2009 Ford Escape Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Escape, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering82736.2%
- Driver assistance30013.1%
- Engine28912.7%
- Powertrain (other)28012.3%
- Fuel system2028.9%
- Electrical1436.3%
- Brakes1084.7%
- Body & structure321.4%
- Transmission221.0%
- Suspension190.8%
- Other / unspecified170.7%
- Airbags140.6%
- Visibility130.6%
- Seat belts70.3%
- Exterior lighting50.2%
- Interior & seats20.1%
- Tires & wheels10.0%
- Heating & air conditioning10.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hi! I [XXX] [XXX] my vehicle streeing wheel struck or lock when the vehicle slow down or stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that ten years ago, an unknown recall repair for the failure was completed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 188,136.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
jUST BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT A SHOPPING PLAZA AND PROCEEDED FORWARD. APPLIED THE BREAKS TO ALLOW ANOTHER CAR TO ENTER THE PARKING LOT WHEN MY BREAKS FAILED. THE ABS WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH AND I COASTED SLOWLY AND FINALLY PUT IT IN PARK. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS UPSET THAT I DIDN'T STOP. i RESTARTED THE CAR, AS IT STALLED AND PROCEDED SLOWLY TO MY HOME WHERE I PARKED IT.
I started to hear a grinding and cracking and popping sound I checked the vehicle and the front left ball joint is bad there is an obvious crack in the joint that is easily visible when inspecting the area of the front left wheel and it’s components
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral to restart as I was moving uphill. 3. As I was at a stop light, again putting in neutral was necessary to restart as vehicle would not move until restarted. I have not had it inspected by anyone yet as I have not had the funds to pay mechanic for service inspection. This was very scary and almost caused a serious accident on 4 out of 5 times this has occurred. On the highway I was in the fast lane to pass a semi truck with several vehicles following close behind and when my vehicle suddenly shut off no long able to move I was afraid the vehicle behind me was going to hit mine. I had no idea what was happening as that was the first time about 6 months ago. After that it has happened 4 more times. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request given I will not be charged for the inspection.
I was driving down the road about 35 mph and it jerked me clean off the right side of the road. Here the driver side and passenger side subframe/engine cratle is completely rotted out bad . This needs fixed before someone dies.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Power steering assist fault Torque sensor
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I change my brakes twice in not even a full month My alternator belt came off I replaced it when I put it in park it rolls it shakes and it takes a minute to go faster once I go 40 mph the acceleration pedal vibrates tire pressure sensor stays on and also it keep saying check fuel tank injector
Fuel tank leaks from seam or seal on side of tank
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral to restart as I was moving uphill. 3. As I was at a stop light, again putting in neutral was necessary to restart as vehicle would not move until restarted. I have not had it inspected by anyone yet as I have not had the funds to pay mechanic for service inspection. This was very scary and almost caused a serious accident on 4 out of 5 times this has occurred. On the highway I was in the fast lane to pass a semi truck with several vehicles following close behind and when my vehicle suddenly shut off no long able to move I was afraid the vehicle behind me was going to hit mine. I had no idea what was happening as that was the first time about 6 months ago. After that it has happened 4 more times. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request given I will not be charged for the inspection.
Me and my [XXX] old was driving on the highway in my 2009 Ford escape and suddenly my power steering completely went out with no warning. I was driving 60 mph because that's my safe speed. Steering got completely resistant to the point I could not turn my steering wheel almost crashing into another vehicle with a child in the vehicle. I found out that Ford has had power steering issues with almost all their vehicles due to their electrical power steering system. My vehicle was inspected by a independent service center that confirmed that Ford's electrical power steering is not safe because it can disable while driving, however I called to see if Ford could inspect the issue complimentary, they declined and said it would cost. Not knowing that as a consumer, that is extremely terrifying to know that while driving I'm at a high risk of an accident. I also called Ford to see about a recall because I was informed Ford had multiple recalls for their electrical power steering in most of their Ford Escapes, but there was none for mine. The Ford service worker i spoke to, infact, volunteered to inform me that all Ford Escapes from 2008-2012 should be recalled due to the electrical power steering issues. Once I got home turned my vehicle off and the next morning started my vehicle up to show my husband the power steering issue, 24 hrs later a Warning came on saying power steering assist fault. With that warning coming on after the fact, 24 hours later, without that warning could have ended fatal. This is not a situation that should be handled lightly because it can end fatal, and with no warning that these vehicles power steering can disable while driving there's no telling how many accidents have ended fatal already because of this very issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came out of the Kansas City Assembly Plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.
