RoadVitals

2010 Ford Escape Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
528
Latest Oct 26, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
26%
of 2,068 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2010 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 528 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 528, in the owner's own words

Body & structureBrakesEngine
Filed Oct 26, 2025

Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers

NHTSA ID
11695708
Incident
Oct 5, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 19, 2025

There is oil leak that cannot be found. I have taken that truck to 3 different mechanics, conducted 3 different diagnostics using the dye and everything and the source of this leak cannot be found and is causing me problems.

NHTSA ID
11694380
Incident
Sep 22, 2025
Body & structureBrakesEngine
Filed Oct 8, 2025

concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.

NHTSA ID
11692025
Incident
Oct 5, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 1, 2025

My vehicle is not able to pass the inspection and I have had a brand new gas tank put in and the engine lights are always on. I can’t get a new tag for the car and I have been pulled over by police 5 times now and received a citation due to this issue. Please if possible could you help me with this situation. Thank you so much for your time and understanding.

NHTSA ID
11664241
Incident
Apr 22, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was previously repaired, and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.

NHTSA ID
11598261
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Mileage
265,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2023

The evaporative emissions canister purge control valve is making my car jerk when accelerating and does not make my car run correctly. This causes an “rubber” smoke smell and could end up causing more issues down the line. The muffler and exhaust, a/c condenser does not function properly

NHTSA ID
11542369
Incident
Jul 1, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 11, 2021

@12:56PM ON 2/11/2021, MY CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, ACCELERATION, LIGHTS, PEDAL/GAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. THE TIME REMAINED ON. IT WAS 19* F WITH NO PRECIPITATION ON DRY/PARTLY SNOWY PAVEMENT ON HIGHWAY US31 JUST S OF THE NORTH MUSKEGON/BUSINESS 31 BYPASS. I WAS GOING ABOUT 75 MPH AND ADJUSTED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE SHORTLY BEFORE THE SHUTOFF. IT IS NOT CLEAR IF THAT IS RELATED, BECAUSE THE TIMING WAS NOT IMMEDIATE. I HAD NOT CHANGED LANES IN MORE THAN A MILE, ALTHOUGH THE ROAD DOES TWIST SLIGHTLY IN THAT LOCATION. I HAD ON AUTOMATIC LIGHTS, DEFROST AND REAR DEFROST, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, AND CRUISE CONTROL. MY TANK WAS JUST BELOW 1/2 FULL OF GAS AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BUT IS NOT STORED IN A GARAGE OVERNIGHT. I COASTED TO AN EMERGENCY LANE ON THE PASSING LANE, TURNED THE KEY OFF (OTHER THAN THE TIME, AUDIO, AND BRAKES, NOTHING ELSE WOULD RESPOND.) I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 60 SECONDS, IT STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM, AND I COULD CONTINUE TO MY VACCINE APPOINTMENT WITH NO DISCERNIBLE SIGNS OF ANY OTHER ISSUE OR ERROR. IT WAS TERRIFYING.

NHTSA ID
11395764
Incident
Feb 11, 2021
Mileage
76,152 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2020

ENGINE WAS BUCKING, STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS NEARLY CAUSING ME TO BE IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. (CUSTOMER SAT. PROGRAM 13N03)

NHTSA ID
11352063
Incident
Jul 15, 2020
Mileage
129,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2020

MY FORD ESCAPE HYBRID IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH THE ETB WHICH IS PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN LIMP MODE. THIS ISSUE WAS INVESTIGATED ON A NUMBER OF FORD VEHICLES IN 2014 AND FOUND THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART OF THE THROTTLE BODY, HOWEVER HYBRID VEHICLES WERE OMITTED FROM THE WARRANTY REPAIR. MY FORD HYBRID IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES THAT OTHER MODELS HAD VERIFIED AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11331111
Incident
Jun 26, 2020
Mileage
140,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2020

