The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
The risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-284 (14V284000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 14S05 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Steering › Electric power assist system |
| Report date | May 29, 2014 |
| Owners notified | July 18, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 740,878 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
- 2008 Ford Escape steering problems 1,127
- 2009 Ford Escape steering problems 828
- 2010 Ford Escape steering problems 423
- 2011 Ford Escape steering problems 411
- 2008 Mercury Mariner steering problems 297
- 2009 Mercury Mariner steering problems 167
- 2010 Mercury Mariner steering problems 61
- 2011 Mercury Mariner steering problems 20
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-284 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 740,878 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.