I have had every part of my brake system replaced multi times and the brake pedal gos to the floor, no one can fix it. When trying to search online, it looks like this is a known issue. Multiple multiple forms with multiple websites people having the same issue. With this Specific vehicle but no one can find a answers.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was severe rusting and rot on the frame rail. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,500
The subframe is rusted. There is an actual hole in the subframe. Yes, as of today, it is available for inspection. It has been put on a lift and looked at by an independent service center, which deemed it unsafe to drive. Because of this costly issue, the vehicle has been parked and not driven, leaving me without transportation as I cannot afford to replace an entire subframe as patching doesn’t seem to be an option due to the amount of rust.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION IS LOUD. SHIFTS ARE HARSH. SIGNIFICANT HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING. TRANSMISSION HUNTS FOR GEARS. UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS ARE FREQUENT. WHEN PASSING VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY, ACCELERATION IS DELAYED AS TRANSMISSION SHIFTS UP THROUGH GEARS, THEN DROPS TO A LOW GEAR. POWERTRAIN LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH. TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. THEY SAY THEY CANNOT LOCATE PROBLEM. *KB
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH UP THE HILL AND WAS TRYING TO PASS A VEHICLE. I TRIED TO INCREASE THE SPEED TO 70 MPH AND THERE WAS SUDDEN SHIFT OF GEARS; IT WENT FROM HIGH TO LOW AND THEN HIGH AGAIN. I FELT SUDDEN JERK AND THE POWERTRAIN LIGHT CAME ON. THIS THING HAPPENED ONCE MORE AFTER THAT INCIDENT. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR LAST 4 DAYS. THE LATEST I WAS INFORMED IS THAT, THEY WILL REPLACE IT. THE REASON I AM WRITING THIS IS THAT, THIS IS NOT ONE SPORADIC ISSUE. I KNOW AT LEAST 2 PERSONS WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH 2009 ESCAPES. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT DIE, BUT FOR THEM, IT DIED ON THE FREEWAYS. NOT A VERY SAFE SITUATION TO BE IN. THANKS FOR READING. *KB
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the road about 35 mph and it jerked me clean off the right side of the road. Here the driver side and passenger side subframe/engine cratle is completely rotted out bad . This needs fixed before someone dies.
I WENT TO TRADE IN MY CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME BEHIND FRONT DRIVER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. MEANING THE BODY COULD DETACH FROM FRAME OR SOMETHING ELSE DANGEROUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WENT TO TRADE IN MY CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME BEHIND FRONT DRIVER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. MEANING THE BODY COULD DETACH FROM FRAME OR SOMETHING ELSE DANGEROUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Rear shock mount rusted out and is destroying the inside of my trunk. Now is hanging loose.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My power steering just went out a sensor, a recall i have read.My ABS just went to the floor for no reason, a part that was not made, also a recall I have read. My ignition is faulty, put another in but it isn't fixed. I have a button to start it. Mechanic fixed this contraception up. Air bags faulty passenger side.The car tells me to check it. All of these are recalls on the 2009 Ford Escape xlt, but they say no recalls. I wanted to get this all fixed. But it looks like this may be my death car. I am not of very much income fixed income so I can't afford to take to dealership to fix. But I have had certified mechanic look at it. I think it's terrible Ford doesn't acknowledge this and send me to a dealership it 80 miles from me. But they would tag this a "Lemon" and it is dangerous for my safety and others on the roads if everything goes out completely. I will be dead. I have 74,000 original miles on this Ford Escape. Not many miles for the troubles I have and am experiencing. Thanks for letting me share my opinion and maybe something can be done about this.