WHILE DRIVING ON COUNTY ROAD (CR475) @ 50 MPH EXPERIENCED DANGEROUS LOSS OF ACCELERATION POWER. WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMEON. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED CLEARS LIGHTS FOR AWHILE, THEN THEY REAPPEARED WHILE DRIVING. CALLED FORD DEALER (OCALA, FL) TOLD ME ISSUE IS KNOW TO THEM BUT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED @ 4 MONTHS PRIOR FOR MY VEHICLE! I PURCHASED AND REGISTERED VEHICLE 12/2015, HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES OF THIS ISSUE. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS THROTTLE ACTUATOR FAILURE WAS A DANGEROUS ISSUE SAID I SHOULD REPLACE IT MYSELF "IF I CHOSE TO" AND KEEP RECEIPTS "IN CASE THEY ISSUE A RECAL IN THE FUTURE" FORD DEALER GAVE ME COMPLIANT # CAS26375302.. SPENT $400 TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED BECAUSE I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION IF IT OCCURS AT HIGH SPEED OR IN AN INTERSECTION. I GUESS FORD WILL WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT BEFORE ACKNOWLEDGING THE SEVERITY OF THIS THROTTLE MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID
11321902
Incident
Apr 17, 2020
Mileage
105,678 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Mar 10, 2020

WHEN DRIVING FOR AS LITTLE AS TEN MINUTES AND OTHER TIMES LONGER, MY TRUCK WILL LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING AND I WILL START TO FEEL THE TRUCK SLOW UP. THEN WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE I CAN ONLY GET UP TO 20 MPH. ALSO IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS, WITHOUT PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IT'LL COME TO A HALT. IT DOES GO OVER 2,500 RPM ON A GOOD DAY. I CANT TAKE OFF FAST EVEN IF I WANTED TO. THE ONLY CODE THAT HAS COME UP WHEN DEALING WITH MY ISSUE IS THE CATALYIC CONVERTER. I HAVE REPLACED MY O2 SENSORS AND GOT A NEW CONVERTER ON BUT STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I EVEN REPLACED THE THROTTLE TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP AND IT HAS NOT. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP ME FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO REPUTABLE SHOPS AND MECHANIC AND SPENT A TON OF MONEY TRYING TO RESOLVE MY ISSUES. I AM FEARFUL FOR MY SAFETY AND MY SON'S SAFETY NOT KNOWING WHEN IT WILL LOSE POWER. I CANT EVEN HOLD A JOB AT THE TIME BEING BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE WITH MY TRUCK.

NHTSA ID
11317215
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER, JERKED, AND THE WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11289830
Incident
Dec 17, 2019
Mileage
40,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 18, 2019

EXHAUST HOSE UNDER VEHICLE DRIVE SIDE LEAKED CAUSING EXHAUST CREEP INTO CABIN WITH EXCESSIVE STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CABIN BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID
11280716
Incident
Nov 16, 2019
Mileage
140,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 30, 2019

WHILE DRIVING IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES, (IN TOWN AT STOPLIGHT AND ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY) MY 2010 FORD ESCAPE WILL JUST SHUT OFF. NO WARNING, JUST DIES. I HAVE BEEN TO 4 MECHANICS INCLUDING ONE AT A FORD DEALER JUST TODAY. NO CODES SHOW, SO EVERY TIME I AM BASICALLY TOLD THAT THEY "CAN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE" AND I AM SENT ON MY WAY WITH NO REMEDY FOR WHAT IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION. I JUST CALLED FORD AND STARTED A CASE NUMBER TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO. JUDGING FROM OTHER COMMENTS I HAVE READ ON INTERNET, I AM NOT HOPEFUL. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL WASN'T ISSUED AND HOW I AM JUST LEARNING ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM NOW-AFTER SPENDING $20K ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11259115
Incident
Sep 30, 2019
Mileage
98,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 16, 2019

REPLACE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS

NHTSA ID
11255588
Incident
Sep 14, 2019
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 6, 2019

MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. PER THE FORD DEALER IT IS ONLY COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IF IT DOES IT DURING A TEST DRIVE BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS PATENTLY UNSAFE. IT SHUTS DOWN IN ALL DRIVING SITUATIONS, HIGHWAY SPEEDS, SURFACE ROAD SPEEDS, WHILE MOVING. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THE LOCAL DEALER - FOWLER FORD - IS NOT FOLLOWING FORD'S DIRECTIVE AND IS CHARGING ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC WHEN FORD SAYS NOT TO. THE 2010 FORD ESCAPE IS A DEATH TRAP. I AM NOW STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR LESS SERIOUS ISSUES, BUT THE ONE ISSUE THAT CAN GET SOMEONE KILLED DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL? THIS MAKES NO SENSE, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT HAVE NO CHOICE. WHY WAS FORD ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON A PART THAT FAILS RANDOMLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING IN TRAFFIC. IT SEEMS THAT FORD WAS GIVEN A PASS ON AN ISSUE THAT WILL GET SOMEONE KILLED.

NHTSA ID
11241973
Incident
Jul 31, 2019
Mileage
103,561 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FUEL FILL INLET AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH STARTING THE ENGINE AND THAT THE STARTER HESITATION BEGAN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH GENE LATTA FORD INC (1565 CARLISLE ST, HANOVER, PA 17331, (717) 633-1999) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11234133
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS, SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO PARK AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO START, BUT IT DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A FRIEND OF THE CONTACT'S FAMILY GOOGLED THE FAILURE, WHICH INDICATED TO RESET THE FUEL PUMP SWITCH LOCATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE FUEL PUMP SWITCH WAS RESET AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

NHTSA ID
11232046
Incident
Jul 12, 2019
Mileage
137,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2019

VEHICLE HAS TAKEN TO STALLING/DYING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK. THE CAR WAS IN GEAR AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS WITH 25 MPH LIMITS AND NO CARS WERE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY ON EACH OCCASION.

NHTSA ID
11230328
Incident
Jul 5, 2019
Mileage
54,400 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 27, 2019

THE VEHICLE FLEX FUEL SYSTEM IS HORRIBLE AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WE HAVE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND REVIEWED BY MECHANICS, WHO COME BACK WITH ONE ISSUE, THE FLEX FUEL SET UP. SO WE ORDERED AND REPLACED THE FLEX FUEL PIPE 2 TIMES NOW. THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL CONTINUES TO POP BACK ON AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS GO BY. THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FROM A DEALERSHIP LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. I AM SCARED TO DEATH SHE WILL CRASH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON THE INTERSTATE. THE 2011 RECALL FORD ISSUED COVERED THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE, WHICH IN MY OPINION SHOULD BE EXPANDED. MY DAUGHTER JUST CALLED AND STATED THAT THE CAR SHUT OFF 5 TIMES IN THE COURSE OF A MILE. LUCKILY, SHE WAS LOCAL.

NHTSA ID
11222876
Incident
Jun 27, 2019
Mileage
121,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 16, 2018

THE "CHECK FUEL FILL INLET" CAME ON A COUPLE OF MILES AFTER FILLING GAS AND STAYED ON. AFTER A FEW MORE MILES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON EVER SINCE. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM 4 MONTHS AGO, BUT MY MECHANIC SAID IT IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COMPUTER SO WE REPLACED THE COMPUTER. BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE FOR SOLUTIONS AND IT SEEMS MANY OTHER FORD ESCAPE USERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
11161870
Incident
Dec 13, 2018
Mileage
147,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 6, 2018

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUST UNDER 2 YEARS AGO ONGOING ISSUES THE CAR WILL STALL OUT/DIE WHILE DRIVING AC/HEAT CAUSES ISSUES I HAVE HAD A TON OF WORK DONE AND THE ISSUES ARE REOCCURRING WHILE DIVING ON CITY STREET IT HAS STALLED OUT AS WELL AS IN PARK. THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE IS UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11156569
Incident
Sep 1, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system+1 more
Filed Oct 19, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V284000 (STEERING) AND 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED PRIOR TO BEING PURCHASED BY THE CONTACT. SHORTLY AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS FLICKERED. ALSO, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

NHTSA ID
11141444
Incident
Oct 12, 2018
Mileage
211,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2018

2010 FORD ESCAPE 2.5L. CONSUMERS WRITES WITH CONCERNS RECALL FOR ENGINE OF VEHICLE MODEL AND REPAIRS. *AS *TR

NHTSA ID
11132533
Incident
Sep 17, 2018
Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2018

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IDLING VERY ROUGHLY WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE IN DRIVE. WHILE IN PARK MY VEHICLE IDLES NORMALLY BUT AFTER COMING TO A STOP IT BEGINS IDLING SO ROUGH IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS SHAKING.

NHTSA ID
11132044
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
75,000 mi

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.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .