2009 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,693 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 34 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
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 a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
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.
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.
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 fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Campaign 14V284000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
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 AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
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.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
116 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2026
A quien corresponda Por medio de la presente me pongo en contacto con ustedes por motivo de falla mecánica en mi auto móvil Ford escape 2009 ya que hace aproximadamente dos meses atrás al llenar el tanque de gasolina me percaté que el interior olía a combustible y al revisarlo noté que se tiraba por debajo del vehículo lo cual me llevó a investigar posible causa encontrando que en ese modelo es falla del fabricante solicitando sea reparado para evitar posible incendio del mismo ya que según lo que encontré es muy probable sufrir accidente en este estado del vehículo
Wheels, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2022
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/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2021
3/28/2021 MILEAGE 138141, 1 DAY AFTER FILLING TANK NOTICED STRONG ORDER OF GASOLINE COMING FROM UNDER CAR AND GASOLINE LEAKING OUT OF TOP OF TANK WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. TRACKED SOURCE OF LEAK TO A 1 INCH CRACK IN TOP OF TANK ABOUT 2 INCHES FORWARD AND TO THE LEFT OF THE FUEL PUMP WHERE THE TANK HEIGHT CHANGES AND GETS TALLER, APPEARS TO BE STRESS CRACK. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR CODES PRESENT. THIS YEAR IS EQUIPPED WITH A STEEL TANK NOT PLASTIC. REPLACEMENT TANK DISCONTINUED BY FORD, SOURCED AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2020, crash
PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A BUSINESS WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CAR TO JUMP THE CURB AND SIDE SWIPE A BRICK COLUMN BEFORE HITTING A BENCH BY THEN I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION STOPPING THE CAR. CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THE PROPERTY
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2020
AUTO CREDIT NEVER FIXED THE RECALLS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2020
WHEN PUSHING THROTTLE, ENGINE HESITATES. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO DEALER BEFORE, BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I SUSPECT THROTTLE BODY BUT NOW NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH UNDER RECALL. I BELIEVE TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. 48000 MILES.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2019
DURING OPERATION VEHICLE LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS STILL EXISTED. YELLOW SERVICE RANCH APPEARED ON DASH HAD TO PULL OVER AND PUT CAR IN PARK, I DON'T WAS VERY ROUGH TURN ENGINE OFF. AFTER STARTING CAR BACK UP ALL LIGHTS WERE GONE, ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES. WE HAVE REPLACED BOTH OXYGEN SENSORS,THE PURGE CANISTER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON LARGE HIGHWAYS OR A MULTILANE INTERSTATE IT BECOMES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2019
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2018
INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE/STALLING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AS WELL AS HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING AT ALL SPEEDS. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN ISSUE FIRST PRESENTED LAST YEAR; SYMPTOMS PERSIST WITHOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT; INDEPENDENT MECHANIC UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/REPRODUCE ISSUE. ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2018
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. CAR STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING AT INTERSECTION. VERY DANGEROUS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CODE P2112. ISSUE HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAR STARTS AGAIN AFTER STALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL VALVE REMAINED OPENED AND EVAPORATED. THE DEALER (COMMERCIAL MOTOR COMPANY, 160 S COMMERCIAL ST, ARANSAS PASS, TX 78336) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL ODOR WOULD NOT AFFECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,897.
Wheels, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2018
LEE AUTO SALES LIED TO ME. THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I FOUND A BUNCH OF DEFECTS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2018
THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN IDLING, EVEN IF ONLY FOR SECONDS AND SURGES FORWARD RANDOMLY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROADWAY. IT HAS STALLED ON ME UP TO 8-10 TIMES IN ONE TRIP FROM SCOTTSDALE TO PHOENIX. IT WILL STALL ROLLING TO A STOP AS WELL AND HAS STALLED ON BUSY ROADWAYS AND IN INTERSECTIONS, PUTTING ME IN GREAT DANGER. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED T HUNDREDS OF OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND SO FAR NO MECHANIC OR EVEN THE FORD DEALERSHIP CAN PIN POINT THE CAUSE. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR CARS WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES AND OTHERS HAVE REPRTED THAT THE CAR STALLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND I AM NOW AFRAID IT WILL ESCALATE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2018
THE 2010 TO 2012 HAS A RECALL INVOLVING THE FUEL SYSTEM LEAKING. MY VEHICLE IS ALSO LEAKING FUEL EVERY TIME THE TANK IS FILLED (NO, WE DO NOT "TOP OFF"), AND THE FUMES ARE NOTICEABLE IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE APPROXIMATELY 90,000 MILES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL VALVE REMAINED OPENED AND EVAPORATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE FROM THE UPPER FUEL TANK WHERE THERE WAS A FRACTURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 192,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2017