Unknown. Steering and brakes locked so i lost all control of the vehicle doing about 60 mph down the highway. Which resulted in being drove off the side of the highway through a fence hitting 2 trees before rolling twice. The airbags never deployed and both my passenger and i were taken to the hospital by ambulance. They sustained deep bruising and i suffered a closed wedge compression fracture of the L2 Vertebrae and some lacerations
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFTGATE GLASS FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BOLTS AND HINGES FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,925. UPDATED 01/10/17*LJ *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE HINGES OF THE REAR WINDOW DISINTEGRATED AND CAUSED THE GLASS TO BECOME UNSTABLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT HER CHEST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT WOODEN BLOCKS AROUND THE TIRES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND CONTUSIONS TO THE SPINE, NECK, SHOULDER AND KNEES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY EXTENDED POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IN THE PAST IT HAS EVENTUALLY RETRACTED ON ITS OWN AFTER A FEW DAYS. THIS TIME I CAN ONLY USE THE SEAT BELT IF I MOVE THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK FARTHER THEN I'M COMFORTABLE WITH. I BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT'S STUCK BUT ALSO THE BELT PRETTY MUCH PINS ME TO THE SEAT WHEN I USE IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE IS COMING ALIVE AT NIGHT WITH HEADLIGHTS AND RADIO COMING ON THAT I HAVEN'T BE ABLE TO PARK IT IN MY GARAGE AS O FEEL LIKE IT MAY END UP CATCHING FIRE. WHILE DRIVING IT WILL SHUT DOWN THE TURN SIGNALS, BREAK LIGHTS, AND CLIMATE CONTROLS AND SHUT OFF THE RADIO. I'VE NARROWLY AVOIDED MANY COLLISIONS DUE TO HAVING NO TURN SIGNALS AND BREAK LIGHTS AT NIGHT AND THROUGHOUT THE DAY. I'VE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE MODEL YEARS IN QUESTION AND ALL SEEM TO SHARE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES SOME ENDING IN ACCIDENTS AND OTHERS PAYING THOUSANDS OUT OF POCKET FOR FAULTY PCM'S OR ELECTRICAL WIRING TO THE IGNITION. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND IN PARK I FEEL AS IF THIS IS AN ISSUE FORD IS AWARE OF AS I'VE TALKED TO ALMOST 1,000 PEOPLE ALL SHARING SIMILAR ISSUES AND UPON TAKING THEM TO THE DEALER IT'S COSTED $500-$2,000 DEPENDING WHAT THE DEALERS CAME UP WITH SOME BEING THE PCM OTHERS BEING THE WIRING TO THE IGNITION, SOME BEING A BAD FUSE BOX AND THE DEALERS JUST THROW PARTS AT IT TO JUST HAVE THE ISSUE COME BACK 6 MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN TRY TO SAY NOW IT'S SOMETHING ELSE AND IT'S GOING TO BE ANOTHER $500-$2,000 IN PARTS OR TRY AND PUSH THE OWNER TO A NEW VEHICLE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE SAID THEY AREN'T EQUIPPED TO DO THIS KIND OF WORK THAT I'LL NEED TO GO TO A HUB DEALERSHIP AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT $400 JUST TO DIAGNOSE WITH HAVING TO PULL THE DASH, STEERING COLUMN AND CHECK THE PCM. THEN IT'D BE PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX THE ISSUE IF THE FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT I WOULDN'T BE NOTIFIED TILL AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.
TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND AND DOME LIGHT BLINKS WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING ALL OF THE TIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEE AUTO SALES LIED TO ME. THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I FOUND A BUNCH OF DEFECTS.
I BOUGHT THE FORD ESCAPE IN 2009. THE MODEL HAD A RECALL ON THE MODEL FROM 2001 TO 2005 REGARDING TO THE BACK DOOR LOCK DEFECT. FORD ISSUED RECALL ON MARCH 31, 2005. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS TO THE LATER ESCAPE MODEL AND NO RECALL IS MADE. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE OLD NHTSA COMPLAINT ID IS 04V602000. I REQUEST THAT NHTSA LOOK INTO IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURE ON VEHICLE. TPMS CAME ON, I CHECKED TIRES AND SYSTEM WENT OFF. LATER SYSTEM CAME ON AGAIN AND STAYED ON WITH NO LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ACTIVATED, WHITE FLAKES BEGAN TO BLOW FROM THE VENTILATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS OPERATED. THE FLAKES WERE BLOWN INTO THE CONTACT'S EYES, OBSTRUCTING HER VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS. AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,450.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .