2009 FORD ESCAPE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

2,333

Owner Complaints

51 Crashes 2 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

The 2009 FORD ESCAPE has received a total of 2,333 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (808 complaints), Power Train (279 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (277 complaints).

Recalls for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE, potentially affecting up to 741,748 vehicles.

Recall 15E045000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

| 576 vehicles affected

Defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of...

Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

View full details →

Recall 14V284000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 740,878 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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...

View full details →

Recall 10E043000 — EQUIPMENT

| 294 vehicles affected

Defect: MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE...

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

2,333 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 808 13 Crashes 13 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 279 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 277 7 Crashes
Engine
Complaints: 252 2 Crashes
Electrical System
Complaints: 141 2 Crashes 1 Fire 8 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 115 2 Crashes
Service Brakes
Complaints: 94 8 Crashes 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 85 2 Crashes
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 54 1 Crash 9 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 34
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 22
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 22 1 Fire
Structurebody
Complaints: 19 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 18
Air Bags
Complaints: 11 4 Crashes 5 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 11 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 9 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 6
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 3
Traction Control System
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringsteering Control Module
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11717896 | STEERING | | 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the code “NO BUSS” flashed off and on, causing the instrument cluster to not function as needed. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering torque sensor and the steering wheel column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was on a national back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
#11714676 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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)
#11714676 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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)
#11713607 | STEERING | | N/A miles
The car had a recall in 2014 was fixed then went out again same part same problem after being fixed ford dealer said they won't handle the recall again steering torque sensor went bad a second time car only had 110000 thousand mile and the same torque sensor that was recalled and replaced went bad again.
#11713166 | STEERING | | N/A miles
I was attempting to leave work I started my vehicle and when I backed up I had no power steering I researched the problem and there was a number of recalls for the same manufactured defect that causes steering failure. The steering column needs to be replaced. My 2009 ford escape power steering manufacturer defect should have been included with the other 2009 ford escape recalls. Unfortunately it's my only vehicle i have to drive

View all Steering complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 FORD ESCAPE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

Ford Motor Company has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

13N03 — STRUCTURE:BODY

FORD FUSION, MILAN, ESCAPE, MARINER 2009-2013: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THROTTLE BODY EXTENDED COVERAGE. *LJ

ASI-44707 — POWER TRAIN

FORD: AFTER POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P06B8, P068A, P2610, IF KEY NOT LEFT FOR 30 SECONDS IN OFF POSITION FOLLOWING PROGRAMMING ON SOME MODEL 2009-15 VEHICLES. *PE

TSB-10-19-1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

FORD: ON VARIOUS 2009-2010 MODELS THERE MAY BE A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH FIVE POSSIBLE FAULT CODES. *RM

TSB-09-19-5 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

FORD: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6F35 TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0770, P0772, P0773, P0774. THE DTCS INDICATE OPEN, SHORT TO GROUND OR SHORT TO POWER IN SHIFT SOLENOID E (SSE) CIRCUIT. ERRATIC SHIFT AND/OR HARSH ENGAGEMENTS. *PE

TSB-09-19-5 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

FORD: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6F35 TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0770, P0772, P0773, P0774. THE DTCS INDICATE OPEN, SHORT TO GROUND OR SHORT TO POWER IN SHIFT SOLENOID E (SSE) CIRCUIT. ERRATIC SHIFT AND/OR HARSH ENGAGEMENTS. *PE

TSB-09-20-3 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

FORD/MERCURY: ABS MODULE SELF TEST CREATING A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN ACCELERATOR/BRAKE PEDAL AT 12MPH (20KM/H) AND/OR 42MPH (68KM/H). THE ABS MODULE WILL INITIATE A ONE TIME SELF TEST AT 12MPH AND AT APPROXIMATELY 42MPH FOR EVERY KEY ON CYCLE. *PE

TSB-09-20-3 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

FORD/MERCURY: ABS MODULE SELF TEST CREATING A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN ACCELERATOR/BRAKE PEDAL AT 12MPH (20KM/H) AND/OR 42MPH (68KM/H). THE ABS MODULE WILL INITIATE A ONE TIME SELF TEST AT 12MPH AND AT APPROXIMATELY 42MPH FOR EVERY KEY ON CYCLE. *PE

TSB-09-15-1 — TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

FORD/MERCURY: TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WITH DTC C1440. SOME VEHICLES BUILT MAY EXHIBIT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON WITH DTC CODE C1440. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD FOLLOWING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, A SLIGHT BRAKE DRAG CONDITION MAY BE OBSERVED. *PE

TSB-09-15-5 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

FORD/MERCURY: ABS MODULE SELF TEST CREATING A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN ACCEL/BRAKE PEDAL AT 12MPH (20KM/H) AND/OR 42MPH (68KM/H). THE ABS MODULE WILL INITIATE A ONE TIME SELF TEST AT 12MPH (20KM/H) AND AT APPROXIMATELY 42MPH (68KM/H) FOR EVERY KEY ON CYCLE. *PE

TSB-09-5-5 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

FORD: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING OR RUBBING NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND/OR EXHIBIT ABS WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATION. ESCAPE AND ESCAPE HYBRID ONLY. *PE

NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 FORD ESCAPE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD ESCAPE

View all FORD ESCAPE model years →

Other FORD Models

View all FORD models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report