WAS ACCELERATING AFTER COASTING TO SLOW DOWN FOR A TURN ON CITY STREETS. ENGINE STALLED OUT AND SERVICE, OIL, AND BATTERY LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED ON THE PANEL. VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. PUT IT IN PARK, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS, ALL IN SIMLIAR SCENARIOS WHERE ACCELERATING AFTER COASTING.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2017
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY: DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE ON. A FEW DAYS LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, FORTUNATELY ON A LESS CROWDED STREET.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2016
PURCHASED USED 2009 ESCAPE IN APRIL 2016. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND GAS LEAKS OVER TIRE WELL WHEN THE TANK IS FILLED ALL THE WAY. TOOK IT IN AND UPON SMOKE TEST DEALERSHIP STATED THE TOP OF THE TANK IS RUSTED WITH PINHOLES. TRYING TO CHARGE ME $1600 TO REPAIR WITH THE FILLER PIECE. NOT DISCLAIMED UPON PURCHASE. CAR WAS INSPECTED PRIOR TO PURCHASE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2016
THIS HAPPENS IN ALL CONDITIONS. ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER AND START STUTTERING LIKE IT IS MISSING. EXHAUST WILL STINK AND DARKEN ENOUGH SO THAT IT IS VISIBLE. ACCELERATOR WILL NOT WORK AS NORMAL. VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY STALL AS SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. FUEL PUMP REPLACED TWICE IN 2 DAYS. MECHANICS FIND NO CODES STORED. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED UNDER FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM. IT REOCCURRED THE NEXT DAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. THE VEHICLE WILL SLOW AND STALL SUDDENLY AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2016
GAS TANK. LOTS OF CORROSION WHERE FILLER NECK CONNECTS TO THE GAS TANK. WHEN GAS TANK IS FULL GAS LEAKS FROM THE CORROSION POINT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG GAS ODOR. I MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED A WET SPOT ON THE GARAGE FLOOR THAT REEKED OF GAS. THE SPOT CORRESPONDS TO THE AREA BELOW THE GAS TANK FILLER. I'M CONCERNED THE LEAKING GAS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND ALSO CONCERNED THE LEAKING GAS MAY IGNITE CAUSING A FIRE AND POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. HELP!!!
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2016
VEHICLE NO POWER AND SURGING.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2016
PLEASE SEE THIS CLIP ON YOUTUBE THAT EXPLAINS OUR ISSUE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UCUSQJ3-EVK MY VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING WILL LOSE POWER AND THE WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS. SAME THING, MECHANIC HAS NO CLUE. WHY CAN'T FORD FIGURE THIS OUT. IT'S DANGEROUS. MY WIFE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES IN TRAFFIC. WHAT CAN BE DONE? THANK YOU! *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2016
WRENCH LIGHT KEEP COMING ON IN MOTION
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2016
MY FORD ESCAPE HAS INTERMITTENT STALLING OR SEEMS LIKE LOSS OF POWER, CAR WILL STAY ON BUT SEEM LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL. IF TRYING TO GIVE IT GAS IT DOES NOT RESPOND. ONCE TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN IT WORKS LIKE NORMAL UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. IT CAN HAPPEN AT TAKE OFF OR WHILE ON THE FREEWAY GOING WITH THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC ALL OF A SUDDEN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS NOTHING BUT AS TIME HAS PASSED IT HAS BECOME MORE REGULAR AND NOW I AM HAVING TO GET IT REPAIRED.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 16, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING FUEL SINCE FEB. 2016 THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I'VE REPLACED THE EVAP. CANISTER DUE TO THE LEAK, THE SEAL WITH IT AS WELL, AND THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. ALL THIS WORK WAS DONE AT 2 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS. I WAS STILL LEAKING FUEL AND WROTE TO FORD WHO TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD FIX IT GRATIS. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE GASKET GOING INTO THE TANK AND THAT "SHOULD" TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. IT DIDN'T. GAS FUMES STILL FILLED MY CAR, AND LEAKED GAS ALL OVER THE GROUND WHEREVER I DROVE OR PARKED. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM I WAS STILL LEAKING FUEL, BUT NO ENGINE LIGHT AS IN THE LAST VISIT. THEY COULD SMELL IT AND SEE IT HAD SOAKED THE REAR END OF MY VEHICLE. THIS TIME THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS A PLASTIC RING AROUND THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT WAS CRACKED AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TANK AND SYSTEM FOR APPROXIMATELY $1000 ADDITIONAL ON TOP OF WHAT I HAD ALREADY REPLACED. I ASKED HIM HOW ALL THESE MECHANICS COULD MISS THIS?? AND HOW CAN IT CRACK IF IT'S SO TIGHT IN THERE UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR IS THERE A DESIGN FLAW, OR A FAILURE OF THE PART ITSELF BECAUSE OF SOME PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURING. THE CAR LEAKS WHILE PARKED, IN MOTION, AND FILLS WITH GAS FUMES. I AM TERRIFIED I MAY HIT A POT HOLE AND BLOW UP. MYSELF I DON'T MIND, BUT I HAVE MY 2YO GRANDSON WITH ME AND THAT IS JUST SCARY AS ALL GET OUT. AND THERE IS NO ENGINE LIGHT THAT COMES ON FOR THIS. HE TELLS ME THE PART SEALS AS THE SYSTEM COMPRESSES WHEN STARTING AND THE GAS EXPANDS WITH HEAT THAT'S WHY THE OVERFLOW.THAT MAY EXPLAIN SOME, BUT I LOSE A TANK OF GAS EVERY 2-4 DAYS. IF THE BREAK IS AT THE TOP HOW IS THE GAS LEAVING MY TANK IN SUCH EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNTS? AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SERVICED THAT CAR WERE FORD "MECHANICS".COMPUTER ILLITERATE FOR UPLOADS, BUT I HAVE DOCUMENTATION& PICS