2008–2012 Ford Escape: Loss of power steering assist
Likely causes, ranked
- Torque sensor or power steering control module fault (recall software or gear replacement)$0–$0Shop
- Failed EPAS steering gear out of recall$600–$1,900Shop
- Torque/angle sensor replacement only$145–$225DIY
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: A warning comes on and the steering gets heavy, often at startup or low speed.
Likely causes
- The torque sensor or control module. Covered by recall 14V284 for 2008–2011.
- Gear or motor failure. Owners on BITOG report dealer quotes of about $1,200–$1,900. Overall, out-of-recall repairs run roughly $600–$1,900.
- The sensor alone. Codes B2278 or B3104 point to the torque sensor, which costs about $145–$225.
DIY or shop?
Check the recall first. Sensor work is DIY-capable, but use a shop for rack work.
Useful steps
- Check your VIN for 14V284.
- Scan for codes.
- Get quotes.
Vehicle focus: 2008–2012 Ford Escape.
Safety / mechanic note
Losing steering assist is a safety risk. Verify with a mechanic.
Related trouble codes
- B2278
- B3104
Recalls & service bulletins
Recalls
- 14V284000 2008–2011 Escape/Mariner: a torque sensor fault can shut off power steering assist. The fix is software or a steering column replacement. Details
NHTSA complaints: 2,155 keyword-matched complaints for Ford Escape 2008–2012 (of 8,154 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.