P2278 on FORD ESCAPE — O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Sensor 3/Bank 2 Sensor 3

Q: "What does P2278 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P2278 indicates: O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Sensor 3/Bank 2 Sensor 3. This is a powertrain code. 3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P2278 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Steering. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P2278 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P2278?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P2278 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P2278 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Sensor 3/Bank 2 Sensor 3. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2008-2009. Most reports come from the 2008, 2009 model years. The most commonly reported component is Steering (100.0% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I have experienced loss of power streering and have a dashboard alert. computer testing states the p2278 streering torquie angle sensor needs to be replaced."

— 2008 FORD ESCAPE owner · STEERING · Filed 02/15/2016

"I had recall for electric power steering completed in december 2015, and then in january 2016 my steering wheel started vibrating/locking. in april power steering went completely out."

— 2008 FORD ESCAPE owner · STEERING · Filed 04/04/2016

"Experienced power steering cutting out intermittently while driving, especially when parking. when this occurred, vehicle was difficult to maneuver at speeds less than 15 mph. dealer notes "replaced steering torque angle sensor" for code p2278."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · STEERING · Filed 12/17/2018

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

2

'08

1

'09

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

STEERING 100%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2278 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P2278 indicates: O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Sensor 3/Bank 2 Sensor 3. This is a powertrain code. 3 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P2278 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Steering. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2278 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P2278? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P2278 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on FORD ESCAPE