. It seems to be worse in hot weather.
While driving at 30mph the power steering failed making the vehicle extremely hard to steer. After about 2 minutes the "pwr steering service" message was displayed and the wrench light was lit. After getting the vehicle to a safe area I restarted it and there still was no power steering. I then let the vehicle sit for approximately 2 hours, restarted it again and power steering had returned.
Similar to the 2008-2011 model recalls, the electronic power steering assist suddenly stopped functioning while in motion. The wheel was being turned all the way to the right while turning into a parking spot when immediately the wheel felt heavy and the power steering check light appeared on the dashboard system. The temperature outside was approximately 40 degrees and wet.
While driving the car on city roads my daughter notice that the car would pull to the right whike sking while driving. She also noticed increase RPM. The symptoma kept getting worse until we took it to les schwab for detailed inpecrion.
Power steering completely shuts down in the middle of driving or making turns. No diagnostic codes appear when you try to find the problem. If you turn off the car power steering returns but it goes out again shortly down the road.
Power steering suddenly without warning is gone. So difficult to steer I could have been a wreak if I was going faster. Thankfully it happened turning into a parking spot. Very dangerous! This happens on February 27, 2015.
The electric power steering failed to function on start up. After several attempts to restart the vehicle power steering activated. If this happens while driving could cause a serious accident.
Steering complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, 11% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.